Tag Archive for: western reserve

TIGERS CLAW THEIR WAY BACK TO AVOID UPSET

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In a nail-biting contest, Springfield defied the odds, clinching a 42-41 victory over Western Reserve on Monday night. Despite a rocky start and trailing for most of the game, the Tigers turned the tables, securing their first one-possession win of the season.

The Tigers faced an uphill battle as Western Reserve surged to a 16-6 lead after Springfield’s initial 6-0 advantage. Clawing back, Springfield narrowed the gap to 3 points by halftime, setting the stage for a thrilling comeback.

The third quarter favored Western Reserve, extending their lead to 35-29. However, the Tigers’ resilience shone in the final quarter, with their defense allowing a mere 6 points. A crucial shot in the paint by Jameka Brungard sealed the deal for Springfield, followed by a stout defensive stand that thwarted the Blue Devils’ comeback hopes.

Key contributors for Springfield included Jameka Brungard with 13 points and 7 rebounds, Ava Vecchione with 11 points and 5 rebounds, Mariana Tuscano with 8 points, and Karigan Mullen with 8 points.

For Western Reserve, Isabella Mauro led with 10 points, Quincy Miller contributed 9 points, and Alyvia Hughes added 8 points.

Looking ahead, Springfield is set to host Lowellville on Thursday night, aiming to build on their hard-fought victory. Meanwhile, Western Reserve will seek redemption at home against Jackson Milton on Thursday.

WILDCATS DOMINATE FINAL FRAME

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STRUTHERS OH- Struthers exhibited their strength, powering past Western Reserve on Tuesday night with a convincing 60-40 victory. The Wildcats asserted control in the fourth quarter, outscoring their opponents 16-4 and solidifying the win in what had been a closely contested game through the first three quarters.

Leading the scoring charge for Struthers was Lucas Patti, contributing 17 points, followed by Crady Moore with 10 points. Jason Dukes and Andrew Kopnicky each added 8 points to the Wildcats’ winning effort.

Western Reserve saw notable performances from Dom Ricciardi, who tallied 13 points, and Josh Klasic, who contributed 9 points in the matchup.

RESERVE RUNS AWAY IN THE FOURTH

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By Ty Bartell

BERLIN CENTER OH- A new week has begun, not only on the countdown to Christmas, but also another full
week of high school basketball tipped-off the week on Monday night. Multiple games, both conference and non-conference matchups, were featured on the network with a total of 10 games aired live!
One of those matchups took place in Berlin Center, Ohio known as the home to The Western-Reserve Blue Devils. Members of The Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference’s (MVAC) Scarlet Division,

The Blue Devils scheduled themselves a trio of tough early-season matchups to prepare for the conference. Still searching for their first win, Reserve hosted The Struthers Wildcats of The Northeast 8 (NE8) who were also searching for their first taste of victory in the new season. With plenty to play for and a lot to be excited about, both these teams have worked hard and someone was getting their first win to show for it!
The Blue Devils grabbed the early momentum, playing good defense while it seemed there was a lid on the bucket for The Cats, allowing Western-Reserve to grab the early advantage 14-7 after a quarter. Struthers would hang around a deal some blows of their own following some great effort defensive plays that created turnovers in the second. The Blue Devils managed to hold off a hot Struthers team in the second to hold a Monsters Inc. lead of 23-19!
A defensive-focused third quarter saw both teams held under double-digits in the frame, with Reserve still leading 31-26 after three as Struthers began to surge. Only able to hold the surging Wildcats off for so long as Katelyn Kimble came back into the game from an injury and nailed down a big three to take a lead for Struthers in the second half. However, Western-Resrve took that punch and got red hot in the fourth! Shooting the lights out from distance! The Blue Devils managed to outscore Struthers 25-16 in the fourth, courtesy of both Quincy Miller and Kylee Ramsey, propelling Western-Reserve past Struthers by a final score of 56-42.

Player of the Game went to Kylee Ramsey for knocking down three shots from distance in the fourth and piling up 10 of her 16 points in the final quarter. Her partner in crime Quincy Miller also had herself a great game, scoring 15 points and having 10 of her own fourth quarter points. Meaning both Ramsey and Miller made up 20 of their teams 25 fourth quarter points! Alyvia Hughes and Izzy Mauro followed behind them with 8 points each and Lisa Eichert finished with 7 points. For Struthers, The Cats had multiple players score 5 points in the game, leading the way was Natalie Adams who had 7 points on the night.

Western-Reserve (1-2) will now rest for a week before hitting the road to battle MVAC Scarlet champs from a year ago, The Springfield Tigers (2-1) on Monday, December 11th with a 7 p.m. tip-off. Stuthers (0-3) will look to get on track when they host STeel Valley Conference’s (SVC) Youngstown East (1-1) also on Monday, December 11th.

Keep updated with MVAC, NE8 and SVC basketball all season long with live games, scores, stats, stories and more featured on YSN!

SALEM REBOUNDS TO BEAT RESERVE

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LISBON, OH-In a consolation matchup at the Lisbon Tip-Off Tournament, the Salem Quakers showcased their resilience on the basketball court, securing a convincing 49-31 victory over the Western Reserve Blue Devils.

Western Reserve would start off strong with an eight point lead heading into the second quarter.  The real story unfolded in the third frame when Salem blanked Reserve 18-0, and held on the seal the game in the fourth quarter.

Trent Fink proved to be a dominant force for Salem, leading all scorers with an impressive 16 points. Derek Oesch contributed 3 points, while three Quakers, namely Deontay Steele, Lance Bailey, and Evan Jones, each notched 6 points. Cam Sampson and Ben Severe added to the balanced scoring effort with 5 points each.

On the Western Reserve side, Connor Cochran led the Blue Devils with 9 points, displaying skill and determination on the court. Dominic Ricciardi contributed 8 points, while Josh Klasic added 4 points to the team’s total. Two Devils, Luke Henning and Andrew Hendricks, each scored three points.

The Quakers’ defensive tenacity and well-rounded offensive contributions paved the way for their success in the tournament. Salem’s ability to distribute scoring and limit the Blue Devils’ offensive opportunities was key to their commanding 18-point victory.

PURCHASE GAME PHOTOS: HERE

 

LISBON WINS THE BATTLE OF THE BLUE DEVILS

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LISBON, OH – The second game of the Lisbon Tip Off Classic featured a battle of Blue Devils as Western Reserve came to town to take on Lisbon. From the opening tip-off, Lisbon asserted their dominance, racing to a 15-3 lead by the end of the first quarter. Trevor Siefke and Hunter Dailey, the dynamic duo from Lisbon, set the tone with their scoring, leaving Western Reserve struggling to find an answer.

At halftime, Lisbon continued to control the game with a 25-17 lead. Lisbon’s execution and solid defense kept them ahead, showcasing a balanced attack and a defensive pressure that limited Western Reserve’s scoring opportunities. As the third quarter came and went, Lisbon proved to be consistent as they extended their lead to 38-23.

As the final buzzer sounded, Lisbon walked away with a 48-30 victory. Siefke, with an impressive 20 points, led the charge, while Dailey contributed 13 points to maintain Lisbon’s offensive momentum. On the opposing side, Western Reserve fought valiantly as Connor Cochran led their scoring efforts with 12 points, and Josh Klasic added 6 points.

WESTERN RESERVE BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH JOE SERENSKY

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By Ty Bartell

BERLIN CENTER OH- Looking at hoops season, the boys side of The Western-Reserve Blue Devils is an interesting one this season. Losing a couple seniors from last year, The Blue Devils return a lot of talent and may very well be one of the silent favorites to take The Scarlet Division crown of The Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference (MVAC) after finishing third a season ago. Overall Western-Reserve finished last year with a 10-13 record and saw a lot of positives in their play, primarily their defense!

In this edition of Coaches Corner, The Blue Devils Head Coach Joe Serensky joins YSNs Ty Bartell where they discuss the path to a conference championship for Western-Reserve, the players to watch this year, and the continued development of the team. All of that plus live games, scores, stats and stories of Western-Reserve athletics can be found on YSN!

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WESTERN RESERVE GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH STEVE MILLER

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BERLIN CENTER OH- When you talk girls basketball in the area, you can’t go without mentioning Western Reserve. It seems like the Blue Devils have always found a way to be relevant.  Could it have something to do with Steve Miller being there consistently for 11 years now? Consistency is definitely a key to success.  Western Reserve comes back for another exciting season with a lot of promise on the court.

Join Ty Bartell, Anthony Hartwig, and Steve Miller as they preview the Western Reserve season.  They discuss what the strengths of the team might be this season, run down the roster, and much more. Check out Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Steve Miller!

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FISCHING FOR GREATNESS

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- In this episode of YSN’s Player Profile, we dive deep into the world of Fischer Himes, the senior offensive lineman who has been an integral part of his team’s success this season. Known for his dedication and leadership, Himes sheds light on the bond within the team and discusses their upcoming playoff game against Lowellville.

Himes, who has helped pave the way for his team to score six rushing touchdowns, emphasizes the importance of team effort and acknowledges the praise they receive from their coaches. This recognition serves as a confidence boost for the offensive line, reminding them of their crucial role in their team’s victories.

As they prepare for their rematch against Lowellville, Himes expresses confidence in their advantage, having analyzed their opponent’s tactics in their previous encounter. The team’s strong performance in the first game provides them with the necessary confidence to face Lowville once again.

In regards to their offensive strategies, Himes appreciates the versatility and dynamism of their offense, where the ball can be distributed to six different players, keeping the opposing defense on their toes. This balanced and unpredictable style of play has proven successful throughout the season.

The conversation also touches on the importance of a fresh defense, with Himes emphasizing the significance of player substitutions to maintain a high level of performance throughout the game.

Outside of football, Himes reveals his passion for fishing and playing Xbox games. Himes is particularly excited for the release of Fortnite, a highly anticipated game in which he plans to join his peers.

When asked about his future plans after high school, Himes mentions his interest in pursuing a business degree, potentially at Kent State University. While he does not envision playing football beyond high school, he is focused on giving his all during his final season.

Switching to lighter topics, Himes shares his favorite gas station order, including Cheddar Slim chips and strawberry milk – a classic favorite. He also admits to enjoying throwback music.

In a lighthearted Q&A, Himes humorously relates to the scenario of having a million dollars and choosing to invest it in the most expensive boat possible, allowing him to sail along the coast indefinitely.

As Himes bids farewell and prepares for the upcoming playoff game against Lowellville, YSN wishes him and his team the best of luck in their pursuit of victory and continued success on and off the field.

 

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HEMBERGER IS SERVED WELL DONE

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- Nate Hemberger, a standout player for the West Reserve football team, showcased his talent and humble demeanor. Despite his imposing presence on the field, Hemberger’s soft-spoken nature belies his exceptional skills and achievements.

With an impressive tally of 155 tackles this season, Hemberger has set a new record for West Reserve. His recent performance, where he scored seven touchdowns – six on the ground and one through a pump block recovery – further solidifies his status as a star athlete. Hemberger credited the teamwork of his linemen, receivers, and defensive backs for his success, highlighting their crucial contributions.

What sets Hemberger apart is his exceptional blocking ability, which he openly admits preferring over any other aspect of the game. He takes pride in launching opponents downfield, showcasing his versatility as a fullback. His dedication to the team shines through as he expresses a desire to play on the offensive line, highlighting his selflessness and commitment to the game.

The interview also delved into Hemburger’s thoughts on being given more offensive touches due to an unfortunate injury. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity but emphasized his wish for a fully healthy team, acknowledging the importance of having a complete roster for playoff games.

As the team moves forward in the playoffs, Hemberger and his teammates relish the opportunity to play two home games, something West Reserve hasn’t experienced in a while. The support from their community fuels their drive and determination, setting the stage for an electrifying atmosphere at their home field.

Despite being a junior, Hemberger already shows exceptional leadership qualities, admiring the senior players who have led the team this season. He mentions Luke Henning, Joey Sigworth, and Josh Damp as exemplary leaders whose shoes he hopes to fill once they graduate. The podcast interview reveals Hemburger’s maturity and willingness to take on a bigger role in the future.

Looking beyond high school, Hemberger dreams of playing college football, a goal he has held for many years. However, should that path not materialize, he plans to pursue a career as a chiropractor. Coincidentally, his gas station order of two Red Bulls and a Slim Jim may come in handy, as he may find himself often approached for impromptu adjustments once he becomes a qualified chiropractor.

In a light-hearted segment, Hemberger shares his preference for Rod Wave’s music and mentions attending one of his recent concerts. This reveals his diverse interests and adds a personal touch to the interview.

When asked about what he would do with $1 million, Hemberger surprises with an answer that speaks volumes about his passion for football and his team. He expresses a desire to purchase turf for the football field, a gesture that would benefit the entire team and future generations of players.

As Hemberger prepares for the next playoff game against Lowville, the young athlete remains focused, humble, and eager to give his best on and off the field. His dedication, talent, and leadership qualities make him a true asset to the West Reserve football team and a role model to his peers.

 

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WESTERN RESERVE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 3) WITH JOHN ARMENI

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- In the latest episode of YSN’s “Coaches Corner with Coach John Armeni,” the focus was on Western Reserve’s victorious Week Twelve playoff game and the upcoming rematch against Lowellville. Coach Armeni shared his insights and thoughts on the team’s performance, individual records broken, and the importance of the offensive line.

Week Twelve of the playoffs has been a whirlwind for Coach Armeni and his team. It’s hard to believe that the regular season has already reached its end, with playoff football now captivating the community. The atmosphere during their last game against Lisbon was electrifying, with the players showing immense excitement and determination. Practice sessions even took place in the snow, adding an extra challenge to their preparations.

Regarding the victory over Lisbon, Coach Armeni credited their offense for having little trouble during the game. Their offensive line dominated, allowing them to open up running lanes and get their skill players involved. Defensively, there were some struggles early on, but adjustments were made, leading to an improved performance. One crucial moment in the game was calling a timeout and being able to score right before halftime, which boosted their momentum and ultimately propelled them to victory.

Nathan Hemberger, an exceptional talent and the league leader in tackles, played a significant role in the game against Lisbon. Not only did he score six rushing touchdowns, but he also blocked a punt and scored a touchdown off the block. Hemberger’s outstanding contributions broke multiple records, including the most touchdowns scored in a game, most touchdowns in a season, and the school record for Western Reserve. Additionally, Air Henning, with both a thousand yards passing and rushing, showcased his importance to the team’s success.

Coach Armeni emphasized that the personal accomplishments and records are a testament to the team’s overall success. Of course, he acknowledged that none of it would be possible without the support and efforts of the offensive line. The linemen have been dominant recently, and their contributions should not go unnoticed.

Looking back at the regular season, Coach Armeni noted that their biggest win was against Louisville, a fiercely competitive opponent. He praised Lowellville’s coaching staff and their talented roster, including strong linemen and skilled athletes. Western Reserve’s game plan was to control the tempo, which they executed successfully, resulting in a hard-fought victory. As they head into the rematch, the team aims to replicate their previous strategy and turn the game into a battle rather than a track meet.

Coach Armeni mentioned that his players have responded well to the playoffs and are focused on playing their best football. While personal accomplishments and records are great, the primary goal remains winning games and advancing further in the playoffs.

As Western Reserve gears up for their rematch against Louisville, the entire community is filled with anticipation and excitement. The team’s dedication, the spectacular performances, and the resilience of their offensive line have all contributed to their success. With the playoffs in full swing, Coach Armeni and his players are determined to continue their winning streak and make their mark in the postseason.

 

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