Tag Archive for: YSN Postseason Awards

TURK TAKES YSN COACH OF THE YEAR

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ORWELL OH- Grand Valley’s Justin Turk has been named the 2025 YSN Boys Basketball Coach of the Year, and for good reason. Turk took a program that was struggling to find its footing and turned it into a powerhouse in just one season. His leadership, game planning, and ability to get the most out of his players made all the difference, and now Grand Valley is back on the map.

A great coach doesn’t just call plays—they change the entire trajectory of a program. At the high school level, a coach’s impact goes far beyond the court. The best ones create a culture where players buy in, trust the process, and believe in themselves. That kind of atmosphere can flip a program’s fortunes almost overnight, turning a struggling team into a contender. Turk built that kind of culture at Grand Valley, and the results speak for themselves.

Under Turk’s leadership, Grand Valley had one of the biggest turnarounds in recent memory. A team that won just eight games last season exploded for 21 wins this year. They came out of the gates on fire, ripping off nine straight wins and shattering last year’s total before even taking their first loss. It was a statement season, proving just how quickly things can change with the right leader at the helm.

Big congrats to Coach Turk and Grand Valley on an incredible run. Grand Valley will be represented in the YSN Boys All-Star Game on March 22nd at 8:15—don’t miss it!

BORNEMISS BRINGS HOME COACH OF THE YEAR

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GIRARD OH- Joe Bornemiss earning YSN’s 2025 Girls Basketball Coach of the Year is proof of just how much impact a coach can have on a program. A great coach doesn’t just draw up plays—they shape a team’s identity, set the culture, and push their players to be the best versions of themselves. At the high school level, that influence is even bigger. Coaches teach more than X’s and O’s; they teach resilience, discipline, and how to battle through adversity. The best ones leave a legacy, and Bornemiss is doing just that at Girard.

Under his leadership, Girard had a season for the record books. The Indians claimed their first-ever NE8 title in a league that was pure chaos from start to finish. When it mattered most, they delivered, closing the year with three straight wins over teams right in the thick of the title race—two of them on the road. It was a pressure-cooker stretch, but Bornemiss kept his squad focused, and they answered the call.

Big congrats to Coach Bornemiss and Girard for an incredible season. You can see him back on the sideline at the YSN Girls All-Star Game on March 22nd at 5:00. Be there!

HAMMOND TAKES HOLD OF FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR

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BROOKFIELD OH- It’s not often you see a freshman step onto the court and instantly take over, but when it happens, it’s something special. Blake Hammond wasted no time proving he belonged, playing with the confidence and skill of a seasoned vet. The jump from middle school ball to high school is no joke—the speed, the physicality, the competition—it’s a different world. But Blake didn’t just adjust; he thrived. Watching a young player command the game like that is rare, and when it happens, you know you’re witnessing the start of something big.

Hammond stuffed the stat sheet all season, leading his squad in just about every major category. He poured in 18 points per game while also locking down on defense with 4.2 steals a night. He ran the offense with precision, dishing out 3.3 assists per game, and he was lights out from deep, knocking down 50 triples at a 37% clip. When his team needed a big play, he was the guy. Plain and simple.

YSN tips the cap to Blake for an incredible freshman campaign. This is just the beginning, and his future is looking bright. If you want to catch him in action one more time this season, he’ll be on the floor at the YSN All-Star Game on March 22nd at Boardman High School. The boys are set to tip off around 8:00!

URCHEK UNLOCKS 2025 FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR

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CORTLAND OH- Not every freshman can step onto the court and immediately take over, but every once in a while, you get a player who’s just built different. Claire Urchek was that kind of game-changer this season. It’s rare to see a young player not just hold their own but actually lead the way. The speed of the game, the physicality, the pressure—none of it fazed her. She played with confidence, poise, and a scorer’s mentality well beyond her years, making an instant impact that set the tone for her squad.

Urchek put up some serious numbers in her debut season. She led the team in scoring with 13 points a night while also crashing the boards for 5 rebounds per game. Her defense was just as fierce, swiping 2.8 steals per contest. From deep, she was a straight sniper, knocking down 44 triples at a 37% clip. She didn’t just fire away—she did it efficiently, leading the team in field goal percentage at 45%. When they needed a bucket, she delivered.

YSN gives a big shoutout to Claire for a phenomenal freshman season. It’s just the beginning, and the ceiling is sky-high for her game. If you want to catch her in action one more time this season, she’ll be suiting up for the YSN All-Star Game on March 22nd at Boardman High School. Tip-off for the girls is set for 5:00. Don’t miss it!