Tag Archive for: YOUNGSTOWN

EAST BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH LAVANCE TURNAGE

 

YOUNGSTOWN, OH – The East Golden Bears boys’ basketball team is gearing up for an exciting season under the guidance of Coach LaVance Turnage. Fresh off a promising scrimmage season, Turnage’s squad is poised to make a substantial mark in the Steel Valley Conference and beyond.

“We’re improving every day,” Turnage shared enthusiastically in a recent exclusive interview on the YSN podcast. “Our conditioning is crucial because of our up-and-down style of play. The team is getting stronger in shooting, defense, and just overall cohesiveness.” Despite the conference’s size, the Steel Valley Conference promises stiff competition with teams like Cheney, Mooney, and Ursuline, the latter reaching the Final Four last year. Nonetheless, Turnage is eager to see how the Golden Bears stack up. “I want to see where we stand against those teams so that we can prepare better for the rest of the season,” he said.

With only six conference games, East High School has the flexibility to take on formidable non-conference opponents such as West Branch, North Canton Hoover, Brush, GlenOak, Spire, and Massillon Jackson. “We’ll be tested well,” Turnage remarked, “but as long as the team puts in their best effort, I’ll be proud.” Turnage, now in his fourth year as head coach, is dedicated to building a disciplined and conditioned team, emphasizing defense and running to secure wins. “Our goal is to be disciplined, well-conditioned, and play together. Every night we need to rely on each other.”

Reflecting on his evolution as a coach, Turnage credits his growth in play strategy and his ability to inspire young athletes as crucial to his success. He fondly recalls the lessons basketball has taught him, particularly the importance of cherishing every moment. “Friends and people who genuinely care about you will always be there,” he said. As the Golden Bears prep for their season opener against Marlington on November 29, Turnage calls on the East community to rally behind the team. “Why not come pack out the stands and support these young men? They’ve put in a lot of work and deserve the community’s love and support.” Excitement is building at East High School, and with Coach LaVance Turnage at the helm, the Golden Bears are ready to roar into a new season full of promise and determination.

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GIRARD VOLLEYBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 2) WITH PHIL WALTERS

GIRARD OH – The excitement is palpable as the Girard volleyball team prepares for an important regional semi-final matchup against Elyria Catholic tomorrow night at Berkshire High School. Head Coach Phil Walters, leading this resurgent squad, is optimistic yet cautious after a hard-fought season filled with tough competition and invaluable lessons learned.

“It’s been an incredible journey,” Coach Walters shared during the latest episode of YSN’s “Coach’s Corner.” “Our girls have worked tirelessly, and it’s great to see their efforts culminating in this district championship. But we’re not done yet. The focus now is on the challenge Elyria Catholic presents.” This season, Girard’s volleyball team has shown formidable resilience, enduring a grueling schedule with notable victories against top-ranked teams. The impressive win over Columbiana in a district semi-final match, despite facing a roaring away crowd, speaks volumes about the squad’s tenacity.

“We’ve played some of the toughest teams around, and it’s prepared us well for the post-season,” Walters noted. “Facing teams like Marlington, Lakeview, and others has made our girls grow, adapt, and respond under pressure.” Coach Walters also highlighted the pivotal role of his seniors—Nico Cochran, Alexis Beaton, and Bailey—whose hunger and dedication have been the driving force behind the team’s success. “Senior leadership is crucial. They know every game could be their last, and that intensity is unmatched,” Walters explained. “Their commitment and motivation have carried us this far.”

Fans are encouraged to come out in full support as the Girard squad takes on Elyria Catholic. The team thrives on the energy from a strong fan base, which has been crucial in previous matches. “We haven’t been in a regional semi since 2011,” Walters pointed out. “Having a big crowd there makes a difference. It motivates the girls and elevates their performance. We’re inviting everyone to come and be a part of this significant moment.” Join us in Berkshire tomorrow night to cheer on Girard as they aim for a spot in the regional finals. A victory could set up a thrilling all-YSN regional championship, with Crestview slated to play the late game.

 

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SVC TITLE IN THE SIGHTS FOR MOONEY

YOUNGSTOWN OH- Mooney Volleyball kept their undefeated streak in the SVC alive with a 3-0 sweep over East on Senior Night (25-14, 25-15, 25-17).

Brinkley Bair led the way with 11 kills and 5 digs, while Sam Rotunno added 7 kills and 7 digs. Jaida Lane contributed 6 kills and 2 blocks. Kaelyn Radinsky was on fire from the service line, racking up 11 aces along with 28 assists and 8 digs. Aaniyah Toney chipped in 6 digs, and Teagan Loftus added 5 more.

Mooney now gears up for a showdown with Ursuline on Thursday at 6:30 PM for the SVC Championship.

YCSD COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH NICK SFERRA

COLUMBIABNA, OH-   In the first episode of YSN’s “Youngstown City School District Coach’s Corner,” host DJ Yokley sits down with Nick Sferra, the director of athletics for Youngstown City School District. With his wealth of experience and dedication, Sferra has been instrumental in shaping and revitalizing the district’s athletic program. During this in-depth conversation, Sferra details the exciting changes and initiatives that are driving the athletic department toward greater success.

Nick Sferra, who has been with the district for about 7 or 8 years, is marking his first full year as the director of athletics. He shared how the department has undergone significant structural changes, moving to an “old school” model of having faculty managers within the buildings. “We’ve introduced positions like strength and conditioning coaches, equipment managers, concession and ticket managers, and even a drug testing program. This allows our athletic staff to focus on more critical areas like safety and security at the stadium,” Sferra explained.

One of the highlights Sferra mentioned was the new website launch aimed at promoting student-athletes. “Websites like Eastgoldenbears.com and cheneycowboys.com are a game changer. They’re designed for scheduling, permits, games, and practices. It’s all about improving communication and getting parents more involved,” Sferra noted. The websites aren’t just for logistics; they will also feature team pictures, athlete of the week, and team of the week, aligning with other schools. Additionally, online ticketing and team shops are also a part of this innovative digital transition.

As DJ Yokley addressed the dissolution of the SVC and how it affected scheduling for East and Cheney, Sferra elaborated on the challenges of being an independent school. “Being independent presents its own unique set of challenges, but it also allows us to strive for competitiveness and success in our sports programs,” Sferra remarked.

DJ Yokley expressed immense pride in the progress of girls’ programs within the district. Sferra drew attention to the importance of cheerleading in girls’ sports success, emphasizing how it complements other sports like basketball and volleyball. “Middle school sports for females have been reintroduced, and we’ve seen significant growth in our high school programs. The increase in participation and talent is something we’re all really proud of,” Sferra stated.

Safety is paramount, and Sferra discussed various upgrades at Rayen Stadium to improve security during football games. “We’ve implemented online ticket sales, strategically placed seating areas, increased visibility of security officers, and encouraged people to sit in the stands. Our goal is to create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone,” Sferra stressed.

Issues with disruptive behavior are not new, but Sferra is committed to proactively tackling them. “We’ve had some challenges, but our last major issue at Rayen Stadium was over 25 years ago. By strategically placing security and improving the behavior and seating arrangements, we aim to reduce chaos and enhance the game day experience,” Sferra explained. He also supports moving games to Thursdays and Saturdays due to an officiating shortage, though he acknowledges the logistical challenges this presents with school the next day.

As the conversation drew to a close, DJ praised Nick Sferra for his hard work and dedication to the Youngstown City School District. Yokley summed it up best when he said, “Nick’s leadership has brought about positive changes, not just for our athletic programs, but for the entire community.”
Sferra’s vision, dedication, and proactive approach are truly commendable. With these initiatives in place, the future of Youngstown City School District’s athletic programs looks brighter than ever.
Stay tuned for future episodes of “Youngstown City School District Coach’s Corner” as we continue to explore the dynamic world of school athletics and the people who make it all happen.

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https://youtu.be/vNjtq93Rcu4

NILES UNLOADS ON CHANEY PITCHING

NILES, OH- The Niles McKinley Red Dragons unleashed an offensive onslaught, pouring in eight runs on six hits in a decisive fifth inning rally against the Chaney Cowboys. The inning was highlighted by key hits from Clark and Court, each driving in a run, while a costly error allowed two more runs to score. Brixton Gilmour took one for the team, getting hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, and Landon Turner delivered a big two-run single. Williams capped off the scoring with another RBI single.

Williams also shined on the mound, earning the win for the Red Dragons by limiting the Cowboys to just two runs (none earned) and three hits over nearly four innings of work, with three strikeouts. Pagan, the Cowboys’ starter, had a rough outing, surrendering a staggering 22 runs (nine earned) on 21 hits through five innings.

Niles McKinley’s bats were hot, racking up a total of 21 hits. Kris Hrosar, Turner, Court, and Anthony Mymo each had a three-hit day. Williams, Gilmour, and Brian Parsons also had multiple hits, making it a tough day for Chaney’s pitchers.

The Red Dragons didn’t just rely on their hitting; they were aggressive on the bases, swiping eight bags over the course of the game. Hrosar contributed two of those steals, adding to the team’s dynamic performance.

For the Chaney Cowboys, Pagan, A Rinehart, B Polk, Johnson, and T Allison each managed a hit, with Moon and Johnson each knocking in a run. The Cowboys were also active on the base paths, stealing six bases, with Pagan grabbing two.

This high-scoring affair was a showcase of Niles McKinley’s potent offense and speed, setting a high bar for their next opponents as they continue their season.

LISBON LEAVES EAST FEELING BLUE

LISBON, OH- Brady Carpenter was on a roll, snagging three hits as the Lisbon Blue Devils steamrolled East 10-0 on Friday. Carpenter set the tone with singles in the first, fourth, and fifth innings, proving to be a key player in the lineup.

The Blue Devils hit the scoreboard first in the second inning, capitalizing on a fielder’s choice by Gage Owens that allowed a run to score, despite a tough pitch from Francisco Rodriguez Santos. The real damage came in the fourth inning, where the Blue Devils hammered out five runs on five hits. Contributions came from Ryan Carpenter with a double, Aiden Myers grounding out to bring in a run, and Bryce Esarey and Marc Moore each adding singles that scored runs.

On the mound, Brady Carpenter was just as impressive, shutting down East with a one-hit, zero-run performance over five innings, where he struck out nine and walked three. Rodriguez Santos, on the other hand, struggled a bit for East, giving up six runs (two earned) across four innings.

The Blue Devils were sharp throughout, tallying ten hits with Moore picking up two of them. They kept it clean in the field too, not making a single error, with Logan Sturgeon leading with four defensive plays.

For East, Jordan Brown managed their only hit, going 1-for-1, while Oscar Agosto nabbed two bases.

Next up, the Lisbon Blue Devils are headed to Lowellville on Saturday, looking to carry their momentum forward.

IRISH AND BLUE STREAKS SPLIT TWIN BILLING

STRUTHERS, OH- In a rare Friday doubleheader at Bob Cene Park, Ursuline Irish came out strong in the first game, scoring four runs in the opening inning to secure a 7-1 victory over Lake Blue Streaks. Thomas Pesa and Joe Balog were the early heroes, with Pesa singling to bring in two runs and Balog doubling for another two.

Anthony Triveri clinched the win for Ursuline, controlling the game from the mound by allowing just one run over seven innings and striking out four. On the other side, #21 took the loss for Lake, coming in relief and giving up two runs in less than three innings. Dylan Sponseller started for Lake, and struggled a bit, giving up five runs.

Ursuline made the most of their at-bats, collecting 10 hits. Balog, batting seventh, drove in three runs and went 1-for-2, while Triveri led with three hits. Luke Kollar, Pesa, and Rowan Urbach each had solid hits as well.

For Lake, leadoff hitter Degeorge got two hits, and Emmitt Filisky contributed with an RBI. The team was sharp defensively, turning a double play and making no errors in the field.

Game 2 saw the tables turn as Lake Blue Streaks adjusted and took a 7-3 win over Ursuline.

This time, Ursuline was first on the board with Joe Balog singling in the third to score a run, but Lake quickly responded. Ty Degeorge’s single in the fourth helped them tie it, and then they took a lead in the fifth from a couple of walks.

Will Feser earned the win in relief for Lake, allowing no runs and striking out two in two innings. For Ursuline, Dom Polkovitch was tagged with the loss after surrendering three runs in his two innings of work. Thomas Kosovan started for Ursuline, and AJ Mitchell for Lake, each putting in strong efforts.

Balog again led Ursuline at the plate with an RBI, going 2-for-4. Lake stacked up 11 hits, with Degeorge and Noah Kubasky each grabbing two, and Degeorge also driving in three runs.

Lake showed their speed on the bases, stealing eight bases and turning a double play, matching their error-free defensive performance from the first game.

Ursuline is set to host South Range in their next game on Monday.

DIPAOLO KEEPS THINGS SUNNY FOR YOUNGSTOWN

YOUNGSTOWN, OH-  In a recent interview on the YSN podcast, local meteorologist Andrew DiPaolo provided a behind-the-scenes look at his career, his dedication to the local community, and his love for sports

DiPaolo, known for his work at Channel 21, and StormTracker 21, shared insights into the competitive nature of the meteorology industry. He emphasized the importance of hard work and continuous learning, stressing that people respect those who put in the effort.

The conversation delved into his journey, from participating in speech and debate at Cardinal Mooney to honing his skills in meteorology at Ohio University. DiPaolo also reflected on the influence of his role models, crediting his chief at Channel 21 and a former speech and debate coach for their impact on his career.

The discussion also highlighted DiPaolo’s commitment to the local community, including his support for small businesses and non-profit organizations. The meteorologist, known for his involvement across various community initiatives, spoke about his efforts to use his platform to assist others. Furthermore, as an Eagle Scout, he emphasized the significance of giving back to the community as a core value.

Aside from his meteorological endeavors, DiPaolo’s love for sports shone through during the interview. As a self-proclaimed “huge Browns fan,” he expressed his enthusiasm for the world of sports and his upcoming role as a slam dunk judge at the YSN All-Star Game.

The interview concluded with DiPaolo providing a glimpse into his personal life, touching on the joys and challenges of fatherhood and his wife’s unwavering support. He candidly addressed the privilege and honor he feels in sharing his life with the Mahoning Valley community.

As the conversation wrapped up, it became evident that Andrew DiPaolo’s dedication to his craft and his community has made him a cherished figure in the local spotlight, exemplifying hard work, commitment, and humility.

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COWBOYS DOMINATE URBAN SCHOLARS

YOUNGSTOWN, OH- In a resounding victory, the Chaney High School Cowboys asserted their dominance at home, triumphing over the Academy for Urban Scholars Hawks with a final score of 80-28. The Cowboys showcased a stellar performance, with key players making significant contributions to secure the win.

The Cowboys set the tone early, establishing a commanding lead in the first quarter with a score of 16-4. This early advantage proved crucial as Chaney continued to build on its momentum throughout the game.

Dewayne Thompson emerged as a standout player for the Cowboys, leading the team with an impressive 14 points. His scoring prowess played a pivotal role in Chaney’s offensive strategy, creating opportunities and keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Additionally, Cliff Scott and Asaunte Mickel made significant contributions on the boards, with both players securing 7 rebounds each. Their presence in the paint and ability to control the boards provided the Cowboys with valuable second-chance opportunities.

The Cowboys displayed remarkable teamwork and cohesion, with a balanced scoring effort evident in the box scores. Chaney’s consistent offensive output in each quarter underscored their offensive efficiency and strategic approach to the game.

The victory not only adds to Chaney High School’s successful season but also serves as a testament to the team’s commitment, skill, and collective effort. The Cowboys’ ability to control the pace of the game and execute on both ends of the court positions them as a formidable force in their league.

Chaney High School:16 | 24 | 21 | 19

 Academy for Urban Scholars: 4 | 3 | 5 | 16

ASHTON’S LAST FLIGHT

YOUNGSTOWN, OH- As the Mooney varsity basketball season comes to a close, quarterback and basketball player, Ashton O’Brien, sat down with YSN’s DJ Yokley for an exclusive interview to discuss his high school journey and plans for the future.

O’Brien, a prominent figure at Mooney High School, reflected on the challenges and successes he faced during his four-year high school career. He described the experience as a “roller coaster” but emphasized the importance of hard work, leadership, and being a supportive teammate.

When asked about his future in sports, O’Brien mentioned his love for the local area, expressing his desire to remain close to his family. While undecided, he revealed a strong likelihood of pursuing football at the collegiate level.

Throughout the interview, O’Brien highlighted the significance of family, crediting his parents for their work ethic and love. He stated, “They’ve given me everything. They’re why I’m here today,” emphasizing the profound impact his family has had on his journey.

Furthermore, O’Brien discussed his role as a role model for younger students at Mooney and the importance of being a supportive teammate in both football and basketball.

Reflecting on his time at Mooney, O’Brien expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to graduate as a Cardinal. He spoke fondly of the school’s history and the strong sense of community and support at Mooney.

As the interview concluded, Ashton O’Brien emphasized the importance of family, hard work, and being a positive influence, both on and off the field.

O’Brien’s inspiring story and dedication have solidified his position as a role model within the Youngstown community, leaving a lasting impact on Mooney High School.

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