2 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Quiet Solid Ride, Attractively Priced, Ready To Go Nose To Nose With The Best Among The SUVs • AWD or FWD • 5 Passenger • 7 Airbags • 6 Speed 2.0 L Turbo or 2.4 LT Direct Injection • Active Corner Control • Bluetooth Connectivity • 6 Speaker Audio • Reclining Rear Seats Mon, Tues, Thurs 9 to 9; Wed & Fri 9 to 6; Sat 9 to 5 Parts & Service: Mon - Fri 8 to 5; Sat. 8 to 4
Rt. 51 & McKinley Road, Chippewa (Across from Beaver County Airport)
1-724-847-1703 www.bowserchippewa.com
Check out Kent State University Columbiana County Campuses.
Call us today!
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 • 3
MORNING JOURNAL
2013-14 Basketball Preview Edition
INDEX P REVIEWS Team Page Beaver Local 4-5, 15 Columbiana 6-8 Crestview 10-11 East Liverpool 12-14 East Palestine 16-18 Heartland 26-27 Leetonia 20-22 Lisbon 23-25 Minerva 30-32 Oak Glen 33, 52
Morning Journal/Wayne Maris
The 2013-14 basketball season tips off as an official gets a face full of hair from Heartland’s Avery Pennington as she jumps against Leetonia’s Haley Scoville on Nov. 22.
BA N Q U E T CE N T E R
ITALIAN NIG H T Every Wednesday 4 to 8 pm Made to order pasta station to five different entrées. Salads & desserts. Menu changes weekly. ADULTS: $10.95 CHILDREN 6-11 YEARS: $6.95 UNDER 5: FREE
SU NDAY BRU NC H Every Sunday 10am to 2pm Fresh carved meat, made to order omelets, shrimp cocktail and more delicious foods! ADULTS: $13.95 CHILDREN 6-11 YEARS: $8.95 UNDER 5: FREE
Corner of Rt. 7 & 14 • Columbiana, Ohio 330-482-0022 INSIDE THE GOLF COURSE w w w .th elin k sa tfir esto n efa r m s.co m
Salem 9, 34-35 Sebring 36-37 S. Range 38-39 Southern 40-41 Springfield 42-43 United 44-45, 51 Wellsville 46-47 West Branch 48-50 F EATURES Area leaders 19 Schedules 28-29
4 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
BEAVER LOCAL BEAVERS
Morning Journal/Brittney Sadler
Members of the Beaver Local boys basketball team are (front, from left) Hayden Grafton, Bryce McKenzie, Josh Beck, Christian Cooper, Jake Forsythe; (second row, from left) Logen Andrews, Chandler Cornell, head coach Jeremy Christen, Josh Underwood, Jarod Lyder, Ethan Campbell; (back, from left) coach Jason Pacanewski, Kevin Mackey, Tyler Kithas, coach Dave Goodman, Chase Hillard, Conner Hall, Jake Underwood and Zach Byers.
Beavers come off winning season SCHOOL: Beaver Local Beavers 2012-13 RECORD: 12-11, including a 6-6 record in the All-American Conference. The Beavers won their first four games on the way to a 10-5 start. They were 8-3 at home. HEAD COACH: Jeremy Christen enters his first season as head coach. He coached the Beaver Local freshman team for three years and the Beaver Local fifth- and sixth-grade program for two years. ASSISTANT COACHES: Jason Pacinowski (varsity assistant), Dave
Goodman (junior varsity), Zac Byers (freshman). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Five, including two starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Jared Lyder (6-4 senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Josh Underwood (6-5 senior forward, oneyear letterwinner), Ethan Campbell (60 senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Chase Hilliard (6-1 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), Chandler Cornell (6-3 senior forward, one-year letterwinner).
INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Logen Andrews (5-10 senior guard), Hayden Grafton (5-11 junior guard), Kevin Mackey (6-3 junior forward). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Josh Beck (5-10 junior guard), Christian Cooper (5-8 junior guard), Tyler Kithas (6-0 junior forward), Bryce McKenzie (5-8 sophomore guard), Jake Forsythe (5-6 sophomore guard), Jake Underwood (6-1 sophomore forward), Conner Hall (6-0 junior forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Experience
and versatility,” Christen said. “We will be returning five lettermen and two starters from last year. “We have a lot of players who can play multiple positions. This will make us tough to defend and matchup against.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Transformation into a new program,” Christen said. “Learning new offenses and defenses is always a struggle. We are learning to break bad habits and focus on the new tasks at hand.” See BEAVERS, Page 15
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 • 5 Morning Journal/Brittney Sadler
Members of the Beaver Local girls basketball team are (front, from left) Hillarie Ketchum, Madison Roberts, Jordan Simpson, Ravenna Cianni; (second row, from left) Tannar Dolhun, Sierra Wright, Danna Talbott, Courtney Ricciardi, Jade Favre; (back, from left) coach Kevin Fantone, Katie Barber, Samantha Kendall, Bobbie Theiss, coach Bob Theiss and head coach Michael Spinella.
PANCAKE AUTO BODY
On the Corner of 170 & Pancake-Clarkson Road • Negley We take the time to care
WILLIAM PANCAKE, OWNER
330-227-9612 “GOOD LUCK BEAVER LOCAL”
JIM’S BARBER SHOP St. Rt. 170 • Calcutta, OH
(330) 386-6932
MILLROCK AUTO SALES & WRECKING 7033 Scott Mill Rd. • Rogers, Ohio
Beaver Local has hope after AAC SCHOOL: Beaver Local Beavers. 2012-13 RECORD: 3-19. The Beavers lost nine games by 30 points or more. HEAD COACH: Michael Spinella enters his first season as a head coach. He was previously a girls varsity assistant coach at Madonna High School for one season, and a boys varsity assistant coach at Madonna for two seasons. ASSISTANT COACHES: Bob Theiss (varsity assistant), Stephanie Cole (junior varsity), Kevin Fantone (freshmen) RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Six, including five starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAY-
ERS: Danna Talbott (5-10 senior guard-forward, three-year letterwinner), Tannar Dolhun (5-11 junior forwardguard, one-year letterwinner), Sierra Wright (5-6 senior guard-forward, oneyear letterwinner), Ravenna Cianni (5-7 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), Courtney Ricciardi (5-8 junior guard/forward, letterwinner), Jade Favre (5-10 sophomore guard-forward, one-year letterwinner), INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Hillarie Ketchum (5-7 junior guard-forward), Samantha Kendall (5-9 sophomore guard-forward), Bobbie Theiss See BEAVER LOCAL, Page 15
330-227-3444
Ournam e isourprom ise.
GreatFood.GreatPrices.GreatPeople.
ROGER’S SAVE-A-LOT
GOOD LUCK BEAVERS!
7786 DepotSt.•Rogers,Ohio 330-227-3311
6 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
COLUMBIANA CLIPPERS
Morning Journal/Wayne Maris
Members of the Columbiana girls basketball team are (front, from left) Mollie Donnelly, Bri Gingher, Aleah Whitacre; (back, from left) Mariah Rovnak, Brynn Pennell, Megan Goehring, Abby Fleeson, Haley Tohm, Lauren Schlueter, Emily Witmer, Baylie Mook, Taylor Simms, Melissa Stockman, Alexa Tringhese and Elise Hammond.
Clipper girls among ITCL’s best SCHOOL: Columbiana Clippers. 2012-13 RECORD: 21-4, including a second-place finish in the Inter-Tri County League lower tier with an 11-3 mark. The Clippers lost two games to Lowellville by six total points. They won their last six home games, went 10-0 on Thursdays and were 15-1 against Columbiana County teams. HEAD COACH: Ron Moschella enters his second season as head coach. He led Boardman to 546 wins in his 31-year career there, including appearances in the Division I state finals in 2005 and 2008 along with 14 district titles. ASSISTANT COACHES: Mark DeRamo (varsity assistant), Dave
Donnelly (freshmen), Matt Liggett (volunteer assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Eight, including two starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Bri Gingher (5-8 senior forward, two-year letter winner), Aleah Whitacre (5-10 senior post, three-year letterwinner), Baylie Mook (5-5 junior point guard, two-year letterwinner), Lauren Schluetter (5-8 junior forward, one-year letterwinner), Emily Witmer (5-8 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), Elise Hammond (5-3 sophomore point guard, one-year letterwinner), Taylor Simms (5-4 sophomore guard, one-year letterwinner), Brynn Pennell (5-4 sophomore guard, one-year letter-
winner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Mollie Donnelly (5-9 senior forward), Megan Goehring (5-9 junior post), Melissa Stockman (5-8 junior forward), Abbey Fleeson (5-10 junior post), Hayley Tollin (5-9 sophomore forward), Alexa Tringhese (5-9 sophomore guard), Mariah Rovnak (5-5 freshman forward). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Taylor Logan (5-8 freshman forward), Dieandra Dixon (5-7 freshman guard), Brittany Mook (5-7 freshman forward), Madison Stryffler (5-5 freshman guard), Gabi Chamberlin (5-6 freshman guard), Gillian Stilson (5-5 freshman forward), Raven Yeany (5-6 fresh-
man forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Team speed, ball handling, passing,” Moschella said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Rebounding, shooting, lack of chemistry, learning how to play the game,” Moschella said. 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring — Khylea Fullum (graduated) 19.8, Megan Cutlip (graduated) 11.5, Baylie Mook 11.0, Emily Witmer 7.4; Rebounds —Megan Cutlip graduated) 7.8, Khylea Fullum (graduated) 7.7, Lauren Schlueter 4.5; Assists —Baylie Mook 2.2, Megan Cutlip (graduated) See CLIPPER, Page 8
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 • 7
Morning Journal/Wayne Maris
Members of the Columbiana boys basketball team are (front, from left) Bryce Franken, Cooper Smith, Nate Garofalo, Dalton Miller, Andrew Makosky, Anthony Zocolo, Diego Villatoro; (back, from left) Dylan Ferraro, Steve Kurilla, Nick Nemick, Devin Rice, Matt Roncone, Gannon Hartley and Dylan Davin. “GOOD LUCK, KIDS!”
See page 8 for the Columbiana boys preview
BELL WELL DRILLING
44917 Metz Rd. • Columbiana, Ohio
330-482-4000
Sparkle Plaza Columbiana, OH 44408
330-482-5011
“GOOD LUCK”
FAMILY DRUG
Good Luck Clippers!! Hardware • Paints • Tools • Housewares • Electrical • Plumbing - Heating Supplies • Lumber & Building Supplies • Sporting Goods.
120 S. Vine St. • Columbiana, OH
330-482-3816
113B South Main St. • Columbiana, Ohio
330-482-9955
www.hogansbakingco.com Locally Owned & Operated • Columbiana Plaza
Tues.-Fri. 6am-6pm; Sat. 6am-4pm; Sun. 8am-2pm; Closed Monday
GOOD LUCK, CLIPPERS!
Hardware
Of Columbiana Inc.
Middleton
Hardware
Garden Center
AND POWER EQUIPMENT
149 N. Main St. Columbiana, Ohio 44408
330-482-3348 44998 Crestview Rd. Columbiana, Ohio 44408
330-482-4803
8 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
Columbiana returns to upper tier SCHOOL: Columbiana Clippers. 2012-13 RECORD: 4-19, including a 3-11 mark in the Inter-Tri County League lower tier. The got off to an 010 start and lost nine of their last 10 games. They were 1-11 vs. Columbiana County teams. HEAD COACH: Jason Baker enters his third year as head coach with a record of 6-38. He has a career head coaching record of 53-143, including 6-36 in two seasons at Austintown Fitch and 41-69 in five seasons at Heath. ASSISTANT COACHES: Will Johnston (junior varsity), Brock Miller (freshmen). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS:
Three, including two starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Devin Rice (6-2 junior forward, two-year letterwinner), Nathan Garofalo (5-10 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Bryce Franklin (5-10 senior guard, two-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Anthony Zocolo (5-10 senior guard), Steve Kurilla (6-1 senior forward), Dylan Ferraro (6-2 junior forward), Drew Makosky (5-8 junior guard), Nick Nemick (6-0 junior forward), Dalton Miller (5-11 sophomore guard), Diego Villatoro (5-9 sophomore guard), Cooper Smith (5-8 sophomore guard), Gannon Hartley (6-1 sophomore forward).
JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Dylan Davin (5-10 sophomore guard), Matt Roncone (6-1 sophomore forward), Brandon Johnston (5-9 freshman guard), Corey Miofchak (5-8 freshman guard), Jake Clark (5-11 freshman forward), Jake Stoy (6-0 freshman forward), Burdette Baker (64 freshman center). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Athleticism, rebounding, depth,” Baker said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Leadership,” Baker said. “The Clippers graduated six seniors.” 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring —Jake DeJong (graduated) 15.3; Rebounds — Jake DeJong (graduated) 6.7; Assists — Kyle Bryan (graduated) 3.0.
2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Jake DeJong (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Clippers are returning to the Inter-Tri County League upper tier this season. They are looking to be more competitive in the upper tier, although their first four league games are against the top teams (Springfield, South Range, Crestview and Lisbon). Columbiana lost 14 games by double-digit margins last season and have 11 wins over the past three years. “We will have a lot of new faces this year,” Baker said. “I expect to compete every night and keep improving.”
CLIPPERS, Continued from Page 6
Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Columbiana’s Bri Ginger goes to the basket against Lowellville, including Courtney Conklin (12), last season.
2.2, Khylea Fullum (graduated) 2.0; Steals —Baylie Mook 5.0, Megan Cutlip (graduated) 4.9, Khylea Fullum (graduated) 4.2; Field Goal Percentage —Emily Witmer 50 percent, Aleah Whitacre 50 percent, Khylea Fullum 49 percent, Lauren Schlueter 49 percent; Free Throw Percentage — Khylea Fullum (graduated) 62 percent, Baylie Mook 62 percent. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Khylea Fullum (graduated) special mention Division IV All-Ohio and firstteam All-Area. Megan Cutlip (graduated) secondteam All-Area. Baylie Mook, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Columbiana’ s 21-4 record last season year has set the standard high. The Clippers have lost their top two scorers to graduation (Khylea Fullum and Megan Cutlip), but return eight letterwinners ready to fill in. Columbiana will be one of the teams to beat in the ITCL lower tier, which had only two teams with winning records last season. The Clippers can do it with defense, going 21-0 when holding opponents to less than 50 points last season. They gave up an average of 31.0 points in their 21 wins, but 51.8 points in their
Morning Journal/Wayne Maris
Columbiana’s Baylie Mook drives in against Wellsville’s Brittany Clendenning last year.
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 • 9
“Our challenge will be to get some consistent scoring this year. We are a small team, but we do have quickness.” STEVE STEWART, SALEM GIRLS COACH
Morning Journal/Wayne Maris
Members of the Salem girls basketball team are (front, from left) Haley Carner, Raegan Meals, Megan Lehwald, Rylee Meals, Julia Dundon; (back, from left) coach Sarah Hamilton, Rylee Leider, Chloe Cheresne, head coach Steve Stewart, coach Roger Zeigler, Tori Jones, Olivia Stiff and coach Glen Windram.
Salem girls seeking past glory SCHOOL: Salem Quakers. 2012-13 RECORD: 9-14, including a 4-10 mark in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference. The Quakers got off to a 1-8 start and had 12 losses by double-digit margins. They were 1-5 vs. Mahoning County teams. HEAD COACH: Steve Stewart returns as head coach after going 11034 in six seasons from 2000-06. He led two teams to the state semifinals — Salem (2004) and Lisbon (1989). Stewart has a career head coaching record of 223-61, including a 113-27 record in six seasons at Lisbon from 1986-92. ASSISTANT COACHES: Roger Zeigler (varsity assistant), Sarah Hamilton (junior varsity), Glen Windram (ninth grade), George Spack (assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS:
Six, including two starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Megan Lehwald (5-4 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Tori Jones (5-9 junior forward, two-year letterwinner), Julia Dundon (5-5 junior guard, two-year letterwinner), Rylee Meals (5-6 junior post, oneyear letterwinner), Raegan Meals (5-6 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), Olivia Stiff (5-7 sophomore forward, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Chloe Cheresne (5-11 freshman forward), Haley Carney (5-8 junior forward). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Kylie Quinn (5-6 sophomore guard), Casey Jamison (5-0 freshman guard), Haley Hochadel (5-3 sophomore guard), Kendra Richardson (5-8 sophomore forward), Mary Double (5-5
freshman guard), Hannah Wukotich (5-5 freshman guard), Ashley Foster (5-8 sophomore forward), Leah Menegos (5-9 freshman forward), Rylee Leider (5-4 sophomore guard), Katie Moore (5-4 freshman guard). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Quickness and depth,” Stewart said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Size,” Stewart said. “We will need to find consistent scoring as the team leaders graduated.” 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring — Lindsey Foster (graduated) 10.1, Katherine Stiff (graduated) 8.0, Megan Lehwald 7.0; Rebounds — Lindsey Foster (graduated) 11.3. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Lindsey Foster (graduated) secondteam All-Area. Katherine Stiff (graduated) honorable mention All-Area.
SEASON OUTLOOK: Stewart, who has won 79 percent of the game in his career, is trying to turn around a program that is coming off three straight losing seasons for the first time in school history. The Quakers return only one senior, Megan Lehwald, who will be aided by five juniors. “Our challenge will be to get some consistent scoring this year,” Stewart said. “We are a small team, but we do have quickness.” The Quakers are 17-48 the last three seasons and it won’ t get any easier in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference. “Our league schedule will be very challenging with Carrollton and West Branch as preseason favorites,” Stewart said.
10 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
CRESTVIEW REBELS
Morning Journal/Brittney Sadler
Members of the Crestview girls basketball team are (front, from left) Emily Ferris, Anna Hardenbrook, Emilee Chlebus, Sydni Bowker; (back, from left) head coach Rick Gates, Taylor Coblentz, Danielle Yanssens, Dana Drinnon, Tristan Huff, Alexis Gates and Hope Halas.
Rebels look for offensive spark SCHOOL: Crestview Rebels. 2012-13 RECORD: 18-7, including a second-place finish in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier with an 11-3 mark. The Rebels won five of their last six games. They were 3-1 in games decided by three points or less. HEAD COACH: Rick Gates enters his fifth season as head coach with a record of 59-35. He was 206-170 in 17 seasons at Crestview boys coach. ASSISTANT COACHES: Jim Gates (varsity assistant), Emily Corll (junior varsity). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Three, including one starter. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Anna Hardenbrook (senior, three-year letterwinner), Emilee
Chlebus (senior, one-year letterwinner), Tristan Huff (junior, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Dana Drinnon (junior), Taylor Coblentz (sophomore), Alexis Gates (freshman), Emily Ferris (freshman), Sydni Bowker (freshman), Hope Halas (freshman), Danielle Yanssens (freshman). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Becky Good (sophomore), Emma Bailey (sophomore), Taylor Cope (freshman), Caitlin Fitzgerald (freshman), Skylar Fletcher (freshman), Tessa McClish (freshman), Makenna Perorazio (freshman), Serenity Schuler (freshman), TEAM STRENGTHS: “Anna
Hardenbrook will be back and will be a four-year letterwinner,” Gates said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “We must replace four starters from last season,” Gates said. 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring — Ashley Harrison (graduated) 19.4, Morgan Newbauer (graduated) 9.7, Anna Hardenbrook 8,5; Rebounds — Anna Hardenbrook 6.4, Morgan Newbauer (graduated) 6.2; Assists — Ashley Harrison (graduated) 2.9; Steals —Ashley Harrison (graduated) 3.1; Free Throw Pct. — Ashley Harrison (graduated) 71 percent. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Ashley Harrison (graduated) special mention Division IV All-Ohio, Columbiana County Player of the Year
and first-team All-Area. Morgan Newbauer (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. Anna Hardenbrook, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Crestview has no proven scorer after the graduation of Ashley Harrison, who scored 1,655 career points and led the Rebels to 49 wins over the last three seasons. The Rebels, who have two seniors and two juniors, will have to find their scorers quickly as they open the season against Salem, East Liverpool, Columbiana and Lisbon. Gates sees South Range, Springfield and Jackson-Milton among the top teams in the ITCL this season.
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 • 11
Late start for Rebels’ ITCL run SCHOOL: Crestview Rebels. 2012-13 RECORD: 14-9, including a third-place finish in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier with a 9-5 mark. The Rebels lost their last three games. They were 7-2 on Tuesdays and 9-2 against Columbiana County teams. HEAD COACH: Herman Miller enters his fifth season as head coach with a record of 49-38. He has a career record of 127-108, including 27-35 in three seasons at Columbiana from 2004-07 and 51-35 in four seasons at United from 2000-04. ASSISTANT COACHES: Andy Miller (junior varsity), Gerard Grimm (ninth grade), Dave McKay (seventh grade), Greg Woolman (eighth grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Three, including two starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Robert Logan (6-3 senior forward, two-year letterwinner), Collin Gilbert (5-10 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Josh McDade (6-2 senior forward, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Eric Lloyd (6-4 junior forward), Enzo Lucci (6-0 senior guard), Dylan Hart (5-10 senior guard), Evan Beachler (61 junior guard), Jesse Best (6-1 junior guard), Aaron Munisan (6-4 sophomore guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Mike McDonough (5-9 sophomore guard), Elijah McCallum (6-0 sophomore forward), Andy Gorby (5-10 sophomore guard), Jake Wick (5-10 sophomore guard), Jon Erb (5-9 sophomore guard), Darrel Wooten (6-0 junior forward), Craig Landsberger (5-10 sophomore guard), Jared Hayden (6-0 GO REBELS!
CHAMBERLAIN FARMS & MEAT PROCESSING
“We’re getting a late start with football, but we’re returning 40 points per game in Logan, McDade and Gilbert.” HERMAN MILLER, CRESTVIEW BOYS COACH
sophomore forward), Riley Machall (58 sophomore guard). TEAM STRENGTHS: The Rebels return their top three scorers and have good size and athleticism. “We return our top three leading scorers in Logan, Gilbert and McDade,” Miller said. “Gilbert provides leadership as a two-time letterwinner and starter.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Our young and new varsity players from 49 are inexperienced, but eager to have their chance to have an impact,” Miller said. 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring — Robert Logan 20.2, Collin Gilbert 10.8, Josh McDade 9.0; Rebounds — Robert Logan 11.2; Assists —Collin Gilbert 4.0; Steals —Evan Nentwick (graduated) 2.0; Field Goal Pct. —Josh McDade 54.1 percent, Robert Logan 52 percent; Free Throw Pct. —Collin Gilbert 72 percent. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED:
Good Luck REBELS! Hardware • Paints • Tools • Housewares • Electrical • Plumbing - Heating Supplies • Lumber & Building Supplies • Sporting Goods.
44923 St. Rt. 517 • New Waterford, OH
330-457-2307 “GOOD LUCK!”
WHAN, INC. 40185 Lodge Road • Leetonia, OH
330-427-1427
Hardware
Of Columbiana Inc.
Middleton
Hardware
Garden Center
AND POWER EQUIPMENT
149 N. Main St. Columbiana, Ohio 44408
330-482-3348 44998 Crestview Rd. Columbiana, Ohio 44408
330-482-4803
Robert Logan, first-team All-Area. Collin Gilbert, honorable mention All-Area. Josh McDade, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Crestview may be running late due to the football team’ s playoff run, but the Rebels are willing to wait for them. “We’ re getting a late start with football,” Miller said, “but we’ re returning 40 points per game in Logan, McDade and Gilbert.” Crestview has won 22 of its last 30 regular-season games and went 9-1 when holding opponents to less than 50 points last season. The Rebels will look to dethrone Springfield as the two-time defending league champion and preseason
favorite. “There are new coaches at South Range and East Palestine that bring some new looks to the league. Cullen is a hall of fame caliber coach,” Miller said. “The upper tier of the ITCL should be exciting from December to March.” When the Rebel aren’ t battling in the ITCL, they’ ll have a rough non-conference schedule to deal with. “Our schedule includes McDonald, Hubbard and East Liverpool,” Miller
46424 Beaver Lake Rd. 44445 NEW! Near Route 14 & Route 7 • RADIATORS • HEATER CORES 330-457-7107
Proud Supporter of the Crestview Rebels!
Our thermostat is ALWAYS set on QUALITY!!! Dave Norris, Owner • www.NdcHeating.com
New Waterford, Ohio
330-457-2562
OH.LIC. #23635
YOUR CAR TAKE A HIT?
COME SEE US!
3696 St. Rt. 7 New Waterford, OH
330-482-3928
48831 McGuffey Dr. Calcutta, OH
330-385-3309 100 Continental Dr. Salem, OH
330-337-8473
12 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
EAST LIVERPOOL POTTERS
Special to the Journal/Jimmy Joe Savage
Members of the East Liverpool boys basketball team are (front, from left) CJ Harris, Owen Crawford, Aaron Long, Zack English, DJ Austin, Hayden Cunningham, John Rickerd, Austin Emmerling, Kade Reynolds, Joey Bickerton, Coach Eric Rogers; (second row, from left) coach Josh Reed, Ball Boy Malachi Reed, Brent Waggle, Ryan Bombich, Ben Adams, Dillan Reynolds, Zack Adkins, head coach Nate Conley, Devon Zubay, Isaac Davidson, Dallas Brewer, Austin Vranesevich, Chase Mahon, coach Scott Rogers; (back, from left) Tyler Adkins, Logan Bouscher, Zack Gill, Robbie Davis, Aaron Bombich, Logan Dawson and Evan Dieringer. Not pictured is Xavier Carter.
Good experience for Liverpool SCHOOL: East Liverpool Potters. 2012-13 RECORD: 8-15. Three of the losses were to Steubenville and two to Wellsville. The Potters were 4-7 at home and 0-6 on Saturdays. HEAD COACH: Nate Conley enter his fourth season as head coach with a record of 41-27. He spent three seasons as an associate head coach at Geneva College and also served as a graduate assistant at Seton Hill (Pa.) University. ASSISTANT COACHES: Scott Rogers (varsity assistant), Josh Reed (junior varsity. RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seven, including all five starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Hayden Cunningham (senior, two-year letterwinner,), Austin Emmerling (senior, one-year letterwinner), Aaron Long (senior, one-year let-
terwinner), John Rickerd (senior, oneyear letterwinner), D.J. Austin (senior, one-year letterwinner), Owen Crawford (junior, one-year letterwinner), Kade Reynolds (junior, one-year letterwinner), Isaac Davidson (sophomore, oneyear letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Zack English (senior), Joey Bickerton (junior). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Brent Waggle, C.J. Harris, Ryan Bombich, Dillan Reynolds, Zack Adkins, Dallas Brewer, Devon Zubay, Ben Adams, Chase Mahon. TEAM STRENGTHS: “All five starters will add experience and depth to the lineup,” Conley said. “Speed from all five positions will be strength.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: The Potters
have to learn how to stay in games after falling behind. They lost 13 games by double-digit margins last season. 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring — Hayden Cunningham 15.4, Derek Thompson (graduated) 8.6; Rebounds —Austin Emmerling 6.0; Assists — Hayden Cunningham 4.2; Blocked Shots —Aaron Long 3.0. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Hayden Cunningham, second-team All-Area. Derek Thompson (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Potters have high hopes for the season after losing only one player to graduation.. “Overall, the maturity of the team will lead to a solid showing on the court,” Conley said. “The amount of work put in during the offseason will
show tremendous improvement from last year.” This team features five seniors and will be relying on their experience to make a run at a winning season. “Everyone knows their roles,” Conley said. “We have a solid bench that’ s complete with all positions that know and understand their duties.” Conley expects the competition within the Potters’ practice to benefit during the regular season. “Senior leadership combining with underclassmen that are fighting for playing time creates competition in practice,” Conley said. “This makes practice harder and more game-like.” The Potters will find out about themselves right away as they open the season against Carrollton, Wellsville and Steubenville.
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 • 13
East Liverpool likes its chances SCHOOL: East Liverpool Potters. 2012-13 RECORD: 9-12. The Potters got off to a 3-2 starting before losing six of their next seven games. They were 4-2 in games decided by single-digit margins. HEAD COACH: Allan Dingey enters his second season as head coach. He was a junior high girls coach at Wellsville the previous 10 years. ASSISTANT COACHES: Samantha Cianni (varsity assistant), Hali DeSarro (junior varsity), Gary Burton (freshmen). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Four, including two starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Kiara Cowart (5-8 senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Nikayla Edgell (5-5 junior guard, two-year letterwinner), Rae Ana Holmes (6-2 senior forward, one-year letterwinner),
“We can be successful if we receive positive leadership from our upperclassmen and everyone gives total effort.” ALLAN DINGEY, EAST LIVERPOOL GIRLS COACH
Chelsea Possage (5-6 senior guard, two-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Indian Christian (5-4 senior guard), Casey Jones (5-5 senior guard), Ronnie Bailey (5-6 junior guard/forward), Paige Bennett (5-10 junior forward), Mavis Davis (5-3 junior guard), Linsey Rose (5-3 junior
guard), Elise Smith (5-8 junior forward), Taryn Williams (5-5 junior guard), Caitlyn Davis (5-9 sophomore forward). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Allisa Beckwith (5-1 sophomore guard), Justine Conrad (5-8 sophomore guard), Daianariah Hanlon (5-6 sophomore forward), Lindsay Baker (5-9 freshman guard/forward), Billirae Baker (5-6 freshman forward), Cyna Burton (5-4 freshman guard), Brooke Durbin (5-1 freshman guard), Jaybreana Foster (5-6 freshman guard), Courtney Jones (5-8 freshman forward), Madison Prince (5-1 freshman guard). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Good size, some quickness and good depth,” Dingey said. CHELSEA POSSAGE East Liverpool
See EAST LIVERPOOL, Page 14
Wishing a Good Season To All Local Teams!
East Liverpool, Ohio
www.heritage-thermal.com
4”-60” CORRUGATED 4”-60” CORRUGATED POLYETHYLENE PIPE MEETSPOLYETHYLENE ALL PIPE MEETS ALL YOUR STORMWATER NEEDSYOUR STORMWATER NEEDS Hancor offers the most Hancor offers the most comprehensive line of HDPEcomprehensive line of HDPE drainage pipe to measure up drainage to pipe to measure up to your tallest orders. your tallest orders.
Special to the Journal/Jimmy Joe Savage
East Liverpool’s Hayden Cunningham shoots over the Steubenville defense last season.
inc.
Pipelines Pipelines
inc.
P.O.P.O. Box 2027 Box • 16363 2027 St.•Clair 16363 Avenue, St.East Clair Liverpool, Avenue, Ohio • 330-386-3646 East Liverpool, Ohio • 330-386-3646 7021 Cherry 7021 Avenue, Cherry Brookfield, Avenue, Ohio • 330-540-7343 Brookfield, Ohio • 330-540-7343 Monday-Friday Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00; Saturday 8:00-5:00; 8:30-12:00
Saturday 8:30-12:00
14 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
Special to the Journal/Jimmy Joe Savage
Riverview Florist Floral Designs Our Specialty Christmas Arrangements Wreaths, fresh and silk Grave Pillows and Blankets Gifts and Silk Arrangements Poinsettias
East Liverpool’s Largest Floral Establishment
415 E. 6th St. Downtown East Liverpool, Ohio
330-385-5714 flowerseastliverpool.com
Members of the East Liverpool girls basketball team are (front, from left) Taryn Williams, Casey Jones, Rae Ana Holmes, Chelsea Possage, Kiara Cowart, India Christian, Elise Smith, Ronnie Bailey; second row, from left) coach Gary Burton, coach Hali DeSarro, Caitlyn Davis, Justine Conrad, Paige Bennett, Lindsay Baker, Courtney Jones, Daianariah Hanlon, Cyna Burton, coach Sam Cianni, head coach Allan Dingey; (back, from left) Brooke Durbin, Mavis Davis, Nikayla Edgell, Jaybreana Foster, Billirae Baker, Linsey Rose, Madison Prince and Allisa Beckwith.
PHIL IRWIN INSURANCE 330-385-3080
49376 Calcutta-Smiths Ferry Rd. • East Liverpool, OH
YOUR CAR TAKE A HIT?
COME SEE US!
3696 St. Rt. 7 New Waterford, OH
330-482-3928
48831 McGuffey Dr. Calcutta, OH
330-385-3309 100 Continental Dr. Salem, OH
330-337-8473
EAST LIVERPOOL, Continued from Page 13
TEAM WEAKNESSES: “We’ re working to improve our defense and teamwork,” Dingey said. 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring — Nikayla Edgell 16.7, Kiara Cowart 7.2; Rebounds —Kiara Cowart 7.6; Assists —Nikayla Edgell 3.7; Steals — Nikayla Edgell 3.7 Field Goal Pct. — Kiara Cowart 50 percent; Free Throw Pct. —Mary Davis (graduated) 81 percent. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Nikayla Edgell, second-team All-Area. Kiara Cowart, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Dingey will look to build off his first season at East Liverpool with hopes of rebounding after a 9-12 campaign.
“It will be tough to replace what the departing seniors gave us, especially the area’ s top three-point shooter (Mary Davis),” Dingey said. “But it is exciting to see the incoming players get their opportunity.” The Potters do boast some experienced returnees, including top two scorers Nikayla Edgell and Kiara Cowart. They will be relying on his letterwinners to bring leadership to a young squad. “We still have a ways to go to improve our team skills and working together under pressure,” Dingey said. “We can be successful if we receive positive leadership from our upperclassmen and everyone gives total effort.”
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 • 15 “By pulling out of the AAC, we were able to pick up some new opponents and play more local teams. Players seem to give more effort when they are playing opponents they see and interact with in the community.” JEREMY CHRISTEN, BEAVER LOCAL BOYS COACH
BEAVERS, Continued from Page 4
2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring — Troy Hudson (graduated) 17.0, Jared Lyder 13.4, Zack Mick (graduated) 11.7, Chase Hilliard 8.3; Rebounds — Jared Lyder 6.8, Troy Hudson (graduated) 6.3, Zack Mick (graduated) 5.2; Assists —Troy Hudson (graduated) 3.1, Chase Hilliard 2.9; Steals — Chase Hilliard 3.2; Field Goal Pct. — Jared Lyder 61 percent; Free Throw Pct. —Troy Hudson (graduated) 75 percent. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Troy Hudson (graduated) first-team All-Area. Jared Lyder, second-team All-Area. Zack Mick (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Coming off their first winning season in nine years, the Beavers are optimistic about the season after leaving the AllAmerican Conference. “I have a very positive outlook on this season,” Christen said. “The players have bought into the program and what I am looking to accomplish. Replacing guys like Troy Hudson (the team’ s leading scorer the past three seasons) and Zack Mick is hard to do, but I feel the incoming senior class has stepped up to the challange, especially when they have underclassmen nipping at their heels for their position.” The Beavers will compete as an independent this season. “Looking at our schedule, I feel we will be very competitive,” Christen said. “By pulling out of the AAC, we were able to pick up some new opponents and play more local teams. Players seem to give more effort when Morning Journal they are playing opponents they see and interact with in the community.” Josh Underwood returns to the Beaver Local lineup this season.
BEAVER LOCAL, Continued from Page 5
(5-10 sophomore forward), Jordan Simpson (5-5 sophomore guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Tiffany Ammon (5-4 junior point guard), Kaylee Horner (5-8 sophomore guard/forward), Connor McKenzie (5-5 sophomore forward), Cassie Pennicuff (6-0 sophomore center), Alexendra Talbott (5-4 sophomore guard), Shawna Talbott (5-6 sophomore guard), Amber Merideth (5-4 sophomore guard), Katie Barber (5-11 freshman center/forward), Emily Beck (5-2 freshman guard), Grace Beck (5-2 freshman guard), Rachel Ludwig (5-2 freshman guard), Madison Roberts (5-5 freshman guard), Bailey Schaffer (5-10 freshman center), Taylor Wright (5-6 freshman guard/forward), Lexi Merriman (5-6 freshman guard/forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Intelligence, good team leadership, quickness, athleticisim, desire of the players, parents and administration and coaches to turn the program around,” Spinella said. “There is excellent commitment from players and superb community support. The students want to achieve success and understand what it takes to reach team goals.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “A losing culture and inexperience,” Spinella said. 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring —Danna Talbott 6.8, Courtney Riccairdi 4.7; Rebounds —Danna Talbott 5.0. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Danna Talbott, honorable mention All-Area. Courtney Ricciardi, honorable mention AllArea. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Beavers have left the tough All-American Conference and rejoined the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference. “I like the makeup of our team,” Spinella said. “I am cautiously optimisitic but realistic about the challenge ahead of us as a team and program.” The Beavers went through growing pains last season, losing by an average margin of 30.6 points in their 19 defeats, and return six letterwinners. “We are young but talented. The girls have to realize they can be good,” Spinella said. “We as coaches need to make sure the players understand the little things are going to make a big difference between winning, losing, and having fun playing basketball. We want the girls to have fun playing the game of basketball and not make it feel like it is a job.” The Beavers gave up an average of 34.7 points in their wins and 63.4 points in their losses last season. “The toughest teams on our schedule would be Struthers, Poland, United Local, Salem, Steubenville and East Liverpool,” Spinella said.
16 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
EAST PALESTINE BULLDOGS
Morning Journal/Ron Firth
Members of the East Palestine boys basketball team are (front, from left) Zack MayRobb, Billy Bibby, Payton Patterson, Steven Parker, Mike Harmon, Alec Dumbauld; (back, from left) coach L.J. Sutton, David Weaver, Colin Reidy, Nick Monteleone, Grant Wagner, James Molnar, Ty Adams and head coach Sean McKeown.
A new start at East Palestine SCHOOL: East Palestine Bulldogs. 2012-13 RECORD: 11-11, including an 8-6 mark in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier. The Bulldogs won five of their last eight games after an 03 start. The Bulldogs went 9-1 when holding opponents to 50 points or less. HEAD COACH: Sean McKeown is in his first season as a head coach. He was a varsity assistant at Youngstown Christian School last season and freshman boys coach at Boardman for two years. ASSISTANT COACHES: Dan
McKeown (varsity assistant), L.J. Sutton (junior varsity). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Five, including three starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Steven Parker (5-4 senior center, one-year letterwinner), Billy Bibby (60 senior guard, one-year letterwinner), Zack MayRobb (6-0 senior guard, oneyear letterwinner), Alec Dumbauld (60 senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Nick Monteleone (6-0 junior guard, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS:
Payton Patterson (6-2 senior forward), Michael Harmon (6-0 senior forward), Ty Adams (5-8 junior guard), Grant Wagner (6-0 sophomore forward), Jamie Molnar (6-0 sophomore guard), Colin Reidy (5-10 junior guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Marcel Castro (6-1 junior forward), Brandon Murray (6-3 junior center), Zack Bakerstowe (5-10 sophomore forward), Alex Robb (5-10 sophomore guard), Jaret Spratt (6-0 sophomore forward), Owen Reidy (5-10 sophomore forward), Sam Varoz (5-6 sopho-
more guard), Josh Pickett (5-10 sophomore guard), David Weaver (5-10 sophomore guard) TEAM STRENGTHS: “We have a physical, athletic, defensive basketball team,” McKeown said. “We have a lot of guys that can play different positions.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Adjusting to a new coach, system and way of doing things always takes time,” McKeown said. “But our kids are doing See EAST PALESTINE, Page 22
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 • 17
Special to the Journal/Endia Wisser Photography
Members of the East Palestine girls basketball team are (front, from left) Paden Wallace, Marisa Gorby, Kelsey McKim, Courtney Weber, Abby Fuller; (back, from left) coach Jim Meissner, Haley Hall, Holly Siracuse, Hannah Hall and head coach Will Franklin.
See page 18 for the East Palestine girls preview
CORNERSTONE INSURANCE AGENCY 40 N. Market St. • East Palestine, Ohio
330-426-4111
CRABB
INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. Tom Mollenkopf, Agent East Palestine, Ohio
“HAVE A GREAT SEASON!
McCAMON-HUNT INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.
330-426-9698 David Mollenkopf, Agent Salem, Ohio
“GOOD LUCK BULLDOGS”
OLIVER-LINSLEY FUNERAL HOME A Golden Rule Funeral Home Roger Linsley - Funeral Director
E. Main on Forbes •
East Palestine, OH
330-426-2366
“GOOD LUCK, BULLDOGS”
JOHN & DARYL HERSH • Counseling • Workshops
• Education & Teaching • Speaking
Donation Basis 407 N. Market St. • East Palestine, Ohio 44413
330-426-2147
330-332-1586
8150 Market St. Boardman, Ohio 44512
330-726-8850
18 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
Bulldogs have Will and new way SCHOOL: East Palestine Bulldogs. 2012-13 RECORD: 5-17, including a 2-2 mark in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier. The Bulldogs have lost 44 of their their last 47 league games. They have lost 32 of their last 33 games on Thursdays. HEAD COACH: Will Franklin is in his first season as head coach. He was seventh grade coach at East Palestine one year and eighth grade coach at Springfield two years. ASSISTANT COACHES: Jim Meisnner (junior varsity), Lori Cascio (varsity assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Five, including three starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Courtney Weber (5-9 senior post, two-year letterwinner), Marisa Gorby (5-6 senior guard, one-year letterwinner), Kelsey McKim (5-9 senior post,
one-year letterwinner), Abby Fuller (59 junior guard-post, one-year letterwinner), Hannah Hall (5-2 sophomore guard, one-year letterwinner), Hayley Hall (5-2 sophomore guard, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Paden Wallace (5-5 junior guard), Holly Siracuse (5-5 junior guard), Danielle Weber (5-6 junior guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Paige Barr (5-4 junior guard), Braxton Feezle (5-10 sophomore post), Carlee Biegenwald (5-2 sophomore guard), Tori Ward (5-6 sophomore guard), Brittany Boggs (5-5 freshman guard), Emma Chamberlain (5-7 freshman post), Sydney Early (5-5 freshman guard), Hayleigh Hamilton (5-3 freshman guard), Hayley McElroy (5-3 freshman guard), Sadie Walker (5-3 freshman guard).
WE AT BRITTAIN MOTORS HAVE ALWAYS MADE OUR CUSTOMERS #1! Customer Service & Satisfaction Is What We Pledge To You!
4 GENERATIONSSTRONG!
TEAM STRENGTHS: “Team speed and defense,” Franklin said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: Experience coming off the bench. The Bulldogs went 0-12 when giving up more than 50 points last season. They gave up an average of 28.4 points in their five wins and 59.2 points in their 17 losses. 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring — Brooke Gedeon (graduated) 15.6, Logan Gatchel (graduated) 6.5; Rebounds —Brooke Gedeon (graduate) 8.1; Field Goal Pct. —Brooke Gedeon (graduated) 53 percent; Free Throw Pct. —Brooke Gedeon (graduated) 63 percent. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Brooke Gedeon (graduated) secondteam All-Area. Logan Gatchel (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Bulldogs
will try to replace their top two scorers, Brooke Gedeon and Logan Gatchel, who have graduated. Gedeon led the team in scoring and rebounds the past three seasons. “The league will be very competitive this year from top to bottom,” Franklin said. “Our first four league games will all be very tough with South Range, Springfield, United and Crestview. The Bulldogs will find out early where they stand. “As an inexperienced team, we will be tested early and have to mature as a team quickly,” Franklin said. “Weber and McKim will have to step up to replace Gedeon in the paint, and Hayley Hall, Hannah Hall and Marisa Gorby will share the responsibilities of the guard positions. The team has been working very hard and they are ready to compete.”
We’re a Proud Supporter of the East Palestine Sports Program!
GOOD LUCK BULLDOGS! 57 E. Martin St. East Palestine
Family Owned Since 1925 ~ Serving The Area for Over 88 Years
C H E V R O LE T
330-4 26-94 4 9 •800-5 89-7970 M on .& Thu rs.8-9;Tu es.,W ed.,Fri.8-6;Sat.8-3 w w w . b r i t t a i n c h e v y . c o m
Service & Body Shop
MARTIN’S AUTO BODY 51044 State Route 14 • East Palestine, Ohio 44413 330-426-9607 • 330-426-2976 fax
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 • 19
2012-13 BASKETBALL ROUNDUP Area boys standings INTER-TRI COUNTY LEAGUE Upper Tier Team LeagueOverall Springfield.................................14-0 17-7 Mineral Ridge............................11-3 15-9 Crestview ....................................9-5 14-9 East Palestine .............................8-6 11-11 South Range...............................7-7 11-13 Lisbon .......................................4-10 10-14 United........................................2-12 2-21 Jackson-Milton ..........................1-13 2-21 Lower Tier Wellsville ...................................12-2 McDonald..................................12-2 Lowellville....................................9-5 Southern Lcoal............................9-5 Leetonia ......................................5-9 Western Reserve ......................3-11 Sebring .....................................3-11 Columbiana...............................3-11 AREA TEAMS Salem............................................... Heartland Christian .......................... Beaver Local .................................... East Liverpool .................................. West Branch .................................... Minerva ............................................ Oak Glen..........................................
21-4 21-5 17-7 16-7 9-14 9-15 6-18 4-19 19-7 18-5 12-11 7-16 7-17 4-19 4-19
Boys team leaders SCORING OFFENSE Team ................................................................Avg. 1. Wellsville .......................................................70.0 2. Salem............................................................62.5 3. Beaver Local .................................................62.3 3. Leetonia ........................................................62.3 5. Crestview ......................................................59.1 6. East Palestine ...............................................56.3 7. Southern Local..............................................54.7 8. South Range.................................................53.2 9. East Liverpool ...............................................53.0 9. Springfield.....................................................53.0 11. West Branch..................................................51.4 12. Lisbon ...........................................................50.5 13. Minerva .........................................................49.0 14. Sebring .........................................................47.0 15. Columbiana...................................................42.6 16. United............................................................39.7 ——— SCORING DEFENSE Team ................................................................Avg. 1. Springfield.....................................................46.5 2. Southern Local..............................................48.1 3. South Range.................................................50.0 4. Crestview ......................................................52.1 5. Lisbon ...........................................................52.3 6. Salem............................................................53.4 7. East Palestine ...............................................56.0 8. Wellsville .......................................................56.9 9. Columbiana...................................................57.1 10. West Branch..................................................58.7 11. Minerva .........................................................59.0 12. Sebring .........................................................59.8 13. Beaver Local .................................................60.3 14. East Liverpool ...............................................61.7 15. Leetonia ........................................................64.4 16. United............................................................68.7 ——— SCORING MARGIN Team ................................................................Avg. 1. Wellsville .....................................................+13.1 2. Sebring .......................................................+12.8
3. Salem............................................................+9.1 4. Crestview ......................................................+7.0 5. Southern Local..............................................+6.6 6. Springfield.....................................................+6.5 7. South Range.................................................+3.2 8. Beaver Local .................................................+2.0 9. East Palestine ...............................................+0.3 10. Lisbon ............................................................-1.8 11. Leetonia.........................................................-2.1 12. West Branch ..................................................-7.3 13. East Liverpool................................................-8.7 14. Minerva........................................................-10.0 15. Columbiana..................................................-14.5 16. United ..........................................................-29.0
Boys tournaments SECTIONALS Tuesday, February 26 Boardman Div. II: Salem 69, Lakeview 48.St. Clairsville Div. II: Carrollton 54, Meadowbrook 43; Indian Creek 37, Harrison Central 33. Salem Div. III: Canton Central Catholic 70, East Palestine 52; Lisbon 37, Columbiana 36. ——— Wednesday, February 27 Boardman Div. II: Youngstown Mooney 66. West Branch 26; Poland 69, Crestwood 38. St. Clairsville Div. II: St. Clairsville 84, Edison 50; Steubenville 77, Minerva 52. Salem Div. III: Louisville St. Thomas Aquinas 104, United 43; Springfield 42, South Range 41. ——— Friday, March 1 Boardman Div. II: Ravenna Southeast 76, Niles 67, 2OT; Salem 70, Ravenna 53. St. Clairsville Div. II: Carrollton 63, Indian Creek 46. Salem Div. III: Canton Central Catholic 70, Crestview 63; Akron Manchester 44, Lisbon 41. Struthers Div. IV: Mogadore 78, Sebring 36; Youngstown Christian 53, Southern Local 43. ——— Saturday, March 2 St. Clairsville Div. II: St. Clairsville 76, Steubenville 59. Struthers Div. IV: Wellsville 62, Western Reserve 46; Lowellville 50, Lake Center Christian 41. ——— DISTRICTS Monday, March 4 Boardman Div. II: Youngstown Mooney 51, Poland 33 ——— Tuesday, March 5 Salem Div. III: Louisville St. Thomas Aquinas 50, Springfield 42; Akron Manchester 44, Canton Central Catholic 32.S Struthers Div. IV: Youngstown Christian 52, Mogadore 51; Wellsville 71, Lowellville 58. ——— Wednesday, March 6 Boardman Div. II: Salem 54, Ravenna Southeast 52. ——— Thursday, March 7 St. Clairsville Div. II: St. Clairsville 67, Carrollton 56, 7 p.m. (St. Clairsville advances to Athens regional). ——— Friday, March 8 Salem Div. III: Louisville St. Thomas Aquinas 48, Akron Manchester 44. (Louisville St. Thomas Aquinas advances to Canton Fieldhouse regional). Struthers Div. IV: Youngstown Christian 75, Wellsville 73. (Wellsville advances to Canton Fieldhouse regional). ——— Saturday, March 9 Boardman Div. II: Youngstown Mooney 61, Salem 46, 6 p.m. (Youngstown Mooney advances to Canton Civic Center regional).
Area girls standings INTER-TRI COUNTY LEAGUE Upper Tier Team ...................................League Overall United........................................14-0 24-3 Crestview ..................................11-3 18-7 South Range...............................9-5 13-11 Jackson-Milton ............................9-5 15-8 Springfield...................................6-8 7-14 Lisbon .........................................5-9 15-11 East Palestine ...........................2-12 5-17 Mineral Ridge............................0-14 3-20 Lower Tier Lowellville..................................14-0 22-4 Columbiana...............................12-2 21-4 Western Reserve ........................7-7 9-13 Southern Local............................7-7 11-12 Wellsville .....................................7-7 10-13 Leetonia ......................................7-7 8-13 McDonald..................................1-13 2-21 Sebring .....................................1-13 4-19 AREA TEAMS West Branch..................................... 23-3 Minerva ............................................ 15-8 Oak Glen.......................................... 10-11 East Liverpool .................................. 9-13 Salem............................................... 8-15 Heartland Christian .......................... 4-18 Beaver Local .................................... 3-20
Girls team leaders SCORING OFFENSE Team ...............................................................Avg. 1. United...........................................................62.7 2. Columbiana..................................................62.2 3. West Branch.................................................57.7 4. East Liverpool ..............................................50.5 5. Crestview .....................................................50.2 6. Minerva ........................................................47.7 7. Lisbon ..........................................................45.6 8. South Range ................................................44.9 9. Springfield ....................................................44.2 10. Wellsville ......................................................43.7 11. Salem...........................................................41.3 12. Leetonia .......................................................39.9 13. East Palestine ..............................................39.5 14. Southern Local.............................................38.7 15. Sebring.........................................................36.2 16. Beaver Local ................................................35.4 ——— SCORING DEFENSE Team ...............................................................Avg. 1. Columbiana..................................................34.4 2. West Branch.................................................36.8 3. United...........................................................37.3 4. South Range ................................................38.6 5. Southern Local.............................................39.7 6. Minerva ........................................................40.6 7. Lisbon ..........................................................41.6 8. Salem...........................................................43.9 9. Leetonia .......................................................48.3 10. Springfield ....................................................49.7 10. Wellsville ......................................................49.7 12. Sebring.........................................................51.6 13. Crestview .....................................................52.0 14. East Palestine ..............................................52.2 15. East Liverpool ..............................................55.0 16. Beaver Local ................................................59.6 ——— SCORING MARGIN Team ...............................................................Avg. 1. Columbiana................................................+27.8 2. United.........................................................+25.4 3. West Branch...............................................+20.9 4. Crestview .....................................................+8.2
5. Minerva ........................................................+7.1 6. South Range ................................................+6.3 7. Lisbon ..........................................................+4.0 8. Southern Local..............................................-1.0 9. Salem............................................................-2.6 10. East Liverpool ...............................................-4.5 11. Springfield.....................................................-5.5 12. Wellsville .......................................................-6.0 13. Leetonia ........................................................-8.4 14. East Palestine .............................................-12.7 15. Sebring .......................................................-15.4 16. Beaver Local ...............................................-24.2
Girls tournaments SECTIONALS Saturday, February 16 South Range Div. IV: Western Reserve 49, Leetonia 44; Lowellville 62, Sebring 31; Crestview 45, Mineral Ridge 38. ——— Monday, February 18 Austintown Div. II: Struthers 55, Youngstown Mooney 27; Canfield 60, Salem 33. South Range Div. IV: Lisbon 56, Youngstown Christian 51; Columbiana 75, Heartland Christian 6. ——— Tuesday, February 19 Belmont Div. II: Carrollton 52, Steubenville 48; Indian Creek 59, Minerva 45 (Winners advance to Zanesville district). Mineral Ridge Div. III: South Range 43, Brookfield 36; United 91, Campbell 26 ——— Wednesday, February 20 Austintown Div. II: West Branch 76, Liberty 29; Ravenna 67, Hubbard 24. ——— Thursday, February 21 Austintown Div. II: Poland 44, Ravenna Southeast 28; Struthers 69, Crestwood 51. Mineral Ridge Div. III: Pymatuning Valley 68, Springfield 42; Champion 43, Newton Falls 40. South Range Div. IV: Lowellville 47, Western Reserve 35; Crestview 64, Southern Local 30. ——— Saturday, February 23 Austintown Div. II: Canfield 80, Niles 29; West Branch 80, Streetsboro 42; Poland 41, Ravenna 37. Mineral Ridge Div. III: Girard 55, Youngstown Ursuline 44; United 53, South Range 44. South Range Div. IV: Lisbon 27, Jackson-Milton 25, OT; Columbiana 62, Wellsville 47. ——— DISTRICTS Wednesday, February 27 South Range Div. IV: Lisbon 52, Columbiana 40; Lowellville 57, Crestview 38. ——— Thursday, February 28 Austintown Div. II: Canfield 61, Struthers 54; West Branch 45, Poland 40. Zanesville Div. II: Millersburg West Holmes 67, Indian Creek 42; Carrollton vs. Zanesville Maysville 63, Carrollton 38. Mineral Ridge Div. III: Champion 51, Pymatuning Valley 49; United 50, Girard 29. ——— Saturday, March 2 Austintown Div. II: Canfield 40, West Branch 37. (Canfield advances to Barberton regional). Zanesville Div. II: Millersburg West Holmes 55, Zanesville Maysville 45. (Millersburg West Holmes advances to Zanesville regional) Mineral Ridge Div. III: United 57, Champion 34. (United advances to Cuyahoga Falls regional). South Range Div. IV: Lowellville 44, Lisbon 29. (Lowellville advances to Massillon Perry regional).
20 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
LEETONIA BEARS
Leetonia needs to stay healthy SCHOOL: Leetonia Bears. 2012-13 RECORD: 9-14, including a 5-9 mark in the Inter-Tri County League lower tier. The Bears lost seven of their last nine games. They were 1-3 in games decided by three points or less. HEAD COACH: Eric Whitmer enters his second season as head coach. He was 113-43 in seven seasons at Columbiana over two stints with consecutive Tri-County League and district titles in 1994 and 1995. He also served as head coach for the Lisbon boys and Jackson-Milton girls with a career head coaching record of 190-137. ASSISTANT COACHES: Jeff Hammond (varsity assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Three, including one starter. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Trent Ferry (5-10 junior guard, two-year letterwinner), Josh Faulkner (5-11 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), James Shea (6-2 senior forward, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Drew Turney (6-2 junior center), Isaac Stecker (6-1 freshman forward), Michael Inboden (5-7 sophomore guard), Evan Davis (6-1 sophomore forward), Bret Pacella (5-9 sophomore guard), Shayne Rhodes (5-5 sophomore guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Jimmy Knepper (5-9 freshman guard), Tanner Barr (5-7 freshman guard), Quinton Walters (5-9 sophomore forward), Steve Burnham (5-11 sophomore forward), Devin Champney (5-8 freshman guard), Danny McCool 5-6 freshman guard), Zach Pugh (6-1 freshman center). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Work ethic and willingness to improve,” Whitmer said. “Our ability to get to the basket.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Rebounding and our lack of experience,” Whitmer said. The Bears are looking to improve
Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Members of the Leetonia boys basketball team are (front, from left) Josh Faulkner, Brett Pacella, Michael Inboden, Shayne Rhodes, Trent Ferry; (back, from left) Isaac Stecker, Evan Davis, head coach Eric Whitmer, James Shea and Drew Turney.
defensively. Last season, they gave up an average of 52.7 point sa game in their nine wins and 71.9 points in their 14 losses. 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring — Trent Ferry 18.9, Ian Sevenich (graduated) 10.7, Cody Valentine (graduated) 10.0; Assists —Trent Ferry 4.2. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Trent Ferry, second-team All-Area. Ian Sevenich (graduated) honorable
mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Bears, who have only one senior and three juniors, will learn on the run. “My younger guys are getting better,” Whitmer said. The Bears got some good news as their top player, Trent Ferry, is expected to be ready early in the season after breaking a leg during football season. Ferry accounted for 47 percent of
Leetonia’ s offense last season. “Our schedule is very strong with Crestview, South Range and Youngstown Christian,” Whitmer said. The Inter-Tri County League lower tier will be even stronger. “Wellsville and McDonald are the favorites,” Whitmer said. “Mineral Ridge and Lowellville can beat anyone.”
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 • 21
“GO BEARS”
YORK DREXLER POST 5532
VFW of OHIO CHARITIES
575 S. County Road • Washingtonville, OH
330-427-2533
Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Members of the Leetonia boys basketball team are (front, from left) Mekensy Gardner, Maddie Penfold, Julia Chuey, Trisha Ogle, Casey Grace; (back, from left) head coach Kelly Paxson, Emily Schneider, Mara Newton, Haley Scoville, Autumn Champney, Tori Norman and coach Jessica Deville.
Bears looking for better starts SCHOOL: Leetonia Bears. 2012-13 RECORD: 8-13, including a tie for third place in the Inter-Tri County League lower tier with a 7-7 mark. The Bears were 6-1 when scoring 44 or more points. HEAD COACH: Kelly Paxson is in her eighth season as head coach with a record of 62-90. She also was junior varsity coach at Leetonia for one sea“GO BEARS”
YORK DREXLER POST 5532
VFW of OHIO CHARITIES
575 S. County Road • Washingtonville, OH
330-427-2533
son. ASSISTANT COACHES: Jessica Deville (junior varsity), Mike Mancuso (seventh grade), Will Jones (eighth grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Two, including one starter. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Haley Scoville (5-6 senior forward, two-year letterwinner), Emily
Schneider (5-7 senior forward, oneyear letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Autumn Champney (5-4 senior guard), Mara Newton (5-3 senior guard), Maddie Penfold (5-2 junior point guard), Mekensy Gardner (5-4 sophomore guard), Casey Grace (5-1 sophomore point guard), Trisha Ogle (5-3 sophomore guard/forward), Julia
GRUBBS BROS. INC.
LEETONIA
4785 Leetonia Road • Leetonia, Ohio Fertilizer Lime Spreading Chemicals
330-427-6527
AMERICAN LEGION Joe Williams Post 131 of Ohio Charities
330-427-6259
Chuey (5-2 junior guard), Tori Norman (5-7 freshman forward). See BEARS, Page 22
ADVANTAGE TANK LINES 404 Pearl Street Leetonia, Ohio
330-427-1010
22 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
BEARS, Continued from Page 21
Morning Journal/Wayne Maris
Leetonia’s Autumn Champney (left) drives on Heartland’s Mackenzie House during the Nov. 22 season opener. Champney had nine points in a 39-24 win.
JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Kristy Eckman (5-9 freshman forward), Emily Hipp (5-5 freshman guard), Julia Chuey (5-2 junior guard), Taylor Bean (5-7 freshman forward), Lyndsey Miller (5-5 freshman forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Speed and agility are going to be our strengths,” Paxson said. “We don’ t have a lot of size, so our speed is going to be needed on both the offense and defensive ends of the floor.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: The Bears averaged 46.1 points in their wins and 36.0 in their losses last season. “Our biggest weakness is going to be putting up big numbers on offense,” Paxson said. “We need to play fundamentally sound defense to keep the score down so that we have opportunities to win.” 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring — Nicole Mann (graduated) 11.0, Kinzie Smith (graduated) 6.9, Emily Schneider 5.9; Rebounds —Nicole Mann (graduated) 7.6; Assists —1.8; Steals —Emily Schneider 1.7; Field Goal Pct. —Haley Scoville 47.1 percent; Free Throw Pct. —Nicole Mann (graduated) 66 percent. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Nicole Mann (graduated) second-team All-Area; Kinzie Smith (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Bears have fallen behind at the start the past two seasons —going a combined 3-15 in November and December. “Offensively, we have to execute our game plan and wait for good shot opportunities,” Paxson said. “We need
to rely on our defense to create scoring for us. The players have been buying into our defensive concepts and we are looking to apply more pressure to teams this year. “The league is filled with some great players and some excellent coaches who will have their teams ready to play,” Paxson said. “We are capable of contending if we play to our potential. Our players are improving every day and have worked hard in the preseason.”
Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Bulldogs start a new era under Sean McKeown, who is in his first season as a head coach. “Across the board out-of-conference schedule is very difficult and will certainly challenge us and prepare us for the tournament,” McKeown said. “Our schedule features Youngstown
Christian, Ursuline twice and Warren JFK.” It will take a team effort to replace All-Ohioan Austen Reiser, who graduated. “The league is always very competitive across the board,” McKeown said. “Out of conference schedule is very difficult and will certainly challenge us and prepare us for the tournament.”
HALEY SCOVILLE Leetonia
EAST PALESTINE, Continued from Page 16
a great job so far.” 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring — Austen Reiser (graduated) 21.8, Steve Parker 8.0, Nick Monteleone 7.9; Rebounds —Austen Reiser (graduated) an area-high 13.8, Nick Monteleone 5.0; Assists —Austen Reiser (graduated) 3.0; Blocks —Austen Reiser (graduated) 4.8; Field Goal Pct. —Steve Parker 58 percent, Nick Monteleone
53 percent; Free Throw Pct. —Steve Parker 74 percent, Austen Reiser (graduated) 72 percent. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Austen Reiser (graduated) third-team Division III All-Ohio and first-team All-Area. Nate Keylor (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. Steve Parker, honorable mention All-
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 • 23
LISBON BLUE DEVILS
Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Members of the Lisbon boys basketball team are (front, from left) coach Todd Johnson, Noah Barnes, Jason Thompson, Bailey McCullough, Jake Liberati, Josh Liberati, Marcus Nenichka, Colin Sweeney, Austin Davis, coach Jeff Padurean; (back, from left) head coach Chris Huckshold, Avery Andric, Matt Spencer, Josh Craig, Trevor Reese, Jannik Schmidt, Austin Rutecki, Jared Merriman, Jared White, Joe Dotson and coach Ryan Snyder.
Blue Devils young and on the rise SCHOOL: Lisbon Blue Devils. 2012-13 RECORD: 10-14, including a 4-10 mark in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier. The Blue Devils were 6-2 when giving up less than 50 points and 3-9 when scoring less than 50 points. HEAD COACH: Chris Huckshold enters his fifth season as head coach with a record of 35-54. He previously coached seven years at Lisbon, including three as junior varsity boys coach, two years as freshmen boys coach and two years as girls varsity assistant. ASSISTANT COACHES: Todd Johnson (varsity assistant), Jeff Padurean (varsity assistant), Ryan Snyder (junior varsity). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Five, including four starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Matt Spencer (6-3 senior for-
The league as a whole seems very balanced and every league night should be an exciting one.” CHRIS HUCKSHOLD, LISBON BOYS COACH
ward, two-year letterwinner), Avery Andric (6-2 sophomore guard, oneyear letterwinner), Austin Rutecki (6-3 sophomore guard, one-year letterwinner), Josh Liberati (5-11 sophomore guard, one-year letterwinner), Josh Craig (6-3 sophomore guard, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Jared Merriman (6-2 junior forward), Jannik Schmidt (6-8 junior forward), Austin Davis (5-6 sophomore guard), Trevor Reese (6-3 sophomore guard).
TEAM STRENGTHS: “Attitude, unselfishness and size,” Huckshold said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Varsity experience with six sophomores in the top nine,” Huckshold said. “Consistency for four quarters and depth.” 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring— Austin Rutecki 10.9, Josh Craig 9.0, Josh Liberati 8.3, Matt Spencer 7.8; Rebounds— Josh Craig 8.7, Matt Spencer 6.8, Austin Rutecki 6.2; Assists— Josh Liberati 5.8; Steals— Josh Liberati 2.6; Field Goal Pct.— Matt Spencer 43 percent, Austin Rutecki 41 percent; Free Throw Pct.— Josh Craig 74 percent, Corey Brammer (graduated) 73 percent. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Austin Rutecki, honorable mention All-Area. Josh Liberati, honorable mention
All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Blue Devils may look young with one senior, two juniors and six sophomores on the varsity squad, but they have a lot of experience. Three of the sophomores started as freshmen as the Blue Devils return 84 percent of their scoring from last season. The Blue Devils expect to challenge Springfield for the ITCL upper tier title. It will be interesting to see how the youngsters respond. “The league will be very tough,” Huckshold said. “Crestview looks to be the front runner with a lot of key returning players. The defending champions Springfield will play hard and be tough to beat every night as well. The league as a whole seems very balanced and every league night should be an exciting one.”
24 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
Blue Devils know what it takes SCHOOL: Lisbon Blue Devils. 2012-13 RECORD: 15-11, including a 5-9 mark in the Inter-Tri County League lower tier. The Blue Devils reached the district championship game for the first time since 1991, dropping a 44-29 decision to Lowellville at the South Range Division IV tournament. They were 1-2 in games decided by three points or less and 10-2 in nonleague play. HEAD COACH: Jason Thompson enters his fourth season as head coach with a record of 38-32. at Lisbon. He was Morning Journal All-Area Coach of the Year. He also was Crestview junior varsity boys coach one year, Lisbon
boys varsity assistant one year and United freshmen boys coach one year. ASSISTANT COACHES: Mark Pezzano (junior varsity), Rick Prasco (varsity assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Three, all three starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Sarah Boyd (5-7 senior guard, one-year letterwinner), Tiffany Ketchum (5-4 junior guard, two-year letterwinner), Taylor Siefke (5-9 sophomore forward, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Hannah Prasco (5-7 sophomore guard), Jenna Dickson (5-8 senior forward), Natalie Esterly (5-7 junior guard),
Kayla Dickson (5-9 sophomore forward), Emily Steves (5-6 sophomore guard), Karlee Pezzano (5-5 freshman guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Kylee Culp (5-4 freshman guard), Hanna Bagley (5-9 sophomore forward), Alexa Bell (5-7 freshman forward), Alli Davis (5-4 freshman guard), Sam Rhodes (5-9 sophomore forward), Mackenzie Mason (5-9 freshman forward), Alyssa Gresh (5-9 junior forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Depth, speed, shooting,” Thompson said. The Blue Devils have only two seniors and two juniors on the roster. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Inexperience, size,” Thompson said. 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring — Pam Pierce (graduated) 15.4, Tiffany Ketchum 9.0, Katy Crismon (graduated) 7.0, Sarah Boyd 6.7; Rebounds — Pam Pierce (graduated) 9.0; Steals — Pam Pierce (graduated) 3.0. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Pam Pierce (graduated) honorable mention Division IV All-Ohio and firstteam All-Area. Tiffany Ketchum, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Blue Devils lose two of their top players, Pam Pierce and Katy Crismon, to graduation, but return three starters from a team that reached the district final for the first time since 1991. “I can’ t replace what Pam and Kay did for us last year with just two people,” Thompson said. “I am looking at our returners and expecting them to increase their productivity and will expect a lot of our new varsity
TIFFFANY KETCHUM Lisbon
players to develop quickly.” Lisbon whens when its defense plays well. The Blue Devils were 10-0 when holding opponents to 40 points or less. “The league has become a little more balanced this year,” Thompson said. “Until someone beats them, United is the team to beat. South Range should also be strong.”
MORGAN’S DRUG STORE 118 E.Lin coln W a y •Lisbon ,O hio
3 3 0-4 24 -7287
K evin Sn yderRPh •Steven Sn yderRPh Don K iblerRPh
Good Luck Blue Devils!
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 • 25
Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Members of the Lisbon girls basketball team are (front, from left) Sarah Boyd, Jenna Dickson; (second row, from left) Kylee Culp, Alli Davis, Emily Steves, Hannah Prasco, Alexa Bell, Karlee Pezzano, Tiffany Ketchum, Sam Rhodes; (back, from left) head coach Jason Thompson, Natalie Esterly, Hanna Bagley, Mackenzie Mason, Taylor Siefke, Alyssa Gresh, Kayla Dickson, coach Mark Pezzano and coach Rick Prasco.
See page 24 for the Lisbon girls preview
EELLS-LEGGETT-STAUFFER FUNERAL HOME CHIP STAUFFER
215 W. Lincoln Way • Lisbon, OH
“GO DEVILS!”
VFW of OHIO CHARITIES POST 4111
210 East Lincoln Way • Lisbon, Ohio
330-424-7586
PILMER AUTO PARTS
West Lincoln Way • Lisbon, Ohio
330-424-7027
330-424-5500
“GOOD LUCK, DEVILS”
Edward S.
TOOLIS D.D.S., Inc. dba
LISBON DENTAL
116 Exchange St. • Lisbon, OH
330-424-9024
• Quality Ready-Mix Concrete • Brick & Block • Keystone Retaining Wall Systems • Unilock Paving Stones • Masonry Supplies • Sand, Gravel, Limestone & Slag
4 Locations To Serve You Lisbon
Steubenville
9016 SR 164 Lisbon, Ohio
1088 LaBelle Ave. Steubenville, OH
424-5008
284-1960
(330)
(740)
East Liverpool
400 Virginia Ave. E. Liverpool, Ohio
(330)
Columbiana
169 E. Duquesne St. Columbiana, Ohio
(330)
482-3833 385-7930 To Order Call:
(800) 562-7856
26 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
HEARTLAND CHRISTIAN LIONS
Heartland plans to stay around SCHOOL: Heartland Christian Lions. 2012-13 RECORD: 18-5. The Lions won 14 straight games. HEAD COACH: Keith Tate enters his first season as head coach. He was an assistant boys varsity coach at Marion-Franklin in Columbus two years, assistant men’ s coach for Ohio State University at Newark one year, head men’ s coach at Columbus State Community College three years, associate men’ s coach at St. Augustine’ s University in Raleigh, N.C., for one year, associate men’ s coach at Tiffin University two years, and associate coach at Lane College in Jackson, Tenn. His career head coaching record is 32-21. ASSISTANT COACHES: Wesley Best. RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seven, including three starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Jared Robinson (6-4 senior post, three-year letterwinner), Caleb House (6-2 senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Glen Hoffman (6-2 junior wing, two-year letterwinner), Durand Winnale (5-11 senior wing, three-year letterwinner), Matt Baker (6-0 senior wing, three year letterwinner), Joel Sirosa (6-3 post, two-year letterwinner), Nate Summers (5-10 sophomore forward, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Zack Barnes (5-7 freshman point guard), Ben Burgess (6-1 freshman post), Phil Bell. TEAM STRENGTHS: “Speed and strong defense,” Tate said. “This year’ s team will be a tough hard-nosed defensive basketball team that will play an uptempo exciting brand of basketball.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Still-tobe-established true point guard,” Tate said. “We are hoping that freshman Zack Barnes steps up and take the job.”
Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Members of the Heartland Christian boys basketball team are (front, from left) Caleb House, Ben Burgess, Nathan Summers, Zack Barnes, Durand Winnale; (back, from left) coach Wesley Best, Glen Hoffman, Jared Robinson, Joel Sirota and head coach Keith Tate.
2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring — Glen Hoffman 17.8, Brandon Crawford (graduated) 10.5, Jared Robinson 10.0; Rebounds —Jared Robinson 9.0, Brandon Crawford (graduated) 7.0, Glen Hoffman 6.5; Steals —Brandon Crawford (graduated) 3.5, Kyle Burgess (graduated) 3.5; Field Goal Pct. —Jared Robinson 52 percent; Free Throw Pct. —Jared
Robinson 78.8 percent, Glen Hoffman 72 percent. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Glen Hoffman, honorable mention Division IV All-Ohio and second-team All-Area. Brandon Crawford (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. Jared Robinson, honorable mention All-Area.
SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lions are building off an impressive 18-5 season with seven returning letterwinners, including five with multiple letters. “We are looking to be an uptempo, fast-pace team that plays an exciting brand of basketball,” Tate said. “Our goal at Heartland is to establish ourselves as one of the better programs in
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 • 27
Lion girls taking a new approach SCHOOL: Heartland Christian Lions. 2012-13 RECORD: 4-18. HEAD COACH: Chris Kadvan enters his first season as a head coach. He was an assistant with the United Local girls the past two seasons and one season as an assistant with the Neshannock (Pa.) boys. ASSISTANT COACHES: Fred Lamb (junior varsity). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Five, including four starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Madison Pennington (5-7 senior forward, three-year letterwinner), Phoebe Nabors (5-4 senior guard, twoyear letterwinner)), Ginny Burgess (5-7 junior guard, two-year letterwinner), Avery Pennington (5-9 sophomore forward, one-year letterwinner), Olivia Hostetler (5-1 sophomore guard, oneyear letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Mackenzie Howe (5-10 freshman forward), Taylor Perkins (5-5 freshman guard), Sarah Keyes (5-9 freshman forward). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Amber Heffner (5-4 junior guard), Brianne Holt (5-5 sophomore forward), Giana McGuire (5-0 freshman guard). TEAM STRENGTHS: “They’ re a great group of hard working girls that listen,” Kadvan said. “They want change and were not satisfied with past results.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Basketball experience,” Kadvan said. “In practice, we try to simulate as much game experience as possible.” 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring — Ginny Burgess; Rebounding —Avery Pennington ; Assists — Ginny Burgess;
Heartland boys Nov. 29 ..............................................................at Badger Dec. 3 ..........................................................at Rootstown Dec. 6 .................................................at Canton Heritage Dec. 13 ....................................................Jeffersy County Dec. 20 .......................................................East Richland Dec. 27.............................................................at Sebring Dec. 30 .............................................................Lowellville Jan. 3......................................................................United Jan. 4.................................................at Jefferson County Jan. 7.............................................................Lake Center Jan. 10....................................................Canton Heritage Jan. 18 ...............................................................Kingsway
Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Members of the Heartland Christian girls basketball team are (front, from left) Taylor Perkins, Amber Heffner, Olivia Hostetler, Phoebe Nabors, Avery Pennington, Gina McGuire; (back, from left) head coach Chris Kadvan, Brianne Holt, Madison Pennington, Mackenzie House, Ginny Burgess, Sarah Keyes and coach Fred Lamb.
Steals —Ginny Burgess; Field Goal Pct. —Ginny Burgess. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Ginny Burgess, honorable mention AllArea. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lions are starting over. Jan. 21 ............................................................at Leetonia Jan. 24......................................................American Spirit Jan. 28...........................................................at Campbell Jan. 31..........................................................at Lordstown Feb. 4.................................................................Campbell Feb. 6 ...................................................at American Spirit Feb. 11 ...............................................................at United Feb. 14 ...................................................................Lisbon Feb. 18............................................................at Mathews Feb. 20......................................................Southern Local
“From day one I told the team that they will see a lot of new changes and that they will be mentally and physically challenged,” Kadvan said. “Right now, no one knows anything about the Heartland Christian Lady Lions program. Our goal is to create a new iden-
Heartland girls Nov. 22 ................................................................Leetonia Nov. 25 .............................................................at Sebring Dec. 2 .......................................................Southern Local Dec. 4 .........................................at Youngstown Christian Dec. 6 .................................................at Canton Heritage Dec. 13 ..................................................Jefferson County Dec. 16 ..........................................................at Campbell Dec. 27...............................................................at Lisbon Jan. 4.................................................at Jefferson County Jan. 6 .................................................................Campbell Jan. 10.....................................................Canton Heriage Jan. 13 ...........................................................at Wellsville
tity. “The girls have bought into my philosophies and focused on getting better each day. The combination of hard working girls who want change and a determined coaching staff is a good formula to have.” Jan. 20..................................................................Sebring Jan. 22..................................................at Southern Local Jan. 24......................................................American Spirit Jan. 27 ..............................................................at Badger Jan. 30 .......................................................at Warren JFK Feb. 6 ...................................................at American Spirit Feb. 8............................................................at McDonald Feb. 10 ...............................................................Wellsville Feb. 12 ...........................................................at Leetonial
28 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
2013-14 AREA BOYS BASKETBALL SCHEDULES Beaver Local Nov. 29 ............................................at Lisbon Nov. 30 ............................................at United Dec. 7 ..............................at Harrison Central Dec. 10 ...............................................Edison Dec. 13.....................at Steubenville Catholic Dec. 17 ..............................................Toronto Dec. 20....................................East Liverpool Dec. 23 .... Wellsville (Quicken Loans Arena) Dec. 27...........................................Crestview Dec. 28 .......................................at Oak Glen Jan. 3.................................at Southern Local Jan. 7 ..............................................Struthers Jan. 14............................................Oak Glen Jan. 18.................................Harrison Central Jan. 22 ............................................Wellsville Jan. 24........................................Steubenville Jan. 28.............................................at Salem Jan. 31 ...........................................at Toronto Feb. 4..................................at East Liverpool Feb. 8......................................East Palestine Feb. 11................................at East Liverpool Feb. 14 .....................................at Cambridge
Columbiana Dec. 3............................................at Sebring Dec. 6 .......................................at Springfield Dec. 10 .................................at South Range Dec. 13...........................................Crestview Dec. 17................................................Lisbon Dec. 20 ...................................East Palestine Dec. 27.........................................at Leetonia Dec. 30 ................................................Bristol Jan. 3.........................................at Lowellville Jan. 7.................................at Southern Local Jan. 10.................................................United Jan. 14 ..........................................Springfield Jan. 17 ......................................South Range Jan. 24 .......................................at Crestview Jan. 28 ............................................at Lisbon Jan. 31 ................................at East Palestine Feb. 4.....................................Southern Local Feb. 7 ..............................................at United Feb. 11 ...................................Jackson-Milton Feb. 14 .............................................Leetonia Feb. 18 ...........................at Western Reserve
Crestview Dec. 6..............................................at Lisbon Dec. 10 ..................................Southern Local Dec. 13 ...................................at Columbiana Dec. 17 ...............................at East Palestine Dec. 20 ................................................United Dec. 27 .................................at Beaver Local Dec. 28...............................Western Reserve Jan. 3 ...............................................Leetonia Jan. 7 ...........................................Springfield Jan. 10 ......................................South Range Jan. 14.................................................Lisbon Jan. 17...............................at Southern Local Jan. 18 ................................at East Liverpool Jan. 21.......................................at Lowellville Jan. 24........................................Columbiana Jan. 26....vs. Mineral Ridge at Covelli Centre Jan. 28 ....................................East Palestine Jan. 31.............................................at United Feb. 4........................................at Springfield Feb. 7....................................at South Range Feb. 11...........................................McDonald TBA ..................................................Hubbard
East Liverpool Dec. 3.............................................Carrollton Dec. 11............................................Wellsville Dec. 13...................................at Steubenville
Dec. 14 .......................................at Oak Glen Dec. 17 ............................................at Salem Dec. 20 .................................at Beaver Local Dec. 27 ....................................Potter Classic Dec. 28 ....................................Potter Classic Jan. 3 ................................................Mooney Jan. 4 ..........................................at Wellsville Jan. 10...........................Steubenville Central Jan. 11 ........................................at Cameron Jan. 18 ...........................................Crestview Jan. 21........................................at Claymont Jan. 24.................................at John Marshall Jan. 25 .............................................at Farrell Jan. 28 ..............................................Minerva Jan. 31............................................Oak Glen Feb. 4 ........................................Beaver Local Feb. 8 ...........................................at Hubbard Feb. 11 .................................................OVAC Feb. 14 .................................................OVAC
East Palestine Nov. 29 ....................at Youngstown Christian Dec. 6 .......................................South Range Dec. 10 .........................................Springfield Dec. 13 ............................................at United Dec. 14 .....................at Youngstown Ursuline Dec. 17...........................................Crestview Dec. 20 ...................................at Columbiana Jan. 4..............................................Carrollton Jan. 7 ..............................................at Lisbon Jan. 10...................................Southern Local Jan. 14..................................at South Range Jan. 17 ......................................at Springfield Jan. 18..........................Youngstown Ursuline Jan. 24.................................................United Jan. 28 .......................................at Crestview Jan. 31........................................Columbiana Feb. 4 ..................................................Lisbon Feb. 7 ................................at Southern Local Feb. 8....................................at Beaver Local Feb. 11....................................at Warren JFK Feb. 14...........................................Lowellville
Leetonia Nov. 30 ..............................at Southern Local Dec. 3..................................................Lisbon Dec. 6 ................................at Jackson-Milton Dec. 10 ......................................at Lowellville Dec. 17 ................................at Mineral Ridge Dec. 20............................................Wellsville Dec. 27 .......................................Columbiana Jan. 3 .........................................at Crestview Jan. 7.............................................McDonald Jan. 10...........................................at Sebring Jan. 14 ...................................Jackson-Milton Jan. 17...........................................Lowellville Jan. 18.....................at Youngstown Christian Jan. 21 ...........................................Heartland Jan. 24 ...........................at Western Reserve Jan. 28.....................................Mineral Ridge Jan. 31 ........................................at Wellsville Feb. 4.........................................at McDonald Feb. 7 ................................................Sebring Feb. 11..................................at South Range Feb. 14....................................at Columbiana TBA....................................Western Reserve
Lisbon Nov. 29......................................Beaver Local Dec. 3...........................................at Leetonia Dec. 6.............................................Crestview Dec. 10 ............................................at United Dec. 13 ..............................at Southern Local Dec. 17 ...................................at Columbiana Dec. 20 .....................................South Range Dec. 27......................................West Branch
Jan. 4 ............................at Heritage Christian Jan. 7 ......................................East Palestine Jan. 10 ......................................at Springfield Jan. 14 .......................................at Crestview Jan. 17.................................................United Jan. 21.........................Youngstown Christian Jan. 24...................................Southern Local Jan. 28........................................Columbiana Jan. 31..................................at South Range Feb. 4..................................at East Palestine Feb. 7............................................Springfield Feb. 11......................................at Rootstown Feb. 14 .......................................at Heartland Feb. 18 ..............................................Sebring
Minerva Nov. 29.........................Louisville St. Thomas Dec. 6 ..................................................Salem Dec. 10................................................Tuslaw Dec. 13 ................................at Canton South Dec. 20..........................................Marlington Dec. 21..............................................Malvern Dec. 27........................................at Louisville Dec. 28 ...................................Buckeye Local Jan. 3 ............................................at Alliance Jan. 7..............................................Carrollton Jan. 10...................................at West Branch Jan. 14 ...................................at East Canton Jan. 17.............................................at Salem Jan. 18 ...................................at Steubenville Jan. 21 .....................................Canton South Jan. 24 ......................................at Marlington Jan. 28 ................................at East Liverpool Jan. 31 ............................................Louisville Feb. 4 ................................................Alliance Feb. 7 .........................................at Carrollton Feb. 14 ......................................West Branch Feb. 15 ............................................at United
Salem Nov. 29 .......................................at Campbell Dec. 3 .......................................South Range Dec. 6............................................at Minerva Dec. 13............................................Louisville Dec. 17....................................East Liverpool Dec. 20.......................................at Carrollton Dec. 23............................................Struthers Dec. 27..............................................Alliance Jan. 3 ........................................at Marlington Jan. 7.........................................West Branch Jan. 10.................................at Canton South Jan. 14 ............................................at Liberty Jan. 17 ..............................................Minerva Jan. 21 ........................................at Louisville Jan. 24............................................Carrollton Jan. 28 ......................................Beaver Local Jan. 31 ..........................................at Alliance Feb. 4 ............................................Marlington Feb. 7 ....................................at West Branch Feb. 14.....................................Canton South Feb. 18 ................................................United Feb. 21..........................................at Canfield
Sebring Dec. 3 .........................................Columbiana Dec. 6 ......................................Mineral Ridge Dec. 10............................................Wellsville Dec. 13 ..............................at Jackson-Milton Dec. 17 ..........................................Lowellville Dec. 20 ......................................at McDonald Dec. 23 .......................................Southington Dec. 27...........................................Heartland Jan. 7 .............................at Western Reserve Jan. 10 .............................................Leetonia Jan. 14.................................at Mineral Ridge Jan. 17 ........................................at Wellsville
Jan. 21.............................................at United Jan. 24 ...................................Jackson-Milton Jan. 28.......................................at Lowellville Jan. 31...........................................McDonald Feb. 4 .................................Western Reserve Feb. 7 ...........................................at Leetonia Feb. 14 .......................................Lake Center Feb. 18 ............................................at Lisbon
Southern Local Nov. 30 .............................................Leetonia Dec. 6..............................................at United Dec. 10.......................................at Crestview Dec. 13................................................Lisbon Dec. 17 ................................at South Range Dec. 20 .........................................Springfield Dec. 23 ...............................................Edison Dec. 27 .......................................at Oak Glen Jan. 3 ........................................Beaver Local Jan. 7..........................................Columbiana Jan. 10 ................................at East Palestine Jan. 14.................................................United Jan. 17 ...........................................Crestview Jan. 23 ..................................Conotton Valley Jan. 24 ............................................at Lisbon Jan. 28 ......................................South Range Jan. 31 ......................................at Springfield Feb. 4......................................at Columbiana Feb. 7......................................East Palestine Feb. 11.....................at Youngstown Christian Feb. 18............................................Oak Glen Feb. 21 .......................................at Heartland
South Range Dec. 3 ..............................................at Salem Dec. 6 .................................at East Palestine Dec. 10 .......................................Columbiana Dec. 13 .........................................Springfield Dec. 17 ..................................Southern Local Dec. 20............................................at Lisbon Dec. 27......................................Newton Falls Jan. 3 .................................Western Reserve Jan. 7...............................................at United Jan. 10 .......................................at Crestview Jan. 14 ....................................East Palestine Jan. 17....................................at Columbiana Jan. 21.......................................at McDonald Jan. 24 ......................................at Springfield Jan. 28...............................at Southern Local Jan. 31.................................................Lisbon Feb. 4 ..................................................United Feb. 7 .............................................Crestview Feb. 11 .............................................Leetonia Feb. 14.......................................at Brookfield Feb. 18 ............................................Lakeview Feb. 21 ..................................at West Branch
Springfield Local Dec. 3 ............................................Lowellville Dec. 6 .........................................Columbiana Dec. 10 ...............................at East Palestine Dec. 13 .................................at South Range Dec. 14..............................Girard (at Poland) Dec. 17 ................................................United Dec. 20 ..............................at Southern Local Dec. 23..................................at West Branch Dec. 27 ...........................................at Poland Jan. 3.......................at Youngstown Christian Jan. 7 .........................................at Crestview Jan. 10.................................................Lisbon Jan. 14....................................at Columbiana Jan. 17 ....................................East Palestine Jan. 21 .......................................at Brookfield Jan. 24 ......................................South Range Jan. 28.............................................at United Jan. 31...................................Southern Local
Feb. 4 .............................................Crestview Feb. 7 ..............................................at Lisbon Feb. 18...........................................McDonald Feb. 20 ...........................at Western Reserve
United Nov. 29 ......................................West Branch Nov. 30......................................Beaver Local Dec. 6 ....................................Southern Local Dec. 10................................................Lisbon Dec. 13 ...................................East Palestine Dec. 17 .....................................at Springfield Dec. 20.......................................at Crestview Dec. 23 ..............................at Jackson-Milton Jan. 3 .........................................at Heartland Jan. 7 ........................................South Range Jan. 10....................................at Columbiana Jan. 14...............................at Southern Local Jan. 17 ............................................at Lisbon Jan. 21...............................................Sebring Jan. 24 ................................at East Palestine Jan. 28 ..........................................Springfield Jan. 31 ...........................................Crestview Feb. 4....................................at South Range Feb. 7..........................................Columbiana Feb. 11 ...........................................Heartland Feb. 15 ..............................................Minerva Feb. 18.............................................at Salem
Wellsville Dec. 10..........................................at Sebring Dec. 11 ...............................at East Liverpool Dec. 13 ................................at Mineral Ridge Dec. 17...................................Jackson-Milton Dec. 20.........................................at Leetonia Dec. 21 ..........................................McDonald Dec. 23 .......Beaver at Quicken Loans Arena Jan. 4 ......................................East Liverpool Jan. 7.........................................at Lowellville Jan. 10 ...............................Western Reserve Jan. 11............................................Oak Glen Jan. 14.......................................at McDonald Jan. 17...............................................Sebring Jan. 22 ..................................at Beaver Local Jan. 24.....................................Mineral Ridge Jan. 25........................................at Oak Glen Jan. 28 ...............................at Jackson-Milton Jan. 31 .............................................Leetonia Feb. 4.............................................Lowellville Feb. 7 .............................at Western Reserve Feb. 11 .................................................OVAC
West Branch Nov. 29 ............................................at United Dec. 3.............................Ravenna Southeast Dec. 6..............................................Louisville Dec. 13...........................................Carrollton Dec. 17 .....................................at Marlington Dec. 20..........................................at Alliance Dec. 23 .........................................Springfield Dec. 27............................................at Lisbon Dec. 30..........................................at Fairless Jan. 3 .......................................Canton South Jan. 7...............................................at Salem Jan. 10 ..............................................Minerva Jan. 17 ............................................Louisville Jan. 21 .......................................at Carrollton Jan. 24...............................................Alliance Jan. 31 ..........................................Marlington Feb. 4...................................at Canton South Feb. 7...................................................Salem Feb. 11..............................................Canfield Feb. 14 ..........................................at Minerva Feb. 18............................................at Poland Feb. 21......................................South Range
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 • 29
2013-14 AREA GIRLS BASKETBALL SCHEDULES Beaver Local Nov. 23 ............................................at United Nov. 27................................................Edison Dec. 2..........................................at Wellsville Dec. 5.....................................at Steubenville Dec. 9......................................East Liverpool Dec. 14 ............................at Harrison Central Dec. 18 ...........................................at Liberty Dec. 21 ...................................East Palestine Dec. 28 .......................................at Oak Glen Dec. 30...........................................Crestview Jan. 4...................................Harrison Central Jan. 6..............................................Oak Glen Jan. 9 ..........................................at Struthers Jan. 13.................................................Salem Jan. 16 ............................................at Poland Jan. 21 ............................................Wellsville Jan. 25..................................at South Range Jan. 30 ................................at East Liverpool Feb. 3 ...................................................OVAC Feb. 6 ...................................................OVAC Feb. 10........................................Columbiana Feb. 12...................................Southern Local
Columbiana Nov. 27 ................................................Lisbon Dec. 2.........................................at Crestview Dec. 5...............................................Leetonia Dec. 9.................................Western Reserve Dec. 12 ..............................................Sebring Dec. 16........................................at Wellsville Dec. 19 ......................................at Lowellville Dec. 23 ..................................Southern Local Jan. 3 ................................................at Perry Jan. 9.........................................at McDonald Jan. 13 .........................................at Leetonia Jan. 16 ...........................at Western Reserve Jan. 20..............................................Ursuline Jan. 23...........................................at Sebring Jan. 25 ...........................................Crestview Jan. 27 ............................................Wellsville Jan. 30...........................................Lowellville Feb. 1..................................................at East Feb. 3 ................................at Southern Local Feb. 6.............................................McDonald Feb. 10..................................at Beaver Local Feb. 13................................at East Palestine
Crestview Nov. 23...........................................at Salem Nov. 30 ..............................at East Liverpool Dec. 2 .......................................Columbiana Dec. 5 ............................................at Lisbon Dec. 9 ....................................Mineral Ridge Dec. 12.................................Jackson-Milton Dec. 16..............................at East Palestine Dec. 19 ..............................................United Dec. 23 ........................................McDonald Dec. 30................................at Beaver Local Jan. 3..............................................Leetonia Jan. 6 ..........................................Springfield Jan. 9 ......................................South Range Jan. 13...............................................Lisbon Jan. 16 ...............................at Mineral Ridge Jan. 23 .............................at Jackson-Milton Jan. 25 ..................................at Columbiana Jan. 27 ..................................East Palestine Jan. 30...........................................at United Feb. 1 ............................................ Hubbard Feb. 3 ......................................at Springfield Feb. 6..................................at South Range
East Liverpool Nov. 22 .......................................Steubenville
Nov. 30 ...........................................Crestview Dec. 2 ..............................................at United Dec. 7..................................at John Marshall Dec. 9 ...................................at Beaver Local Dec. 11..........................................at Minerva Dec. 12 ...............................................Brooke Dec. 18 ...................................................Weir Jan. 2..........................................at Oak Glen Jan. 4 ..........................................at Wellsville Jan. 6..................................................at Weir Jan. 8......................................Buckeye Local Jan. 11 ................................................Edison Jan. 13............................................Oak Glen Jan. 15 ...................................at Steubenville Jan. 18 ............................................Wellsville Jan. 22................................at Buckeye Local Jan. 25............................................at Brooke Jan. 27.................................................Salem Jan. 30 ......................................Beaver Local Feb. 3 ...................................................OVAC Feb. 6 ...................................................OVAC
East Palestine Nov. 25.........................................at Leetonia Dec. 5 .......................................South Range Dec. 9 ...........................................Springfield Dec. 12 ............................................at United Dec. 16...........................................Crestview Dec. 19 ..............................at Jackson-Milton Dec. 21 .................................at Beaver Local Dec. 28 ..................................Southern Local Jan. 6 ..............................................at Lisbon Jan. 9.......................................Mineral Ridge Jan. 13..................................at South Range Jan. 16 ......................................at Springfield Jan. 23.................................................United Jan. 25...............................at Southern Local Jan. 27 .......................................at Crestview Jan. 30 ...................................Jackson-Milton Feb. 3 ..................................................Lisbon Feb. 5..........................................Warren JFK Feb. 6...................................at Mineral Ridge Feb. 10 ...............................Western Reserve Feb. 13........................................Columbiana
Leetonia Nov. 22.......................................at Heartland Nov. 25....................................East Palestine Dec. 2..................................................Lisbon Dec. 5 .....................................at Columbiana Dec. 9 ........................................at Lowellville Dec. 12...............................Western Reserve Dec. 16 ..............................at Southern Local Dec. 19............................................Wellsville Dec. 23...................................Jackson-Milton Dec. 28..........................................at Malvern Jan. 3 .........................................at Crestview Jan. 6.............................................McDonald Jan. 9.............................................at Sebring Jan. 13........................................Columbiana Jan. 16...........................................Lowellville Jan. 23 ...........................at Western Reserve Jan. 27...................................Southern Local Jan. 30 ........................................at Wellsville Feb. 3.........................................at McDonald Feb. 6 ................................................Sebring Feb. 10.....................at Youngstown Christian Feb. 12 ...........................................Heartland
Lisbon Nov. 26 ..................................Southern Local Nov. 27 ...................................at Columbiana Dec. 2...........................................at Leetonia Dec. 5.............................................Crestview Dec. 9 ..............................................at United Dec. 12 ................................at Mineral Ridge
Dec. 16 ..............................at Jackson-Milton Dec. 19 .....................................South Range Dec. 28...........................................Heartland Jan. 4 ............................at Heritage Christian Jan. 6 ......................................East Palestine Jan. 9 ........................................at Springfield Jan. 13 .......................................at Crestview Jan. 16.................................................United Jan. 20 ..................................at Sandy Valley Jan. 23.....................................Mineral Ridge Jan. 27 ...................................Jackson-Milton Jan. 30..................................at South Range Feb. 3..................................at East Palestine Feb. 6............................................Springfield Feb. 10 ..........................................at Sebring
Minerva Nov. 23 ..........................................at Fairless Nov. 27 ..................................at Indian Creek Nov. 30.................................................Salem Dec. 7 ..................................at Canton South Dec. 11....................................East Liverpool Dec. 14..........................................Marlington Dec. 16.......................................East Canton Dec. 21........................................at Louisville Dec. 23............................................at Tuslaw Dec. 28..........................................at Alliance Jan. 2..........................................Tusky Valley Jan. 4..............................................Carrollton Jan. 8.....................................at West Branch Jan. 11.............................................at Salem Jan. 15 ...............................New Philadelphia Jan. 18 .....................................Canton South Jan. 22 ......................................at Marlington Jan. 25 ............................................Louisville Jan. 29...............................................Alliance Feb. 1 .........................................at Carrollton Feb. 5 ........................................West Branch Feb. 8.................................at Canton Central
Salem Nov. 23 ...........................................Crestview Nov. 26 ................................................United Nov. 30..........................................at Minerva Dec. 4............................................at Mooney Dec. 7..............................................Louisville Dec. 11........................Youngstown Christian Dec. 14.......................................at Carrollton Dec. 21..............................................Alliance Dec. 23............................................Struthers Dec. 28 .....................................at Marlington Jan. 4.........................................West Branch Jan. 8...................................at Canton South Jan. 11 ..............................................Minerva Jan. 13 ..................................at Beaver Local Jan. 18 ........................................at Louisville Jan. 22............................................Carrollton Jan. 25 ..........................................at Alliance Jan. 27 ................................at East Liverpool Jan. 29 ..........................................Marlington Feb. 1 ....................................at West Branch Feb. 5.......................................Canton South Feb. 12...............................................at Niles
Sebring Nov. 23 ..............................................Malvern Nov. 25 ...........................................Heartland Dec. 5 ................................at Southern Local Dec. 9..............................................Wellsville Dec. 12 ...................................at Columbiana Dec. 16 ..........................................Lowellville Dec. 19 ......................................at McDonald Dec. 23 .......................................Southington Jan. 6 .............................at Western Reserve Jan. 9 ...............................................Leetonia Jan. 13...................................Southern Local
Jan. 16 ........................................at Wellsville Jan. 20 .......................................at Heartland Jan. 23........................................Columbiana Jan. 27.......................................at Lowellville Jan. 30...........................................McDonald Feb. 3 .................................Western Reserve Feb. 6 ...........................................at Leetonia Feb. 10 ................................................Lisbon
Southern Local Nov. 26 ............................................at Lisbon Dec. 2.........................................at Heartland Dec. 5 ................................................Sebring Dec. 9 ............................................McDonald Dec. 12............................................Wellsville Dec. 14 .........................at Heritage Christian Dec. 16.............................................Leetonia Dec. 19...........................at Western Reserve Dec. 23 ...................................at Columbiana Dec. 28 ...............................at East Palestine Jan. 9.............................................Lowellville Jan. 13...........................................at Sebring Jan. 16.......................................at McDonald Jan. 22 ...........................................Heartland Jan. 23 ........................................at Wellsville Jan. 25 ....................................East Palestine Jan. 27 .........................................at Leetonia Jan. 30 ...............................Western Reserve Feb. 3..........................................Columbiana Feb. 6 ........................................at Lowellville Feb. 10..............................Heritage Christian Feb. 12..................................at Beaver Local
South Range Nov. 25 ..........................................Lowellville Dec. 2.............................at Western Reserve Dec. 5 .................................at East Palestine Dec. 9.....................................Jackson-Milton Dec. 12 .........................................Springfield Dec. 16 ....................................Mineral Ridge Dec. 19............................................at Lisbon Dec. 23............................................at Aurora Dec. 28..........................................at Mooney Dec. 30 ...........................................Windham Jan. 6...............................................at United Jan. 9 ........................................at Crestview Jan. 13 ....................................East Palestine Jan. 16 ...............................at Jackson-Milton Jan. 23 ......................................at Springfield Jan. 25 ......................................Beaver Local Jan. 27.................................at Mineral Ridge Jan. 30.................................................Lisbon Feb. 3 ..................................................United Feb. 6 .............................................Crestview Feb. 10 ......................................West Branch Feb. 13............................................at Poland
Springfield Local Nov. 23 ..........................................at Mooney Dec. 2 ........................................at Lowellville Dec. 5.....................................Jackson-Milton Dec. 7..........................Youngstown Christian Dec. 9 .................................at East Palestine Dec. 12 .................................at South Range Dec. 16 ................................................United Dec. 19 ................................at Mineral Ridge Dec. 27 ...........................................at Poland Jan. 4 ........................................Newton Falls Jan. 6 .........................................at Crestview Jan. 9...................................................Lisbon Jan. 11 .................................................Girard Jan. 13 ...............................at Jackson-Milton Jan. 16 ....................................East Palestine Jan. 23 ......................................South Range Jan. 27.............................................at United Jan. 30.....................................Mineral Ridge
Feb. 3 .............................................Crestview Feb. 6 ..............................................at Lisbon Feb. 10 ................................................Liberty
United Nov. 23......................................Beaver Local Nov. 26 ............................................at Salem Dec. 2......................................East Liverpool Dec. 5 ......................................Mineral Ridge Dec. 9..................................................Lisbon Dec. 12 ...................................East Palestine Dec. 16 .....................................at Springfield Dec. 19.......................................at Crestview Dec. 28 ....................at Youngstown Christian Dec. 30 ..................................Canton Timken Jan. 2.........................................West Branch Jan. 6 ........................................South Range Jan. 9 .................................at Jackson-Milton Jan. 13.................................at Mineral Ridge Jan. 16 ............................................at Lisbon Jan. 18 .......................................at Carrollton Jan. 23 ................................at East Palestine Jan. 27 ..........................................Springfield Jan. 30 ...........................................Crestview Feb. 3....................................at South Range Feb. 6 .....................................Jackson-Milton Feb. 8............................................at Canfield
Wellsville Dec. 2........................................Beaver Local Dec. 5 ............................................McDonald Dec. 9............................................at Sebring Dec. 12 ..............................at Southern Local Dec. 14 ..............................................Toronto Dec. 16 .......................................Columbiana Dec. 19.........................................at Leetonia Dec. 30...........................................at Toronto Jan. 4 ......................................East Liverpool Jan. 6.........................................at Lowellville Jan. 9 .................................Western Reserve Jan. 13.......................................at McDonald Jan. 15 ...........................................Heartland Jan. 16...............................................Sebring Jan. 18 ................................at East Liverpool Jan. 21 ..................................at Beaver Local Jan. 23...................................Southern Local Jan. 27....................................at Columbiana Jan. 30 .............................................Leetonia Feb. 3.............................................Lowellville Feb. 6 .............................at Western Reserve Feb. 10 .......................................at Heartland
West Branch Nov. 23 .....................at Youngstown Ursuline Nov. 27..............................................Canfield Nov. 30 ..............vs. Gilmour (at Walsh Univ.) Dec. 7.............................................Carrollton Dec. 11..........................................at Alliance Dec. 14 ..............vs. Boardman (at Struthers) Dec. 18............................................Louisville Dec. 21 .....................................at Marlington Dec. 28 ....................................Canton South Jan. 2...............................................at United Jan. 4...............................................at Salem Jan. 8 ................................................Minerva Jan. 11 ........................................at Louisville Jan. 15 .......................................at Carrollton Jan. 18 .....vs. Fort Loramie (at Berlin Hiland) Jan. 22...............................................Alliance Jan. 25 ..........................................Marlington Jan. 29.................................at Canton South Feb. 1...................................................Salem Feb. 3 ..............................at Austintown Fitch Feb. 5 ............................................at Minerva Feb. 10..................................at South Range
30 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
MINERVA LIONS
Lions ready to flex their muscles SCHOOL: Minerva Lions. 2012-13 RECORD: 4-19, including a 2-12 record in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference. The Lions got off to an 0-14 start. They were 1-13 on the road and a combined 2-13 on Fridays and Saturdays. HEAD COACH: Pepper Locke is in his eight season as head coach with a record of 69-84. He served 11 seasons as the Minerva girls head coach with a record of 149-96. ASSISTANT COACHES: Don Spinell (varsity assistant), Bruce Wright (junior varsity), Scott Russell (freshmen), Kevin Russell (eighth grade), Jim Rittenhouse (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Five, including one starter. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Jantsen Locke (6-1 senior guard, three-year letterwinner), Nick Clapper (5-9 senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Cody Parrish (5-9 senior guard, one-year letterwinner), Chase Cappelli (5-10 senior guard, one-year letterwinner), Joe Gill (5-8 junior guard, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Austin Catlett (5-11 junior forward), Storm Angione (6-1 junior forward), Kristian Knight (5-8 junior guard), Logan Coe (5-8 junior guard), Dakota Hudy (6-1 junior post), Wylie Brown (6-5 junior post), Cody Ray (6-2 senior forward), Jake Stryffeler (6-4 senior post). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Jake Preston (6-0 sophomore post), Dylan Ossler (6-0 sophomore forward), Derek McNutt (6-1 junior forward), Anthony Rocco (5-8 sophomore guard), Tyler Wilson (5-10 junior forward), Kyle Gulling (6-1 sophomore forward), Dominic Crowe (511 sophomore post), Ethan Hall (6-1 sophomore forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “We have some good quickness on our team this
Morning Journal/Ron Firth
Minerva boys basketball (front, from left) Kristian Knight, Cody Parrish, Nick Clapper, Chase Capelli, Austin Cathlett, Logan Coe, Joe Gill; (back, from left) Jantsen Locke, Cody Ray, Jake Stryffeler, Wylie Brown, Dakota Hudy, Storm Angione; (back, from left) coach Don Spinell, head coach Pepper Locke and coach Bruce Wright.
season,” Pepper Locke said. “Our effort has been really great. We are working hard to get ready for the year. I see more confidence in the kids this year. We had a good summer which has put us in a position to understand the system better. We are much stronger this year physically.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: The Lions are looking for a more consistent defensive effort. They gave up an average of 48.8 points in their wins, but 61.2 points in their losses last season. 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring —
Jantsen Locke 16.7, Nick Clapper 5.7. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Jantsen Locke, second-team All-NBC. Nick Clapper, honorable mention All-NBC. Billy Eyer, honorable mention AllNBC. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lions have one of the top guards in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference with senior Jantsen Locke. “We will have some depth and quickness,” Pepper Locke said. “We want to use our quickness and be relentless with our effort defensively.
Our post need to develop and control the paint on defense. The kids have been giving great effort and we are anxious to get started. We want to play good defense and rebound the ball.” Of course, it is never easy in the NBC. “Marlington is still strong, even though they lost (NBC player of the year Lucas) Strouble,” Pepper Locke said. “Louisville was young last year, but I’ ve heard a couple of the kids have grown. Alliance is still the favorite. They have those three kids. It’ s going to be interesting.”
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 • 31
Morning Journal/Ron Firth
Minerva girls basketball (front, from left) Amanda Burchett, Morgan Preston, Lauren Haynam, Erica McCauley, Logan Pottorf; (seated, from left) Bri Gassman, Shania Miller, Alexa Bates, Macy Foutz; (back, from left) coach Sean Kocher, Josie Chaddock, Tiffany Jones, head coach Heather Frigyes, Maddie Siedschlaw, Lauren Rhome and coach Mark Blackburn.
See page 32 for the Minerva girls preview
For all the local sports scores visit www.mojonews.com! “Go Lions!”
MINERVA WELDING & FAB 22133 U.S. SR 30 • Minerva, Ohio
“GOOD LUCK”
K.W. HOOPES & ASSOCIATES, INC. CPA, CFP www.kwhoopes.com
330-868-1140
106 N. Main St. • Minerva, OH
330-868-7731 “GOOD LUCK”
KIKO MEATS Locally Raised Beef & Pork 1548 Union Ave. S.E. Rt. 183 Minerva, OH
330-868-6439
“Have Fun • Play Good!”
KOHMANN MINERVA MOWER Simplicity • Cub Cadet • Echo 107 East High St. Minerva, Ohio
330-868-9893
kohmannminervamower.com
“Play Your Best!” We don’t brag about our claims service. But 97% of our customers with claims do.*
* Based on a 2008 internal State Farm Claims department national study.
Annette Mapes, Agent 712 East Lincoln Way Minerva, Ohio 44657 330-868-7781 annette.mapes.gt4l@statefarm.com
When I say “good” you say “neighbor.”
32 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
Minerva girls build off success
Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Minerva’s Lauren Haynam (left) and Mayson Hardgrove trap Salem’s Tori Jones in Northeastern Buckeye Conference play last season.
“HAVE A GOOD SEASON!”
BEABER SEED & SUPPLY 6% Discount On Grains, Corn, Soybeans If Purchased By 1-14-14. 10% Off Volume Discounts On Pre-Paid Seed Orders For 2014 Crops
2892 Beechwood Ave. • Paris, Ohio 44669
330-862-2170
SCHOOL: Minerva Lions. 2012-13 RECORD: 16-8, including a third-place finish in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference with a 9-5 mark. The Lions got off to an 8-1 start and lost their last four games. They gave up an average of 37.8 points in their first 19 games and 53.8 points in their last four. HEAD COACH: Heather Frigyes enters her third season as head coach with a record of 24-24. She is in her 20th season of coaching at Minerva, which includes one season as the junior varsity girls coach. ASSISTANT COACHES: Mark Blackburn (varsity assistant), Sean Kocher (junior varsity), Brooke Preston (eighth grade), Nick Apisa (eighth grade), Mikka Ray (seventh grade), Justin Davis (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Five, including one starter. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Lauren Haynam (senior forward, two-year letterwinner), Shania Miller (senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Morgan Preston (senior forward, twoyear letterwinner), Tiffany Jones (senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Josie Chaddock (sophomore guard, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Alexa Bates (senior forward), Erica McCauley (senior guard), Maddie Siedsclaw (senior guard), Lauren Rhome (junior center), Amanda Burchett (sophomore guard), Macy Foutz (sophomore forward), Logan Pottorf (sophomore guard), Bri Gassman (freshman forward). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Alivia Bates (freshman guard-forward), Reiley Cowart (freshman guard), Nora Yankovich (freshman forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “The girls have been hitting the weight room year round, have a great team attitude and a desire to learn the game,” Frigyes said. “Their unselfish ways will carry them in hopes that they can continue to improve on last year’ s success.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Key losses to graduation in all statistical categories and minimal varsity experience beyond letterwinners,” Frigyes said.
“Their unselfish ways will carry them in hopes that they can continue to improve on last year’s success.” HEATHER FRIGYES, MINERVA GIRLS COACH
2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring — Lorin Clark (graduated) 11.6, Raychel Blocher (graduated) 8.8, Josie Chaddock 6.4, Mayson Hardgrove (graduated) 5.9, Jacklyn Russell (graduated) 5.8; Rebounds — Raychel Blocher (graduated) 6.3, Mayson Hardgrove (graduated) 4.8; Assists — Lorin Clark (graduated) 2.5; Steals — Lori Clark 3.4, Jacklyn Russell (graduated) 2.2; Field Goal Percentage — Shania Miller 47 percent, Raychel Blocher (gradauted) 37 percent; Free Throw Percentage —Morgan Preston 86 percent, Mikayla Shea (graduated) 68 percent, Lauren Haynam (graduated) 66 percent. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Lorin Clark (graduated) first-team allNBC. Raychel Blocher (graduated) second-team All-NBC. Mayson Hardgrove (graduated) honorable mention All-NBC. Jacklyn Russell (graduated) honorable mention All-NBC. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lions have lost four of their top five scorers from last season. “As for overall playing experience, only two players return with significant experience,” Frigyes said. “Our goal is to continue to show signs of improvement and to compete consistently every night. “The NBC is always a competitive conference where any team can be beaten on any given night,” Frigyes said. “Definitely the preseason favorites to contend for the league title this season would be West Branch and Carrollton. Louisville has proven that whether they are picked as a preseason favorite or not, they will be in contention for the title.
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 • 33
OAK GLEN GOLDEN BEARS
Morning Journal/Steve Rappach
Members of the Oak Glen boys basketball team are (front, from left) Chase Hartley, Cole Beaver, Justin Adams, Bryan Congo, Cyle Perez; (second row, from left) Max Van Fossen, Tyler Click, Brennan Smith, Jared Hissam; (back, from left) head coach Dave Smith, Matt Stipec, Kyle Woodruff, David McGraw, Jakob Ford, Bub Maddox, coach Bryan Hissam and coach Jeremy Everly.
See page 53 for the Oak Glen previews
GOOD LUCK TO THE GOLDEN BEARS IN YOUR 2013-2014 SEASON!!
Jerry N. Linger, D.D.S. D.D.S. “GOOD LUCK!”
General Dentistry 663 Carolina Ave.•Chester, WV
304-387-3801 “GOOD LUCK!”
STRATTON CHEVROLET FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED
16050 St. Rt. 14 N. of Salem • Beloit, Ohio
330-537-3151
M-F 8-5 • Sat. 9-2
20 Years In Business
COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR & SERVICE 2483 Lincoln Hwy. (US Rt. 30) • Chester
304-387-3831 3 0 4 -3 8 7 -3 8 3 1
Chester Volunteer Fire Department 824 Carolina Ave. • Chester, WV
304-387-1690
34 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
SALEM QUAKERS
Morning Journal/Wayne Maris
Members of the Salem boys basketball team are (front, from left) Cory Brabant, Jake Zeon, Mike Ciotti, head coach Rich Hart, Trey Toothman, D.J. Pullie, Andrew Drohn; (back, from left) coach George Spack, coach Andrew Smyczynski, Alex Weikart, Andrew Dolphin, Ryan Hoover, Max Wolfgang and coach Jake Zatchok.
Salem puts out Max-imum effort SCHOOL: Salem Quakers. 2012-13 RECORD: 19-7, including a 9-5 mark in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference. It was Salem’ s third winning season in 15 years and only five boys teams in school history won more games in a season. They got off to a 12-2 start and were 14-4 in games decided by double-digit margins. HEAD COACH: Rich Hart is in his fourth season as head coach with a record of 38-33. He was the Morning Journal All-Area Coach of the Year and Columbiana County Co-Coach of the Year. He has a career head coaching record of 292-257, including a 184-
118 mark at Minerva from 1992-2006 along with stints at Upper Sandusky and Hardin Northern. ASSISTANT COACHES: Jake Zatchok (junior varsity), George Spack (varsity assistant), Andrew Smczynski (varsity assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: One, a starter. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Max Wolfgang (6-6 senior, twoyear letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Mike Popa (6-0 senior), Ryan Hoover (6-3 senior), Mark Fredrickson (6-1 senior), Alex Weikart (5-8 senior), Andrew Dolphin (5-10 senior), Carter
Rose (6-6 senior), Tyler Shaffer (5-10 senior), Jake Bezon (5-8 junior), Mike Ciotti (6-0 junior), D.J. Pullie (5-9 sophomore), Trey Toothman (5-10 sophomore). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Good overall quickness, great attitude and work ethic,” Hart said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Very little varsity experience and overall size,” Hart said. The Quakers will need a team effor to replace the scoring of Ryan Bush, who set Salem records for most point in a career (1,315), season (569) and game (47). Last year, Salem scored an average of 68.3 points in their 19 wins,
compared to 52.1 points in their seven losses. 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring — Ryan Bush (graduated) 21.9, Anthony Shivers (graduated) 16.3, Max Wolfgang 9.7; Rebounds — Max Wolfgang 6.7, Anthony Shivers (graduated) 5.5, Ryan Bush (graduated) 4.8; Assists —Brendan Webb 6.3; Steals — Ryan Bush (graduated) 2.1, Brendan Webb (graduated) 1.7; Blocked Shots — Max Wolfgang 1.7; Field Goal Pct. — Anthony Shivers (graduated) 60 percent, Zack Wukotich 53 percent, Ryan Bush (graduated) 50 percent, Max See SALEM, Page 35
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 • 35
SALEM, Continued from Page 34
Wolfgang 48 percent; Free Throw Pct. —Austin Frank (graduated) 76.2 percent, Ryan Bush (graduated) 71.2 percent. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Ryan Bush (graduated) special mention Division II All-Ohio, Morning Journal All-Area Player of the Year and Columbiana County Player of the Year. Anthony Shivers (graduated) firstteam All-Area. Brendan Webb (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. Max Wolfgang, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: It will be a season of change for the Quakers after losing 10 talented seniors on one of the winningest teams in school history. The Quakers lost 84 percent of their scoring to graduation and with only Max Wolfgang (253 points) and Mike Popa (2) returning. “We need to take care of the basketball and create turnovers,” Hart said. “We will go through the leadership and scoring of Max Wolfgang and need
“We will go through the leadership and scoring of Max Wolfgang and need consistent contributions from the rest of our starting nine as we plan to play 10. “ RICH HART, SALEM BOYS COACH
consistent contributions from the rest of our starting nine as we plan to play 10 and be aggressive on offense and defense.” Last year, the Quakers were 9-5 in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference and 10-2 out of league play. “The league will be extremely strong again with Alliance and Marlington returning strong teams,” Hart said. “Canton South is the defending champ and has a good young team as well as Louisville. Minerva is improving and has one of the best guards in Jantsen Locke. West Branch and Carrollton are always good and are tough places to play. We have to take care of our home court.”
Salem’s top seasons The winningest seasons since Salem started the boys basketball program in 1911: Season 25-2 23-2 20-1 20-3 20-4 19-3 19-3 19-7
Record 1958-59 1926-27 1957-58 1961-62 2005-06 1984-85 1934-35 2012-13
HACK, STEER & COMPANY, LLC
Certified Public Accountants
314 E. Second St. • Salem, Ohio
330-337-8713
Go For It, Quakers!
256 East State Street • Salem, Ohio
330-337-0001 www.bbrooners.com
Quality Foods Since 1920
1735 S. Lincoln Ave. Salem, OH
330-332-8508
2401 East State St. Salem, OH
330-337-6378
“GOOD LUCK, QUAKERS!”
Stop By and Meet Us! Check Out Our New and Used Inventory!
YOUR CAR TAKE A HIT?
COME SEE US!
3696 St. Rt. 7 New Waterford, OH
330-482-3928
48831 McGuffey Dr. Calcutta, OH
330-385-3309 100 Continental Dr. Salem, OH
330-337-8473
SALES • SERVICE • LEASING • PARTS • BODY SHOP
WHY GO ELSEWHERE?
WE CAN DO IT ALL!
330-332-4683
www.stadiumgm.com
Showroom Hours:
Mon. & Thurs. 9-9; ; Tues., Wed., Fri. 9-6 Sat. 9-4
Service Hours:
Mon., Thurs.: 8-7; Tues., Wed., Fri.: 8-5 8-2: Sat.; Closed Sun.
36 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
SEBRING TROJANS
Morning Journal/Wayne Maris
Members of the Sebring girls basketball team are (front, from left) Sydney Smith, Alexis Coombes, Kelsi Settle, manager Audrey Eaton (floor), Murphy Flowers, and Abbie Warner; (back, from left) McKenna Meir, Jessica Jackson, Amanda Hurford, Isis Ketchum, head coach Joe Eaton, Arianna Papic, Cheyenne Tuttle and Kylie Shields.
Sebring girls have everyone back SCHOOL: Sebring Trojans. 2012-13 RECORD: 4-18, including a 1-13 mark in the Inter-Tri County League lower tier. The Trojans lost their last 11 games and eight in a row on the road. HEAD COACH: Joe Eaton is in his third season as head coach with a record of 7-36. He previously was the Sebring girls coach two years. ASSISTANT COACHES: Don Eaton. RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seven, including five starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Kelsi Settle (5-10 senior post, three-year letterwinner), Arianna Papic (5-4 junior point guard, one-year letterwinner), Murphy Flowers (5-4 sophomore wing-point guard, one-year letter-
winner), Sydney Smith (5-8 sophomore wing-post, one-year letterwinner), Nikita McMullen (5-8 sophomore wing/post, one-year letterwinner), Isis Ketchum (5-7 sophomore post, oneyear letterwinner), McKenna Meir (5-3 sophomore wing-point guard, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: None. JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Cheyenne Tuttle (5-7 freshman post), Jessica Jackson (5-9 freshman post), Amanda Hurford (5-5 freshman post/wing), Kylie Shields (5-3 freshman point guard/wing), Abbie Warner (5-4 freshman wing), Alexis Coombes (5-3 freshman point guard/wing). TEAM STRENGTHS: Seven letterwinners return this season, along with
all five starters from last season. “A second year with the same group of girls knowing terminology, know what’ s expected of them, and knowing what each other is going to do on the floor,” Joe Eaton said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “We’ re still a very young team with only two upperclassmen on the team out of 13,” Eaton said. 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring — Kelsi Settle 14.0, Murphy Flowers 10.0, Sydney Smith 6.0; Rebounding — Kelsi Settle 10.0, Sydney Smith 4.0; Assists —Ariana Papic 2.0; Steals — Kelsi Settle 3.0; Field Goal Pct. —Kelsi Settle 52 percent. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Kelsi Settle, honorable mention AllArea.
SEASON OUTLOOK: The Trojans return all their players from last season, including Kelsi Settle, who average double figures in scoring and rebounding. Sebring is looking for more scoring. The Trojans enter the season not scoring 50 points in 24 straight games. “Columbiana returns a lot from last season and is one of the favorites to win the league,” Eaton said. “Wellsville also will return a strong core and will be a force in the league.” Improvement looks to be the goal with this season’ s schedule, which mirrors last season with a minor change. “Our schedule is basically the same as last season except for the addition of Alliance to the schedule,” Eaton said.
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 • 37
Trojans trying to turn it around SCHOOL: Sebring Trojans. 2012-13 RECORD: 4-19, including a 1-13 mark in the Inter-Tri County League lower tier. The Trojans lost 14 of their last 16 games, including four straight at home. HEAD COACH: Josh Scott enters his first season as head coach. He served the last five seasons as the head coach of the Western Reserve girls with a record of 79-34. ASSISTANT COACHES: Mike Scott, Red Martin, Alex Stull, Ty Shaffer (junior high), Jerrid Bailey (junior high). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Eight, including four starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Dylan Mick (senior, one-year letterwinner), Joe Davis (senior, one-year letterwinner), Jerry Billingsley (senior, one-year letterwinner), Jon Ward senior, (one-year letterwinner), Eddie Kolisar (senior one-year letterwinner), Logan Barnes (junior, one-year letterwinner), Andrew Weingart (junior, one-year letterwinner), Josh Zmuda (sophomore, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Tyler Hamby (senior), Parker Ketler (sophomore). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Cody Dennis, Brett Weekly, Alex Wheeler, Branton Alex, Aaron McDaniel, Noah Lanzer, Ty Wilson, Riley Wilt, Seth Hamby, Robbie Rouse, Drew Kleinman, Jarod Hunter, Nate Martin, Brandon Dare, Dante Seruch. TEAM STRENGTHS: “We definitely have some size this year and a lot of
Morning Journal/Wayne Maris
Members of the Sebring boys basketball team are (front, from left) Joe Davis, Dylan Mick, Jerry Billingsley, Eddie Kolisar, Jom Ward, Tyler Hamby; (second row, from left) Alex Wheeler, Parker Ketler, Josh Zmuda, Cody Dennis, Riley Wilt, Drew Kleinman, Noah Lanzer; (back, from left) Jarod Hunter, Robbie Rouse, Andrew Weingart, Logan Barnes, Brett Weekly, Ty Wilson and Aaron McDaniel.
hard-working kids,” Scott said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Taking on a brand new system and terminology earlier in the year has set us back some,” Scott said. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Josh Hurford (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Trojans
return eight letterwinners as they try to recapture their winning ways. “The kids are working very hard and have a long way to go to get where we want to be, but we keep getting better every day,” Scott said. It is going to be a tough road in the ITCL lower tier this season. “The lower tier of the ITCL this year
“GOOD LUCK!”
“GO, TROJANS”
is absolutely loaded with talent and strong teams one through eight,” Scott said. “Our goal is to go out and compete night in and night out,” Scott said. “We want to make sure that every team that Sebring has next up on their schedule feels that they must be well-prepared and ready for a dog fight to beat us.”
For the best local sports coverage visit www.mojonews.com! “GO TROJANS”
SCHMID D’S SPORTS BAR KENO • 5-TV’S 330-938-0175
135 Oregon Ave. • Sebring, Ohio
STRATTON CHEVROLET FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED
16050 St. Rt. 14 N. of Salem • Beloit, Ohio
330-537-3151
SEBRING DENTAL
395 N. 15th St. • Sebring, OH
330-938-3384
Dr. Anthony J. Christani, D.D.S., Inc.
“GOOD LUCK!”
JEFF’S OHIO AVE. GARAGE 156 E. Ohio Ave. • Sebring, Ohio
330-938-6831
38 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
SOUTH RANGE RAIDERS
Morning Journal/Brittney Sadler
Members of the South Range boys basketball team are (front, from left) Cole Berry, Greg Dunham, Andrew Cullar, Nick Wiery, Robbie Matos, Anthony Jordan; (back, from left) coach T.J. Irons, coach Burt Stellers, Pierce Baird, Mitch Dolak, Turner Curry, Scott Erb, Garrett Anderson, Dylan Rutledge and head coach John Cullen.
Raiders are taking a step forward SCHOOL: South Range Raiders. 2012-13 RECORD: 11-13, including a 7-7 finish in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier. Three of the losses were to Springfield. The Raiders had a rough start after losing three starters to injury. They were 3-8 at home and 8-5 on the road. HEAD COACH: John Cullen enters his first season at South Range. Cullen has been an assistant for the Youngstown State women for three years, head coach with the Canfield boys for 28 years and head coach with the Brookfield boys three years. His career head coaching record is 472228. ASSISTANT COACHES: T.J. Irons (varsity assistant), Burt Stellers (junior
varsity). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Two, including one starter. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Garrett Anderson (6-1 junior forward, one-year letterwinner), Andrew Cullar (5-10 junior guard, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Tristan Coleman (5-10 senior guard), Cole Berry (5-11 junior guard), Nick Wiery (5-9 junior guard), Jonah Wilson (6-4 junior forward), Turner Curry (61 senior forward), Dylan Rutledge (6-0 junior guard), Robbie Matos (5-10 sophomore guard), Greg Dunham (6-1 sophomore forward). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Mitch Dolak (sophomore forward),
Brayton Taylor (sophomore guard), Scott Erb (sophomore forward), Pierce Baird (sophomore forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Our team speed is good. Our work ethic is very good,” Cullen said. “We should be an intelligent team as time progresses. We should have a nine- to 10-man rotation, so depth is a strength also.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Our skill development is just average right now,” Cullen said, “but we are a work in progress. It takes time to implement and adapt to a new system. Size is an issue for us.” 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring — Tyler Beverly (graduated) 13.8 Robby Seman (graduated) 8.9, Garrett Anderson 8.8, Mason Miller (graduat-
ed) 8.3, Jake Arsuffi (graduated) 7.9; Rebounds —Tyler Beverly (graduated) 12.8; Blocked Shots —Tyler Beverly (graduated) 1.7. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Tyler Beverly (graduated) second-team All-Area. Jake Arsuffi (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: South Range loses Beverly, who led the Raiders in nearly every major statistical category. The Raiders have only two seniors, but there are seven juniors on the roster. “We will be developing a new team,” Cullen said. “The sooner we buy in and grow and learn the new conSee RAIDERS, Page 53
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 • 39
Morning Journal/Brittney Sadler
Members of the South Range girls basketball team are (from left) McKenzie Scheckelhoff, Morgan Czopur, Jordan Youngs, Marketta Gabriel; (second row, from left) Ashley Sharp, Holly Heck, Starla Sharp, Sierra Petrella, Taylor Naples; (back, from left) Kate Yeagley, Lynnie Ritter, Sara Durr and Kendall Syms.
South Range will challenge in ITCL SCHOOL: South Range Raiders. 2012-13 RECORD: 13-11, including a tie for third place in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier with a 9-5 mark. The Raiders lost three games in overtime. They went 8-3 at home, where they have won 26 of their last 32 games. HEAD COACH: Tony Matisi enters his first year as head coach. He coached Previously, Matisi has coached at Ursuline (eight years) and Lowellville (15 years), compiling a 345-148
record. ASSISTANT COACHES: Mike Kollar (assistant), Allison Dimoff (assistant), Dana Mathews (junior varsity). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Six, including two starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Starla Sharp (5-7 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Ashley Sharp (5-6 junior guard, two-year letterwinner), Holly Heck (5-9 senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Sierra Petrella
(5-6 senior guard, one-year letterwinner), Kendall Syms (5-8 junior forward, one-year letterwinner), Jordan Youngs (5-6 junior guard, one-year letterwinner). VICTOR STOFFER agent - owner
Hawkins Insurance
11360 St. Rt. 9 PO Box 179 • Kensington, OH 44427
330-223-2114 • 1-800-317-1223 Fax: 330-223-2255
INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Sara Durr (6-3 junior center), Morgan Czopur (5-6 sophomore guard), See SOUTH RANGE, Page 53 “Have a good season, Raiders!”
HUFFMAN’S FRUIT FARM
Apples • Cider • Cabbage • Squash Fresh Brown Eggs • Closed Sunday 1 mile south of Greenford on Lisbon Rd.
330-533-5700
40 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
SOUTHERN LOCAL INDIANS
Morning Journal/Wayne Maris
Members of the Southern Local boys basketball team are (front, from left) head coach George Whittaker, coach Aaron Blatch, Michael Shope, M.J. Williams, Troy Holden, Jared Shilot, Caleb Gotschall, Andrew Russell, Christian Adkins, Tim Thrasher, Josh Bruin, Aron Sevek and manager Jimmy Giannone.
Indians will see how they stack up SCHOOL: Southern Local Indians. 2012-13 RECORD: 16-7, including a tie for third place in the Inter-Tri County League lower tier with a 9-5 mark. The 16 wins were one shy of the school record. The Indians were 9-2 at home, 3-0 on Saturdays and 7-2 on Fridays. HEAD COACH: George Whittaker is in his 14th season as head coach with a record of 156-135. He has 30 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), Jamie Adkins (assistant), Cody Reese (eighth grade), Ethan Blatch (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS:
Three, including one starter. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Jared Shilot (6-2 senior forward, two-year letterwinner), M.J. Williams (6-0 senior guard, one-year letterwinner), Troy Holden (6-1 sophomore guard, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Caleb Gotschall (6-7 senior center), Tim Thrasher (6-0 senior guard), Andrew Russell (6-4, junior forward), Aron Sevek (5-10 junior guard), Josh Brown (5-10 junior guard), Michael Shope (5-9 freshman guard), Christian Adkins (6-1 sophomore guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Jaret Dowling (6-2 sophomore forward), Drew Sevek (5-10 sophomore guard), Tristan Davis (6-4 sophomore forward), Domanick Michael (6-0
freshman guard), Dakota Wetzel (5-10 freshman forward), Aaron Cunningham (5-8 freshman guard), Jerred G. Feller (6-2 freshman forward), Zach Martig (5-10 freshman forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “We should be a solid rebounding team as we have size in the front court and athletic guards,” Whittaker said. “Our seniors must continue to emerge as leaders. Defensively, we should be very good led by Jared Shilot and M.J. Williams. We also have an excellent leader and ball handler in point guard Troy Holden.” The Indians were had one of the area’ s top defenses last season, holding opponents to an average of 48.1 points per game and going 15-0 when giving up less than 50 points.
TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Many of our core players lack experience as we graduated four starters from last year,” Whittaker said. “Figuring out a consistent rotation will be a challenge because many players are still fighting for spots. We are still looking for a goto scorer to emerge.” 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring — Luke Griffith (graduated) 17.9, Kyler Woodward (graduated) 12.2, Dylan Ketchum (graduated) 8.3; Rebounds — Kyler Woodward (graduated) 10.8, Jared Shilot 7.0. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Luke Griffith (graduated) honorable mention Division IV All-Ohio and first-team All-Area. See INDIANS, Page 52
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 • 41
Southern’s just getting started SCHOOL: Southern Local Indians. 2012-13 RECORD: 11-12, including a tie for third place in the Inter-Tri County League lower tier with a 7-7 mark. It was the most wins by the Indians since 1995. They were 11-2 when holding opponents to less than 40 points. HEAD COACH: Cory Leek enters his fourth year season as head coach with a record of 25-40. He was junior varsity girls coach at United for three years and at Sandy Valley three years. ASSISTANT COACHES: Ashley Bergman (junior varsity), Emily Smith, Maddy Dowling. RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Four, including two starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Beckah Phillis (5-8 senior, twoletterwinner), Brittany Webber (5-10 junior, one-year letterwinner), Sarah Phillis (5-6 junior, one-year letterwinner), Natalie Utt (5-6 sophomore, oneyear letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Jenna Jackson (5-7 junior), Abby Smalley (5-7 sophomore), Mickenzie Mosti (5-5 sophomore), Hannah Brothers (5-5 sophomore), Natalie May (5-7 freshman), Hannah Oats (57 freshman), Mikayla Richards (5-3 freshman). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Jenna Jackson (5-7 junior), Ashley May (5-8 sophomore), Natalie May (5-7 sophomore), Hannah Oats (5-7 freshman), Mikayla Richards (5-3 freshman), Sirea Boyle (5-6 freshman), Morgan Smith (5-5 freshman). TEAM STRENGTHS: “We have four returning letterwinners; this is a strength for our team this season,” Leek said. “Another strength will be on the defensive side of the ball. Our team’ s quickness among our guards will be very valuable.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: Lack of depth with one senior and three juniors “GOOD LUCK!”
J&J TIRE & ALIGNMENT CENTER 12565 State Route 45 • South of Lisbon, OH TIRES - BRIAN:
330-424-5200 330-424-5000
ALIGNMENT-DAN:
330-424-5511
Morning Journal/Wayne Maris
Members of the Southern Local girls basketball team are (front, from left) Abby Smalley, Natalie Utt, Beckah Phillis, Sarah Phillis, Kenzie Mosti; (back, from left) coach Ashley Bergman, Ashley May, Siera Boyle, Natalie May, Hannah Oats, Jenna Jackson and coach Cory Leek.
on the varsity squad. “We have lost (sophomore) Hannah Brothers to an ACL injury and have two sophomores with little varsity experience,” Leek said. 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring —Kati Hipsley (graduated) 13.3, Rachel Coil (graduated) 8.9; Rebounds — Rachel Coil (graduated) 9.0, Brittany Webber 9.0; Assists —Kati Hipsley (graduated) 3.7; Steals —Kati Hipsley (graduated) 4.8. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Kati Hipsley (graduated) second-team All-Area.
PHILLIS TRACTOR REPAIR 3308 Depot Road • Salem, OH
330-222-1900
Rachel Coil (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Indians look to capitalize on last season’ s 11win campaign, their best record in 18 years. “Our 11 wins last year were the most since the 1994-95 season for Lady Indians basketball, but we feel there is more work to be done,” Leek said. All 11 wins came against seven teams with losing records. Southern Local gave up an average of 26.9 points in their wins and 51.5 in their
losses. The Indians have a lot of work ahead of them with a young team, although the Indians started at least one freshman and sophomore in every game last season. “The league will be a tough road again this year,” Leek said. “Columbiana looks to be the early favorite, but you can’ t count Lowellville out. Western Reserve and Wellsville will be in the hunt also. If we can continue to get better as the season goes on, I feel we have the ability to be right in the mix of things.”
“GOOD LUCK, INDIANS!”
“GOOD LUCK, INDIANS!”
644 MINI STORAGE SR 644 • Salineville, Ohio
330-679-1222
B&S COUNTRY CARRYOUT 38268 SR 39 • Salineville, Ohio 330-679-0300
42 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
SPRINGFIELD LOCAL TIGERS
Morning Journal/Brittney Sadler
Members of the Springfield boys basketball team are (front, from left) Ryan Kohler, Hunter Snyder, Joe Wrask, Jake Ohlin, Graham Mincher, Neil Sofranec; (back, from left) head coach Eric Fender, coach Jim Stickel, Tyler McLaughlin, Nathan Simboli, Jared Musial, Mark Schuler, Brandon Chamberlain, Jordon Peterson, coach Tim Norris and coach Tom Fender.
Tigers again the ITCL favorites SCHOOL: Springfield Local Tigers. 2012-13 RECORD: 17-7, including the Inter-Tri County League upper tier title with a 14-0 mark. It was the Tigers’ second straight league title and 23rd in school history. The Tigers were 8-0 on Friday and 8-0 against Columbiana County teams. HEAD COACH: Eric Fender enters his fifth season as head coach with a record of 61-29. He was freshman coach for one year at Springfield and at Poland. ASSISTANT COACHES: Tom Fender (varsity assistant), Tim Norris (junior varsity). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Four, including two starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Jake Ohlin (5-10 senior guard,
one-year letterwinner), Joe Wrask (6-0 senior guard-forward, one-year letterwinner), Mark Shuler (6-5 junior center-forward, two-year letterwinner), Brandon Chamberlain (6-2 junior guard-forward, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Jared Musial (6-3 junior forward-center), Hunter Snyder (5-8 junior guard), Nathan Nathan Simboli (6-2 junior guard-forward), Jordon Peterson (5-10 junior guard), Ryan Kohler (5-10 junior guard), Neil Sofranec (5-10 junior guard), Tyler McLaughlin (5-9 junior forward), Graham Mincher (5-10 sophomore guard). TEAM STRENGTHS: “This year our strengths will be our depth,” Fender said. “We have four varsity players returning with a great group of under-
classmen coming up ready to fill a variety of positions.” Last year, the Tigers won with defense, holding opponents to an areabest 46.5 points per game while going 13-1 when giving up less than 50 points. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “A weakness for us this year will be our experience at the varsity level,” Fender said. “We have a lot of underclassmen that haven’ t been through a full varsity basketball game. We also will have to learn our roles this year, due to our anticipated depth. We also will have to learn each other’ s individual strengths and play towards that.” 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring — Eoghan Bees (graduated) 14.4, Mark Schuler 11.3, Jared McTigue (graduat-
ed) 10.8, Brandon Chamberlain 6.4; Rebounds —Mark Schluer 10.0, Jared McTigue (graduated) 8.0; Assists — Eoghan Bees (graduated) 4.0. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Eoghan Bees (graduated) honorable mention Division III All-Ohio and firstteam All-Area. Mark Schuler, second-team AllArea. Jared McTigue (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: No one in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier has been able to stay with Springfield. The Tigers, winners of two straight league titles, have won 20 straight league games and 29 of their last 29. They won all 14 league games last seaSee TIGERS, Page 43
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 • 43
Springfield will rely on veterans SCHOOL: Springfield Local Tigers. 2012-13 RECORD: 7-14, including a 6-8 mark in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier. The Tigers got off to a 2-7 start before winning three of their last six games. They were 6-0 on Mondays. HEAD COACH: Jim Schuler enters his fourth season as head coach with a 23-40 record. He previously was Springfield’ s junior varsity girls coach for two years. ASSISTANT COACHES: Nate Schuler (varsity assistant), Justin Kosek (junior varsity). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Six, including four starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Baylee Felger (5-9 senior guard, three-year letterwinner), Kennedy Richey (5-4 senior guard one-year letterwinner), Jill Tabaka (59 senior forward, three-year letterwinner), Callie Ford (5-7 junior guard one-year letterwinner), Mary Ritter (5-7 junior guard one-year letterwinner), Emily Stacy (5-5 junior guard one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Joanie Foster (6-0 junior forward), Kasey Kohler (5-10 sophomore forward) JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Valerie Kinsey (sophomore guard), Rachel Leach (sophomore guard), Josie Applegarth (freshman forward), Cori Wade (freshman guard), Tricia Bair (freshman guard), Taylor Coy (freshman guard), Sara Chaszeyka (freshman forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Experience
Morning Journal/Brittney Sadler
Members of the Springfield girls basketball team are (front, from left) Jill Tabaka, Kennedy Richey, Baylee Felger; (back, from left) coach Justin Kosek, Emily Stacy, Kasey Kohler, head coach Jim Schuler, Callie Ford, Mary Ritter and coach Nate Schuler.
with seven returning from last year,” Schuler said. “Strong work ethic and selflessness.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: The Tigers are not deep with three seniors, four juniors and three sophomores. 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring — Callie Ford 11.5, Baylee Felger 9.9, Jill Tabaka 8.3, Kennedy Richey 7.3; Rebounds —Baylee Felger 6.1, Jill Taka 5.2; Assists —Callie Ford 3.9;
Steals —Callie Ford 2.0; Field Goal Percentage —JillTabaka 46 percent; Free Throw Percentage —Callie Ford 62 percent, Jill Tabaka 60 percent. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Callie Ford, honorable mention AllArea. Jillian Tabaka, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Tigers return 93 percent of their scoring
WAY TO GO, TIGERS!
TIGERS, Continued from Page 42
son by an average margin of 16.4 points. It could continue this season. Fenders sees Crestview as the favorite in the ITCL, with Lisbon also in the mix. Springfield will have to replace standouts Eoghan Bees, Jared McTigue and Alex Wharry, a group that went 38-10 over the past two seasons. “A few keys for us this season will be our team chemistry,” Fender said. “We will have to play together as a team. Also for us, as always, is staying healthy.”
from last season. “We return all but one player from last year’ s team,” Schuler said. “Experience will be a big strength and we look forward to the challenges this season will present us.” The Tigers are hoping to make some noise in the ITCL upper tier. “The league will be competitive as always,” Schuler said.
FRATTAROLI’S
SPARKLE MARKETS
11045 Main Street New Middletown, OH
330-542-1500
NOVAK & DAVIS
INSURANCE CO. New Middletown, OH
330-542-0600
44 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
UNITED GOLDEN EAGLES
Morning Journal/Ron Firth
Members of the United boys basketball team are (front, from left) Cody Dickens, Matt Blake, Braden Davison, Tucker Widlicka, Caleb Conser, Eric Blosser, Colton Antram, Caleb Berdine, Hayden Wilson; (back, from left) head coch Matt Mowery, Logan Fraas, Tanner Curfman, Jordan Bailey, Cody Cooper, Jake Clark, Jake Blake, Zack Tidwell, coach Luke Williams and coach Ryan Burd.
Golden Eagles look for positives SCHOOL: United Golden Eagles. 2012-13 RECORD: 2-20, including a 2-12 mark in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier. It was the most losses in school history, including 11 in a row to finish the season. The Eagles were 0-13 on the road, where they have lost 38 of their last 39 games. HEAD COACH: Matt Mowery enters his third season as head coach with a record of 3-40. He was an assistant at United three years and at Salem one year. ASSISTANT COACHES: Rob Clunen (varsity assistant), Luke Williams (junior varsity), Ryan Burd (freshmen), Jarrod Niederhiser (eight grade), Todd Sarchet (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Four, all starters.
RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Caleb Conser (5-11 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Braden Davison (6-1 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), Cody Dickens (5-11 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), Caleb Berdine (6-0 sophomore guard, oneyear letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Eric Blosser (6-2 freshman forward), Matt Blake (5-11 junior forward), Colton Antram (6-1 sophomore forward), Jake Clark (6-0 freshman guard), Tanner Curfman (5-9 freshman guard), Tucker Widlicka (6-2 sophomore forward). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Hayden Wilson (5-9 sophomore guardforward), Jordan Bailey (5-10 sophomore guard-forward), Jake Blake (5-8
freshman guard-forward), Cody Cooper (6-0 freshman forward), Logan Fraas (5-7 freshman guard), Zach Tidwell (5-7 freshman guard). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Ball handling and athleticism,” Mowery said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Size and recent success,” Mowery said. The Eagles averaged 39.7 points per game last season, their most in the past three seasons. 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring — Caleb Conser 8.1, Braden Davison 7.0; Rebounds —Caleb Conser 3.8; Assists —Braden Davison 1.2; Steals —Cody Dickens 1.5; Field Goal Percentage — Caleb Conser 34 percent; Free Throw Percentage —Cody Dickens 65 percent. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Caleb Conser, honorable mention All-
Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Coming off the worst two seasons in school history, the Eagles are looking for something to build on. United has lost 49 of its last 53 games with the last 32 losses all by double digits. The Eagles’ 21 losses last season were by an average margin of 32.1 points per game. It is hard to build a winning attitude with games like that. “We’ re upbeat about the upcoming season,” Mowery said. “This year, the plan is to learn how to win. Our strength is that we are in year three of our program and we are at a level where we can compete on a nightly basis. See EAGLES, Page 45
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 • 45
Morning Journal/Ron Firth
Members of the United girls basketball team are (front, from left) Morgan Smith, Jenna Plummer, Lindsey Donato, Rachel Amos; (second row, from left) statistician Mercedes Fidoe, Jackie Bentfeld, Mackenzie Gatchel, Madison Smith, Lauren Buttermore; (third row, from left) Mariah Eisenbraun, Lauren Beech, Haleigh Anderson, Taylor Miller, MacKenzie Firth, Megan Amos, Kassie Chestnut, Brynn Hofmeister; (back, from left) coach Josh Sigler, Shanna Miller, head coach Sam Mathias, Sydney Moats and coach Terry Kellison. See page 51 for the preview. “GO . . . EAGLES”
EAGLES,
MANFULL’S
AUTO & TRUCK REPAIR TIRES & BATTERIES
Continued from Page 44
Weaknesses are that we lack depth and recent success and have no size.” The roster includes one senior, four juniors and five sophomores. “Our goals are to improve on the defensive end of the floor and eliminate multiple chances for our opponents to score on the same possession by becoming a better rebounding team.” “Our schedule seems more favorable this year than in years past,” Mowery said. “We open with five straight home games; however, the first two are against Division II West Branch and Beaver Local.” “GOOD LUCK, UNITED EAGLES!”
MICHAEL E. GRUSZECKI
® EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY INSURER
Nationwide Insurance
State Route 9 • Salem, Ohio
330-222-1268
“As for the ITCL outlook, defending champion Springfield is once again the favorite until someone beats them,” Mowery said. “Crestview and Lisbon have a bunch of talent returning and South Range is a well-coached team with some athletic players.” “GOOD LUCK!!”
MAPLE COTTON
FUNERAL HOME & AMBULANCE SERVICE 11009 St. Rt. 644 • Kensington, Ohio
330-223-1712 • 1-800-791-7182 HACK, STEER & COMPANY, LLC
Certified Public Accountants
314 E. Second St. • Salem, Ohio
330-337-8713
Kensington, Ohio
330-223-1693
VICTOR STOFFER agent - owner
Hawkins Insurance
11360 St. Rt. 9 PO Box 179 • Kensington, OH 44427
330-223-2114 • 1-800-317-1223 Fax: 330-223-2255
Guilford Lake Grille Book Your Holiday Get-Togethers
NOW!
7094 East Lake Road • Lisbon, Ohio
330-222-1487
“HAVE A GREAT SEASON!”
MORROW ELECTRIC 3747 Depot Road • Salem, OH
330-222-2758
46 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
WELLSVILLE TIGERS
This could be Wellsville’s year SCHOOL: Wellsville Tigers. 2012-13 RECORD: 21-4, including a 12-2 record in the Inter-Tri County League lower tier. The Tigers shared the league title with McDonald. Their four losses were by 13 total points and they were 11-0 at home. HEAD COACH: David Thompson is in his 10th season as head coach with a record of 119-40. He was the Columbiana County Co-Coach of the Year. He previously coached 15 years at Wellsville at various levels. ASSISTANT COACHES: Lonnie Fields (junior varsity), John Stoakes (assistant coach), Jason Carter (freshman). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Eight, including all five starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Nate Scott (6-0 senior guard, three-year letterwinner), Seth Bradford (6-2 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Camden Douglas (6-4 senior forward, two-year letterwinner), Jordan Sloan (6-1 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Antonio Fultz (6-4 senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Brendon Carr (6-0 senior guard, twoyear letterwinner), Jansen Stoakes (6-4 senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Sam Macintosh (6-1 senior guard, oneyear letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Tyshawn Franklin (5-9 junior guard), Nigel Spann (6-2 junior guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Nick Bayer (6-0 junior), Mitchel Reiner (5-10 sophomore), Tyrell Travers (5-11 junior), Dante Collela (6-2 junior), Jacob Green (5-9 freshman), Branzen Gradhous (6-0 freshman), Hayden Dalrymple (5-9 freshman), Jace Curtrik (5-2 freshman), Ishy Heard (5-9 freshman), Justin Miller (58 freshman), Austin Carter (5-8 freshman). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Speed and experience,” Thompson said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Rebounding and free throws,” Thompson said. 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring —Nate
Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Members of the Wellsville boys basketball team are (front, from left) ballboys Cameron Graudhaus, Gary Wilson, Darren Suggs; (second row, from left) coach Jason Carter, Seth Bradford, Nate Scott, Brendon Carr, Jordan Sloan; (back, from left) coach Lonnie Fields, Sam McIntosh, Camden Douglas, head coach David “Bug” Thompson, Jansen Stoakes, Antonio Fultz and coach John Stoakes.
Scott 21.4, Seth Bradford 14.8, Camden Douglas 11.5, Jordan Sloan 10.6; Rebounds —Seth Bradford 10.2; Assists — Camden Douglas 7.2; Blocked Shots —Camden Douglas 2.5; Free Throw Pct. —Seth Bradford 80 percent, Camden Douglas 72 percent, Nate Scott 71 percent. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED:
Nate Scott, special mention Division IV All-Ohio and first-team All-Area. Seth Bradford, second-team AllArea. Jordan Sloan, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Wellsville took one step last year, claiming a share of its first ITCL lower tier title in five
years. Now it’ s time to take the next step after falling in the district title game the past three seasons. The Tigers return return everyone, including 1,000-point scorer Nate Scott, to an experience lineup. See WELLSVILLE, Page 52
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 • 47
Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Members of the Wellsville girls basketball team are (front, from left) Miranda Tate, Lexi Cook, Kallee Powell, Brittany Clendenning, Shartece Taylor, Kira Kelley, Sabrina Thompson, Autumn Harris; (back, from left) Starlynn Morris, Paige Wood, Ashley Bennett, Destiny Crow, coach Tom Gualtier, head coach Ed Swogger, Coach Bob Swogger, Myquia Jones, Abbey Thrasher, Rasheeda Kalam and Cheyenne Corbin.
Wellsville girls taking their turn SCHOOL: Wellsville Tigers. 2012-13 RECORD: 10-13, including a tie for third place in the Inter-Tri County League lower tier with a 7-7 mark. Three of the losses were to Columbiana. The Tigers won three of their last four games. HEAD COACH: Ed Swogger is in his sixth season as head coach with a career record of 47-63. He was interim head coach in 2004-05 as well as Wellsville junior varsity coach for five seasons and Wellsville seventh grade coach for three seasons. ASSISTANT COACHES: Tom Gualtier (junior varsity), Bob Swogger (varsity assistant), Mike Cook (junior
varsity assistant), Jesse Jackson (junior high). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Five, including three starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Kallee’ Powell (5-7 senior forward, two-year letterwinner), Brittany Clendenning (5-10 senior center, twoyear letterwinner), Shartece Taylor (58 senior forward, two-year letterwinner), Kira Kelly (5-4 senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Sabrina Thompson (5-6 junior guard, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Lexi Cook (5-7 senior forward), Rasheeda Kalam (5-4 junior guard),
Abby Thrasher (5-3 junior guard), Destiny Crow (5-10 sophomore center), Ashley Bennett (5-7 sophomore forward). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Starlynn Morris (5-3 junior forward), Cheyenne Corbin (5-3 junior guard), Autumn Harris (5-3 sophomore guard), Myquia Jones (5-7 sophomore forward), Paige Woods (5-6 sophomore
“GOOD LUCK”
GOOD LUCK, TIGERS!
“GO, TROJANS”
JOHNSTON’S AUTO BODY and FRAME SHOP 1325 #B Hillcrest Rd. • Wellsville, Ohio
330-532-3411
GIBBY’S MINI MART 1800 Clark Ave. • Wellsville, OH
330-532-2131
GOOD LUCK, TIGERS!
CHAR RAY CERAMICS
1063 Township Line Rd. • Wellsville, OH
330-532-1469
SEBRING DENTAL
395 N. 15th St. • Sebring, OH
330-938-3384
Dr. Anthony J. Christani, D.D.S., Inc.
forward), Miranda Tate (5-5, freshman forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “We have a wealth of experience with five reurning lettermen and three two-year letterwinners,” Swogger said. “The core group is very quick with and without the ball. We will look to get after other teams on See WELLSVILLE, Page 53
“YOU GO, TIGERS”
AMATO AMATO
LAW OFFICE LAW OFFICESS Nicholas T. Amato • Charles C. Amato
AUTO ACCIDENTS CRIMINAL DEFENSE
• General Practice • Felonies • Misdemeanors • DUI Practicing In Ohio & Pennsylvania
330-532-9500
48 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
WEST BRANCH WARRIORS
Morning Journal/Wayne Maris
Members of the West Branch girls basketball team are (front, from left) Peyton Alazus, Dru DeShields, Allison Heffinger, Carly Scarpitti; (second row, from left) Amanda Linhart, Catie Hahn, Lauren Martig, Kaylee Manning, Allie Garrett, Emily Menegay, Taryn Hahn; (back, from left) coach Allison Krupko, coach Walt DeShields, Mariah Herbert, Pavin Heath, Melinda Trimmer, Erica Johnson, Lea Bock, Paige Walsh, coach Scott Libb, and coach Brian Clark.
West Branch at top of the pack SCHOOL: West Branch Warriors. 2012-13 RECORD: 23-3, including a share of its first Northeastern Buckeye Conference title since 2008 with a 12-2 mark. The Warriors were ranked 12th in the Division III state poll. They were district runners-up a third straight season, losing to 25-1 Canfield. HEAD COACH: Walt DeShields is in his eighth season as head coach with a record of 127-56. He was the Northeast Inland District Division II Coach of the Year. DeShields 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: Brian Clark (varsity assistant), Mike Butcher (volunteer), Scott Libb (junior varsity), Allison Krupko (volunteer), Matt Thomas (eighth grade), John Schuster (eighth grade volunteer), Chris Adams (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Eight, including four starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Amanda Linhart (5-9 senior guard, three-year letterwinner), Taryn Hahn (5-11 senior center, two-year letterwinner), Allie Garrett (5-2 senior guard, one-year letterwinner), Pavin Heath (5-10 junior guard, two-year letterwinner), Melinda Trimmer (5-7 junior guard, two-year letterwinner), Erica Johnson (5-8 junior forward, two-year
letterwinner), Lea Bock (5-10 junior center, one-year letterwinner), Emily Menegay (5-8 sophomore guard, oneyear letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Lauren Martig (5-8 senior forward), Kaylee Manning (5-6 sophomore guard), Paige Walsh (5-9 sophomore forward), Mariah Herbert (6-0 sophomore center), Catie Hahn (5-11 sophomore center). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Brenna Rito (5-4 freshman guard), Courtney Papic (5-4 sophomore guard), Emma Griffith (5-7 freshman guard), Vernice Ormiston (6-0 freshman center), Emily Menegay (5-8 sophomore guard), Mariah Herbert (60 sophomore center), Kacey Morris (5-
5 freshman guard), Carli McQuilkin (54 sophomore guard), Catie Hahn (5-11 sophomore center), Paige Walsh (5-9 sophomore forward), Tiara Young (5-4 freshman forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: West Branch always features one of the area’ s toughest defenses. “Defense is the cornerstone of our program,” DeShields said. “We will continue to be looking for our girls to work hard and be tough on the defensive side of the ball.” Offensively, the Warriors return 50.9 points per game from last season’ s squad, which hit 147 three-pointers on the campaign. See WEST BRANCH, Page 50
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 • 49
Warriors make strides 2013 SCHOOL: West Branch Warriors. 2012-13 RECORD: 7-17, including a 3-11 mark in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference. The Warriors got off to a 1-6 start and lost five of their last seven games. HEAD COACH: Lou Sellaroli enters his second straight seasons as head coach and eighth overall as head coach with a record of 68-85. He also was the head coach of the West Branch from 1998-2003. He is in his 33rd season of coaching, serving as a varsity assistant with the West Branch boys from 198197 and the West Branch girls from 2005-12. ASSISTANT COACHES: Brad Smith (varsity assistant), Scott Loudon (varsity assistant), Michael Sellaroli (freshman), Andy Pappas (freshman). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Five, including three starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Jake Evanoff (6-1 senior, oneyear letterwinner), Dustin Greenawalt (5-11 senior, one-year letterwinner), Kip DeShields (6-5 junior, two-year letterwinner), Matt Meiter (6-2 junior, one-year letterwinner), Jerian Thomas (5-11 junior, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Brett Fish (6-2 senior), Ben Grammer (6-4 senior), Kyle Zeigler (6-0 junior), Chipper Tuel (6-0 junior), Justin Ingledue (5-11 junior), Brandon Utley (6-3 junior), Jeremy Gorby (6-4 sophomore), Matt Heffinger (5-10 sophomore), Daniel Laut (5-7 sophomore), Matt Manley (5-6 sophomore), Austin Good Luck!
Garage Door Openers & Doors, Inc. 2675 St. Rt. 62 • Beloit, Ohio Sales & Service 330-938-6457
1-800-246-6457
Morning Journal/Wayne Maris
Members of the West Branch boys basketball team are (front, from left) Jake Evanoff, Ben Grammar, Dustin Greenawalt, Brett Fish; (second row, from left) coach Michael Sellaroli, Jerian Thomas, Jeremy Gorby, head coach Lou Sellaroli, Matt Meiter, Kyle Zeigler, coach Andy Pappas; (back, from left) Chipper Tuel, coach Brad Smith, Kip DeShields, coach Scott Loudon and Matt Heffinger.
Smith (5-11 sophomore). TEAM STRENGTHS: “We have good quickness, speed and athleticism and a strong core of returning players,” Sellaroli said. The Warriors are hoping that athleticism translates onto the defensive end. They were 7-0 when holding opponents to 50 points or less last season. “GOOD LUCK!”
STRATTON CHEVROLET FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED
16050 St. Rt. 14 N. of Salem • Beloit, Ohio
330-537-3151
TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Young players that need to contribute right away,” Sellaroli said. 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring —Kip DeShields 10.8, Beau Taylor (graduated) 8.6, Jacob Griffith (graduated) 7.7, Drake Lohnes (graduated) 6.4. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Beau Taylor (graduated) honorable mention All-Area.
INSURANCE AGENCY
330-537-9922
Life - Health - Auto - Home - Farm & Business
See WARRIORS, Page 50
“GOOD LUCK, WARRIORS”
Cope Farm Equipment
BARNES
15910 S.R. 62 • Damascus, OH
SEASON OUTLOOK: The Warriors lost three of their top four scorers to graduation, but return everyone else. “We have added three new teams to the schedule —Springfield, Lisbon and Fairless,” Sellaroli said. “The players have maintained a great attitude and continue to work hard as they look for-
Since 1966
24915 St. Rt. 62 Alliance, Ohio
330-821-5867
www.copefarm.com
50 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
WEST BRANCH,
“If this team will rise together and play each game to their full potential, then they will be a lot of fun to watch.”
Continued from Page 48
“This team has a lot of offensive weapons and could really light up some scoreboards,” DeShields said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: Depth could be an issue if any injuries arise. “If the girls accept their roles and we can develop good depth off of our bench, then we have the potential to have an exciting season,” DeShields said. Offensively, West Branch scored less than 50 points five times last season, including the final two games. 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring —Melinda Trimmer 16.4, Pavin Heath 12.2, Amanda Linhart 7.5, Taryn Hahn 6.8; Rebounds —Pavin Heath 5.8, Amanda Linhart 5.7; Assists — Melinda Trimmer 6.2, Brittany Bryte (graduated) 1.9; Steals —Melinda Trimmer 2.4, Brittany Bryte (graduated) 1.9; Field Goal Pct. —Taryn Hahn 51.5 percent, Pavin Heath 51.3 percent; Free Throw Pct. —Melinda Trimmer 79.2 percent, Pavin Heath 70.5 percent. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Melinda Trimmer, special mention Division II All)Ohio, Northeastern Buckeye Conference Player of the Year and first-team All-Area. Pavin Heath, honorable mention Division II All-Ohio and first-team All-Area. Brittany Bryte (graduated) second-team AllArea. Amanda Linhart, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: West Branch is a year older and another year better. The Warriors are coming off a 23-3 campaign —their 19th straight winning season —and return eight letterwinners, including four starters. “These girls are excited to continue the Lady Warrior basketball tradition of excellence,” DeShields said. “There is a great mix of talent and chemistry on this team.” West Branch will be able to field a team with talented players at every position. “We need to stay healthy throughout the season to be successful,” DeShields said. “If this team will rise together and play each game to their full potential, then they will be a lot of fun to watch.” The Warriors will also have to deal with the difficult NBC after sharing last season’ s crown with Louisville. “The NBC is a very competitive league with good coaches,” DeShields said. “A lot of teams have key players returning. Louisville is the three-time defending champions and will be considered a favorite. There are a lot of teams in the league that will surprise you if you’ re not ready to play.” The Warriors have won 35 of their last 38 reg-
WALT DESHIELDS, WEST BRANCH GIRLS COACH
Area’s winningest basketball programs The combined boys and girls records of area schools for the 2012-13 basketball season: School Records Crestview .........................32-16 Wellsville ..........................31-17 West Branch.....................30-20 Southern Local.................27-19 Salem...............................27-22 Springfield ........................24-21 Columbiana ......................25-23 United...............................26-24 Lisbon ..............................25-25 South Range ....................24-24 Heartland Christian ..........22-23 Minerva ............................19-27 Leetonia ...........................17-27 Western Reserve .............18-29 East Palestine ..................16-28 East Liverpool ..................16-29 Beaver Local ....................15-31 Oak Glen...........................14-30 Sebring .............................10-37
Morning Journal/Wayne Maris
West Branch returns three players who were named to the Morning Journal’s All-Area team last season — (from right) Melinda Trimmer, Pavin Heath and Amanda Linhart
ular-season games and have toughened their schedule that will hopefully help them get of our districts this season. “Our non-league schedule will also be very tough as we participate in three invitational classics —the Hoops Fest at Walsh University vs. Gilmour Academy, Hope Classic at Struthers vs. Boardman and the Classic in the Country vs. Berlin Hiland vs. defending Division IV state champions Fort Loramie,” DeShields said. “We also play Youngstown Ursuline, Canfield, United, Austintown Fitch and South Range. Our schedule will help us prepare for the postseason Division II tournament. Our first goal has always been to improve everyday by working extremely hard and that will not change.”
Pct. .666 .646 .600 .587 .551 .533 .521 .520 .500 .500 .489 .413 .386 .383 .364 .356 .326 .318 .213
WARRIORS, Continued from Page 49
ward to competing in the upcoming season.” West Branch struggled in the NBC last season and will be looking for improvement. “The NBC looks to be a strong league once again,” Sellaroli said. “All the teams return strong players who made great contributions to their team’ s success. We are looking for the challenges the league brings and are working hard to compete for the league title.”
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 • 51
United girls shooting for No. 6 SCHOOL: United Golden Eagles. 2012-13 RECORD: 24-3, including a perfect 14-0 record in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier. The Eagles were ranked 15th in the Division III state poll. The Eagles have won five consecutive upper tier titles and 32 straight league games. United won the Mineral Ridge district title last year before falling to Orrville, 61-52, in the regional semifinals, snapping a schoolrecord 16-game winning streak. HEAD COACH: Sam Mathias enters his third season as head coach with a record of 46-7. He was the Columbiana County Coach of the Year. He was the head coach at Sebring for four seasons with a record of 35-32 and the junior varsity boys coach at Sebring for four years. ASSISTANT COACHES: Josh Sigler, Terry Kellison, Dianna Barley, Buster Woolf, Jennie Woolf. RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Five, including one starter. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Mackenzie Gatchel (senior, three-year letterwinner), MacKenzie Firth (junior, two-year letterwinner), Jenna Plummer (junior, two-year letterwinner), Sydney Moats (junior, oneyear letterwinner), Lauren Beech (sophomore, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Shanna Miller (sophomore), Haleigh Anderson (freshman), Taylor Miller (freshman), Kassie Chestnut (sophomore), Morgan Smith (sophomore), Megan Amos (sophomore). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Jackie Bentfield (sophomore), Rachel Amos (sophomore), Mariah Eisenbraun (freshman), Lauren Buttermore (sophomore), Lindsey Donato (freshman), Madison Smith (freshman), Brynn Hofmeister (freshman). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Our youth is athletic and have the drive to improve each day while knowing they are now the faces of the program and want to keep the United girls basketball tradition alive,” Mathias said. “This group works well together and needs to come together to reach the goals of the program no matter what it
United’s best seasons The top United High School girls basketball seasons based on winning percentage: Season 2012-13 2008-09 1975-76 2001-02 2011-12 1992-93 1985-86
Record 24-2 22-2 14-2 18-3 21-4 17-4 17-4
Pct. .923 .917 .875 .857 .840 .810 .810
title and getting another shot to advance at the regional level.” It will not be easy to match last season’ s 24-3 record, the most wins in school history. The Eagles keep turning out winners. They have won 30 of their last 32 regular-season games and 38 of their last 42 overall. The Eagles were 10-1 at home last season and have won 29 of their last 32 games at home. Even the United was the highest scoring team in the area last season, Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer averaging 62.7 points, the Eagles rely on their defense to win championships. United girls basketball coach Sam Mathias adds the Golden Eagles’ fifth They were 22-0 when giving up less straight Inter-Tri County League upper tier championship to the collection. than 45 points last season. takes to get there. They all show up Mackenzie Gatchel 6.0; Steals — In fact, Eagles gave up an average of everyday competing with each other to Mackenzie Gatchel 3.0, Emily just 35.1 points in their 24 wins, but get better, which helps our whole pro- Zehentbauer (graduated) 3.0. an average of 55.0 points in their three gram move forward.” 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: losses to Orrville, West Branch and TEAM WEAKNESSES: “We lost Emily Zehentbauer (graduated) special Carrollton. six of our top seven players from last mention Division III All-Ohio and Their non-league schedule was year’ s team,” Miller said. “Our Morning Journal All-Area Player of strengthened this season as the Eagles younger girls need to work hard and the Year. will face Beaver Local, Salem, East continue to improve everyday in order Mackenzie Gatchel, first-team All- Liverpool, Canton Timken, West for us to be successful. We have some Area. Branch, Carrollton and Canfield. varsity experience back with girls getCourtney Hydrick (graduated) hon“We have added teams this season ting playing time last year in a lot of orable mention Division III All-Ohio that will challenge our young group to games. Those experiences should help and second-team All-Area. get prepared for league play and tourwith a quicker transition with a lot of Sam Spitler (graduated) honorable nament time,” Mathias said. new faces getting most of varstiy min- mention All-Area. Before that, the Eagles will be aimutes.” SEASON OUTLOOK: After five ing for a sixth straight title in the ITCL 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring — straight ITCL upper tier titles and two upper tier. Emily Zehentbauer (graduated) 15.5, district championships in a row, the “South Range is the overwhelming Courtney Hydrick (graduated) 10.8, Golden Eagles are bringing in a new league favorite,” Mathias said. “They Mackenzie Gatchel 9.9; Rebounds — lineup with the same goals. return some key varsity players as well “Our expectations have not lowered as a solid JV group that will add more Courtney Hydrick (graduated) 8.0, Sam Spitler (graduated) 7.0, even with graduating six seniors,” depth and athleticism. Adding one of Mackenzie Gatchel 6.0, Emily Mathias said. “We intend to work hard the best coaches in the area in (Tony) Zehentbauer (graduated) 5.0; Assists — and contend for a league title, district Matisi helps them as well.”
52 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
Morning Journal/Nathan Boley
Members of the Oak Glen girls basketball team are (front, from left) Alyson Snow, Kaitlyn Herstine, Karly Wiley, Vanessa Hissam, Tori Feicht, Tori Fryer, Megan Stipec; (second row, from left) Taylor McKay, Maisie Witherow, Dominica Price, Allison Click; (back, from left) head coach Scott Wiley, Bridget Bemis, Brie Evans, Jessica Stivason, Logan Andrews, Alex Arnott, Amber Grotefend, coach Rhonda Stipec and coach Sherrie Garner.
Oak Glen girls on the rebound SCHOOL: Oak Glen Golden Bears. 2012-13 RECORD: 10-11. HEAD COACH: Scott Wiley enters his fourth season at Oak Glen with a record of 43-29. 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 Stipec (varsity assistant), Sherrie Garner (junior varsity). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Nine, including four starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Tori Feicht (5-7 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Vanessa Hissam (5-8 senior post, three-year letterwinner), Karly Wiley (5-9 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Jessica
Stivason (5-10 junior post, two-year letterwinner), Brie Evans (5-7 junior post, one-year letterwinner), Kaitlyn Herstine (5-7 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), Logan Andrews (5-8 sophomore win, one-year letterwinner), Alex Arnott (5-8 sophomore wing, one-year letterwinner), Alyson Snow (5-8 junior post, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Maisie Witherow (5-5 freshman guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Megan Stipec (5-5 sophomore guard), Tori Fryer (5-6 sophomore guard), Amber Grotefend (5-9 freshman post), Taylor McKay (5-4 freshman guard), Bridget Bemis (5-8 sophomore post), Allison Click (5-5 freshman guard),
Dominica Price (5-9 freshman post). TEAM STRENGTHS: Size is a major advantage for the Golden Bears, who have nine girls listed as at least 5foot-7 on their varisty roster. “We’ ve got height,” Wiley said. “Even our guards are pretty big.” Oak Glen returns all but one player from last season’ s roster. “A lot of them have been around for three or more years,” Wiley said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: Depth and physicality are both concerns to Wiley. “We need to be more physical,” Wiley said. “We need to get a tougher sense of attitude.” 2012-13 LEADERS: Points — Vanessa Hissam 12.0; Rebounds — Vanessa Hissam 11.0. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED:
Vanessa Hissam, honorable mention All-West Virginia Class AA. Jessica Stivison, honorable mention All-West Virginia Class AA. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Golden Bears suffered through a rare losing season last year, something that no one on the team expects to repeat. With nine returning letterwinners including leading scorer and rebounder Vanessa Hissam, Oak Glen expects to make significant strides this year. “It can be a very positive season as long as they stick together,” Wiley said. “We want to be one of the top four teams in the OVAC,” Wiley said. “Last year, we fell off to Steubenville and didn’ t finish in the top four. We’ d like to be competitive in the West Virginia state tournament as well.”
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 • 53
Oak Glen has guarded optimism SCHOOL: Oak Glen Golden Bears. 2012-13 RECORD: 4-19. HEAD COACH: David Smith enters his second straight season and 11th overall at Oak Glen. He was 82-133 as head coach from 1994-2004. ASSISTANT COACHES: Brian Hissom, Jerry Everly, Jered Gamble. RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Five, including three starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Jakob Ford (5-11 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Kyle Woodruff (6-3 senior guard, one-year letterwinner), David McGraw (6-5 senior center, three-year letterwinner), Tyler Click (6-0 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), Brennan Smith (6-3 junior guard, one-year letterwinner).
INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Bub Haddox (5-11 senior guard), Bryan Congo (6-0 junior guard), Justin Adams (5-10 junior guard), Matt Stipec (5-10 senior guard), Cole Beaver (5-11 junior guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Cyle Perez (5-11 sophomore guard), Aaron Gray (6-2 sophomore forward), Zac Porter (6-0 sophomore guard), Matt McCune (6-2 sophomore guard), Jeffrey Rice (5-9 freshman guard), Marcus McHaffie (6-0 freshman forward), Chase Crago (5-9 freshman guard), Luke Smith (6-0 freshman guard), Noah Feicht (6-0 freshman guard), Shane Theiss (5-11 freshman guard), Logan Taylor (5-10 freshman guard), Trey Reese (5-11 freshman
guard), Jason Chappell (6-0 freshman guard). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Guard play with ability to distribute the ball to open man,” Smith said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Team’ s lack of inside presence,” Smith said. “Rebounding could be an issue.” 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring — Cody Howell (graduated) 13.4; Rebounds —Cody Howell (graduated) 6.1; Free Throw Pct. — Matt McLaughlin (graduated) 69 percent. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Cody Howell (graduated) third-team All-OVAC. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Golden Bears look to have more depth this season.
“In my first year back, we had many holes to fill and suffered several key injuries,” he said. “Both players (Haddox and Smith) are back and would have started last year.” Oak Glen has five seniors and five juniors to build the team around. “We are much better prepared with a year under our belts,” Smith said. “We’ re hoping the future is bright with our numbers elevated from last year. The Golden Bears have time to get ready. They open the season Dec. 10 at Weir. “We have a difficult schedule with Wellsville, East Liverpool, Brooke, Steubenville Central, Beaver Local, Buckeye Local and Southern all twice,” Smith said.
SOUTH RANGE,
WELLSVILLE,
Continued from Page 39
Continued from Page 47
Marketta Gabriel (5-8 sophomore forward), Lynnie Ritter (6-1 sophomore center), Taylor Naples (5-7 freshman guard), Kate Yeagley (5-7 freshman guard). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Athleticism, quickness, size, work ethic,” Matisi said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Learning a new system,” Matisi said. 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring — Lexi Naples (graduated) 12.2, Stara Shap 5.5; Rebounds — Lexi Naples (graduated) 7.0; Assists —Lexi Naples (graduated) 2.3; Steals —Lexi Naples (graduated) 4.5; Field Goal Pct. —Lexi Naples (graduated) 46 percent; Free Throw Pct. —Lexi Naples (graduated) 77.2 percent. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Lexi Naples (graduated) first-team All-Area.
Starla Sharp, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Raiders have six returning letterwinners to emerge as a leading force in the Inter-Tri County League “We’ re getting the girls to learn how to play without Lexi Naples, who was their goto player last year,” Matisi said. Last year, the Raiders were 13-4 when they scored more than 40 points, but 0-7 when they scored less than 40 points. The upper tier schedule is challenging, but South Range is the leading candidate that could end United’ s reign as champion. “Whenever you look at the upper tier, it all starts with United,” Matisi said. “I think it will be a lot more balanced than it has been in the past, with anyone in the league capable of winning any night.”
RAIDERS, Continued from Page 38
cepts we are using, the better we will become.” The Raiders expect to be in the upper half of the ITCL upper tier and could move up or down depending on the development of the younger players. “The league appears well balanced with most teams able to be very competitive,”
Cullen said. “It seems like the teams that improve the most will be vying for the title. “Our non-league schedule is very challenging with three solid Div. III programs to play in Newton Falls and Brookfield. The lower tier teams we play like McDonald and Western Reserve should be very tough tests also.”
the defensive side of the ball and push them in transition.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Outside shooting,” Swogger said. “We do not have a true shooter, but we do have the potential to improve, as a few of them are streaky.” 2012-13 LEADERS: Scoring— Shartece Taylor 10.6, Brittany Clendenning 7.9; R e b o u n d i n g —B r i t t a n y Clendenning 8.0, Amanda Coles (senior) 7.3, Kallee’ Powell 5.0; Steals— Brittany Clendenning 3.0; Assists — Kallee’ Powell 4.0, Sabrina Thompson 3.0; Field Goal Pct. —Shartece Taylor 41 percent; Free Throw Pct. —Kallee’ Powell 87 percent. 2012-13 PLAYERS HONORED: Shartece Taylor, honorable mention All-Area. Amanda Coles (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Tigers expect to be competitive in the ITCL lower tier again this season as they return three starters and two other letterwinners.
“A successful season will come about by sticking together and continuing to work hard as we have during the summer and fall,” Swogger said. “I expect the ITCL lower tier to be very competitive as in recent years, or schedule also includes rivals Beaver Local, Toronto and East Liverpool. If we can correct the little aspects of the game protect the ball and control the tempo, we could possibly be in the running for the top of the lower tier.” Once again, the Tigers’ success will be determined by their defense. They gave up an average of 37.5 points in their wins and 59.0 points in their losses last season. “I expect the ITCL lower tier to be very competitive as in recent years,” Swogger said. “Our schedule remains the same as recent years with a tough out-of-league schedule to include Division II backyard rivals East Liverpool and Beaver Local along with another rival in Toronto.”
54 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
M.J. WILLIAMS Southern Local
INDIANS, Continued from Page 40
Kyler Woodward (graduated) secondteam All-Area. Dylan Ketchum (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: It will be a season of change for the Indians —new faces and new places. “For the first year, we are competing in the ITCL upper tier and the Division III tournament in Salem,” Whittaker said. “Because of this, our schedule will look very different.” Southern Local will also have a new lineup with only one returning starter and is looking for leaders to emerge. “It will be challenging to replace senior starters Luke Griffith, Kyler Woodward, J.J. Napierkowski and Dylan Ketchum,” Whittaker said. “Our guys have been working hard and are excited to create names for themselves as well.” The Indians played ITCL upper tier teams Lisbon and United last season, so they are familiar with some of their new league foes. “The league should be very competitive with Springfield entering as the favorite,” Whittaker said. “Crestview and Lisbon should also compete for the top spots.”
Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Wellsville’s Jordan Sloan pushes the ball up the court under the watchful eye of head coach David Thompson during tournament play last season.
WELLSVILLE, Continued from Page 46
SAM McINTOSH Wellsville
Wellsville defeated 11 teams on the way to 21 victories, including three wins over both Western Reserve and Lowellville. How much Wellsville improves defensively will determine how how much success the Tigers have. They s gave up an average of 54.7 points in their 21 wins, but 68.5 points in their four losses last season.
They also have to win the close games. The Tigers were 1-3 in games decided by two points or less last season. Wellsville will not open the season until Dec. 10. The Tigers’ first three games were rescheduled due to the football team advancing to the secondround of the playoffs.
MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 • 55
Cover shots The area’s top senior basketball players, Wellsville’s Nate Scott and United’s Mackenzie Gatchel, are pictured on the cover of the Morning Journal’s 2013-14 Basketball Preview. Afterward, they got in a little practice. Both led their teams to Inter-Tri County League titles last season. Morning Journalphotos by Patti Schaeffer
Good Luck To All Area Teams For A Great Season!
Layaway Is Back! Everything you need for one stop shopping! Walmart Plaza
Walmart Plaza
16280 Dresden Ave. • Calcutta, Ohio
2875 East State Street • Salem, Ohio
330-386-4002
330-337-8313
56 • MORNING JOURNAL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2013 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013
Wellsville, Beaver Local playing in Cleveland CLEVELAND — The Wellsville and Beaver Local boys basketball teams are going big time. The Tigers and Beavers will play each other in a varsity-only contest at 1:45 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23, at Quicken Loans Arena, home of the Cleveland Cavaliers. It will be the second game of a high school triple-header, followed by NBA action when the Cavaliers host the Detroit Pistons at 7 p.m. Tickets are $16 and are good for all four games. Tickets are available from the athletic directors at both schools.
Morning Journal/Wayne Maris
Salem’s Megan Lehwald and Max Wolfgang are the lone returning senior letterwinners for the Quakers’ basketball teams this season.