Table of Contents Beaver Local ..............................4,5,15 Columbiana...................................6,7,8 Crestview ..................................9,10,11 East Liverpool .......................12,13,14 East Palestine ..................16,17,18,54 Heartland Christian ..................19,27 Leetonia..................................20,21,22 Lisbon................................23,24,25,26 Minerva ..................................30,31,32 Oak Glen............................................33 Salem ......................................34,35,51 Sebring .........................................36,37 South Range..........................38,39,52 Southern Local .....................40,41,52 Springfield Local........................42,43 United .....................................44,45,55 Wellsvile .................................46,47,54 West Branch..........................48,49,50 Boys Schedule..................................28 Girls Schedule ..................................29
2 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
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4 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
BEAVER LOCAL BEAVERS
Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Members of the Beaver Local boys basketball team are (front, from left) Ethan Campbell, Logen Andrews, Brandon Fetty, Chandler Cornell, Mike Haydu; (second row, from left) Jake Allen, Ryan Smith, Kevin Sevey, Cody Dawson, Nick Miller, Cody Reese; (back, from left) coach Jeremy Christen, head coach Jake Walgate, Troy Hudson, Zack Mick, Matt Chamberlain, Josh Underwood, Jared Lyder, coach Dave Goodman and coach Jeff Campbell.
Beavers trying to turn it around SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: Beaver Local Beavers. 2010-11 RECORD: 0-21, including an 0-6 mark in the All-American Conference Red Division. The Beavers lost by an average margin of 21.6 points per game. They have lost 12 straight at home, 10 straight on Tuesdays and 10 straight on Fridays. HEAD COACH: Jake Walgate enters his fifth season as head coach with a record of 9-75. He was junior varsity coach at Southern Local for three seasons from 2002-05. ASSISTANT COACHES: Jeff Campbell (assistant), Dave Goodman (junior varsity), Jeremy Christen (freshmen). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seven, including six who started at least three games last season. RETURNING VARSITY PLAY-
ERS: Nick Miller (5-8 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Ryan Smith (511 senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Troy Hudson (5-10 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), Kevin Sevey (5-10 senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Kevin Sevey (5-10 senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Cody Dawson (5-11 senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Zack Mick (6-1 junior forward, one-year letterwinner), Jake Allen (6-2 senior forward, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Cody Reese (5-7 senior guard), Brandon Fetty (5-10 junior guard), Mike Haydu (5-10 junior guard), Matt Chamberlain (6-2 junior forward). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Jared Lyder (5-11 sophomore forward), Josh Underwood (6-2 sophomore forward), Logen Andrews (5-7
sophomore guard), Chandler Cornell (5-11 sophomore forward), Ethan Campbell (5-10 sophomore guard). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Varsity experience and speed,” Walgate said. “We have several players returning from last year’s team. The kids play hard and very aggressive. That along with our speed we will have to use to our advantage.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Health and size,” Walgate said. “We have a few players banged up as well as getting over different illnesses. Nick Miller is expected to return sometime in the beginning of the season from a torn ACL in June.” 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Troy Hudson 13.5, Ryan Smith 12.5, Nick Miller 8.6; Rebounds — Tyler Schultz (graduated) 9.0; Assists — Nick Miller 5.3; Steals — Nick Miller
2.5. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Nick Miller, honorable mention AllArea. Troy Hudson, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Beavers return a lot of players from last season’s winless team that gave up an average of 75.1 points a game. The biggest challenge is getting some confidence to a program that has lost 31 of its last 33 games. “The team is working and playing hard,” Walgate said. “We will need to play a very aggressive style in order to reach our goals. The league will be tough as always.” It will not be easy for the Beavers to turn it around as they play Wellsville, Crestview, East Liverpool and Howland in the opening two weeks.
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 5
Special to the Journal/Magic Moments Photography
Members of the Beaver Local girls basketball team are (front, from left) Ashleigh Ault, Samantha Cook, Taylor Pike, Allie Bangor, Tenelle Hoppel, Kinzie Weber, Cheyenne Marsden, Katelyn Guildoo; (back, from left) Lindsey McPherson, Samantha Bishop, Allison Kennedy, coach Bill McComas, Matti Anderson, Miranda Kiddey, Dana Talbott, head coach J.R. Walker, Sierra Wright, Brittany Carlier and Courtney Carlier.
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6 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
COLUMBIANA CLIPPERS
Members of the Columbiana boys basketball team are (front, from left) head coach Jason Baker, Joe Munyon, Nathan Garofalo, Jake DeJong, Cody Spalding, Bryce Franken, coach Will Johnston and coach Eric Bailey.
Morning Journal/Wayne Maris
Columbiana starts from scratch
SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: Columbiana Clippers. 2010-11 RECORD: 5-16, including a 4-10 mark in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier. The Clippers got off to a 2-2 start and scored less than 40 points in eight of their last 16 games. They were 4-5 at home and 5-5 in Friday games. HEAD COACH: Jason Baker enters his first season as head coach. He was 6-36 as head coach at Austinton Fitch the past two season and was head coach at Heath the three years before that. ASSISTANT COACHES: Will Johnston, Eric Bailey RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: One, a starter. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Jake DeJong (6-2 junior forward, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Devin Rice (6-1 freshman guard), Nathan Garofalo (5-10 sophomore guard), Bryce Franken (5-10 sophomore guard), Kyle Bryan (5-9 junior
“Our athleticism is going to be a strength of ours. We’re going to be pretty solid as far as handling the basketball.” JASON BAKER, COLUMBIANA BOYS COACH
guard), Austin Miner (6-0 junior forward), Joe Munyon (5-9 junior guard), Jake DeJong (6-2 junior forward, oneyear letterwinner), Dan Rosen (6-1 junior forward), Nick Berger (6-2 junior forward), Cody Spalding (6-0 junior forward). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Devin Rice (6-1 freshman guard), Drew Makosky (5-7 freshman guard), Dillion Ferraro (6-1 freshman forward), Rocky Ritchie (6-0 freshman forward), Matthew Baylor (6-0 freshman forward), Bryce Franken (5-10 sophomore guard), Tommy Couche (5-7 sophomore guard), Chris Ramm (5-11 sophomore forward), Anthony Zocolo (5-10 sophomore guard), Conner Witherow (5-7 sophomore forward), Austin Huffman (6-0 sopho-
more forward), Jack Slater (5-9 sophomore guard), Nick Baylor (5-8 sophomore guard), Zack Bednar (6-5 sophomore center). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Our athleticism is going to be a strength of ours,” Baker said. “We’re going to be pretty solid as far as handling the basketball.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: The Clippers lost 92 percent of its scoring from a team that averaged 44.4 points a game last season. “Our inexperience is going to be our biggest weakness,” said Bakers, whose team has no seniors and only one returning letterwinner. 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Luke Barker (graduated) 13.1, Austin Barbato 6.5.
2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Luke Barker (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. Austin Barbato, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Clippers will be learning on the run. Columbiana had trouble putting points on the board last season and the top two underclassmen scorers from that team — Austin Barbato and Hank Schlueter — aren’t playing this season. Jacob DeJong (86 points) and Kyle Bryan (2 points) are the only returning players to score for the varsity squad last season. The Clippers were 2-14 when scoring less than 50 points. “One of our biggest goals is to be competitive in our league and compete every night,” Baker said. Don’t be surprised if the season getd off to a rough start because the Clippers play three of the top teams in the ITCL — Leetonia, Crestveiw and East Palestine — in the opening four games.
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 7
Morning Journal/Wayne Maris
Members of the Columbiana girls basketball team are (front, from left) Lindsey Roncone, Brianna Gingher, Elaina Kimpel, Baylie Mook, Lisa Highley; (back, from left) Megan Cutlip, Aleah Whitacre, Khylea Fullum, Makenzie Logan, Dakota DeAmicis, Samantha Stilson and head coach Jeff Hammond.
See page 8 for the Columbiana girls preview
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8 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
Clippers try to raise their game SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: Columbiana Clippers. 2010-11 RECORD: 8-14, including a 4-10 mark in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier. The Clippers lost two games in overtime and were 2-8 at home. They were 8-4 when giving up less than 50 points. HEAD COACH: Jeff Hammond is in his fifth season as head coach wtih a record of 42-46. He went 13-29 as the South Range boys head coach for two seasons through 2006 and was 56-45 as the Columbiana boys head coach for five years before that. ASSISTANT COACHES: Wes Cross (junior varsity), Rob Hall (freshmen), Cinda Unkefer (varsity assistant), Gordon Davidson (eighth grade), Ray Steeb (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Five, including four starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Makenzie Logan (5-5 senior guard, three-year letterwinner), Khylea Fullum (5-5 junior forward, two-year letterwinner), Lindsey Roncone (5-3 junior guard, oneyear letterwinner), Dakota DeAmicis (5-4 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), Sami Stilson (5-5 junior forward, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Megan Cutlip (5-5 junior guard), Brianna Gingher (5-4 sophomore guard), Aleah Whitacre (5-6 sophomore center), Elaina Kimpel (5-3 sophomore guard), Lisa Highley (5-4 sophomore forward), Baylie Mook (53 freshman guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Morgan Gotthardt (5-1 sophomore guard), Cydni Sokol (5-3 sophomore guard), Emily Witmer (5-4 freshman guard), Megan Goehring (5-6 freshman center), Abby Fleeson (5-6 freshman center), Melissa Stockman (5-4 freshman forward), Navi Kaur (5-4 freshman forward), Lauren Schlueter (5-5 freshman forward), Hannah Kohler (5-4 freshman forward), Shayla Ray (5-5 freshman guard), Taylor Couche (5-4 freshman guard), Marissa Kalina (5-3 freshman guard).
“We have to work hard, stay focused and play with a high energy level to compete in our league this year. Crestview, United and South Range are the favorites.” JEFF HAMMOND, COLUMBIANA GIRLS COACH
Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Columbiana’s Lindsey Roncone (with ball) and Khylea Fullum looks for a call along with Lowellville’s Rachel Durbin (31) last season.
TEAM STRENGTHS: “We have five returning letterwinners, so we have been slowing building up to this time,” Hammond said. “We finally have depth and talent to play an aggressive uptempo style. We have a team of girls that aren’t afraid to work hard and competitors who are tired of losing.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “We need to shoot the
ball well from outside, take care of the basketball and rebound,” Hammond said. “We want to improve on last season’s wins total and compete with the best.” 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Hayley Goist (graduated) 13.2; Rebounds — Khylea Fullum 9.0, Hayley Goist (graduated) 6.0; Assists — Hayley Goist (graduated) 4.0; Steals — Hayley Goist (graduated) 3.0; Field Goal Pct. — Hayley Goist (graduated) 44 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Hayley Goist (graduated) 66 percent. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Hayley Goist (graduated) first-team All-Area. Khylea Fullum, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Columbiana returns four starters, but lost four-year standout Hayley Goist, who made the Clippers go. “Obviously, we are going to miss Hayley’s presence on the floor,” Hammond said. “Hopefully, we will work collectively to pick up our game to another level. We are excited and optimistic about the possibilities this year.” Depth in the backcourt will be aided by a pair of transfers — junior Megan Cutlip from West Virginia and sophomore Brianna Gingher from South Range. “We have to work hard, stay focused and play with a high energy level to compete in our league this year,” Hammond said. “Crestview, United and South Range are the favorites.”
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MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 9
CRESTVIEW REBELS
Morning Journal/Wayne Maris
Members of the Crestview boys basketball team are (front, from left) Brandon Jayne, Matt May, Evan Nentwick, Andrew Batchelor, Adam Coppock, Nick Gates, Collin Gilbert, Dillon Gorby, Enzo Lucci; (back, from left) Zach Thompson, Austin Eskra, Robert Logan, Tom Oliver,C.J. Collins, Derek Bable, Nate Climo, Greg Bable and Brandon Brooks.
Crestview just getting started SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: Crestview Rebels. 2010-11 RECORD: 15-6, including a 10-4 mark in the Inter-Tri County League ITCL upper tier. The Rebels lost their last two games in overtime. They were 2-2 in games decided by three points or less. HEAD COACH: Herman Miller enters his third season as head coach with a record of 20-22. He was 27-35 in three seasons as Columbiana head coach from 2004-07 and 51-35 in four season at United from 2000-04. ASSISTANT COACHES: Andy Miller (junior varsity), Eric Ostrander (assistant), Gerard Grimm (freshmen), Steve Grimm (freshmen assistant), Mike Adams (eighth grade), John Bloor
(seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Four, including three starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Adam Coppock (5-10 senior guard, three-year letterwinner), C.J. Collins (6-4 senior, one-year letterwinner), Tom Oliver (6-2 senior, two-year letterwinner), Derek Bable (6-4 junior, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Dillon Gorby (5-9 senior), Matt May (5-10 senior), Brandon Brooks (6-1 senior), Austin Eskra (6-2 junior), Zach Thompson (6-4 junior), Collin Gilbert (5-11 sophomore), Nate Climo (6-2 sophomore), Robert Logan (6-2 sophomore). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS:
Andrew Batchelor (junior), Nick Gates (junior), Brandon Jayne (junior), Evan Nentwick (junior), Enzo Lucci (sophomore), Greg Bable (sophomore). TEAM STRENGTHS: The Rebels return 6-foot-4 C.J. Collins, who led the team in scoring and rebounding last season. “Overall, the team will have good team speed and athleticism from top to bottom,” Miller said. “Our increased size should lead to a better board presence. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “The main weaknesses are replacing Carter Hill and Brian Orr from last year, while knowing we have all the tools to rebuild Rebel tradition right now,” Miller said. 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring —
C.J. Collins 12.0, Brian Orr (graduated) 9.8, Adam Coppock 9.4, Carter Hill (graduated) 9.3; Rebounds — C.J. Collins 8.3; Assists — Adam Coppock 5.2; Steals — Carter Hill (graduated) 2.8; Blocks — C.J. Collins 1.7; Field Goal Pct. — Tom Oliver 47 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Brian Orr (graduated) 68 percent. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: C.J. Collins, second-team All-Area. Adam Coppock, honorable mention All-Area. Carter Hill (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Crestview should be one of the top teams in the See CRESTVIEW, Page 10
10 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
Rebels loaded to make ITCL run
SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: Crestview Rebels. 2010-11 RECORD: 15-8, including a third-place finish in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier with a 9-5 mark. The Rebels won 14 of their last 20 games. They were 2-2 in games decided by three points or less. HEAD COACH: Rick Gates enters his third season as girls coach with a record of 25-21. He was the Morning Journal All-Area Coach of the Year. He was 206-170 in 17 seasons as Crestview boys coach, including a district title in 2000. He also was the Crestview boys junior varsity coach for three years with a record of 49-13. ASSISTANT COACHES: Jim Gates (varsity assistant), Chelsea Green (junior varsity), Cynthia Straney (eighth grade), James Gilbert (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Eight, including all five starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Chelsea Caudill (senior, threeyear letterwinner), Gerie Sickle (senior, two-year letterwinner), Marissa Leon (senior, two-year letterwinner), Taylor Chamberlain (senior, one-year letterwinner), Alexis DeMaria (senior, oneyear letterwinner), Morgan Newbauer (junior, two-year letterwinner), Ashley Harrison (junior, two-year letterwinner), Anna Hardenbrook (sophomore, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Allie Danks (junior), Savannah Elwonger (junior), Annie Hardenbrook (sophomore). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Cheyenne Elwonger (sophomore), Emilee Chlebus (sophomore), Alexys Brooks (sophomore), Bri Cope (freshman), Carlie Deidrick (freshman), Dana
Ridge and Springfield all have key players back and will be very competitive. “Crestview will need to grow up in a hurry to be competitive in a very tough ITCL and against many good nonleague teams like Salem, Newton Falls, Beaver Local, Lordstown, Leetonia and Western Reserve on our schedule.”
CRESTVIEW, Continued from Page 9
Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Crestview’s Ashley Harrison (10) and East Palestine’s Katie Bell battle for the ball last season.
Drinnon (freshman), Tristan Huff (freshman), Lexi Jeyne (freshman), Alexa Roberts (freshman). TEAM STRENGTHS: Experience with eight returning letterwinners, including all five starters. “This group of girls have worked as hard as any boys teams I have had the past two offseasons,” Gates said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: The Rebels held opponents to an average of 45.1 points last season and will need to improve that if they want to climb to the top of the league. They were 2-8 when giving up more than 47 points. 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Ashley Harrison 16.3, Chelsea Caudill 11.3; Assists — Ashley Harrison 4.0; Steals — Ashley Harrison 4.0; Free Throw
Pct. — Ashley Harrison 63 percent. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Ashley Harrison, honorable mention Division IV All-Ohio and first-team All-Area. Chelsea Caudill, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Everyone returns from a surprising 15-win season, including top scorer Ashley Harrison, who has averaged 16.3 points the past two seasons. The Rebels return five multi-year letterwinners and expect to be contending for the Inter-Tri County League upper tier title. “The ITCL looks to be very competitive this season,” Gates said. “United, South Range, Columbiana, Mineral
ITCL upper tier and will be in the running for a league title. Because the football team advanced to the third round of the playoffs, the Rebels — including the three returning starters — did not practice with the full team until Nov. 26. “With three returning starters, the Rebels are looking to build on a 15-win season that saw them compete for the title until the final game,” Miller said. “The returning leadership of Adam Coppock, C.J. Collins and Tom Oliver, combined with good team size and exciting upcoming guard play, give the Rebels a chance to compete for the ITCL upper tier title again.” Crestview will be one several teams in contention in the ITCL upper tier. “With the returning guard play at South Range and Springfield, expect both to be in the running,” Miller said. “No one should dismiss or overlook the three-time defending league champion East Palestine Bulldogs. Tradition means a lot. “Though Lisbon, Columbiana, United and Mineral Ridge are rebuilding, there are new coaches and/or exciting returning players that makes each dangerous.”
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MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 11
Morning Journal/Michael S. Burich
Members of the Crestview girls basketball team are (front, from left) coach Jim Gates, Marissa Leon, Alexis DeMaria, Taylor Chamberlain, Gerie Sickle, Chelsea Caudill, ball girl Mara Halas; (back, from left) coach Chelsea Green, Ashley Harrison, Alexis Marnejon, Savannah Elwonger, Anna Hardenbrook, Allie Danks, Morgan Newbauer and head coach Rick Gates.
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See page 10 for the Crestview girls preview
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12 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
EAST LIVERPOOL POTTERS
Special to the Journal/Jimmy Joe Savage
Members of the East Liverpool boys basketball team are (front, from left) coach Rob Green, Seth Talbott, Mow Mow Thompson, Christian Kyle, Marky Thompkins, Brian Beverly, Regis Auer, coach Josh Reed; (second row, from left) coach Scott Rogers, Peyton Newlun, Zack English, Trevel Thompkins, head coach Nate Conley, Hayden Cunningham, D.J. Austin, Austin Emmerling, Corey Monteiro, ball girl Isabell Perez; (back, from left) Chris Mackey, Owen Crawford, Chase Mahon, Kade Reynolds, Joey Bickerton, Devon Earich, Brent Waggle, C.J. Harris and Kevin Mackey. Not pictured is coach Eric Rogers.
Potters want to get out and go SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: East Liverpool Potters. 2010-11 RECORD: 14-8. The Potters got off to a 12-4 start before losing four of their last six games. They were 0-3 in games decided by five points or less. HEAD COACH: Nate Conley enters his second season as head coach. He spent t hree years as associated head coach at Geneva College and also served as a graduate assistant at Seton Hill (Pa.) University. ASSISTANT COACHES: Rob Green, Josh Reed, Scott Rogers. RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Five, including three starters.
RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Marky Thompkins (senior, twoyear letterwinner), Christian Kyle (senior, two-year letterwinner), Brian Beverly (senior, two-year letterwinner), Seth Talbott (senior, two-year letterwinner), Mow Mow Thompson (senior, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Regis Auer (senior), Hayden Cunningham (sophomore), D.J. Austin (sophmore). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Speed, strength and determination,” Conley said. The Potters should have no trouble putting points on the board, returning
three starters from a squad that averaged 72.2 points a game last season. The Potters were 14-3 when scoring more than 60 points. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “I wholeheartedly believe that this team has no glaring weaknesses,” Conley said. “We need to improve on a few areas, such as offensive efficiency rate and transition defense.” 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Marky Thompkins 14.6, Jason Dickey (graduated) 10.7, Mow Mow Thompson 9.7, Christian Kyle 9.7; Rebounds — Marky Thompkins 6.0, Jason Dickey (graduated) 4.0; Assists — Marky Thompkins 5.8; Steals —
Marky Thompkins 2.8; Free Throw Pct. — Jason Dickey (graduated) 85 percent. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Marky Thompkins, honorable mention Division II All-Ohio and first-team AllArea. Jason Dickey (graduated) secondteam All-Area. Andrew English (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. Derek Thompson (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Expectations are high in East Liverpool. See POTTERS, Page 14
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 13
Special to the Journal/Jimmy Joe Savage
Members of the East Liverpool girls basketball team are (front, from left) Paige Craig, Sierra Nichols, Linsey Rose, Nikayala Edgell; (second row, from left) Jamie Neville, Mallory Waggle, Whittni Davidson, Kelsie Symer, Mary Davis; (back, from left) coach Liz Connor, coach Kelsey Rickerd, Ronnie Bailey, Chelsea Possage, Kiara Cowart, Candace Holmes, RaeAna Holmes, Ka'Lysta Greene, Elise Smith, coach Breezy Boyd, head coach Emily Reed and coach Meghan McComas. Not pictured is coach Sam Cianni.
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14 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
East Liverpool likes its chances SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: East Liverpool Potters. 2010-11 RECORD: 11-10. The Potters got off to an 11-6 start before losing their last four games. They were 8-1 at home and 3-0 in games decided by two points or less. HEAD COACH: Emily Reed is in her second season as head coach. She was the East Liverpool junior varsity coach after serving as a junior high coach at Springfield Middle School and as a student assistant at Wheeling Jesuit University. ASSISTANT COACHES: Breezy Boyd, Meghan McComas, Kelsey Rickerd Liz Connor, Sam Cianni.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Three, all starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Whittni Davidson (senior, twoyear letterwinner), Mallory Waggle (senior, two-year letterwinner), Kelsie Wymer (senior, two-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Mary Davis, Candace Holmes, Jamie Neville. JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Kiara Cowart, Chelsie Possage, Ka’lysta Greene, RaeAna Holmes, Ronnie Bailey, Nikayla Edgell, Paige Craig, Sierra Nichols, Linsey Rose, Elise Smith. TEAM STRENGTHS: “Three sen-
iors who have been playing varsity together since their freshman year,” Reed said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “We lost our main rebounders from last year (including Kristen Cowart, who had a single-season school-record 315 rebounds) and are looking to the junior and sophomore class to fill those positions,” Reed said. 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Mallory Waggle 14.7, Whittni Davidson 9.8; Rebounds — Kristen Cowart (graduated) 15.0, Sarah Guthrie (graduated) 12.0, Mallory Waggle 8.0; Assists — Mallory Waggle 5.0.
2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Mallory Waggle, honorable mention Division II All-Ohio and second-team All-Area. Whittni Davidson, honorable mention All-Area. Kristen Cowart (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: If East Liverpool can hold its ground inside, another winning season will be within reach of the Potters. “We are looking to improve our team chemistry and hopefully outwork our opponents through our heart and hustle,” Reed said. “I expect great leadership from my group of seniors.”
POTTERS, Continued from Page 12
“As a coach, I’m a little more excited for this season that last season — even though last season was my first year,” Conley said. “This year, I truly feel this team has my stamp on it. “Last year, I came in and was molding this program into how I envisioned it being. And this year, the team returned knowing what my expectations were and they came in ready to work. From the first open gym to the first practice with the whole team, they showed up ready to work and sacrifice.” The Potters return Marky Thompkins, Mow Mow Thompson and Christian Kyle — all who scored more than 200 points last season. “I love the passion at which they play for point and our tenacious defense is going to put a stranglehold on teams,”
Conley said. “We want to go into each game and dictate the tempo in which the game will be played. “We will play full-court defense from the opening tip and we have put in the work to maintain the tempo in which we will play.” The Potters will open the season at Zanesville on Dec. 3. Zanesville defeated East Liverpool by double-digit margins twice last season on the way to being ranked third in the Division II state poll. “Our schedule is challenging, but that is how we like it — Zanesville, Lincoln Park, Carrollton, Pittsburgh-North Catholic and Youngstown Ursuline,” Conley said. “Those are the best teams around and we are up for the challenge.”
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MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 15
Beavers head in new direction
SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: Beaver Local Beavers. 2010-11 RECORD: 4-17, including a 2-6 mark in the All-American Conference White Divison. The Beavers’ 17 losses were by an average margin of 22.9 points. They were 0-9 on Mondays. HEAD COACH: J.R. Walker enters his first season as head coach. He was 75-90 in eight years as head coach of the East Liverpool girls through the 2007-08 season. ASSISTANT COACHES: Bill McComas, Kerrie Haurin, Kayla Martin. RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Eight, including all five starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Allie Bangor (senior forward, two-year letterwinner), Samantha Cook (senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Tenelle Hoppel (senior guard, two-year letter winner), Taylor Pike (senior for-
“We must keep challenging the team and coaching staff every practice to improve.” J.R. WALKER, BEAVER LOCAL GIRLS COACH
ward, one-year letterwinner), Cheyenne Marsden (senior guard, one-year letterwinner), Kenzie Weber (senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Samantha Bishop (junior guard, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Ashleigh Ault (senior forward), Katelyn Guildoo (senior center), Mattie Anderson (junior forward), Courtney Carlier (junior forward), Danna Talbott (sophomore forward), Sierra Wright (sophomore forward). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS:
Allison Kennedy (junior center), Mercedes May (junior guard). Kami Snow (junior guard), Maranda Kettey (sophomore center), Lindsey McPherson (sophomore guard), Paige Prologo (sophomore forward), Kennedy Rotellini (sophomore forward), Kallin Werstler (sophomore guard). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Senior leadership, willing to learn the new system, the heart and desire to get better everyday,” Walker said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Size and learning a whole new system,” Walker said. “Waiting to see how fast we adjust as a team.” The Beavers were 0-12 when giving up more than 50 points last season. 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Tenelle Hoppel 10.6, Allie Bangor 9.8. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: McKenzie Weber, honorable mention All-Area.
Allie Bangor, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Beaver Local lost only one player to graduation. But the Beavers lost their final six games last season by an average margin of 31 points. “The league is brutal this year from top to bottom and the non-league games are just as tough with two of the top teams in the ITCL,” Walker said. “The rivalry games with East Liverpool, Wellsville and Oak Glen are always games you can throw the records out the window. This schedule is one of the most challenging — from top to bottom, week in and week out — I’ve seen.” With six of their first seven games on the road, Walker believes the Beavers will be tested from the start. “We must keep challenging the team and coaching staff every practice to improve,” Walker said.
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16 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
EAST PALESTINE BULLDOGS
Morning Journal/Ron Firth
Members of the East Palestine boys basketball team are (front, from left) manager Jacob Thomas, Jake DiCello, Travis Cope, Zak Brockman, Cody Stewart, Tyler Foster, Josh Artrup, manager Cory Davis; (back, from left) Nate Keylor, Alec Dumbauld, Ryan Henderson, Noah Beal, Austen Reiser, Steve Parker, Payton Patterson, Justin Fristik, Zack May-Robb and Billy Bibby.
Bulldogs going for four in a row SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: East Palestine Bulldogs. 2010-11 RECORD: 16-5, including a third straight Inter-Tri County League upper tier title with a 12-2 mark. The Bulldogs have won 40 of their last 43 league games. They were 3-1 in games decided by three points or less and are 16-1 in Friday games over the past two seasons. HEAD COACH: Tom Bingham is in his eighth straight season as head coach and 15th overall. He has a career record of 196-110 at East Palestine and 206123 overall, which includes one season at Southern Local. ASSISTANT COACHES: Jim Meissner (junior varsity), Bill Bingham
(varsity assistant), Jerry McGee (varsity assistant), Jim Young Jr. (freshmen), Jim Young Sr. (eighth grade), Will Ginder (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Two, including one starter. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Jake DiCello (5-11 senior point guard, two-year letterwinner), Cody Stewart (6-2 senior post, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Zak Brockman (6-3 senior wing-post), Tyler Foster (5-11 senior wing), Josh Artrup (5-7 senior point guard), Austen Reiser (6-3 senior wing-post), Nate Keylor (5-10 junior wing-point guard), Noah Beal (5-10 junior wing), Travis
Cope (6-3 senior wing). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Billy Bibby (5-10 sophomore point guard), Alec Dumbauld (5-10 sophomore wing), Justin Fristik (5-11 sophomore wing), Ryan Henderson (5-11 sophomore wing), Steve Parker (6-2 sophomore post), Payton Patterson (511 sophomore wing), Zack May-Robb (5-10 sophomore wing). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Good overall size as well as versatility,” Bingham said. “They are one of the hardest working groups I’ve ever coached.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Lack of varsity experience as we are replacing six seniors and four starters,” Bingham said.
2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Corey Wright (graduated) 13.7, Adam Robb (graduated) 11.7, Brett Foreman (graduated) 11.1, Jake DiCello 7.7; Rebounds — Corey Wright (graduated) 9.3, Adam Robb (graduated) 7.8; Assists — Jake DiCello 3.5; Steals — Luke Gorby (graduated) 2.4; Blocks — Corey Wright (graduated) 5.0; Field Goal Pct. — Adam Robb (graduated) 58 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Joel Gedeon (graduated) 81 percent. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Adam Robb (graduated) first-team AllArea. Corey Wright (graduated) secondSee BULLDOGS, Page 54
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 17
Morning Journal/Ron Firth
Members of the East Palestine girls basketball team are (front, from left) Logan Gatchel, Brooke Gedeon, Nicole Kiehl, Shannon Jurjavcic, Dana Walker, Desiree Walker, Katie Bell, Marisa Gorby, Megan Robinson; (back, from left) coach Jim Meissner, head coach Walt Herriott, Tiff Ammon, Brittany VeneziaSeibert, Abby Fuller, Courtney Weber, Hannah Ball, Kelsey McKim, Danielle Weber, Bryn McElroy, Paden Wallace, Morgan Mullen, manager Marine Cordier, coach Judi Gregory and coach Samantha DiCello.
Will Bulldogs get points across? SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: East Palestine Bulldogs. 2010-11 RECORD: 3-18, including a 1-13 mark in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier. All of the losses were by double-digit margins and 10 of the losses were by 30-point margins. The Bulldogs have lost 13 straight games on Thursdays. HEAD COACH: Walt Heriott is in his third season as head coach with a record of 11-31. He was the junior varsity coach at East Palestine for five years. ASSISTANT COACHES: Judi Gregory (varsity assistant and junior varsity), Jim Meissner (varsity assistant and junior varsity), Kevin McKinstry (eighth grade), Stephanie Coie (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS:
Five, including four starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Brooke Gedeon (5-9 junior post, two-year letterwinner), Shannon Jurjavcic (5-3 senior forward, two-year letterwinner), Nicole Kiehl (5-6 senior post, one-year letterwinner), Katie Bell (5-7 junior forward, one-year letterwinner), Logan Gatchel (5-3 junior guard, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Dana Walker (5-7 senior forwardpost), Desiree Walker (5-7 senior post). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Hannah Ball (5-8 sophomore post), Marissa Gorby (5-5 sophomore guardforward), Bryn McElroy (5-4 sophomore forward), Kelsey McKim (5-7 sophomore post), Megan Robinson (53 sophomore guard-forward), Courtney Weber (5-6 sophomore post), Tiffany
Ammon (5-2 freshman guard), Abby
Fuller (5-7 freshman forward), Morgan
18 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
BULLDOGS, Your Heating & Cooling Specialist!
Continued from Page 17
Mullen (5-1 freshman guard), Brittany Venezia-Seibert (5-5 freshman forward-post), Paden Wallace (5-3 freshman forward), Danielle Weber (5-5 freshman post). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Experience with key players,” Herriott said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Lack of depth,” Herriott said. “We’re hoping we can get several of our newer and younger girls to develop into capable fill-ins and role players as needed.” 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Brooke Gedeon 7.0, Shannon Jurjavcic 6.8, Katie Bell 6.1; Rebounds — Brooke Gedeon 6.0, Brooke Duffy (gradated) 4.7; Assists — Paige Peterson 2.5; Steals — Paige Peterson 2.0; Field Goal Pct. — Brooke Duffy (graduated) 43 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Logan Gatchel 63 percent. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Brooke Gedeon, honorable mention All-Area. Paige Peterson, honorable mention
All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: East Palestine is still searching for some scoring after averaging an area-low 35.1 points a game last season. The Bulldogs averaged 50.3 points in their three wins, but 32.6 points in the 18 losses. “We only lost Brooke Duffy to graduation,” Herriott said. “Her stats don’t show it, but she was the hardest worker we had and our inspirational leader. We also lost two seniors and a junior — letterwinners form last year’s team that decided not to play this year.” “We return four starters form last year and add a very capable Nicole Kiehl to the lineup. Our expectations are positive “GOOD LUCK BULLDOGS”
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MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 19
HEARTLAND CHRISTIAN LIONS
Special to the Journal
Members of the Heartland Christian boys basketball team are (front, from left) Philip Bell, Durand Winnale, Glen Hoffman, Brandon Crawford, Jared Robinson Grant Ramsey, Gregor Ibbeken, Kyle Burgess, Joel Sirota, Drew Fountain, Matt Baker and Kyle Nabors. For more on the Lions, see page 27.
Special to the Journal
Members of the Heartland Christian girls basketball team are (from left) Phebe Nabors, Alisha Schwartz Ginny Burgess Ashley Weikhart, Kristen Hillard, Madison Pennington, Kristen Osborn and Rosilin Morris. For more on the Lions, see page 27.
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20 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
LEETONIA BEARS
Leetonia returns top seven SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: Leetonia Bears. 2010-11 RECORD: 2-18, including a 1-13 mark in the Inter-Tri County League lower tier. The Bears have lost 32 of their last 34 games and 15 of their last 16 Tuesday games. HEAD COACH: Mark Taylor enters his second season as head coach. He was junior varsity coach at Bloomfield last season, freshmen coach at Akron East in the 2005-06 season and Canton Lehman Middle School coach in 200405. ASSISTANT COACHES: Andy Kisner (junior varsity and varsity assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seven, including all five starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Nick Altomare (5-9 senior point guard, two-year letterman), Cody Stokes (6-5 senior guard, two year letterman), Alex Maltbie (6-3 senior forward-center, one-year letterman), Cody Valentine (6-1 junior guard, one-year letterman), Ian Sevenich (6-0 junior guard, one-year letterman), Ian Stecker (6-6 junior center, one-year letterman), Luke Janci (5-11 junior guard, oneyear letterman). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Mike Thorne (6-3 senior center), Trent Ferry (5-10 freshman guard), Josh VanGiesen (6-0 junior forward-center), Zack Van Giesen (6-0 sophomore forward-center), Brandon Dattilio (5-7 junior point guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Robbie Hasson (6-2 center junior), James Shea (6-0 guard sophomore), Josh Faulkner (6-0 guard freshman), Corey Valentine (5-8 guard freshman), Nate Inboden (5-11 center freshman), Brandon Custer (5-8 guard freshman).
Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Members of the Leetonia boys basketball team are (front, from left) Zack VanGiesen, Ian Sevenich, Ian Stecker, Cody Valentine, Josh VanGiesen, Luke Janci; (back, from left) Trent Ferry, Michael Thorne, Cody Stokes, head coach Mark Taylor, Alex Maltbie, Nick Altomare and Brandon Dattilio.
TEAM STRENGTHS: “We return over 98 percent of our scoring from last season and the top seven players in the rotation,” Taylor said. “While last year our inexperienced lineup consisted of no seniors in the regular lineup, this year features four seniors in prominent roles. First and foremost, we have a bevy of players that can shoot from the perimiter at a high percentage. We haev depth, chemistry and experience with the ability to play in transition or in the half-court. Our talent and overall skill level has advanced as has our overall toughness and condition.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “It is vital that we improve defensively, especially our rebounding, ability to protect the rim overall physicality, ball pressure and effort level,” Taylor said. “We need to be more disciplined and more determined to get consecutive stops by play-
ing team defesne. Offensively, we need to be more efficient and enhance our shot selection, play in transition and run the floor relentlessly and cut down on turnovers.” 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Cody Stokes 15.4, Nick Altomare 14.5, Ian Sevenich 10.2; Rebounds — Cody Stokes 10.3, Ian Stecker 3.7; Assists — Nick Altomare 3.2, Cody Stokes 1.8; Steals — Nick Altomare 1.8, Ian Sevenich 1.8; Blocks — Ian Sevenich 2.0, Ian Stecker 1.4. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Cody Stokes, honorable mention AllArea. Nick Altomare, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: How does a team go from 2-18 to one of the league favorites in one season? Leetonia returns its top seven players
and has four standing at least 6-foot-3, which is why opposing coaches are picking the Bears to contend for the Inter-Tri County League lower tier championship. “The league is wide open this year with the departure of an immense group of talented seniors from dominant teams last year, so the ITCL lower tier and Division IV district crown is there for the taking,” Taylor said. To contend in the ITCl lower tier, the Bears must first get past McDonald. The McDonald boys have won three straight lower tier titles with three straight 20-0 regular seasons. Leetonia has only won one league title in school history, has lost 32 of its last 34 games and had problems putting together a solid defensive effort for an See LEETONIA, Page 22
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 21
Bears have building blocks SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: Leetonia Bears. 2010-11 RECORD: 11-11, including a 6-8 mark in the Inter-Tri County League lower tier. Three of the losses were to Lowellville. The Bears were 64 at home and 2-2 in games decided by three points or less. HEAD COACH: Kelly Paxson is in her sixth season as head coach with a record of 50-60. She also was junior varsity assistant coach at Leetonia one season. ASSISTANT COACHES: Erin Newburn (junior varsity), Mike Mancuso (eighth grade), Will Jones (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Three, all of them starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Alexa Summers (5-6 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Kinzie Smith (5-2 junior point guard, one-year letterwinner), Nicole Mann (5-9 junior forward, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Delaney Gardner (5-4 junior point guard), Abbie Kopcsak (5-4 senior guard), Mara Newton (5-2 sophomore point guard), Emily Schneider (5-6 sophomore forward), Bethany Basich (5-6 junior guard), Kelsie Valentine (50 junior forward), Haley Scoville (5-8 sophomore forward), Autumn Champney (5-6 sophomore forward). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS:
Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Members of the Leetonia girls basketball team are (front, from left) Autumn Champney, Mara Newton, Kinzie Smith, Bethany Basich, Delaney Gardner; (back, from left) Haley Scoville, Nicole Mann, Abbie Kopcsak, head coach Kelly Paxson, coach Erin Newburn, Alexa Summers, Kelsie Valentine and Emily Schneider.
Maddie Renfold (5-1 freshman point guard), Nicole Danko (5-1 freshman guard), Carly Minehart (5-5 freshman forward), Erynn Jones (5-9 freshman forward), Baylee Yeagley (5-2 freshman forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “We return three starters this season, so we have some experience out on the floor,” Paxson said. “We have a strong foundation and the incoming varsity players will contribute right away.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “We lost our two leading scorers so our returning
players are going to have to make a combined effort to help us offensively, both on the perimeter and in the past,” Paxson said. 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Clarissa Perkins (graduated) 14.9, Lauren Ketterman (graduated) 9.4, Nicole Mann 6.4; Rebounds — Clarissa Perkins (graduated) 10.1, Nicole Mann 6.4; Assists — Lauren Ketterman (graduated) 1.9; Steals — Clarissa Perkins (graduated) 2.3; Field Goal Pct. — Nicole Mann 32.2 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Clarissa
Perkins (graduated) 64.7 percent. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Clarissa Perkins (graduated) first-team All-Area. Lauren Ketterman (graduated) hon-
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22 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
LEETONIA,
2010-11 BASKETBALL ROUNDUP Area boys standings INTER-TRI COUNTY LEAGUE Upper Tier Team League Overall East Palestine..........................12-2 16-5 South Range............................11-3 16-5 Springfield ...............................11-3 14-7 Crestview.................................10-4 15-6 Columbiana .............................4-10 5-16 United ......................................4-10 5-16 Lisbon......................................4-10 5-17 Mineral Ridge............................014 0-21 Lower Tier McDonald ................................14-0 24-1 Southern Local ........................11-3 17-4 Wellsville....................................9-5 17-7 Sebring ......................................8-6 15-7 Lowellville ..................................6-7 13-9 Jackson-Milton...........................5-9 10-11 Leetonia...................................1-12 2-18 Western Reserve.....................1-13 1-20 AREA TEAMS East Liverpool ................................ 14-8 Salem.............................................. 10-12 Minerva........................................... 7-15 West Branch ................................... 4-17 Beaver Local................................... 0-21
Boys team leaders SCORING OFFENSE Team ..............................................................Avg. 1. East Liverpool .............................................72.2 2. Wellsville .....................................................71.0 3. Salem..........................................................65.4 4. Southern Local............................................64.9 5. East Palestine .............................................59.9 6. South Range...............................................58.2 7. Sebring .......................................................57.7 8. Crestview ....................................................56.0 9. Leetonia ......................................................54.6 10. Beaver Local ...............................................53.6 11. Springfield...................................................52.8 12. Minerva .......................................................52.0 13. West Branch................................................49.0 14. Columbiana.................................................44.3 15. Lisbon .........................................................42.3 16. United..........................................................38.9 ——— SCORING DEFENSE Team ..............................................................Avg. 1. Crestview ....................................................44.8 2. Springfield...................................................45.0 3. South Range...............................................46.5 4. Sebring .......................................................48.7 5. United..........................................................49.4 6. Lisbon .........................................................50.5
7. Southern Local............................................50.8 8. East Palestine .............................................52.0 9. Minerva .......................................................54.0 10. Columbiana.................................................54.7 11. West Branch................................................57.4 12. East Liverpool .............................................59.7 13. Wellsville .....................................................60.9 14. Salem..........................................................65.9 15. Beaver Local ...............................................75.1 16. Leetonia ......................................................78.2 ——— SCORING MARGIN Team ..............................................................Avg. 1. Southern Local..........................................+14.1 2. East Liverpool ...........................................+12.5 3. South Range.............................................+11.7 4. Crestview ..................................................+11.2 5. Wellsville ...................................................+10.1 6. Sebring .......................................................+9.0 7. East Palestine .............................................+7.9 8. Springfield...................................................+7.8 9. Salem...........................................................-0.9 10. Minerva........................................................-2.0 11. West Branch ................................................-8.4 12. Lisbon ..........................................................-8.2 13. Columbiana................................................-10.4 14. United ........................................................-10.5 15. Beaver Local..............................................-21.5 16. Leetonia.....................................................-23.6
Area girls standings INTER-TRI COUNTY LEAGUE Upper Tier Team ..................................League Overall South Range............................13-1 21-3 United ......................................13-1 18-5 Crestview...................................9-5 15-8 Mineral Ridge ............................6-8 12-9 Lisbon........................................5-9 10-12 Springfield .................................5-9 5-16 Columbiana .............................4-10 8-14 East Palestine..........................1-13 3-18 Lower Tier Lowellville ................................14-0 24-1 Western Reserve.....................12-2 19-4 Sebring ......................................8-6 11-10 McDonald ..................................8-6 9-12 Leetonia.....................................6-8 11-11 Wellsville....................................5-9 10-12 Southern Local ........................3-11 8-13 Jackson-Milton.........................0-14 0-21 AREA TEAMS West Branch ................................... 18-4 Minerva........................................... 18-6 East Liverpool................................. 11-10 Salem.............................................. 5-166
Beaver Local...................................
Girls team leaders
4-17
SCORING OFFENSE Team .............................................................Avg. 1. South Range ..............................................58.6 2. United.........................................................57.2 3. Minerva ......................................................56.4 4. Crestview ...................................................50.6 5. East Liverpool ............................................50.1 6. Wellsville ....................................................48.7 7. West Branch...............................................47.7 8. Sebring.......................................................45.7 9. Columbiana................................................43.3 10. Leetonia .....................................................42.4 11. Beaver Local ..............................................41.3 12. Southern Local...........................................41.0 13. Lisbon ........................................................40.8 14. Springfield ..................................................38.2 15. Salem.........................................................36.0 16. East Palestine ............................................35.1 ——— SCORING DEFENSE Team .............................................................Avg. 1. West Branch...............................................38.6 2. United.........................................................39.1 3. Minerva ......................................................39.3 4. South Range ..............................................39.7 5. Lisbon ........................................................42.1 6. Leetonia .....................................................43.0 7. Salem.........................................................43.8 8. Crestview ...................................................45.1 9. Southern Local...........................................45.9 10. East Liverpool ............................................47.0 11. Sebring.......................................................48.4 12. Springfield ..................................................49.0 13. Columbiana................................................49.7 14. Wellsville ....................................................52.0 15. Beaver Local ..............................................58.0 15. East Palestine ............................................59.3 ——— SCORING MARGIN Team .............................................................Avg. 1. South Range ............................................+18.9 2. United.......................................................+18.1 3. Minerva ....................................................+17.1 4. West Branch...............................................+9.1 5. Crestview ...................................................+5.5 6. East Liverpool ............................................+3.1 7. Leetonia ......................................................-0.6 8. Lisbon .........................................................-1.3 9. Sebring .......................................................-2.7 10. Wellsville .....................................................-3.3 11. Southern Local............................................-4.9 12. Columbiana.................................................-6.4 13. Salem..........................................................-7.8 14. Springfield.................................................-10.8 15. Beaver Local .............................................-16.7 16. East Palestine ...........................................-24.2
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Continued from Page 20
entire game (the Bears gave up an average of 78.2 points a game last season). “We have potential this year to be a solid team because we return the nucleus of last year’s team, but we need to work much harder and compete more fiercely to attain the goals that we have set out for this season,” Taylor said. “If we attack offensively in transition and aggresively force turnovers on defense and fight the good fight each and every game night, we have a chance to have a great year.”
BEARS, Continued from Page 21
orable mention All-Area. Nicole Mann, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Defense kept the Bears in games last season (they were 9-0 holding opponents to 40 points or less) and it will be the case again. “In order to be competitive, we are going to have to execute and be consistent,” Paxson said. “We have a challenging non-conference schedule, which will hopefully help prepare us for our league games. All of our players have been working hard and we are looking forward to the upcoming season.” The Bears will be tested in the ITCL lower tier opener against Western Reserve on Dec. 8. “The league will be strong again this year,” Paxson said. “Lowellville and Wellsville return a lot of talent, so they will be strong this season. Western Reserve is another team that LEETONIA
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MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 23
LISBON BLUE DEVILS
Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Members of the Lisbon boys basketball team are (front, from left) Logan Kress, Logan Malik, Chris Pettigrew, Mike Evans, J.J. Crow; (second row, from left) Jared Merriman, Bryar Scarbino, Dan Donohue, head coach Chris Huckshold, Jared Catlett, Nathan Borg, Zack Allen; (third row, from left) coach Doug Andric, Matt Spencer, Rashad Newell, Corey Brammer, coach Ryan Snyder; (back, from left) Drew Sweeney, C.J. Dawson, Ben Spencer, Zack Rovnak, Jacob Borg and Zac Barnes.
Four starters back for Blue Devils
SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: Lisbon Blue Devils. 2010-11 RECORD: 5-17, including a 4-10 mark in the in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier. The Blue Devils won three of their last seven games. They were 0-7 in Tuesday games. HEAD COACH: Chris Huckshold enters his third season as head coach with a record of 14-30. He previously coached seven years at Lisbon, including three as junior varsity boys coach,
two years as freshmen boys coach and two years as varsity girls assistant. ASSISTANT COACHES: Ryan Snyder (junior varsity), Doug Andric (assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Six, including four starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Zack Rovnak (5-11 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Drew Sweeney (5-10 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Ben Spencer (5-11 senior guard, one-year letterwinner), Jacob Borg (5-
11 senior guard, one-year letterwinner), Zac Barnes (5-8 senior guard, one-year letterwinner), C.J. Dawson (6-2 senior forward, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Matt Spencer (6-3 sophomore forward), Corey Brammer (6-0 junior guard), Rashud Newell (6-0 junior guard), Eric Walker (6-0 sophomore guard). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Senior leadership and experience with six returning lettermen,” Heckshold said.
TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Consistency for four quarters,” Huckshold said. The Blue Devils also have had problems scoring points, averaging 42.3 points a game last season. 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Zack Rovnak 13.0, Matt Metzgar 10.9; Assists — Zack Rovnak 4.0 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Zack Rovnak, honorable mention AllSee BLUE DEVILS, Page 25
24 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Members of the Lisbon girls basketball team are (front, from left) Lindsey Hayko, Cami Jackson, Adri Sanchez, Julie Gauntt; (back, from left) coach Mark Pezzano, Jenna Dickson, Sarah Boyd, Pam Pierce, head coach Jason Thompson, Katy Crismon, Tiffany Ketchum, Paige Bennett and coach Dave Crismon.
See page 26 for the Lisbon girls preview
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MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 25
BLUE DEVILS, Continued from Page 23
Area Matt Metzgar (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Blue Devils return six letterwinners, but are searching for consistent scorers and an inside presence. Lisbon was 1-15 when scoring less than 50 points last season. “The league will be tough,” Huckshold said. “South Range and Springfield look to be the frontrunners. They are returning a lot of key players. Crestview is a dark horse and you can’t count out the three-time defending champs, East Palestine. Every league night should be an exciting one.”
Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Lisbon’s Zack Rovnak drives in against East Palestine’s Jake DiCello last season.
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“The league will be tough. South Range and Springfield look to be the frontrunners. They are returning a lot of key players. Crestview is a dark horse and you can’t count out the three-time defending champs, East Palestine. Every league night should be an exciting one.” CHRIS HUCKSHOLD, LISBON BOYS COACH
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26 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
Defense is Lisbon’s top priority SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: Lisbon Blue Devils. 2010-11 RECORD: 10-12, including a 5-9 mark in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier. The Blue Devils won four of their first five games. They were 2-3 in games in decided by two points or less. HEAD COACH: Jason Thompson enters his second season as head coach. He was Crestview junior varsity boys coach one year, Lisbon boys varsity assistant one year and United freshmen boys coach two years. ASSISTANT COACHES: Mark Pezzano (junior varsity), Dave Crismon (varsity assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Four, including three starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Julie Gauntt (senior, one-year letterwinner), Pam Pierce (junior, twoyear letterwinner), Katy Crismon (junior, one-year letterwinner), Lindsey Hayko (senior, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Adri Sanchez (senior), Cami Jackson (senior), Tiffany Ketchum (freshman), Paige Bennett (freshman), Sarah Boyd (sophomore), Jenna Dickson (sophomore). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Haley Howe (sophomore), Alyssa Lane (sophomore), Landri Moore (fresh-
man), Danyail Hayko (freshman), Natalie Esterly (freshman), Alyssa Gresh (freshman), Sara Burton (freshman). TEAM STRENGTHS: The Devils will rely on defense with a guard-oriented team. They also return three players who started at some point last season. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Height and depth,” Thompson said. Outside of the starters, there is not much experience on the team. 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Katie Snoddy (graduated) 10.9, Pam Pierce 7.5; Rebounds — Pam Pierce 8.0; Assists — Katie Snoddy (graduated) 3.5; Steals —Free Throw Pct. — Katie Snoddy (graduated) 76 percent. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Katie Snoddy (graduated) second-team All-Area. Pam Pierce, honorable mention AllArea. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Blue Devils are searching for someone who can complement Pam Pierce on the offensive end. “We will be very competitive in every game that we play,” Thompson said. “We will look to be very good on the defensive side of the ball.” Lisbon was 8-2 when holding opponents to less than 40 points last season. Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Lisbon’s Pam Pierce (22) goes up for two of her 20 points in the Blue Devils’ 47-42 loss to East Liverpool in the Nov. 25 season opener. Looking on are teammates Lindsey Hayko (left) and Katy Crismon.
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MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 27
Heartland opens a new season SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: Heartland Christian Lions. 2010-11 RECORD: 8-12. HEAD COACH: Josh Osborn is in his first season as a coach. He played two years at Valley Forge Christian College. RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Three, including two starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Rosealin Morris (5-3 junior guard, letterwinner), Ashley Weikart (5-7 senior guard-forward, letterwinner), Madison Pennington (5-6 sophomore forward, letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Phoebe Nabors (5-2 sophomore guard), Ginny Burgess (5-6 freshman guardforward), Alisha Schwartz (5-5 freshman guard), Kristen Osborn (5-5 freshman guard), Kristen Hilliard (5-11 junior forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Young team
MORNING JOURNAL
with a lot of athleticism and potential,” Osborn said. “Very Competitive.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Young team, not a lot of experience,” Osborn said. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Stephanie Griffith (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. Erin Letarte (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: “Really excited about surrounding our returning players from last year with young, athletic girls who have a desire to learn and to compete,” Osborn said. “We have a lot of room to grow up and a tough schedule that is going to test us early and force us to grow quickly. “We are going to be able to get up and down the floor in a hurry and our defense especially has the potential to be really good this year.”
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SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: Heartland Christian Lions. 2010-11 RECORD: 5-15. HEAD COACH: Andrew Bobalik enters his first season as head coach. He was a varsity assistant and junior varsity coach at Youngstown Chaney last season and East Palestine junior high coach from 2006-10. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Grant Ramsey (senior), Kyle Burgess (junior), Brandon Crawford
(junior), Durand Winnale (sophomore), Jared Robinson (sophomore), Matt Baker (sophomore). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Glen Hoffman (freshman), Joel Sirota (freshman), Philip Bell (freshman). 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Jon Osborn (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. Owen Stryffeler (graduated) honorable mention All-Area.
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28 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
2011-12 AREA BOYS BASKETBALL SCHEDULES Beaver Local Dec. 2........................................at Wellsville Dec. 6...........................................Crestview Dec. 9............................................Lakeview Dec. 13..............................at East Liverpool Dec. 15...........................................Howland Dec. 20 ..............................................Lisbon Dec. 27 .....................................at Oak Glen Dec. 30......................................at Struthers Jan. 3.............................at Austintown Fitch Jan. 6 ................................................Poland Jan. 10 ..........................................Oak Glen Jan. 13............................................Hubbard Jan. 18 ..........................................Wellsville Jan. 20 ........................................at Canfield Jan. 27 .................................................Niles Feb. 3 ............................................Struthers Feb. 7 ....................................East Liverpool Feb. 10 .......................................at Hubbard Feb. 14.....................................at Champion Feb. 21 .................................................Niles
Columbiana Dec. 2.........................................at Leetonia Dec. 9.......................................at Crestview Dec. 13 ..............................................Lisbon Dec. 16..................................East Palestine Dec. 20 ..............................at Mineral Ridge Dec. 27 ..............................Canton Heritage Dec. 30 ............................................Sebring Jan. 3.......................................at Champion Jan. 6.................................................United Jan. 10 ....................................at Springfield Jan. 13 .................................at South Ridge Jan. 17 .....................................at Brookfield Jan. 20..........................................Crestview Jan. 24...........................................at Lisbon Jan. 27 ..............................at East Palestine Jan. 31 ...................................Mineral Ridge Feb. 3.............................................at United Feb. 7 ..........................................Springfield Feb. 10 ....................................South Range Feb. 14......................................Southington
Crestview Dec. 6..................................at Beaver Local Dec. 9 .......................................Columbiana Dec. 13..............................at East Palestine Dec. 16 ..............................................United Dec. 20........................................Springfield Dec. 23...........................................Leetonia Dec. 29.....................................at Heartland Jan. 3 ...............................Western Reserve Jan. 6 ..................................at South Range Jan. 10...........................................at Lisbon Jan. 13 ...................................Mineral Ridge Jan. 17.....................................at Lowellville Jan. 20 ..................................at Columbiana Jan. 24 ..................................East Palestine Jan. 27...........................................at United Jan. 31 ....................................at Springfield Feb. 3 ......................................South Range Feb. 7.................................................Lisbon Feb. 10...............................at Mineral Ridge Feb. 21 .........................................Heartland
East Liverpool Dec. 3 ......................................at Zanesville Dec. 6 ...........................................Carrollton Dec. 13....................................Beaver Local Dec. 20 ..........................................at Salem Dec. 22......................................at Wellsville Dec. 27......................Potter Holiday Classic Dec. 28......................Potter Holiday Classic
Jan. 3...............................................Minerva Jan. 6..............................................Cardinal Jan. 10 ......................................at Claymont Jan. 13..................................at Steubenville Jan. 14......................................at Oak Glen Jan. 17.................................at West Branch Jan. 21.........................................at Geneva Jan. 27 ..........................................Oak Glen Feb. 4 .......................................Lincoln Park Feb. 7 ..................................at Beaver Local Feb. 11 ..........................................Wellsville
East Palestine Dec. 2 ....................at Youngstown Christian Dec. 9 ............................................at United Dec. 13.........................................Crestview Dec. 16 .................................at Columbiana Dec. 20....................at Youngstown Mooney Dec. 27 ..........................................at Lisbon Jan. 6 .....................................Mineral Ridge Jan. 10 ....................................South Range Jan. 13 ........................................Springfield Jan. 17............................................Leetonia Jan. 20...............................................United Jan. 24......................................at Crestview Jan. 27 ......................................Columbiana Jan. 31...............................................Lisbon Feb. 3.................................at Mineral Ridge Feb. 7..................................at South Range Feb. 10 ....................................at Springfield Feb. 14.........................................Lowellville Feb. 18 .....................................at Heartland Feb. 21 .........................................Brookfield
Leetonia Dec. 2 .......................................Columbiana Dec. 6 ................................................Lisbon Dec. 13 ............................at Southern Local Dec. 16..........................................Wellsville Dec. 17.............................Western Reserve Dec. 20 ........................................McDonald Dec. 23.....................................at Crestview Jan. 6 ......................................at Springfield Jan. 10 .............................at Jackson-Milton Jan. 13.....................................at Lowellville Jan. 17 ..................................East Palestine Jan. 20 .........................at Western Reserve Jan. 24.................................Southern Local Jan. 27 ......................................at Wellsville Jan. 31 .....................................at McDonald Feb. 3...............................................Sebring Feb. 7 ...................................Jackson-Milton Feb. 10.........................................Lowellville Feb. 14................................at South Range Feb. 21 ....................................at Lordstown
Lisbon Dec. 2 ..................................Southern Local Dec. 6.........................................at Leetonia Dec. 9 ................................at Mineral Ridge Dec. 13 .................................at Columbiana Dec. 17....................................South Range Dec. 20................................at Beaver Local Dec. 27..................................East Palestine Jan. 6 ......................................at Springfield Jan. 10..........................................Crestview Jan. 13...........................................at United Jan. 20 ...................................Mineral Ridge Jan. 24 ......................................Columbiana Jan. 27 ................................at South Range Jan. 31 ..............................at East Palestine Feb. 3 ..........................................Springfield Feb. 7 .......................................at Crestview Feb. 10...............................................United
Feb. 14 .................................Jackson-Milton Feb. 21.............................................Sebring Feb 24......................................at Heartland
Minerva Dec. 2.........................................St. Thomas Dec. 9 ..........................................at Alliance Dec. 16...................................Canton South Dec. 23 ..........................................at Salem Dec. 27............................................Malvern Dec. 30..........................................Louisville Jan. 3 ................................at East Liverpool Jan. 6.......................................West Branch Jan. 10 ....................................at Marlington Jan. 13..........................................Carrollton Jan. 14 .............................at Hoover Classic Jan. 20.............................................Alliance Jan. 24 ...............................at Canton South Jan. 27 ...............................................Salem Feb. 3 ........................................at Louisville Feb. 7...................................at West Branch Feb. 10 ........................................Marlington Feb. 14 .................................at East Canton Feb. 17 .....................................at Carrollton Feb. 18...........................................at United
Oak Glen Dec. 7 ...................................Buckeye Local Dec. 9 ....................................John Marshall Dec. 13 ............................................Weirton Dec. 20 .....................................Steubenville Dec. 23 .......................................at Buckeye Dec. 27....................................Beaver Local Dec. 30 ...........................Tyler Consolidated Jan. 3.........................................at Magnolia Jan. 6....................................at Steubenville Jan. 7...............................................Weirton Jan. 10 ................................at Beaver Local Jan. 14 ..................................East Liverpool Jan. 17.........................................at Weirton Jan. 24 ..............................................Brooke Jan. 27 ..............................at East Liverpool Jan. 28 ..............................at Roane County Jan. 31...............................at John Marshall Feb. 7...........................................at Weirton Feb. 10...........................................Magnolia Feb. 22..............................................Brooke
Salem Dec. 6 ................................................United Dec. 9 ......................................West Branch Dec. 13 ..........................................Struthers Dec. 16....................................at Marlington Dec. 20..................................East Liverpool Dec. 23............................................Minerva Dec. 30 .....................................at Carrollton Jan. 3 ............................................at Liberty Jan. 6 .....................................Canton South Jan. 10.............................................Alliance Jan. 13 ......................................at Louisville Jan. 17 .............................................at Niles Jan. 20.................................at West Branch Jan. 24 ........................................Marlington Jan. 27 ........................................at Minerva Feb. 3............................................Carrollton Feb. 7.................................at Canton South Feb. 10 ........................................at Alliance Feb. 14......................................at Campbell Feb. 17 ..........................................Louisville
Sebring Dec. 2 ......................................at Lordstown Dec. 9...............................at Jackson-Milton
Dec. 13 ........................................Lowellville Dec. 16 ....................................at McDonald Dec. 20.........................at Western Reserve Dec. 30 .................................at Columbiana Jan. 6..............................................Leetonia Jan. 10.................................Southern Local Jan. 13 ..........................................Wellsville Jan. 20 .................................Jackson-Milton Jan. 21..............................................LaBrae Jan. 24.....................................at Lowellville Jan. 27 .........................................McDonald Jan. 31 .............................Western Reserve Feb. 3 .........................................at Leetonia Feb. 7...............................at Southern Local Feb. 10 ......................................at Wellsville Feb. 14 .........................................Heartland Feb. 21 .........................................at Lisbon Feb. 24......................................Southington
Southern Local Dec. 2 ............................................at Lisbon Dec. 6...........................................Heartland Dec. 9............................................Wellsville Dec. 13...........................................Leetonia Dec. 16.........................at Western Reserve Dec. 20.............................at Jackson-Milton Dec. 23 ..............................................United Dec. 30.........................................at Toronto Jan. 6 ...........................................Lowellville Jan. 10.........................................at Sebring Jan. 13 .........................................McDonald Jan. 17 .............................................Toronto Jan. 20 ......................................at Wellsville Jan. 24 .......................................at Leetonia Jan. 27 .............................Western Reserve Jan. 31 .................................Jackson-Milton Feb. 3.......................................at Lowellville Feb. 7...............................................Sebring Feb. 10.....................................at McDonald Feb. 17 .....................................at Heartland
South Range Dec. 6 ........................Youngstown Christian Dec. 9..........................................Springfield Dec. 13 ..................................Mineral Ridge Dec. 17 ..........................................at Lisbon Dec. 20 ..........................................at United Dec. 23.............................Western Reserve Dec. 27 ....................................at McDonald Dec. 30.....................................at Brookfield Jan. 6............................................Crestview Jan. 10 ..............................at East Palestine Jan. 13 ......................................Columbiana Jan. 20 ....................................at Springfield Jan. 24 ...............................at Mineral Ridge Jan. 27...............................................Lisbon Jan. 31...............................................United Feb. 3 .......................................at Crestview Feb. 7 ....................................East Palestine Feb. 10..................................at Columbiana Feb. 14 ...........................................Leetonia Feb. 24.................................at West Branch
Springfield Local Dec. 2.......................................at Brookfield Dec. 9 .................................at South Range Dec. 13 ..............................................United Dec. 16 ..............................at Mineral Ridge Dec. 20.....................................at Crestview Dec. 22 ..................at Youngstown Christian Dec. 28 ........................................Lowellville Jan. 6.................................................Lisbon Jan. 7 .................................................Girard Jan. 10 ......................................Columbiana Jan. 13 ..............................at East Palestine
Jan. 20 ....................................South Range Jan. 24...........................................at United Jan. 27 ...................................Mineral Ridge Jan. 31 ........................................Crrestview Feb. 3 ............................................at Lisbon Feb. 7....................................at Columbiana Feb. 10 ..................................East Palestine Feb. 17 .........................at Western Reserve Feb. 21.........................................McDonald
United Dec. 2 ......................................West Branch Dec. 6 ............................................at Salem Dec. 9....................................East Palestine Dec. 13....................................at Springfield Dec. 16.....................................at Crestview Dec. 20....................................South Range Dec. 23 ............................at Southern Local Dec. 27.....................................at Heartland Jan. 6 ....................................at Columbiana Jan. 10 ...................................Mineral Ridge Jan. 13...............................................Lisbon Jan. 20 ..............................at East Palestine Jan. 24 ........................................Springfield Jan. 27..........................................Crestview Jan. 31 ................................at South Range Feb. 3........................................Columbiana Feb. 7.................................at Mineral Ridge Feb. 10 ..........................................at Lisbon Feb. 14 ........................................at Malvern Feb. 18 ............................................Minerva
Wellsville Dec. 2......................................Beaver Local Dec. 9 ..............................at Southern Local Dec. 10.........................................at Toronto Dec. 13.................................Jackson-Milton Dec. 16.......................................at Leetonia Dec. 20 ....................................at Lowellville Dec. 22..................................East Liverpool Jan. 6 ...............................Western Reserve Jan. 7 ...............................................Toronto Jan. 10 .........................................McDonald Jan. 13.........................................at Sebring Jan. 18 ................................at Beaver Local Jan. 20.................................Southern Local Jan. 24 .............................at Jackson-Milton Jan. 27............................................Leetonia Jan. 31 .........................................Lowellville Feb. 3 ...........................at Western Reserve Feb. 7.......................................at McDonald Feb. 10.............................................Sebring Feb. 11 ..............................at East Liverpool
West Branch Dec. 3 ............................................at United Dec. 6 ...........................Ravenna Southeast Dec. 9 ............................................at Salem Dec. 16 .........................................Carrollton Dec. 23 ........................................at Alliance Dec. 30...................................Canton South Jan. 6 ..........................................at Minerva Jan. 10...........................................Louisville Jan. 13 ........................................Marlington Jan. 17 ..................................East Liverpool Jan. 20 ...............................................Salem Jan. 24......................................at Carrollton Jan. 27.............................................Alliance Feb. 3.................................at Canton South Feb. 7 ..............................................Minerva Feb. 10 ......................................at Louisville Feb. 14 ...................at Louisville St. Thomas Feb. 17 ....................................at Marlington Feb. 21 ..........................................at Poland Feb. 24 ....................................South Range
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 29
2011-12 AREA GIRLS BASKETBALL SCHEDULES Beaver Local Nov. 26...........................................at United Dec. 1........................................at Wellsville Dec. 5...........................................Crestview Dec. 8............................................Lakeview Dec. 12..............................at East Liverpool Dec. 17.......................................at Howland Dec. 19 .....................................at Oak Glen Dec. 22.................................................Niles Dec. 29 ..........................................Struthers Jan. 5 ............................................at Poland Jan. 9 ............................................Oak Glen Jan. 12 .......................................at Hubbard Jan. 17 ..........................................Wellsville Jan. 19 ............................................Canfield Jan. 23.........................................Champion Jan. 26 .............................................at Niles Feb. 2 ........................................at Struthers Feb. 7 ....................................East Liverpool Feb. 9 .............................................Hubbard Feb. 15...............................Austintown Fitch
Columbiana Nov. 25 ........................................Lordstown Nov. 28.....................................at McDonald Dec. 1.........................................at Leetonia Dec. 8.......................................at Crestview Dec. 12 ..............................................Lisbon Dec. 15..................................East Palestine Dec. 19 ..............................at Mineral Ridge Dec. 22 ....................................... McDonald Jan. 2 ...........................................Brookfield Jan. 5.................................................United Jan. 9 ......................................at Springfield Jan. 12 ................................at South Range Jan. 19..........................................Crestview Jan. 23...........................................at Lisbon Jan. 26 ..............................at East Palestine Jan. 30 ...................................Mineral Ridge Feb. 2.............................................at United Feb. 6 ..........................................Springfield Feb. 9 ......................................South Range Feb. 15.....................................at Lowellville
Crestview Nov. 26...........................................at Salem Nov. 28 ....................................Newton Falls Dec. 1...........................at Western Reserve Dec. 5..................................at Beaver Local Dec. 8 .......................................Columbiana Dec. 12..............................at East Palestine Dec. 15 ..............................................United Dec. 19........................................Springfield Dec. 22...........................................Leetonia Jan. 2...........................................Lordstown Jan. 5 ..................................at South Range Jan. 9.............................................at Lisbon Jan. 12 ...................................Mineral Ridge Jan. 19 ..................................at Columbiana Jan. 23 ..................................East Palestine Jan. 26...........................................at United Jan. 30 ....................................at Springfield Feb. 2 ......................................South Range Feb. 6.................................................Lisbon Feb. 9.................................at Mineral Ridge
East Liverpool Nov. 25 ..........................................at Lisbon Nov. 29 ......................................at Wellsville Dec. 1 ....................at Youngstown Christian Dec. 5 .......................................Steubenville Dec. 7..........................................at Minerva Dec. 12....................................Beaver Local Dec. 14 ........................................at Weirton
Dec. 29 .................................at Steubenville Jan. 4........................................at Oak Glen Jan. 5...............................................Weirton Jan. 9 ................................................Poland Jan. 11..........................................Carrollton Jan. 18.................................at West Branch Jan. 23 ..........................................Oak Glen Jan. 28 ..........................................Wellsville Jan. 30 ...............................................Salem Feb. 1.........................Youngstown Christian Feb. 7 ..................................at Beaver Local
East Palestine Dec. 5...........................................Heartland Dec. 8 ............................................at United Dec. 12.........................................Crestview Dec. 15 .................................at Columbiana Dec. 19 ..........................................at Lisbon Dec. 29....................at Youngstown Mooney Jan. 5 .....................................Mineral Ridge Jan. 9 ......................................South Range Jan. 12 ........................................Springfield Jan. 14............................................Leetonia Jan. 16 .....................................at Heartland Jan. 19...............................................United Jan. 23......................................at Crestview Jan. 26 ......................................Columbiana Jan. 30...............................................Lisbon Feb. 2.................................at Mineral Ridge Feb. 6..................................at South Range Feb. 9 ......................................at Springfield Feb. 11..........................................Carrollton Feb. 16..............................Youngstown East
Leetonia Nov. 28 ........................................Lordstown Dec. 1 ......................................Columbiana Dec. 5 ................................................Lisbon Dec. 8...............................Western Reserve Dec. 12 ............................at Southern Local Dec. 15..........................................Wellsville Dec. 19 ........................................McDonald Dec. 22.....................................at Crestview Dec. 29 ..................at Youngstown Christian Jan. 5...........................................at Sebring Jan. 9 ...............................at Jackson-Milton Jan. 12.....................................at Lowellville Jan. 14 ..............................at East Palestine Jan. 19 .........................at Western Reserve Jan. 23.................................Southern Local Jan. 26 ......................................at Wellsville Jan. 30 .....................................at McDonald Feb. 2...............................................Sebring Feb. 6 ...................................Jackson-Milton Feb. 9...........................................Lowellville
Lisbon Nov. 25 ..................................East Liverpool Dec. 1 ...........................at Youngstown East Dec. 5.........................................at Leetonia Dec. 8 ................................at Mineral Ridge Dec. 12 .................................at Columbiana Dec. 15....................................South Range Dec. 19..................................East Palestine Dec. 30.........................................Heartland Jan. 5 ......................................at Springfield Jan. 9............................................Crestview Jan. 12...........................................at United Jan. 16.................................at Sandy Valley Jan. 19 ...................................Mineral Ridge Jan. 23 ......................................Columbiana Jan. 26 ................................at South Range Jan. 30 ..............................at East Palestine Feb. 2 ..........................................Springfield Feb. 6 .......................................at Crestview
Feb. 9.................................................United Feb. 13 .................................Jackson-Milton
Minerva Nov. 26 ........................................at Fairless Nov. 29..........................................at Edison Dec. 3........................................at Louisville Dec. 7....................................East Liverpool Dec. 10........................................Marlington Dec. 14 ........................................at Alliance Dec. 17...................................Canton South Dec. 28 ..........................................at Salem Jan. 7.......................................West Branch Jan. 11..........................................Carrollton Jan. 14...........................................Louisville Jan. 16 .....................................East Canton Jan. 18..............................New Philadelphia Jan. 21 ....................................at Marlington Jan. 25.............................................Alliance Jan. 28 ...............................at Canton South Feb. 1.................................................Salem Feb. 4...................................at West Branch Feb. 8 .......................................at Carrollton Feb. 11.............................at Canton Central
Oak Glen Dec. 6 ..........................................at Weirton Dec. 10........................................Shadyside Dec. 12 .....................................Steubenville Dec. 14 .......................at Tyler Consolidated Dec. 17..........................................at Edison Dec. 19....................................Beaver Local Dec. 22 ..............................Bishop Donahue Dec. 28 ......................................at Magnolia Jan. 4 ....................................East Liverpool Jan. 7...............................Weirton Madonna Jan. 9 ..................................at Beaver Local Jan. 12..........................................at Brooke Jan. 16 ....................................at Shadyside Jan. 21 ..............................at Roane County Jan. 23 ..............................at East Liverpool Jan. 26.............................................Weirton Jan. 28.........................at Weirton Madonna Jan. 30..................................at Steubenville Feb. 3 ........................................... Magnolia Feb. 15..............................................Brooke
Salem Nov. 26 .........................................Crestview Nov. 30...............................................United Dec. 3 ..........................................at Alliance Dec. 5......................at Youngstown Mooney Dec. 10...................................Canton South Dec. 14......................................at Louisville Dec. 17 ................................at West Branch Dec. 19 ..........................................Struthers Dec. 28............................................Minerva Jan. 7........................................at Carrollton Jan. 11 ........................................Marlington Jan. 14.............................................Alliance Jan. 17 ..........................................at Poland Jan. 21 ...............................at Canton South Jan. 25...........................................Louisville Jan. 28.....................................West Branch Jan. 30 ..............................at East Liverpool Feb. 1 ..........................................at Minerva Feb. 4............................................Carrollton Feb. 8 ......................................at Marlington
Sebring Nov. 28 ............................................Malvern Dec. 1.......................................at Heartland Dec. 5 .......................................Southington Dec. 8...............................at Jackson-Milton
Dec. 12 ........................................Lowellville Dec. 15 ....................................at McDonald Dec. 19.........................at Western Reserve Dec. 29.........................................Heartland Jan. 5..............................................Leetonia Jan. 9...................................Southern Local Jan. 12 ..........................................Wellsville Jan. 16.........................................Lordstown Jan. 19 .................................Jackson-Milton Jan. 23.....................................at Lowellville Jan. 26 .........................................McDonald Jan. 30 ............................ Western Reserve Feb. 2 .........................................at Leetonia Feb. 6...............................at Southern Local Feb. 8 ........................................at Wellsville Feb. 13 ......................................at Windham
Southern Local Nov. 28 .....................................at Heartland Dec. 1.........................at Jefferson Christian Dec. 8............................................Wellsville Dec. 12...........................................Leetonia Dec. 15.........................at Western Reserve Dec. 19.............................at Jackson-Milton Dec. 22.........................................at Toronto Dec. 29............................................Malvern Jan. 5 ...........................................Lowellville Jan. 9...........................................at Sebring Jan. 12 .........................................McDonald Jan. 19 ......................................at Wellsville Jan. 23 .......................................at Leetonia Jan. 26 .............................Western Reserve Jan. 30 .................................Jackson-Milton Feb. 2.......................................at Lowellville Feb. 6...............................................Sebring Feb. 9.......................................at McDonald Feb. 13 .........................................Heartland Feb. 15 .............................................Toronto
South Range Nov. 25 .........................at Western Reserve Nov. 28 ..........................................Struthers Dec. 5 ...........................................Campbell Dec. 8..........................................Springfield Dec. 12 ..................................Mineral Ridge Dec. 15 ..........................................at Lisbon Dec. 19....................................at Springfield Dec. 29..................................at Warren JFK Jan. 5............................................Crestview Jan. 9 ................................at East Palestine Jan. 12 ......................................Columbiana Jan. 19 ....................................at Springfield Jan. 23 ...............................at Mineral Ridge Jan. 26...............................................Lisbon Jan. 30...............................................United Feb. 2 .......................................at Crestview Feb. 6 ....................................East Palestine Feb. 9....................................at Columbiana Feb. 13 ...............................................Bristol Feb. 16 ..........................................at Poland
Springfield Local Dec. 1 .....................at Youngstown Mooney Dec. 5 ......................................at Lowellville Dec. 8 .................................at South Range Dec. 12 ..............................................United Dec. 15 ..............................at Mineral Ridge Dec. 17..........................................at Poland Dec. 19.....................................at Crestview Jan. 3.........................Youngstown Christian Jan. 5.................................................Lisbon Jan. 9 ........................................Columbiana Jan. 12 ..............................at East Palestine Jan. 14 ..............................................Liberty
Jan. 19 ....................................South Range Jan. 23...........................................at United Jan. 26 ...................................Mineral Ridge Jan. 30..........................................Crestview Feb. 2 ............................................at Lisbon Feb. 4 ......................................Newton Falls Feb. 6....................................at Columbiana Feb. 9 ....................................East Palestine
United Nov. 26 ....................................Beaver Local Nov. 30...........................................at Salem Dec. 3.....................at Louisville St. Thomas Dec. 5 ........................Youngstown Christian Dec. 8....................................East Palestine Dec. 12....................................at Springfield Dec. 15.....................................at Crestview Dec. 19....................................South Range Dec. 22 ....................................West Branch Dec. 29 .....................................at Carrollton Jan. 5 ....................................at Columbiana Jan. 9 .....................................Mineral Ridge Jan. 12...............................................Lisbon Jan. 19 ..............................at East Palestine Jan. 23 ........................................Springfield Jan. 26..........................................Crestview Jan. 30 ................................at South Range Feb. 2........................................Columbiana Feb. 6.................................at Mineral Ridge Feb. 9 ............................................at Lisbon
Wellsville Nov. 29 ..................................East Liverpool Dec. 1......................................Beaver Local Dec. 8 ..............................at Southern Local Dec. 12.................................Jackson-Milton Dec. 15.......................................at Leetonia Dec. 19 ....................................at Lowellville Dec. 21 ............................................Toronto Jan. 5 ...............................Western Reserve Jan. 9 ...........................................McDonald Jan. 12.........................................at Sebring Jan. 17 ................................at Beaver Local Jan. 19.................................Southern Local Jan. 23 .............................at Jackson-Milton Jan. 26............................................Leetonia Jan. 28 ..............................at East Liverpool Jan. 30 .........................................Lowellville Feb. 2 ...........................at Western Reserve Feb. 6.......................................at McDonald Feb. 8...........................................at Sebring Feb. 13 .........................................at Toronto
West Branch Nov. 30 ............................................Alliance Dec. 3.....................................Canton South Dec. 10..........................................Louisville Dec. 14....................................at Marlington Dec. 17 ..............................................Salem Dec. 22 ..........................................at United Dec. 27 .........................................Carrollton Dec. 29 ........................................Northwest Jan. 4 ..............................................Canfield Jan. 7 ..........................................at Minerva Jan. 14 ...............................at Canton South Jan. 18 ..................................East Liverpool Jan. 21 ......................................at Louisville Jan. 25 ........................................Marlington Jan. 28 ...........................................at Salem Feb. 1 .......................................at Carrollton Feb. 4 ..............................................Minerva Feb. 8 ..........................................at Alliance Feb. 11...........................at Austintown Fitch Feb. 15 ....................at Youngstown Mooney
30 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
MINERVA LIONS
Morning Journal/Ron Firth
Members of the Minerva boys basketball team are (front, from left) ball boy Brett Russell, Keanan Locke, Tony Rogers, Nick Apisa, Zach Wade, Eli Maurer, Tyler Klimko, Chase Petree, Cody Parrish, Jantsen Locke, ball boy Connor Wright; (back, from left) head coach Pepper Locke, Quade Zeedrich, Kyle Crum, Evan Forst, Jacob Eberling, Adam Anderson, coach Rob Yeagley, coach Scott Russell and coach Bruce Wright.
Minerva has guarded optimism SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: Minerva Lions. 2010-11 RECORD: 7-15, including a 2-12 mark in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference. The Lions won four of their last six games after a 1-11 start. They were 1-3 in games decided by three points or less. HEAD COACH: Pepper Locke is in his sixth season as head coach with a record of 55-53. He served 11 seasons as the Minerva girls head coach with a record of 149-96. ASSISTANT COACHES: Bruce Wright (varsity assistant), Scott Russell (junior varsity), Lance Willison (freshmen), Doug Myers (eighth grade), Mike Moran (eighth grade assistant), Kevin Russell (seventh grade), John Pilati (seventh grade assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Three, including one starter.
RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Eli Maurer (5-10 senior point guard, two-year letterwinner), Keanan Locke (6-0 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), Jantsen Locke (6-0 senior guard, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Zach Wade (5-11 senior guard), Tyler Klimko (5-9 senior guard), Kyle Crum (6-5 senior post), Jacob Eberling (6-1 senior post), Chase Petree (6-0 senior post), Evan Forst (6-6 junior post), Adam Anderson (6-0 senior guard), Nick Apisa (6-0 senior post), Quade Zeedrich (6-3 junior forward), Tony Rogers (6-0 junior forward), Cody Parrish (5-8 sophomore guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Andrew Whiteleather (5-11 junior guard), Benaiah Martin (5-11 junior guard), Jacob Stryffeler (6-4 sophomore post), Chase Cappelli (5-9 sopho-
more forward), Kris Nign (5-11 junior guard), Nick Clapper (5-8 sophomore guard). TEAM STRENGTHS: “We will have a team with some depth, quickness and kids who are very competitive,” Locke said. “I think we could have a real solid team. We are working on understanding our roles and our team chemistry. I have a lot of optimism for this team. They are great kids who give effort and like each other.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Defense and rebounding will be very important for us this season,” Locke said. The Lions were 7-1 when holding opponents to less than 50 points last season, but 0-14 when giving up more than 50 points. 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Eli Maurer 14.9, Mike Mayle (graduated) 12.0, Jeremy Fick (graduated) 9.6.
2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Eli Maurer, second-team All-NBC. Jeremy Fick (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. Mike Mayle (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Minerva should get stronger as the season progresses. The Lions have some size and several football players got late starts after leading Minerva to its first playoff game victory in school history. “Our kids are working hard in practice,” Locke said. “If we can learn to play hard fo the whole game, we will be a good team. We have good guards and developing posts. We have some good depth this season. The key will be to bring it all together and become a solid See MINERVA, Page 32
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 31
Morning Journal/Ron Firth
Members of the Minerva girls basketball team are (front, from left) Morgan Preston, Mayson Hardgrove, Alexa Bates; (second row, from left) Kaele Lightfoot, Raychel Blocher, Mikayla Shea, Jennah Hart, Lorin Clark, Jacklyn Russell; (back, from left) ball girl Lauren Frigyes, Lauren Haynam, coach Sean Kocher, head coach Heather Frigyes, coach Mark Blackburn, Tiffany Jones and Shania Miller. “GO. . .LIONS”
See page 32 for the Minerva girls preview
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32 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
Lion girls have big shoes to fill SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: Minerva Lions. 2010-11 RECORD: 18-6, including a second-place finish in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference with an 11-3 mark. The Lions captured their second straight Division II district championship. They won 11 of their last 14 games after a 7-4 start. HEAD COACH: Heather Frigyes enters her first season as head coach. She was the junior varsity coach last season and is in her 18th season of coaching at Minerva. She played at Minerva from 986-90 and then for the University of Akron. ASSISTANT COACHES: Mark Blackburn (varsity assistant), Sean Kocher (junior varsity), Tiffany Ormiston (eighth grade), Brooke Preston (eighth grade), Mikka Ray (seventh grade), Justin Davis (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Three, including one starter. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Mayson Hardgrove (5-11 junior forward, two-year letterwinner), Raychel Blocher (5-9 junior guard-forward, one-year letterwinner), Lorin Clark (5-5 junior guard, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Kaele Lightfoot (5-7 junior guard-forward), Jacklyn Russell (5-2 junior guard), Mikayla Shea (5-8 junior forward), Lauren Haynam (5-8 sophomore guard-forward), Shania Miller (5-6 sophomore guard), Morgan Preston (5-7 sophomore forward). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Jennah Hart (5-2 junior guard),
After losing six seniors to graduation, it is rebuilding time for the Lions. Under new leadership and no one on the roster over 5-foot-9, expect a change in their style of play offensively and defensively.” HEATHER FRIGYES, MINERVA GIRLS COACH
Samantha Jones (junior forward), Alexa Bates (5-8 sophomore forward), Tiffany Jones (5-9 sophomore forward), Madison Siedschlaw (sophomore guard), Emily Clark (freshman guard-forward), Kristen Clark (freshman forward), Jordan Diels (freshman forward), Amber Dunn (freshman guard), Madison Kiko (freshman guard), Bri Moyer (freshman forward), Lauren Rhome (freshman forward-center), Caitlin Rodgers (freshman guardforward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Without a senior on the roster, the 2011-12 Lions are a young team overall looking to rebuild under new leadership,” Frigyes said. “Look for them to capitalize on their athleticism and quickness.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Only one of three letterwinners return with extensive varsity experience, making us a very young team overall,” Frigyes said. “This, however, could become a strength leading into next season. With our tallest players at 5-9, one of our maing focus points is being fundamentally sound, especially defense and rebounding.” 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Chelsie Butler (graduated) 16.2, Taylor Maurer (graduated) 12.6,
the only returnee with extensive varsity playing time. “After losing six seniors to graduation, it is rebuilding time for the Lions,” Frigyes said. “Under new leadership and no one on the roster over 5-foot-9, expect a change in their style of play offensively and defensively.” They were 18-2 when holding opponents to less than 50 points last season. The Lions will need another defensive effort like that this year. “The NBC has always been a highly competitive league, who now welcomes the Salem Quakers into the mix,” Frigyes said. “Louisville is a preseason favorite to win the league with Marlington and West Branch vying for a spot at or near the top of the list. “Carrollton and Canton South should find themselves competing somewhere in the middle of the pack, followed by Alliance.”
Kassidy Hardgrove (graduated) 9.8, Katie Mihok (graduated) 4.9, Mayson Hardgrove 4.5; Rebounds — Chelsie Butler (graduated) 8.2 ; Assists — Taylor Maurer (graduated) 3.7; Steals — Taylor Maurer (graduated) 3.5; Blocks — Chelsie Butler 3.9; Field Goal Pct. — Chelsie Butler (graduated) 54 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Taylor Maurer (graduated) 84 percent. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Chelsie Butler (graduated) Ohio Division II Co-Player of the Year and Northeastern Buckeye Conference Player of the Year. Taylor Maurer (graduated) firstteam All-NBC. Kassidy Hardgrove (graduated) sec- Continued from Page 30 ond-team All-NBC. Katie Mihok (graduated) honorable team. We want to be a team that plays together and understand rolls.” mention All-NBC. The Lions are hoping to hold their Mayson Hardgrove, honorable menown in the competitive Northeastern tion All-NBC. SEASON OUTLOOK: Minerva is Buckeye Conference. “Alliance is going to be pretty good,” coming off of consecutive district Locke said. “Marlington has Stroble championships, but the Lions lost six of their top seven players to gradua- back and South has a new coach. From what I hear, they are working hard. tion. “You always have Alliance, The Lions lost 84 percent of their Marlington, Louisville and Carrollton. scoring to graduation. Gone are 1,000point scorers Chelsie Butler (now at Salem is coming in and I know they are Marquette University) and Taylor going to be good. It’s going to be an Maurer, while Mayson Hardgrove is interesting league.”
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MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 33
OAK GLEN GOLDEN BEARS
Oak Glen girls rely on backcourt
Oak Glen’s Payden Eckleberry pushes the ball up the court against East Liverpool’s Kelsie Wymer season.
SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: Oak Glen Golden Bears. 2010-11 RECORD: 15-10. The Golden Bears advanced to the Region One championship game. HEAD COACH: Scott Wiley etners his second season as head coach. He previously served two years as the Oak Glen seventh grade girls coach and one year apiece at Oak Glen and Steubenville Catholic Central s freshmen boys coach. ASSISTANT COACHES: Rhonda Stepec, Sam Palepta, Sherrie Garner. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Payden Eckleberry (senior, three-year letterwinner), Amy Webster (senior, one-year letterwinner), Alex Burch (junior, one-year letterwinner), Casey Patterson (junior, one-year letterwinner), Vanessa Hissam (sophomore, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Haley McLaughlin, Karly Wiley, Tori Feicht, Karra Taylor, Rachelle Woofter, Jessica Stivason. JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Natalie Farnsworth, Jackie Cool, Jessi King, Brie Evans, Erin Fields, Kaitlyn Herstine, Alyson Snow.
TEAM STRENGTHS: “Our point guard and quickness,” Wiley said. The Golden Bears will be led by point guard Payden Eckleberry, a third-team Class AA AllWest Virginia pick last season. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Height. We’re not going to be a real big team,” Wiley said. “We are going to be a young team, mostly everyone coming off our bench played jayvee last year.” 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Kiley King (graduated) 17.4; Rebounds — Kiley King (graduated) 9.0; Blocks — Kiley King (graduated) 2.5. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Kiley King (graduated) second-team Class AA All-West Virginia. Payden Eckleberry, third-team Class AA AllWest Virginia. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Golden Bears hope to compete for the state title in Charlsetown, W.Va., after falling short last season. “We’re also looking to get back to the OVAC title game,” Wiley said. “That’s one of the girls’ goals.”
Quickness sparks Oak Glen boys SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: Oak Glen Golden Bears. 2010-11 RECORD: 3-20. HEAD COACH: Vince Gilliam is in his sixth season as head coach with a record of 35-75. He previously served as head coach at Weirton for seven years, junior varsity coach at Weirton for 12 years and head coach at Weirton for 15 years. ASSISTANT COACHES: Mike Brenna, Jerry Everly. RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seven, including four starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Taylor Kincaid (6-5 junior center), Cody howell (6-3 junior forward), Tanner Crago (6-3 senior forward), Jacob Ford (5-10 freshman guard-forward), Dave McGraw (6-4 sophomore guard), Brandon Hissam (5-10 senior
guard), Tyler Steed (5-10 junior forward). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Hunter Montero (5-10 senior guardforward), Brandon Marcum (5-9 senior guard), Bub Haddox (5-9 sophomore guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Brennan Smith, Trey Smith, Cole Halloway, Cole Beaver, Matt Stipeck, Ryan Congo, Alex Wedgewood, Tyler Click. TEAM STRENGTHS: “This may be the quickest group I’ve had since I’ve been at Oak Glen,” Gilliam said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “We’re not that physically strong inside against some of the people we have to play against,” Gilliam said. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Martin Mazezka (graduated) special
mention Class AA All-West Virginia. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Golden Bears return four starters, which give them a good building block. “I’m looking forward to playing all
of (the games),” Gilliam said. The Golden Bears’ rival is East Liverpool, but Gilliam said they look forward to the challenges every team will bring this season.
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34 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
SALEM QUAKERS
Morning Journal/B.J. Lisko
Members of the Salem boys basketball team are (front, from left) Blake Veglia, Mike Popa, Brooks Bezon, Isaiah Maher, Mike Madison, Andrew Dolphin, Mark Fredrickson; (second row, from left) Zach Economous, Ryan Hoover, Ryan Bush, Zack Wukotich, ball boy Nick Smyczynski, ball boy Alex Smyczynski, Austin Frank, Trace Jenkins, Brendan Webb, Eric Madison; (back, from left) coach Russ Miller, Brayden Myers, Max Wolfgang, Zack Penick, Trent Kenreigh, coach George Spack, head coach Rich Hart, Shane Grim, Jon Fortney, Anthony Shivers, coach Andy Smyczynski and coach Jake Zatchok.
Quakers ready for NBC challenge SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: Salem Quakers. 2010-11 RECORD: 10-12, including a 1-7 mark in the All-American Conference White Division. Three of the losses were to Struthers. The Quakers got off to a 6-3 start beforing losing eight straight games and winning the next four. They were 2-5 in games decided by four points or less. HEAD COACH: Rich Hart is in his second season as head coach. He was 184-118 as Minerva head coach from 1992-2006, being named the 1994 Ohio Division II Coach of the Year after leading Minerva to a 20-0 season. He has a career record of 248-211 as a head coach, including stops at Upper Sandusky and Hardin Northern. ASSISTANT COACHES: Russ Miller (junior varsity), George Spack
(varsity assistant), Andy Smyczynski (varsity assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Six, including two starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Trent Kenreigh (5-10 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Ryan Bush (5-11 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), Tony Shivers (6-4 junior forward-center, one-year letterwinner), Brendon Webb (5-10 junior, one-year letterwinner), Blake Veglia (5-9 junior guard-forward, one-year letterwinner), Mike Madison (5-9 junior guard, oneyear letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Zack Penick (6-1 senior forward), Max Wolfgang (6-5 sophomore forwardcenter), Brayden Myers (6-3 junior forward), Jon Fortney (6-3 senior forward-center), Zack Economus (6-2 jun-
ior forward), Austin Frank (5-10 junior guard-forward), Shane Grim (6-3 senior forward), Brooks Bezon (5-9 junior guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Trace Jenkins (6-2 freshman), Mark Fredrickson (6-1 sophomore), Alex Weikart (5-9 sophomore), Andrew Dolphin (5-9 sophomore), Mike Popa (5-11 sophomore, Ryan Hoover (6-2 sophomore), Eric Madison (6-3 junior). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Depth with six returning letterman,” Hart said. “And we have added senior Zack Penick (who was injured last year), senior Jon Fortney and senior Shane Grim along with a talented group of juniors along with sophomore Max Wolfgang. “The team has worked hard and is stronger physically. We have experienced leaders in captain Trent
Kenreigh, leading scorer from last year Ryan Bush, and returning post Tony Shivers. Blake Veglia, Brendon Webb and Mike Madison all started games as sophomores.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Injuries to Mike Madison, Braydon Myers and Austin Frank,” Hart said. “We need to be more consistent from the three-point line and better at the free throw line.” 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Jake Madison (graduated) 14.6, Ryan Wolfgang (graduated) 14.4, Ryan Bush 14.0, Taylor Fredrickson (graduated) 13.1, Trent Kenreigh 7.3; Rebounds — Taylor Fredrickson (graduated) 11.1, Ryan Wolfgang (graduated) 7.3; Assists — Trent Kenreigh 4.1; Steals — Ryan Wolfgang (graduated) 2.3; See QUAKERS, Page 51
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 35
Morning Journal/B.J. Lisko
Members of the Salem girls basketball team are (front, from left) Julia Dundon, Mallorie Davidson, Katherine Stiff, Mallory Maher, Megan Lehwald; (kneeling) coach Derryck VanCobb; (back, from left) coach George Spack, Kristen Brown, Reegan Barnett, Cassie Davidson, Ciera Trybend, head coach Renee Farina, Lindsey Foster, Sierra Day, Tori Jones, Carson Kleineman and coach Marissa Mattozzi.
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36 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
SEBRING TROJANS
Sebring reloads another winner SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: Sebring Trojans. 2010-11 RECORD: 15-7, including an 8-6 mark in the Inter-Tri County League lower tier. The Trojans were 73 at home and 5-0 in Saturday games. HEAD COACH: Mark Baia enters his first season as head coach. He has coached at Sebring for 11 years, including three years as junior varsity coach and eight years as eighth grade coach. ASSISTANT COACHES: Jamie Reggi (junior varsity), Dave Scarpitti (freshmen), Jason Hamby (eighth grade), Jeff Schroder (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Three, all of them starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Dakota Wagner (6-4 senior forward-center, three-year letterwinner), Corey Baia (5-9 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Jake Hubbs (6-1 senior guard-forward, two-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Mitch Baddeley (5-9 senior guard), Joe Campbell (6-2 senior forward), Ian D’Ostroph (5-8 senior guard-forward), Jake Arbitter (6-3 senior forward), Johnny Gough (6-0 senior guard), Josh Hurford (5-8 junior guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Allen Hanes (5-7 junior guard), Zack Jackson (5-8 junior guard), Kirby Wilt (5-11 junior forward), Jerry Billingsley (6-1 sophomore forward-center), Joe Davis (5-11 sophomore guard), Tyler Hamby (5-6 sophomore guard), Dylan Mick (6-0 sophomore guard-forward), Jon Ward (5-8 sophomore forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Chemistry and experience,” Baia said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Shot selection and patience,” Baia said. 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Aaron VanKirk (graduated) 17.3, Seamus Johnson (graduated) 12.5, Dakota Wagner 9.1; Rebounds — Dakota Wagner 8.0, Aaron VanKirk (graduated) 5.3; Assists — Aaron VanKirk (graduated) 2.1; Steals — Dakota Wagner 2.2; Blocks — Dakota Wagner 1.2; Field Goal Pct. — Aaron VanKirk (graduated) 56 percent,
Morning Journal/B.J. Lisko
Members of the Sebring boys basketball team are (front, from left) ball boy Collin Baia, ball boy Wes Latham, ball girl Olivia Reggi; (second row, from left) Joe Davis, Jon Ward, Zack Jackson, Josh Hurford, Dylan Mick, Tyler Hamby; (third row, from left) head coach Mark Baia, Tony Sabatine, Kirby Wilt, Johnny Gough, Jerry Billingsley, Ian D’Ostroph, Allen Hanes, coach Jamie Reggi; (back, from left) Corey Baia, Jake Hubbs, Dakota Wagner, Jake Arbitter, Joe Campbell and Mitch Baddeley.
Seamus Johnson (graduated) 54 percen. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Aaron VanKirk (graduated) secondteam All-Area. Seamus Johnson (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. Dakota Wagner, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Sebring lost its top two scorers in Aaron VanKirk
and Seamus Johnson, but the three returning starters are expected to step up their scoring. “We lost the bulk of our scoring from last year, so that is our biggest challenge,” Baia said. “We will play hard man-to-man defense on a nightly basis and look to execute consistently.” If the Trojans can get consistent contributions from the incoming varsity players, they are expected to be among
the top teams in the Inter-Tri County League lower tier. “I look for the league title to be anyone’s to win,” Baia said. “Our league is pretty even this year with McDonald being the favorite until they get knocked off.” The Trojans will play only one home in the opening month of the season. “We play five our of the first six six on the road,” Baia said. “That is tough.”
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 37
Trojans play a numbers game SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: Sebring Trojans. 2010-11 RECORD: 14-10, including a third-place finish in the Inter-Tri County League lower tier with an 8-6 mark. The Trojans reached the district championship game for the first time since 1999. Five of the wins were by three points or less. HEAD COACH: Joe Eaton is in his first season as head coach. He spent the last two years as the Sebring girls seventh-grade girls coach. ASSISTANT COACHES: Don Eaton (assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Three, including one starter. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Kayla Maretich (5-4 senior point guard, two-year letterwinner), Karlie Meek (5-6 senior post, two-year letterwinner), Kelsi Settle (5-7 sophomore wing, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Siara Dalton (5-9 senior post), Cierra Roosa (5-3 sophomore wing), Kayla Moore (5-8 sophomore post), Regan Zeppernick (5-4 freshman post), Brittany Fotheringham (5-4 junior wing), Brianna Aberegg (5-4 freshman post). TEAM STRENGTHS: “We have a work working team that works to improve each day,” Eaton said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: Inexperience with one returning starter. The Trojans lost their top three scorers to graduation. 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Taylor Ward (graduated) 15.0, Maggie Householder (graduated) 11.0; Rebounds — Taylor Ward (graduated) 6.0, Maggie Householder (graduated)
Morning Journal/B.J. Lisko
Members of the Sebring girls basketball team are (front, from left) Siara Dalton, Kayla Maretich, Karlie Meek; (back, from left) head coach Joe Eaton, Regan Zeppernick, Brianna Aberegg, Brittany Fotheringham, Kelsi Settle, Kayla Moore and Cierra Roosa.
5.0; Assists — Taylor Ward (graduated) 4.0. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Taylor Ward (graduated) honorable mention Division IV All-Ohio and second-team All-Area. Maggie Householder (graduated)
honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The numbers are starting to catch up to the Sebring girls. The Trojans have nine players on the roster and will not field a junior varsity team for the third straight season.
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38 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
SOUTH RANGE RAIDERS
Morning Journal/B.J. Lisko
Members of the South Range boys basketball team are (front, from left) ball boy T.J. Irons, Isaac Schuster, Andy Lacefield, Brandon Pluchinsky, Jordan Baker, Zac Czopur, Dan Good, ball boy B.J. Schmit; (back, from left) coach T.J. Irons, coach Luke Schuster, Jake Pfeifer, Cole Krumpak, Mason Miller, Tyler Beverly, Ross Stoffer, Jake Arsuffi, head coach Dave Purins and coach Harold McCune.
This could be South Range’s year
SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: South Range Raiders. 2010-11 RECORD: 16-5, including a second-place finish in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier with an 11-3 mark. The Raiders were 3-0 vs. the ITCL lower tier. HEAD COACH: Dave Purins is in his sixth season as head coach with a record of 52-54. He was the South Range junior varsity coach for one season. ASSISTANT COACHES: Harold McCue (varsity assistant), T.J. Irons (junior varsity), Luke Schuster (junior varsity), Jeff Fishel (freshmen), Bob Cook (eighth grade), Burt Stellers (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seven, including four starters.
RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Brandon Pluchinsky (6-3 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Andy Lacefield (6-0 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Jordan Baker (6-0 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Dan Good (6-3 senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Isaac Schuster (6-3 senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Zac Czopur (5-11 senior guard, one-year letterwinner), Ross Stoffer (6-0 junior guard, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Jake Arsuffi (5-10 junior guard), Mason Miller (6-0 junior guard), Tyler Beverly (6-4 junior forward), Jake Pfeifer (5-9 junior guard), Cole Krumpak (5-10 junior guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Zach Thorpe (5-10 sophomore guard),
Colton Hiner (6-0 sophomore forward), Adam Witmer (6-0 sophomore foward), Turner Curry (6-0 sophomore forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Our biggest strength lies in the willingness our guys have to sacrifice for one another.,” Purins said. “We will also have the ability to go fairly deep into the bench with a strong senior class.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “We need to improve our team free throw shooting from a year ago as this was a weaknessfor us,” Purins said. “As competitive as the ITCL will be this year, we will definitely have some games decided at the line.” 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Brandon Pluchinsky 12.7, Andy Lacefield 12.6, Dan Good 9.6;
Rebounds — Dan Good 6.4, Andy Lacefield 4.7; Assists — Andy Lacefield 4.5, Brandon Pluchinsky 2.7; Steals — Andy Lacefield 3.8, Jordan Baker 2.9; Blocks — ; Field Goal Pct. — Brandon Pluchinsky 51.2 percent, Andy Lacefield 46 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Brandon Pluchinsky 81.3 percent, Andy Lacefield 75.2 percent. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Andy Lacefield, first-team All-Area. Brandon Pluchinsky, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: If you had to pick one team as the preseason favorite in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier, it would be South Range. “We will be led by our six seniors, See SOUTH RANGE, Page 52
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 39
Special to the Journal/Magic Moments Photography
Members of the South Range girls basketball team are (front, from left) coach Darrin Waselich, Lisa Stewart, Kristin Robinson, Abbey Ausnehmer, Hannah Wiery, Kelsey Maynard; (back, from left) head coach Wayne Johnson, coach Ryan Guy, Stevie Taylor, Allison Oliver, Alexis Naples, coach Colleen Eisenbraun and coach Henry Glenn. See page 52 for the South Range girls preview. VICTOR STOFFER agent - owner
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40 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
SOUTHERN LOCAL INDIANS
Morning Journal/Ron Firth
Members of the Southern Local boys basketball team are (front, from left) head coach George Whittaker, Kyler Woodward, Luke Griffith, Jared Sevek, James Napierkowski, Dylan Ketchum, Damin Beadnell, J.J. Napierkowski, M.J. Williams, Jared Shilot, Caleb Gotschall, manager Jimmy Giannone and coach Aaron Blatch.
Southern comes off best season
SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: Southern Local Indians. 2010-11 RECORD: 17-4, including a second-place finish in the Inter-Tri County League lower tier with an 11-3 mark. It was the winningest season in school history — two wins more than they ever won before. The Indians were 9-1 at home and 8-1 in Friday games. HEAD COACH: George Whittaker is in his 12th season as head coach with a record of 129-117. He was the Ohio Division IV Co-Coach of the Year, the Morning Journal All-Area Coach of the Year and Columbiana County CoCoach of the Year. He has 28 years of head coaching experience, including
two seasons with the Beaver Local girls and one with the Western Reserve boys. ASSISTANT COACHES: Aaron Blatch (junior varsity), Mike Boyle (eighth grade), Ethan Blatch (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Two, neither of them starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: J. J. Napierkowski (5-8 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), Luke Griffith (6-3 junior guard-forward, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Damin Beadnell (5-7 senior guard), Jared Sevek (5-11 senior forward),
Kyler Woodward (6-3 junior forward), Dylan Ketchum (5-9 junior guard), Jared Shilot (6-2 sophomore guard-forward), Caleb Gotschall (6-6 sophomore forward), M.J. Williams (5-9 sophomore guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Clayton Cunningham (6-0 sophomore forward), James Napierkowski (5-9 sophomore guard), Andrew Russell (62 freshman guard-forward), Sebastian Baddeley (5-11 sophomore forward), Aron Sevek (5-7 freshman guard), Josh Brown (5-10 freshman guard), Alan Roush (6-2 freshman forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: The Indians have good team quickness and now
have a winning attitude. TEAM WEAKNESSES: The Indians lost all five starters to graduation along with more than 87 percent of its scoring. 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Jake Boyle (graduated) 17.2, Eric Baker (graduated) 16.2, Trey Griffith (graduated) 14.0, Luke Griffith 5.2; Rebounds — Eric Baker (graduated) 12.6, Jake Boyle (graduated) 8.9; Assists — Trey Griffith (gradated) 5.0; Steals — ; Blocks — Eric Baker (graduated) 2.3. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: See SOUTHERN, Page 53
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 41
Morning Journal/Ron Firth
Members of the Southern Local girls basketball team are (front, from left) Lena Cataldo, Savanna Boals, Kati Hipsley, Maddy Dowling, Jennah Phillis, Heather Sell, Rachel Coil, Bridgett Hostetter; (second row, from left) Rebecca Farley, Aysia Cantebury, Beckah Phillis, Susan Bratt, Brittany Weber, Natoshia Riggs, Jenna Jackson, Sarah Phillis; (back, from left) head coach Cory Leek and coach Abbey Gorby.
See page 53 for the Southern Local girls preview
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42 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
SPRINGFIELD LOCAL TIGERS
Special to the Journal/Magic Moments Photography
Members of the Springfield boys basketball team are (front, from left) Ryan Stacy, Joe Ohlin, Ron Rogers, Nick Russell, Tom Mastran; (back, from left) coach Tim Norris, Joe Carabello, Eoghan Bees, Jared McTigue, Joe Johnson, Alex Wharry coach Tom Fender and coach Eric Fender.
Tigers will be in the thick of things SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: Springfield Local Tigers. 2010-11 RECORD: 14-7, including a second-place finish in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier with an 11-3 mark. The Tigers were 2-2 in games decided by two points and were 7-2 in Friday games. HEAD COACH: Eric Fender enters his third season as head coahc with a record of 23-19. He was freshman coach of one year at each Springfield and Poland. ASSISTANT COACHES: Eric Fender (varsity assistant), Tim Norris (junior varsity and varsity assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Five, including three starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAY-
ERS: Nick Russell (6-3 senior guardforward, two-year letterwinner), Ron Rogers (6-3 senior guard-forward, twoyear letterwinner), Tom Mastran (5-10 senior guard, one-year letterwinner), Eoghan Bees (5-8 junior guardone-year letterwinner), Jared McTigue (6-1 junior forward, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Joe Ohlin (6-0 senior guard-forward), Ryan Stacy (5-10 senior forward), Joe Carabello (5-6 junior guard), Joe Johnson (5-9 junior forward), Alex Wharry (5-9 junior guard-forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Our strengths will be shooting the basketball and having a group of players who can play a variety of positions,” Fender said.
TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Our weakness is our height,” Fender said. 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Ron Rogers 12.2, Brad Ferraro (graduated) 11.9, Nick Russell 11.7, Brad Ferraro (graduated) 11.0; Rebounds — Nick Russell 5.5, Ron Rogers 5.0; Assists — Brad Ferraro (graduated) 3.0; Blocks — Nick Russell 3.0; Free Throw Pct. — Ron Rogers 75 percent. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Nick Russell, second-team All-Area. Ron Rogers, honorable mention AllArea. Brad Ferraro (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Springfield is one of four teams expected to contend for the Inter-Tri County League upper
tier title and may have the most athletic team. “This year’s Springfield boy’s basketball team has a great set of goals which I think we can achieve,” Fender said. “We are lead by five great seniors who have worked hard to get this team where we want to be.” The Tigers must step up defensively again. They gave up an average of 45.0 points a game last season and went 121 when limiting opponents to less than 50 points. “We must be able to box out and play solid team defense in order to give ourselves a chance to win,” Fender said. The Tigers will see where they are quickly with a Dec. 9 game at South Range.
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 43
Springfield takes show on road SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: Springfield Local Tigers. 2010-11 RECORD: 5-16, including a 5-9 mark in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier. The Tigers were 07 in non-league play, getting outscored by an average of 13.7 points. They were 4-3 on Mondays. HEAD COACH: Jim Schuler enters his second season as head coach. He previously was Springfield’s junior varsity girls coach for two years. ASSISTANT COACHES: Jeff Huffman (varsity assistant), Nate Schuler (junior varsity). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seven, including two starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Brooke Schrieber (5-10 senior guard, three-year letterwinner), Lexi Zubick (5-3 senior guard, one-year letterwinner), Amanda Sofranec (5-10 senior post, one-year letterwinner), Kim Taylor (5-10 senior post, twoyear letterwinner), Andrea Zubick (5-0 junior post, one-year letterwinner), Baylee Felger (5-9 sophomore post, one-year letterwinner), Jill Tabaka (59 sophomore post, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Amber Schneider (senior guard), Samantha Semach (junior post), Alexa Packard (junior guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Kennedy Richey (sophomore guard), Julia Denmeade (sophomore guardpost), Callie Ford (freshman guard), Emily Stacy (freshman post), Mary Ritter (freshman guard), Joanie Foster (freshman post).
WAY TO GO, TIGERS!
Special to the Journal/Magic Moments Photography
Members of the Springfield girls basketball team are (front, from left) Samantha Semach, Andrea Zubick, Kennedy Richey, Mary Ritter, Emily Stacy; (second row, from left) Lexi Zubick, Amanda Sofranec, Brooke Schrieber, Kim Taylor, Amber Schneider; (back, from left) coach Jeff Huffman, Alexa Packard, Julia Denmeade, Jill Tabaka, Joanie Foster, Baylee Felger, Callie Ford, coach Nate Schuler and head coach Jim Schuler.
TEAM STRENGTHS: The Tigers return one of the top players in the ITCL, Brooke Schrieber, who led the team in scoring and rebounding last season. “We have more experience this year than we did last year,” Schuler said. “Our senior leadership will be a major strength.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Our biggest weakness might be how we finish games and free throw percentage,” Schuler said. The Tigers shot 50.1 percent from
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the line last season, when they scored more than 48 points twice. 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Brooke Schrieber (graduated) 15.0; Rebounds — Brooke Schrieber (graduated) 8.0. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Brooke Schrieber (graduated) secondteam All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Springfield hopes to get a better start than last season’s 1-8 beginning. “Overall, I think the league should be pretty competitive,” Schuler said.
“Our schedule is tough in the sense that we play six of our first seven games on the road. We’re looking forward to that challenge. Some of our non-league games will give us a challenge as well.” Sisters Lexi and Andrea Zubick return to the backcourt after missing last season due to knee injuries. “We lose three to graduation, but replace them with two players that were injured a year ago,” Schuler said. “Some of the younger girls that played some last year will also fill the void.”
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44 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
UNITED GOLDEN EAGLES
Morning Journal/Ron Firth
Members of the United girls basketball team are (front, from left) Allison Parks, Sydney Moats, Taylor Smith Preslee Johnson, Ruth Prosko, Devon Ritchie, Brittny Miller; (second row, from left) Morgan Smallwood, Claudia Rockhold, Angela Judy, Tara Gray, Elle Smith, Amanda Hall; (back, from left) coach Josh Sigler, Jenna Plummer, Masey Johnson, Cassidy Yoder, MacKenzie Firth, Sam Spitler, Emily Zehentbauer, Mackenzie Gatchel and head coach Sam Mathias.
United girls among ITCL’s elite SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: United Golden Eagles. 2010-11 RECORD: 18-5, including a share of a third straight Inter-Tri County League upper tier title with a 13-1 mark. The five losses were to Warren JFK, West Branch, Ravenna, South Range and Youngstown Ursuline. The Eagles have won 10 of their last 11 home games. HEAD COACH: Sam Mathis is in his first season as head coach. He was the head coach at Sebring the past seven seasons with a record of 35-32. He also was the junior varsity boys coach at Sebring for four years.
ASSISTANT COACHES: Josh Sigler, Chris Kadvan, Buster Woolf, Jeanne Woolf. RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Eight, including two starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Ruth Prosko (senior, three-year letterwinner), Taylor Smith (senior, one-year letterwinner), Preslee Johnson (senior one-year letterwinner), Emily Zehentbauer (junior one-year letterwinner), Cassidy Yoder (junior one-year letterwinner), Tara Gray (junior oneyear letterwinner), Samantha Spitler (junior one-year letterwinner), Mackenzie Gatchel (sophomore one-
year letterwinner) INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Masey Johnson (sophomore), Brittany Miller (sophomore), Allison Parks (sophomore), Devon Ritchie (sophomore), Elle Smith (sophomore), MacKenzie Firth (freshman), Angela Judy (freshman), Sydney Moats (freshman), Jenna Plummer (freshman), Claudia Rockhold (freshman), Morgan Smallwood (freshman), Amanda Hall (freshman). TEAM STRENGTHS: “The whole group has the desire to get better and win,” Mathias said. “The older players really support the younger players,
helping to develop their skills and improve their confidence. The school and community support this team tremendously and the girls feed off of it. They enjoy competing and doing it at the highest level possible.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “There is a whole new coaching staff from seventh through 12th grade,” Mathias said. “There are new concepts being taught at all levels, so there will be an adjustment period. The staff and players are getting comfortable with each other and working to improve each weakness that See UNITED, Page 55
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 45
United boys welcome new faces SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: United Golden Eagles. 2010-11 RECORD: 5-16, including a 4-10 mark in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier. The Eagles lost 12 of their last 14 games and have lost 14 of their last 15 games on the road. HEAD COACH: Matt Mowery enters his first season as head coach. He was junior varsity coach at United the past three years, seventh-grade coach at United one year and varsity asssistant at Salem one year. ASSISTANT COACHES: Rob Clunen (varsity assistant), Todd Sarchet (junior varsity), Luke Williams (freshmen), Ryan Burd (eighth grade), Jarrod Niederhiser (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Two, including one starter. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Brett Albright (5-7 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Kyle Widlicka (6-1 senior forward, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Doug Covert (6-3 senior forward), Ian Hardgrove (5-9 junior guard), Frank Mitchell (5-8 junior guard), Brandon Miller (5-7 sophomore guard), Garrett Beech (5-9 sophomore guard), Caleb Conser (5-10 sophomore), Mike Martin (5-8 sophomore guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Tyler Plummer (6-0 junior), Nick Althouse (5-11 junior guard-forward), Paul Faulkner (5-11 junior forward), Devin Minard (5-11 sophomore forward), Jake Wolni (6-2 sophomore forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Athletic, quick and coachable,” Mowery said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: The Eagles
Morning Journal/Ron Firth
Members of the United boys basketball team are (front, from left) Brett Albright, Ian Hardgrove, Caleb Conser, Nick Althouse, Garrett Beech, Devin Minard, Brandon Miller; (back, from left) coach Luke Williams, coach Todd Sarchet, Tyler Plummer, Kyle Widlicka, Doug Covert, Paul Faulkner, Frank Mitchell and head coach Matt Mowery. Not pictured are Mike Martin and Jake Wolni.
return only two lettermen and are searching for an inside presence. 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Brett Albright 9.2, Jansen Sneltzer (graduated) 8.7; Rebounds — Matt Gatchel (graduated) 5.9, Kyle Smallwood (graduated) 5.1; Assists — Brett Albright 2.3; Field Goal Pct. — Jansen Sneltzer (graduated) 46 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Brett VICTOR STOFFER
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Albright (graduated) 67 percent. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Jansen Sneltzer (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. Matt Gatchel (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: United will be trying to slow the pace of games again to give the Eagles a chance. “We have a lot of new faces to our team,” Mowery said. “Some have been
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46 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
WELLSVILLE TIGERS
Can Wellsville rebuild a winner? SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: Wellsville Tigers. 2010-11 RECORD: 17-7, including a third-place finish in the Inter-Tri County League lower tier with a 9-5 mark. Three of the losses were to McDonald. The Tigers have won seven straight games on Tuesdays. HEAD COACH: David “Bug” Thompson is in his eighth season as head coach with a record of 106-30. He was the Columbiana County CoCoach of the Year. He previously coached 15 years at Wellsville at various levels. ASSISTANT COACHES: Lonnie Fields (junior varsity), David “Web” Thompson (freshmen and varsity assistant), Jason Carter (volunteer assistant), John Stoakes (volunteer assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Two, both of them starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Josh Carter (6-4 senior center, one-year letterwinner), Nate Scott (6-0 sophomore guard-forward, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Jordan Sloan (6-0 sophomore guardforward), Camden Douglas (6-1 sophomore guard-forward), Seth Bradford (6-2 sophomore forward-center), Seth Martin (6-1 junior forward-center), Sam McIntosh (6-2 sophomore center), Brendon Carr (6-1 sophomore forward). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Cameron Betz (5-7 junior guard), Dakota Barnes (6-3 sophomore center), Antonio Fultz (6-0 sophomore guard), Tim Thrasher (6-0 sophomore guard), Devonte Pullie (6-0 sophomore forward-center), Jansen Stoakes (6-1 sophomore center). TEAM STRENGTHS: Team speed and a winning tradition. TEAM WEAKNESSES: Lack of experience with only two returning lettermen. The Tigers return only 20 percent of its scoring. 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Michael Johnston (graduated) 21.8,
“This league may go down to week 20. It should be very interesting.” DAVID THOMSON, WELLSVILLE BOYS COACH
Morning Journal/Ron Firth
Members of the Wellsville boys basketball team are (front, from left) Brendon Carr, Seth Bradford, Camden Douglas; (second row, from left) Tim Thrasher, Nate Scott, Cameron Betz, head coach David “Bug” Thompson; (third row, from left) Seth Martin, Jordan Sloan; (fourth row, from left) Sam McIntosh, Josh Carter, Cody Barnes; (back, from left) coach Jason Carter, coach John Stoakes, coach Lonnie Fields and coach David “Web” Thompson.
Jalen DeSarro (graduated) 16.8, Christian Kapp (graduated) 8.5; Rebounds — Jalen DeSarro (graduated) 10.2, Christian Kapp (graduated) 6.5; Assists — Michael Johnston
(graduated) 5.5, Jalen DeSarro (graduated) 4.3; Steals — Michael Johnston (graduated) 1.4; Field Goal Pct. — Josh Carter 59 percent, Jalen DeSarro (graduated) 55 percent, Michael
Johnston (graduated) 52 percent, Christian Kapp (graduated) 51 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Michael Johnston (graduated) 76.5 percent, Jalen DeSarro (graduated) 71.3 percent. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Michael Johonston (graduated) second-team Division IV All-Ohio, Morning Journal All-Area Player of the Year and Columbiana County Player of the Year. Jalen Dasarro (graduated) honorable mention Division IV All-Ohio and first-team All-Area. Christian Kapp (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. Josh Carter, honorable mention AllArea. SEASON OUTLOOK: It’s almost like Wellsville will be starting over. The Tigers have one senior and two juniors on the roster. “We will be very balanced,” Thompson said. “It will be hard to replace Michael Johnston and Jalen DeSarro.” Those two combined to average 37.6 points a game, something the Tigers won’t see this season. “We’re looking for a few guys who want to step up,” Thompson said. Wellsville is 37-10 over the last two seasons — six of those losses coming to McDonald. The Tigers were held to an average of 56.3 points against McDonald and averaged 73.1 against everyone else last season. Thompson sees Leetonia and Sebring as two of the top teams in the ITCL lower tier heading into the season. “This league may go down to week 20,” he said. “It should be very interesting.”
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 47
Tigers have numbers on their side SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: Wellsville Tigers. 2010-11 RECORD: 10-12, including a 5-9 mark in Inter-Tri County League lower tier. The Tigers were 1-3 in games decided by three points or less. They were 8-2 when holding opponents to less than 50 points. HEAD COACH: Ed Swogger is in his fourth season as head coach with a record of 26-39. He has coached 12 years at Wellsville, including the varsity interim coach in 2004-05. ASSISTANT COACHES: Tom Gaultier (junior varsity), Mike Cook (assistnat), Bob Swogger (assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Five, including four starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Mikyla Tipton (5-6 senior guard, three-year letterwinner), Rilee Livolsi (5-9 senior forward, two-year letterwinner), Irene Kiser (5-2 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Courtney Cook (5-11 senior center, two-year letterwinner), Maleya Fultz (5-8 junior forward, two-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Monica Wilson (5-1 junior guard), Shartece Taylor (5-8 sophomore forward), Kalee’ Powell (5-7 sophomore guard), Brittany Clendenning (5-9 sophomore center). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Amanda Coles (5-5 junior forward), Lexi Cook (5-6 sophomore forward), Brittany Caldwell (5-10 sophomore GOOD LUCK, TIGERS!
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Members of the Wellsville girls basketball team are (front, from left) Starlynn Morris, Jenna Lucas, Rilee Livolsi, head coach Ed Swogger, Brittany Clendenning, Codie Jackson, Amanda Coles; (second row, from left) Kira Kelley, Courtney Cook, coach Tom Gualtier, Maleya Fultz, Meika Dalrymple, Dawn Johnson, Mikyla Tipton, coach Mike Cook, Brittany Caldwell, Abbey Thrasher; (third row, from left) Shartece Taylor, Kallee Powell, Sabrina Thompson, Lexis Cook; (back, from left) Rasheeda Kalam, Monica Wilson, Angelica Scarabino, Irene Kiser and Courtney Bryson.
center), Kira Kelley (5-3 sophomore forward), Jenna Lucas (5-3 sophomore guard), Codie Jackson (5-9 freshman center), Angelica Scrabino (5-6 freshman guard), Sabrina Thompson (5-6 freshman guard), Abbey Thrasher (5-3 freshman guard), Courtney Bryson (5-0 freshman guard), Rasheeda Kalam (5-4
freshman forward), Starlynn Morris (53 freshman forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “We have an experienced team with the eight upper classmen logging many quarters the past two seasons with limited number
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48 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
WEST BRANCH WARRIORS
Morning Journal/Wayne Maris
Members of the West Branch girls basketball team are (front, from left) Amanda Linhart, Katie Kubeck, Kyla Sharp, Niki Carlton, ball girl Hanna Carlton, Kelsey Loiselle, Brittany Bryte, Rebekah Zets, Taryn Hahn; (back, from left) head coach Walt DeShields, coach Liz Valerio, ball girl Claire Smith, Melinda Trimmer, Pavin Heath, Erica Johnson, ball girl Kirsten Plocher, coach Lou Sellaroli and coach Scott Libb.
West Branch expects to win again SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: West Branch Warriors. 2010-11 RECORD: 18-4, including a second-place finish in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference with an 11-3 mark. The Warriors bounced back from a 2-4 start by winning 16 of their last 18 games. HEAD COACH: Walt DeShields is in his seventh season as head coah with a record of 83-50. He was the West Branch girls assistant coach one year after being Louisville boys varsity assistant from 1994-2001 and West Branch freshmen boys coach from 1988-94. ASSISTANT COACHES: Lou Sellaroli (varsity assistant), Mike Butcher (volunteer varsity assistant),
Scott Libb (junior varsity), Liz Valerio (freshmen), Starlon Howell (eighth grade), Chris Adams (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Five, including two starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Rebekah Zets (5-9 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Kelsey Loiselle (5-10 senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Niki Carlton (5-7 senior forward, two-year letterwinner), Brittany Bryte (5-4 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), Amanda Linhart (5-9 sophomore guard, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Katie Kubeck (5-6 senior guard), Kyla Sharp (5-6 junior guard), Taryn Hahn (5-10 sophomore center), Melinda Trimmer (5-7 freshman point guard),
Pavin Heath (5-10 freshman forward), Erica Johnson (5-8 freshman forward). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Aliza McConnahey (5-3 freshman guard), Karlie Williamson (5-3 freshman guard), Allie Garrett (5-3 sophomore guard), Grace Bates (5-8 freshman forward), Star Keenan (5-5 freshman guard), Lexington Pittman (5-6 freshman guard), Lauren Martig (5-8 sophomore forward), Charlene McGuire (5-10 junior center), Lea Bock (5-10 freshman center). TEAM STRENGTHS: Defense is the Warriors’ trademark. The Warriors return three of the top six players from last season, when they ranked first in the NBC in scoring defense (38.6 points). They were 13-0 when holding
opponents to less than 40 points last season. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “The team will need to continue to improve offensively,” DeShields said. “We return 19 points per game from last season, but have some talented younger players anxious to step in and contribute on the offensive side. If the girls accept their roles and do anything they can to help our our team compete, we are very optimistic about our season.” 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Brandi Snyder (graduated) 8.9, Andrea Wingett (graduated) 7.6, Tia King (graduated) 7.5; Rebounds — Andrea Wingett (graduated) 7.5, Rebekah Zets See WEST BRANCH, Page 50
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 49
Morning Journal/Wayne Maris
Members of the West Branch boys basketball team are (front, from left) Austen ReKolt, Jacob Ross, Scott Muckleroy, Beau Taylor, Jalen Shelton, Drake Lohnes, Matt Latham; (back, from left) Mike Sellaroli, Scott Loudon, Lucas Austin, Kip DeShields, Jacob Griffith, Zack Mucklo, Tyler Ware and head coach John Hancock. See page 50 for the West Branch boys preview. “GO WARRIORS”
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Warriors will make presence felt SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: West Branch Warriors. 2010-11 RECORD: 4-17, including a 3-11 mark in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference. The Warriors lost their last 11 games and 32 of their last 38 games overall. They were 1-4 in games decided by three points or less. HEAD COACH: John Hancock enters his third season as head coach with a record of 9-33. He was an assistant coach at West Branch for 12 years. ASSISTANT COACHES: Brad Smith (varsity assistant), Scott Loudon (junior varsity), Mike Leone (varsity assistant), Michael Sellaroli (freshmen). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Four, including three starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Austen Rekolt (5-9 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Scott Muckleroy (6-2 senior forward, two-
year letterwinner), Matt Latham (6-4 senior center, one-year letterwinner), Drake Lohnes (5-8 junior guard, oneyear letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Jalen Shelton (6-0 senior guard), Jacob Griffith (6-7 junior center), Jake Ross (5-6 junior guard), Beau Taylor (5-9 junior guard), Tyler Ware (6-1 junior guard), Lucas Austin (6-1 sophomore forward), Kip DeShields (6-5 freshman forward), Zack Mucklo (6-4 junior forward). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Mark Schwingle (6-1 junior forward), Dustin Greenawalt (5-10 sophomore guard), Dylan Greenawalt (5-10 sophomore guard), Levi Plocher (5-8 sophomore guard), Kolton Kitzmiller (5-9 sophomore guard), Jake Evanoff (6-0 sophomore guard), Andrew Filp (6-2 sophomore center), Luke Wallbrown (6-0 sophomore forward), Brett Fish
(sophomore forward), Matt Meiter (6-0 freshman guard). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Senior leadership. Our four seniors will be counted on to lead this team,” Hancock said. “They have all worked hard to get better and will be a big part of our rotation. Team defense should be another strength as we are quicker this year.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “We need to find consistent scoring,” Hancock said. “We feel we have five or six players capable of scoring double figures, but we graduated our only double-figure scorer last season in Tylor Rockwell.” 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Tylor Rockwell (graduated) 14.7, Matt Latham 9.2; Rebounds — Matt Latham 6.4, Tylor Rockwell (graduated) 4.2; Assists — Luke Butcher (graduated) 4.6; Steals — Austen Rokolt 1.9; Field Goal Pct. — Tylor Rockwell (graduat-
ed) 48 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Troy James 79 percent, Austen Rekolt 72 percent. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Tylor Rockwell (graduated) secondteam All-Area. Matt Latham, honorable mention All-Area. Luke Butcher (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: West Branch expects to be a physical team. You need to be to compete in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference, where the Warriors have lost 23 of their last 26 league games. “Alliance, Marlington and Salem return strong teams in the NBC,” Hancock said. “Our record didn’t show the improvement we made last season. We were much more competitive, but now we need to learn how to finish games to see winning results.”
Tia King (graduated) second-team All-Area. Rebekah Zets, honorable mention All-Area. Kelsey Loiselle, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Winning is expected at West Branch, which has at least 14 victories in 22 of the last 28 seasons. “We will need to have positive leadership from our seniors to be successful,” DeShields said. “This team has a great mixture of talent between our older and younger players.
“We will continue looking for our girls to work hard and be tough on the defensive side of the ball this season. Another key to our success will be to compete daily in practice to improve our team rebounding skills.” West Branch will welcome rival Salem as the newest member of the Northeastern Buckeye Conference. “The NBC is a very competitive league and it will be again this season,” DeShields said. “All the teams have key players; however, Louisville and Marlington have the most experienced starters back. You have to be prepared
physically and mentally in every game to be successful. Our non-league schedule will also be tough, which helps us prepare for the league and the postseason tournament. Our first goal has always been to improve everyday by working extremely hard and that hasn’t changed. “These girls are excited to continue the Lady Warrior basketball tradition of excellence. We need to stay healthy throughout the season to be successful. If the team gains confidence, believes in one another and learns to play hard for 32 minutes, they will have great memories that will last a lifetime.”
WEST BRANCH, Continued from Page 48
4.5; Assists — Brandi Snyder (graduated) 4.3, Tia King (graduated) 2.6, Rebekah Zets 2.5; Steals — Brandi Snyder (graduated) 2.6, Rebekah Zets 2.5, Tia King (graduated) 2.4; Field Goal Pct. — Andrea Wingett (graduated) 50.9 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Kelsey Loiselle 85.7 percent, Brandi Snyder (graduated) 66.7 percent. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Brandi Snyder (graduated) honorable mention Division II All-Ohio and firstteam All-Area. Andrea Wingett (graduated) secondteam All-Area.
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MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 51
Salem girls will use their depth SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: Salem Quakers. 2010-11 RECORD: 5-16, including a 2-6 mark in the All-American Conference Conference Red Divison. It was the Salem girls first losing season in 15 years. The only time the program had fewer wins was in the 198687 season with a 4-14 mark. HEAD COACH: Renee Farina is in her second season as head coach. She spent one season as the junior varsity coach at Austintown and one season as a volunteer assistant at Salem. She was a starter on Salem’s 2004 Division II state semifinalist team. ASSISTANT COACHES: Derryck VanCobb (junior varsity), George Spack (varsity assistant), Marissa Mattozzi (junior varsity assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Five, including three starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Cassie Davidson (5-9 senior
guard-forward, two-year letterwinner), Lindsey Foster (6-0 junior center, twoyear letterwinner), Mallory Maher (5-3 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), Katherine Stiff (5-6 junior guard, oneyear letterwinner), Mallorie Davidson (5-6 junior guard, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Tori Jones (5-8 freshman guard-forward), Megan Lehwald (5-3 sophomore guard), Julia Dundon (5-4 freshman guard), Sierra Day (5-8 senior forward), Ciera Trybend (6-0 junior forward). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Reegan Barnett (5-11 junior forwardcenter), Carson Kleineman (5-6 junior guard), Kristen Brown (5-7 sophomore guard), Haley Carner (5-8 freshman post), Raegan Meals (5-4 freshman guard), Kelly Barley (5-1 freshman guard), Rylee Meals (5-4 freshman center). Lauren Stalnaker (5-8 fresh-
man center). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Our depth. We’re about 10 deep,” Farina said. “We gained a lot of experience last year by playing younger girls. This year the girls have a year under their belt and are more comfortable with their roles.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: The Quakers are looking for a scoring threat after averaging 36.0 points a game last season. They averaged 57.4 points in their five wins and 29.3 points in the 16 losses. 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Cassie Davidson 8.1; Rebounds — Cassie Davidson 8.0. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Cassie Davidson, honorable mention All-Area. Andrea Sequin (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Salem girls have had back-to-back losing sea-
sons once in their 37-year history and don’t want it to happen again. “This year is a completely different year,” Farina said. “They were kind of learning my system and were put in new roles. With a year under their belt, it will really help them this season. The newcomers are going to bring a lot of athleticism to our team. “We have improved a lot since last year, and we are very excited for the season.” The Quakers are joining the Northeastern Buckeye Conference. They will open league Dec. 3 at Alliance. “We’re really excited to join a new conference,” Farina said. “I feel we can compete with most of the teams on our schedule. It’s a very competitive league. West Branch is always a contender along with Louisville and Marlington.”
QUAKERS, Continued from Page 34
Blocks — ; Field Goal Pct. — Tayler Frederickson (graduated) 65 percent, Jake Madison (graduated) 60 percent, Ryan Wolfgang (graduated) 47 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Ryan Wolfgang (graduated) 69 percent. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Ryan Wolfgang (graduated) first-team All-Area. Taylor Fredrickson (graduated) second-team All-Area. Ryan Bush, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Salem has been coming together in the preseason. “I am very optimistic,” Hart said. “We have a great group of hard-working young men that
play hard and work well together. We need to continue our play and our success from the end of last season. We have to heal the injuries we have now to Madison and Myers and we have to avoid any more.” Salem is looking to improve defensively, giving up an average of 65.9 points a game last season. The Quakers are ready for their first season in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference, which Hart if familiar with from his tenure at Minerva. “We’re looking forward to a new year, new league and new success,” Hart said.
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52 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
South Range girls build off another championship season SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: South Range Raiders. 2010-11 RECORD: 21-3, including a share of the Inter-Tri County League upper tier title with a 13-1 mark. The Raiders won 14 of their last 15 games and were one win away from the school record of 22 victories set by the 1985-86 squad. They have won 10 of their last 11 games at home. HEAD COACH: Wayne Johnson is in his third season as head coach with a record of 35-12. He was 72-19 with three league titles in four seasons as the Columbiana girls head coach from 2003-07. He also was the Columbiana boys junior assistant and junior varsity coach for four years. ASSISTANT COACHES: Darrin Waselich (assistant head coach, freshmen coach), Henry Glenn (junior varsity), Colleen Eisenbraun (assistant), Ryan Guy (assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Four, including one starter. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Kelsey Maynard (5-4 senior guard, one-year letterwinner), Hannah Wiery (5-3 senior guard, one-year letterwinner), Abbey Ausnehmer (5-1 senior guard, one-year letterwinner), Alexis Naples (5-5 junior guard, -year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Lisa Stewart (5-10 senior post), Kristin Robinson (6-0 senior post-forward), Allison Oliver (5-9 junior post), Stevie Taylor (5-7 sophomore guard), Sierra Patrella (5-2 sophomore guard).
JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Andrea Oliver (5-6 freshman forward), Aleah Seidler (5-2 freshman guard), Kelsey Phillips (5-3 freshman guard), Alexis DeSantis (5-8 freshman forward), Taylor Helon (5-1 freshman guard), Kendall Syms (5-6 freshman post-forward), Jordan Youngs (5-4 freshman guard), KcKenna Gabriel (53 freshman guard), Sarah Durr (6-1 freshman post), Conner Yeagley (5-6 sophomore forward), Emily Withers (5-2 sophomore guard), Holly Heck (5-10 sophomore post), Ashley Sharp (5-4 freshman guard), Starla Sharp (56 sophomore forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Team is our strength,” Johnson said. “We had 20plus kids all summer for summer league and camps. There is a commitment to our program. There is a determination to get better every day.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Inexperience at the varsity level for younger kids,” Johnson said. “Rebounding and shooting is a work in progress.” 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Tab Stanton 10.0, Gab Naples (graduated) 9.3, Sam Smith (Graduated) 9.3, Emily Seman (graduated) 9.0, Kenzie Pfeifer (graduated) 7.7; Rebounds — Emily Seman (graduated) 8.2, Gab Naples (graduated) 8.0; Assists — Sam Smith (graduated) 3.0, Kenzie Pfeifer (graduated) 2.9; Steals — Kenzie Pfiefer 2.6, Sam Smith 2.4; Field Goal Pct. — Emily Seman (graduated) 48 percent; Free Throw Pct. —
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Gab Naples (graduated) 76 percent, Kenzie Pfeifer (graduated) 68 percent. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Gab Naples (graduated) first-team AllArea. Sam Smith (graduated) first-team All-Area. Emily Seman (graduated) secondteam All-Area. Kenzie Pfeifer (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. Tab Stanton (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: South Range has won the ITCL upper tier title two of the last four years, but the Raiders are are doing some rebuilding. “We lost six solid, experienced players,” Johnson said. “Hopefully, the younger kids got good quality practice time and game experience to step up.” Last season, the Raiders gave up an average of 36.3 points in their 21 wins, but more than 60 points in all three losses. The league expects to be more balanced this season. “Crestview and United are the favorites with Springfield as a solid contender,” Johnson said. “There are great coaching staffs in our league. All teams should be improved. It is a solid league. Lisbon, Mineral Ridge, East Palestine and Columbiana all have quality staffs and should be improved.” South Range improved its out-ofleague schedule with Western Reserve, Poland and Struthers, which has won two straight district titles.
Area’s winningest basketball programs The combined boys and girls records of area schools for the 2010-11 basketball season: School Records South Range.......................37-8 Crestview ..........................30-14 Sebring .............................29-17 Southern Local .................25-17 Wellsville ...........................27-19 East Liverpool...................25-18 Minerva .............................25-21 United ...............................23-21 West Branch .....................22-23 East Palestine...................19-23 Springfield.........................19-23 Oak Glen...........................18-30 Salem................................15-28 Lisbon ...............................15-29 Heartland Christian...........13-27 Leetonia ............................13-29 Columbiana.......................13-30 Beaver Local.......................4-38
Pct. .822 .682 .630 .595 .587 .581 .543 .523 .489 .452 .452 .375 .349 .341 .325 .310 .302 .095
SOUTH RANGE, Continued from Page 38
who have a great deal of experience,” Purins said. “They are the leaders of our team and are working extremely hard to accomplish our goals this year.” The Raiders return four starters from a squad that held opponents to 46.5 points per game last season and went 152 when giving up less than 60 points. “East Palestine has won five of the last six titles, so once again, the rest of the league will be trying to unseat the Bulldogs,” Purins said. “Along with ourselves, Springfield and Crestview, there should be some real excitement as we battle for an ITCL championship. Our ability to challenge teams on the defensive end and play unselfish on offense will dictate our success.”
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MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 53
Indians are ready to make noise SCHOOL AND NICKNAME: Southern Local Indians. 2010-11 RECORD: 8-13, including a 3-11 mark in the Inter-Tri County League lower tier. The Indians were 44 in games decided by three points or less, with three of the losses coming by one point. They were 5-5 at home. HEAD COACH: Cory Leek enters his second season as head coach. He was junior varsity girls coach at United for three years and at Sandy Valley three years. ASSISTANT COACHES: Jason Glover (varsity assistant), Abbey Gorby (junior varsity), RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Six, including four starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Maddy Dowling (5-9 senior guard, three-year letterwinner), Jennah Phillis (5-3 senior point guard, twoyear letterwinner), Heather Sell (5-5 senior guard, three-year letterwinner), Rachel Coil (5-11 junior post, two-year letterwinner), Kati Hipsley (5-6 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), Lena Cataldo (5-10 junior post, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Susan Bratt (5-10 junior post), Savanna Boals (5-6 senior guard-post), Bridgett Hostetter (5-3 senior guard), Mary Napierkowski (5-7 senior post), Beckah Phillis (5-8 sophomore guardpost). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Sarah Phillis (5-4 freshman guard), Brittany Webber (5-9 freshman post), Natoshia Riggs (5-7 freshman guard), Aysia Cantebury (5-6 freshman guard), Rebecca Farley (5-5 freshman guardpost), Jenna Jackson (5-5 freshman
opponents to 40 points or less last season. “Lowellville is the team to beat,” Leek said. “They are the defending champs. In order to compete for a league title, a team must beat Lowellville. Western Reserve is well coached and will be in the top half of the league. Wellsville and McDonald return a good core of players from last year’s roster.”
SOUTHERN, Continued from Page 40
Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Southern Local’s Rachel Coil (left) reaches for the ball against Sebring’s Kayla Maretich last season.
guard-post). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Our experience. We have six letterwinners returning,” Leek said. “Maddy Dowling is going to be a four-year letterwinner and is our leading scorer the past two seasons. Our size will also be a strength this season with Rachel Coil, Susan Bratt and Lena Cataldo playing the post.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: The Indians are trying to build a winning attitude, which can only come from winning. 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Maddy Dowling 11.8, Ashley Russell (graduated) 9.0; Rebounds — Rachel Coil 8.9, Maddy Dowling 7.0; Assists — Ashley Russell (graduated) 3.2; Steals — Jennah Phillis 1.7; Blocks — Maddy Dowling 2.3; Field Goal Pct.
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— Maddy Dowling 44.4 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Lena Cataldo 66 percent. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Maddy Dowling, second-team AllArea. Ashley Russell (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Things are turning around at Southern Local. The Indians return four starters from a squad that went 8-13, their best season since 1995. “We are looking to compete in the top half of the league with those teams as we have six letterwinners returning, which including our leader in scoring and rebounds and our top defensive player,” Leek said. The Indians were 6-0 when holding
Eric Baker (graduated) special mention Division IV All-Ohio and first-team All-Area. Jake Boyle (graduated) honorable mention Division IV All-Ohio and firstteam All-Area. Trey Griffith (graduated) secondteam All-Area. Brett Hunt (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Southern Local has to replace its top three scorers and the entire starting lineup. “It will be a challenge replacing six seniors, but we have excellent leadership and hard-working players ready to create their own success,” Whittaker said. The Indians have some size and will be looking to develop their post presence. Southern Local will be working to get better each day and remain competitive in the ITCL lower tier. “Leetonia has all of its starters back and Sebring looks strong also with McDonald, Wellsville and Southern fighting for position,” Whittaker said.
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54 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
TIGERS,
“Our kids don’t take days off which makes them very enjoyable to coach.”
Continued from Page 47
of girls,” Swogger said. “This season having 21 girls has upped the competition in practice to get better and hold a spot. The depth and speed of our team will also be an asset.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: The Tigers gave up an average of 42.6 points in their wins, but 59.8 points in their losses last season. “We are not big at the post position, so we need to be fundamentally soud in the area,” Swogger said. 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Mikyla Tipton 16.6, Meika Dalrymple 9.9; Rebounds — Mikyla Tipton 5.5, Rilee Livolsi 4.0, Courtney Cook 4.0; Assists — Mikyla Tipton 2.2; Steals — Mikyla Tipton 1.7; Blocks — Rilee Livolsi 1.6; Field Goal Pct. — Mikyla Tipton 64 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Rilee Livolsi 72 percent. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Mikyla Tipton, special mention Divison IV AllOhio, Columbiana County Player of the Year and first-team All-Area. Meika Dalymple, honorable mention AllArea.
Rilee Livolsi, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Wellsville returns almost everyone from a 10-win team, including the area’s leading scorer Mikyla Tipton, who enters her season season with 1,110 career points. “With us only losing one senior to graduation following last season in Shawntae Dillard, I have high expectations for this season,” Swogger said. “If we work hard into becoming an unselfish team, we can be successful.” The Tigers also will be without their second-leading scorer the past two season, Meika Dalrymple, who is not playing this season. “We remain in the ITCL lower tier this season with the same schedule as last season with East Liverpool, Beaver Local and Toronto as non-league opponents,” Swogger said. “Defending league champion Lowellville will once again be the team on everyone’s radar as they return almost everyone.
TOM BINGHAM, EAST PALESTINE BOYS COACH
BULLDOGS, Continued from Page 16
team All-Area. Brett Foreman (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. Jake DiCello, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: East Palestine has won five league titles in the last six years and will be looking to add another. “It is always hard to replace four starters, but we have great kids who work hard and know our system,” Bingham said. “Our kids don’t take days off which makes them very enjoyable to coach.” The Bulldogs expect to win more game with their defense this
season after losing 79 percent of their scoring to graduation. The Bulldogs were 11-0 when holding opponents to less than 50 points last season. East Palestine will be one of four teams expected to contend for the league title. “Based on returning starters, I’d say South Range, Crestview and Springfield are the league favorites,” Bingham said. “I feel we will be very competitive and we might have the strongest nonleague schedule. Teams include Mooney, Youngstown Christian, Brookfield, Lowellville, Leetonia and Heartland Christian.”
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MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 55
UNITED,
NEW FACES,
Continued from Page 44
Continued from Page 45
we have throughout the program. Learning the new terminology, so everyone is on the same page come the season, will be the biggest obstacle to overcome.” 2010-11 LEADERS: Scoring — Sierra Parks (graduated) 10.4, Ruth Prosko 10.2, Crystal Richards (graduated) 8.4, Rachel Sell (graduated) 7.8; Rebounds — Sierra Parks (graduated) 9.0, Ruth Prosko 8.0; Assists — Rachel Sell (graduated) 5.0; Steals — Sierra Parks (graduated) 4.0, Ruth Prosko 4.0; Blocks — Ruth Prosko 3.0; Field Goal Pct. — Ruth Prosko 41.8 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Crystal Richards (graduated) 77.4 percent, Ruth Prosko 73.6 percent, Rachel Sell (graduated) 73.0 percent. 2010-11 PLAYERS HONORED: Ruth Prosko, first-team All-Area. Sierra Parks (graduated) first-team All-Area. Rachel Sell (graduated) second-team
All-Area. Crystal Richards (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. Lange Carter (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: United’s defense give the Eagles a chance to win another ITCL upper tier title. They were 17-0 when holding opponents to less than 50 points last season. “Our girls and coaches have the goal of being in a league title race again this season,” Mathias said. “The expectations are higher than before in the program and a league title is just one of our goals for the season. We are working hard each day in practice and into our scrimmages. “We believe what we lost from last year’s team can be replaced and we can continue to achieve at a high level. Our non-league schedule is a challenge with Salem, Beaver Local, St. Thomas, West Branch, Carrollton and Youngstown Christian. All six teams
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will challenge us in different aspects of our game.” One of the Eagles’ top players, Mackenzie Gatchel, broke a bone in her leg and is expected to return in late December. “The league will be very balanced and competitive with any of the other seven schools being able to beat you on any given night,” Mathias said. “United and Crestview have a good, young athletic group that are very competitive. South Range, Columbiana and Mineral Ridge lost much of their scoring through graduation. They will look to reload and cause problems for the whole league, possibly fighting for the league title in the end. “Springfield, Lisbon and East Palestine will be exciting teams to watch as younger players are getting a chance, with varsity experience gainst from last season to shine and lead their teams.”
We are young and inexperienced, but have a lot of potential to grow. We’re looking to get better each day and build a solid foundation for our basketball program for years to come.” The Eagles scored more than 49 points only twice last season when they averaged 38.9 points offensively. It may not be a pretty start for the Eagles, whose first six games are against six of the best teams on their schedule. “Our non-league schedule is tough with West Branch, Salem, Minerva, Malvern and Southern,” Mowery said. “We open up ITCL play with four of the top teams in our league, East Palestine, Springfield, Crestview and South Range. I expect those four teams to be at the top. East Palestine is still the champion, Springfield has some weapons and South Range has a ton of talent and experience which will benefit them.”
GOOD LUCK TO ALL AREA TEAMS!
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56 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
On the cover Just like every other basketball player, Leetonia’s Cody Stokes and Wellsville’s Mikyla Tipton got their start on an outside court in their hometown. Two of the area’s top seniors got together to shoot some hoops at the 18th Street courts in Wellsville while getting their pictures taken for the cover of the Morning Journal’s 2011-12 Basketball Preview.
Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Good Luck to all area teams for a great season!
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