Balanced Badgers Biting Back Deeper This Year
By rich kelly sports@karlovecmedia com
Last season was one for the Badgers to learn more about themselves as players and teammates.
Lesson learned on the heels of a 6-18 season, Head Coach Joe Montanaro has a more seasoned group of kids this year. Six seniors lead the way on a nine-man varsity roster, with ideas to vastly improve on last year's experience.
during the football season, again, and that is something they can use to build off of now. They're eager to keep building on the foundations that were laid last year. That said, our primary goal is to continue to grow as a team."
With a gifted group of athletes rotating in and out constantly, pres-
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12/4 Chardon 6:45 p.m.
12/6 @Edgewood 6:30 p.m.
12/10 @St. John 6:45 p.m.
12/13 Chagrin Falls 1 p.m.
12/17 @Wickliffe 6:45 p.m.
12/20 @Rootstown 2:15 p.m.
12/27 @Kirtland 12:45 p.m.
12/30 @Badger 6:45 p.m.
1/3 Brookfield 1 p.m.
1/6 @Crestwood 6:45 p.m.
1/13 Kirtland 6:45 p.m.
1/16 @Chagrin Falls 6:45 p.m.
1/20 Cornerstone Christian 6:45 p.m.
1/23 Wickliffe 6:45 p.m.
1/30 Rootstown 6:45 p.m.
2/3 @Madison 6:45 p.m.
2/6 Crestwood 6:45 p.m.
2/10 @Fairport 6:45 p.m.
2/13 @Geneva 6:45 p.m.
2/17 Conneaut 6:45 p.m.
form of those half-dozen seniors, who are ready and willing to get going: Luke Stute (6-1), Cameron Beam (6-0), Billy Verbic (6-0), Caden McGranahan (6-1), Jake Patterson (5-8) and Chase Wardle (6-0).
Their ability to provide leadership and direction for juniors Alex Bowman (5-9) and Michael Constantini (6-3) and sophomore Colton Miller-Gabbard (6-2) should make the Badgers deeper and more aggressive.
"We just want to bounce back and play well this year," Stute said. "We want to play the way we know we should and can, to get more confidence going for ourselves and for the younger kids, and to not play selfish basketball at all."
Beam analyzed things suc-
"We have a good, strong bunch of kids this year," he said. "Having a good returning bunch this year will be very important for us."
Patterson will spend most of his time running things on the floor for Coach Montanaro, and he looks forward to the challenge.
"Our goal is to go out and win every game we play," he said. "As the point guard, it's my job to get people into the right places to score if they get a chance, and to make sure we're playing good defense."
McGranahan shares the optimism of his teammates.
"We have pretty high expectations for ourselves this year," he said. "Last year, we had some guys who were hurt in football, and us younger guys had to learn new things. We struggled at times,
but now we have no consciousness about problems of last year. We're healthy and ready to go."
Injuries had a big effect last season, it's true.
The key to any sports team is to have as many healthy bodies as possible. Over the football season, players get dinged up and miss time. That has been an issue for every school over the years, and more recently, Berkshire's as well. Chase Wardle missed time last year that hindered his time on the basketball floor, but he is healthy this season for hardwood action, which will provide depth for Coach Montanaro.
Others like Stute and Beam are just such natural athletes that they plant their noses in the middle of any action that they are involved in. This trio of players will be right in the center of it all.
With these guys healthy, along with Wardle and Verbic, and the improvement of Miller-Gabbard and Constantini, the athletic Badgers should be a group to reckon with.
Stute, Beam and McGranahan will stay fresher, and with their inside presences to provide rebounding — a key factor for any team with high hopes — and youngsters coming in to provide more inside power, they should be just fine, thank you.
Beam is the top scorer returning, with 8.7 points per game last season. Stute tallied 7.5, Verbic tallied 7.6, McGranahan added 4.2, and Patterson, with a solid outside shot from the arc, added 3.2 in his growth period.
Berkshire will be a lot of fun to watch this season.
Badgers Core to Carry Team Again
By rich kelly sports@karlovecmedia.com
As the Berkshire Badgers girls basketball team heads into its second season under Head Coach Dave Albert, replacing pieces from last season's 17-7 team will take a lot of effort.
One huge plus for this year's version, though, is that last year, he was able to install a new system that the girls got a good grasp on handling. The experience gained by the team's younger girls, particularly, has put the team into position for a repeat of last year — and with a handful of strong returners to base things on, a spirit of optimism prevailed during practices with the new season approaching.
"Playing good defense should carry us a long way this season," Coach Albert said during a recent scrimmage. "We have a good core back this year with experience in how I teach the game, so while we don't have a big scorer to rely on, we do have some girls who are great athletes that can make things happen on defense, which should ignite our offense."
The coach has a solid core of five players back this year, including two starters from last year, and working together has benefitted them all as they look to compete for a Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division title.
As two of those players are the only seniors on the team, the learning process will also continue.
Julia Young and Mallory Durosko are those two seniors. Both are athletic and more comfortable
with Coach Albert's system, and it shows, if scrimmage action is any indicator.
"We weren't sure last year about what we were doing in Coach Albert's system," Durosko said. "(But) with a good season with him behind us, we are more comfortable now. We're also a lot more confident we can play in his system, so we don't hesitate like we did last year."
Durosko will provide a pres ence close to the basket, but Young will provide a speedy perso na at both ends of the floor.
"We lost some seniors from last year," Durosko said, "but we have a lot of experience back now. We work hard, and the best part is that we all get along.
“We learned a lot last season. It's going to be important for us to be more aggressive than we were, but we are all a lot more comfortable this year. We've bonded well, and that's a good thing."
Just a sophomore, Stella Bateman will provide a large inside presence for the team. Her work ethic has grown, which will benefit everyone participating in the 202526 season.
"I've tried to work a lot on my post moves since last year," Bateman said. "Coach Albert has taught me a lot about how to play. I think I just need to keep getting better at what I do in games, to keep being more aggressive while under control, and just be there for my teammates."
Juniors Savannah Smith, Hayden Tomsic and Whitney Davis, sophomores Gracie Parker, Bella
Basketball Teams!
the past, which should serve as a boon to all the players still growing on the team and their coach.
"I think we will pretty much be running things through our core players from last year," Coach Albert said. "We've got three girls who played a lot before in Young,
The beginning of the season was challenging for this group, but Albert felt the pieces were in place to build on last season’s success.
The Badgers want to take the next step in the CVC and hope to make another playoff push in the county’s nicest home gymnasium.
Sports Editor: Jamie Ward
Contributers: Rich Kelly, Haley Adams, Alan Kornspan, Cameron Palmer
Editor: John D. Karlovec
Publisher: Jeffrey B. Karlovec
Finance: Jack Karlovec
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Bateman
Cardinal Huskies Hungry for a Comeback Year
By haley adams sports@karlovecmedia.com
season ago, third-year head coach Kyle Deckerd is eager to turn the page and start fresh with a differ ent mindset.
here at Cardinal, we’re moving to ward becoming a more player-led team,” he said. “Our leaders are starting to hold their teammates accountable and set the tone daily, which is a major step forward for our culture.”
to miss the entirety of last season. are looking to host a playoff game.”
Davis
11/28 @Rootstown 6:45 p.m.
12/1 @Berkshire 7:30 p.m.
12/9 @Mathews 6:45 p.m.
12/12 Fairport 6:45 p.m.
12/16 Sts.
1/2 Ravenna 6:45 p.m.
1/6 Badger 6:45 p.m.
Perhaps among Coach Deckerd’s brightest in this year’s group is the sophomore duo of Joey Komandt and Carson Davis. Both players averaged just under one point per game last season.
“Both are expected to play larger, more consistent roles and give us stability in the backcourt and on the wing,” Coach Deckerd
Said Davis: “I want to play better defense and get some steals. I also want to get more rebounds.”
Added Komandt: “As a team,
1/9 @Bristol 6:45 p.m.
1/10 Py Valley 6:45 p.m.
1/13 @Windham 6:45 p.m.
1/16 @Lordstown 6:45 p.m.
1/20 Maplewood 6:45 p.m.
1/23 @Py Valley 6:45 p.m.
1/27 Mathews 6:45 p.m.
1/30 @Fairport 6:45 p.m.
2/3 @Sts. John&Paul 6:45 p.m.
2/6 Grand Valley 6:45 p.m.
2/10 @Maplewood 6:45 p.m.
turnovers will be a big point of emphasis. We also want to shoot at a higher percentage from the field, especially from the perimeter, to give ourselves better chances late in games.”
Last season's Huskies averaged just under 41 points per game, and if they want to change that narrative, the offense must learn to play together and make quick adjustments.
JV to varsity, comes a little bit of inexperience when it comes to the pace of the game and other factors, Coach Deckerd admitted. But the team is working on that.
“We need to take better care of the ball and value each possession,” he said. “Making more efficient decisions and reducing
“Chemistry is the most important piece of our program’s growth, and this group has already shown a strong sense of togetherness,” Coach Deckerd said. “They enjoy being around each other, compete the right way, and support one an-
Cardinal will also look to bounce back from a winless conference schedule this upcoming season as they make the switch from the Chagrin Valley Conference to the Northeast Athletic Conference. Strever said he thinks their chances to compete will be better in the NAC. The team's first challenge will be against Vienna Mathews on Dec. 9.
“Fans can expect a team that represents the community with pride,” Coach Deckerd said. “These guys play hard, care about one another, and show up ready to compete every single day. With their hustle, toughness, and improving ability to knock down shots, we’re looking to take a step forward and give our fans something to be proud of all season long.” cardinal huskies
cardinal huskies
Huskies Ready to Raise the Bar
By haley adams sports@karlovecmedia.com
against Wickliffe, but their level of play toward the end of the season was memorable. The team made it to the Division VII District Finals game, where they lost a hardfought match against the top-seeded Warren JFK Eagles.
Cardinal brings back five returners, including three starters and also five letter-winners.
Pacing the Huskies offensively will be junior Ivy Kaminski. She led the way last season with 15.3 points per game, dishing out 1.2 assists per game and shooting 56 percent at the free throw line. Defensively, she averaged 6.1 rebounds and three steals.
“Making it to the district finals game last year gives us mo-
ic,” said Soltis. “We haven’t played a lot of these teams before, so we will be seeing some new stuff.”
played the sixth man position a season ago, but will now work her way into the starting lineup. She averaged 5.6 points per game and 5 rebounds per game. Her out side shot could provide another source of scoring to the team’s offense.
“We have five returning players with two or three years of varsity experience, so they know the pace, the tempo, the grit and the effort it takes to win basketball games,” Coach Domen said.
Representing the senior class will be Brynley Kitzmiller, who
ney Lehr.
When asked what she believes is her team’s biggest strength, Coach Domen emphasized the importance of experience and, again, team chemistry.
“Our biggest strength is experience and quickness,” Coach Do-
“Fans should be ready for an up-tempo kind of game,” Coach Domen said. “When we watch this committed group continue to grow as a team, and when they focus on what needs to be done, it will be a great season this year.”
Kaminski
chagrin Falls tigers
Tigers Look To Gain Valuable Experience Quickly
By alan kornspan sports@karlovecmedia com
The Chagrin Falls Tigers Boys Basketball Team was led last season by nine seniors, four of whom were starters.
Having an experienced team helped lead the Tigers to a 16-9 record as they advanced to the OHSAA District Finals.
Although a few current Tigers obtained valuable varsity minutes last season, these Tigers will have much less varsity experience than last season's team.
“We have a lot of inexperi-
Bargar
one guy out there, maybe two, that have had any varsity experience for us, and none of them in a significant starting role. So it's going to be a challenge this year to get that experience while we’re playing and then see how we can get better and improve.”
Coach Bargar said that two of the top Tigers returning varsity basketball players have been lost for the season due to injury.
Thus, the Tigers have six seniors and six juniors on the roster. Seniors include Owen Adelman (forward), Quin Bargar (guard),
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(forward) and Jack Orazen (forward).
Juniors on the 2025-26 Tigers roster include Jake Benzel (forward), Andrew Broz (forward), Pete Fischer (forward), Brady Kaas (guard), Will Murray (guard) and Jake Vasko (guard).
Top returning players for the Tigers are seniors Quin Bargar and Harrison Horvath.
Bargar and Horvath are expected to lead the Tigers' offense.
“(Quin Bargar) will run the show for us,” Coach Bargar said. “He's been fantastic. We will probably need him to score a little bit more than he's done in the past because of the injuries we are facing.”
Bargar, the Tigers senior point guard, came on strong toward the end of last season. He had 8 points in the Tigers last regular season game against the Lakeside Dragons. Then, in the Tigers OHSAA District semifinal victory over the Garfield Rams, Bargar had a career-high 15 points as he was 3-5 from beyond the arc.
“I believe you practice how you play,” Quin said. “When you're going hard in practice and playing fast and physical, when you get to the game it's nothing new. So they'll be good and feel confident in themselves. Everybody is looking good and we’re excited for the season to come.”
Bargar said that a strength of the Tigers offense will be its perimeter shooting. He said the Tigers have strong outside shooters
and expects the team to shoot well from the outside throughout the season.
“We've got some plays to get some good three-point shots up, and I think a lot of our guys can shoot the ball pretty well,” Coach Bargar said.
In addition to Quin Bargar running the point, the Tigers will have Horvath playing the post down low.
“He's athletic, energetic, he's done a great job scoring at the basket. He's been our leading scorer in our first few scrimmages,” Bargar said.
Coach Bargar also noted the excellent pre-season play of senior forward Jack Orazen.
“He'll be our four man competing for that spot and a back-up five if he's not starting at the four,” Coach Barger said.
Coach Bargar also anticipates that junior Jake Vasko will start. He was the Tigers’ leading scorer as a JV player last season.
On the defensive side of the ball, Coach Bargar said he expects the Tigers to have a strong defensive presence.
“On the defensive end we think that we'll do a pretty good job, and that will allow us to be competitive,” Coach Bargar said. “The reason we usually play good defense is because our kids compete, they get after it and they play hard. Defense at the high school level, a lot of it is just about heart and playing hard.”
chagrin Falls tigers
Tigers Focused on Hustle in Move to Smaller Division
By alan kornspan sports@karlovecmedia com
Last season, the Chagrin Falls Tigers Girls Basketball Team was a veteran team led by senior All-Ohioan Lilly Stukus.
This season, however, the Tigers only have two upperclassmen and no seniors as they try to match last season's 14-10 record and a trip to the district semifinals.
To focus on trying to match last season’s success, the Lions returning players have chosen the word “Hustle” to keep the team motivated and inspired in pursuit of their goals.
Head Coach Brittany Laseak said that a high level of effort and hustle will be necessary since the Tigers only have 10 players on the roster and everyone will be contributing.
“We're a small team this year, so having the energy, effort, enthusiasm, and hustling all game long on both ends of the floor is something that is necessary because everyone is going to have to contribute in some way shape or form,” Coach Laseak said. “(Hustle), that's something we have to do day in and day out.”
Added junior point guard Abby Kay, “We knew we were going to be a small team, and there is definitely going to be a lot of running for everyone throughout the whole season. Everyone is going to get minutes in every single game. So it’s important for all of us just to hustle in every game.”
As a small team without any se niors, the Tigers have eight under classmen on the roster. Included on the roster are two juniors, two sophomores and six freshmen. With a young team, the Tigers will rely on leadership both on the offensive and defensive side of the court from juniors Avery Russell and Kay.
Russell, a two-time All-Ohio junior shooting guard, has been the Tigers’ leading scorer in both of her first two seasons. Russell increased her points per game av erage to 15 last season.
Russell can certainly put the ball in the basket. In fact, she scored over 20 points in nine games last season.
Kay
To get ready for the upcoming season, Russell has been working diligently on improving her off-ball movements to get open and pass ing in order to increase her assist totals.
Coach Laseak is excited about the improvements Russell has made during the off-season.
“She has worked really hard during the off-season to add some more tools to her scoring set,” Coach Laseak said. “She has been great off the ball for us, we have been able to find her open on back cuts. She is working a lot harder to get open. So it's just not this outside shot that she has. She has also got a lot stronger.”
In addition to having one of the top scoring shooting guards in Northeast Ohio, the Tigers return starting point guard and junior Abby Kay.
the basket, or scoring in the low post.
Although there is not a set starting lineup, Coach Laseak said that Russell and Kay will start at the guards and that sophomores Olivia Kruse and Ivy Levey will also have opportunities to play a lot.
In addition, at the post during
One of the main changes to the Tigers’ offense is the opportunity to play an inside-outside game, as the Tigers have size at the forward position.
“Then you've got (sophomore) Olivia Kruse, who can play just about anywhere on the floor at six feet tall,” Laseak said.
Experienced Players and an Energetic New Coach
By Jamie Ward Jamie@karlovecmedia.com
Nine years ago, senior Shane Quin stood inside The Barn, as the Chardon High School gymnasium is known, and talked about his expectations for the 2016-17 basketball team.
“I really like our intensity in practice recently. We’re not looking at longterm, just winning each practice.”
Intensity is still the thing for Quin, now the new head coach at the school he cares so deeply about.
“It feels great. I love coaching these kids, I love this basketball
senior year interview. “There have been tough challenges, that’s expected. But I’ve really enjoyed it. I love the kids we got. I’m excited.”
Today Quin is also an eighthgrade social studies teacher in Chardon. He’s married to another Chardon graduate, Jessica Liechty. And the couple have a new son, Knox, and own a house a football field from the Square.
Chardon’s team went 7-15 last season, and a disappointing 1-9 in the Western Reserve Conference. Coach Quin expects to run as many as nine guys in and out of the game.
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12/16 @Rocky
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sophomore. Juniors Luke Galfidi and Rocco Tarantino were last season’s top scorers as sophomores. Chardon will need those two to be the best players on the floor most nights.
Galfidi has started since his freshman year and could eclipse the 1,000-point mark this season.
“I’ve learned so much the last two years, especially with all the losses we’ve had,” Galfidi said. “I’m confident this year, and as a leader, I’m taking it over. This is where we have to blossom and be ready to play.”
Tarantino said he feels great early in the season.
ing their butts off, playing for each other,” Mann said. “I’m playing for my brothers. We’re like a family.”
Mann also said the energy of Coach Quin runs down hill.
“It starts with him and we just continue from there.”
Senior Andrew Baggott has returned, having last played as a freshman.
“He’s a load inside,” Quin said. “He’s going to help us. He’s a large human.”
And Quin said Drayton Allgood is the best athlete at Chardon High School: “Great kid who plays extremely hard.”
1/6 @Kenston 7:30 p.m.
1/10 Kirtland 7:30 p.m.
1/13 Willoughby South 7:30 p.m.
1/16 Eastlake North 7:30 p.m.
1/20 @Edgewood 7:30 p.m.
1/23 @Mayfield 7:30 p.m.
1/27 @Rivereside 7:30 p.m.
1/30 Kenston 7:30 p.m.
2/3 @Willoughby South 7:30 p.m.
2/6 @Eastlake North 7:30 p.m.
2/10 Mayfield 7:30 p.m.
2/13 Riverside 7:30 p.m.
“We have a lot of depth, which was a problem last year,” he said. “I don’t think there’s a single guy out there I wouldn’t trust with the ball. Every practice we keep as much energy as we possibly can.”
When fans watch these Hilltoppers, Quin hopes they see something a little bit different from seasons past.
“Our intensity, our physicality, how hard our kids play,” he said. “Excitement, enthusiasm, those are all things as a culture we are trying to build. We are going to be the most intense team on everyone’s schedule.”
Senior guards Bailey Mann and A.J. Petrella are returning starters and will have an important role.
“I feel like this team is the most competitive team I’ve been on,” Petrella said. “Everyone here is relentless. They get upset even in practice. It’s senior year. There’s nothing to lose.”
“Everyone on the team is work-
Defensively, the team’s goal is simple. “It might not look the same every night, but no matter what defense we are in, our intensity can’t waver,” Quin said.
Sophomores Luke Evans and A.C. Cole will need to have big seasons. Junior A.J. Perfetto is another big body inside, a physical presence, while Ty Roediger, Dominic Frisco, Anthony Petrella and Ryan Kolcum will all look for minutes off the bench.
This season, Quin hopes to reinvigorate the Hilltoppers’ home court advantage inside The Barn. It can be hot in the bygone gymnasium, even in the dead of winter. But fans, like the student section of Chardon Crazies, are close to the floor.
“We have to do a better job of getting the students out, and that’s on us,” he said. “They have to like what they are watching every game. We have to win.”
Galfidi
chardon
Senior Class Provides Backbone to Underclassmen
By Jamie Ward Jamie@karlovecmedia com
Since Erik Hoenigman, now head coach in his fourth season, took over the Chardon girls basketball program, he hasn’t had a senior class like this one.
“This is the most we’ve had,” he said.
And the group — Lilli Dillworth, Cameron Gerlica, Rose McDonald, Selina Sparker and Sammy Vatty — has also been together since fifth-grade travel.
“They like to be pushed,” Coach Hoenigman said.
These Hilltoppers, who went 13-11 last year, like to play a fast pace, but struggled in the second half of games early in the season. “We have to figure out how to close out,” Coach Hoenigman said.
Gerlica said the team also needs to play hard defense. She is usually tasked with guarding the other team’s best player. Defense never takes a night off.
“I do a lot of things,” Gerlica said. “Defense is my biggest focus. It fires up your team and it gets everyone going, and I love defense.”
“I expect a lot from us, especially with such a big senior class,” Sparker said. “Having five seniors, that’s just a lot. We all play with each other really well.”
It’s going to be a good feeling to graduate with her best friends, Sparker said.
As the team’s point guard, Dillworth is a leader both off the court and on the court.
“I think we’re going to be a really good team,” Dillworth said. “I think we’re going to be very suc cessful. We pulled away from the 3s last game, and we drove to the basket and attacked the basket.”
Dillworth pays attention to who needs the basketball depend ing on the hot hand.
Team chemistry is a big strength, McDonald said.
“I think we have a really tough team, we’re really resilient,” she said. “We always have that fight in us. Everything’s going to be a dog fight, but I think we have that in us.”
And as far as goals, Vatty hopes to advance farther this year in the playoffs.
“We’re really excited,” she said. “It will be sad when it’s all over.”
Junior Capri Dufour is an out side shooter.
Sophomore Ava Arnold joins the starting five and put up two double-doubles the first week of the season.
Said her coach: “Ava is so tough, like a bull inside.”
Junior Rory Duval Lewis missed the first four games be cause she suffered a concussion in a scrimmage, but will be a big factor in the post as a rebounder.
“She’s big and strong,” Coach Hoenigman said.
Eliana Conroy, riding a station ary bike during an early December practice, was also nursing a ham string injury in the season.
Dillworth
“We have extra pieces to put together, and some of the people I didn’t expect are stepping up,” Coach Hoenigman said. ter.
“You should have fun playing this game,” Coach Hoenigman said he tells the girls. “When a teammate makes a nice pass — ‘hey,
“Go out there and do your thing.”
Chardon is playing its last season in the Western Reserve Conference before joining the Chagrin Valley Conference next season.
Bombers Return Nucleus, Welcome Back Jakacki
By cameron palmer sports@karlovecmedia com
The Kenston Bombers went 11-12 a season ago and welcome back Josh Jakacki, who returns to the program for the first time since the 2015-16 season after a successful stint with the Crestwood Red Devils.
The 300-win head coach takes over a program that is hungry for some success and has the pieces to build itself up — and there’s been a lot to like from the group in the early goings.
what we were asking of them,”
Coach Jakacki said of the transition. “But it all changes once it becomes live.
“The biggest thing is the guys coming in with a level of expectation that working hard is a skill. We're not going to allow them to cheat the process; we're not going to let them waste time by not playing hard and competing at the highest level all the time, and every possession is a winner or a loser.”
He continued: “From a mental perspective, I've been very happy, and their coachability has been fan-
Burge
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2/6 Riverside 7:30 p.m.
2/7 @Uniontown Lake 6:45 p.m.
2/10 Willoughby South 7:30 p.m.
2/17 @Mayfield 7:30 p.m.
ter averaging 10.2 points per contest last year and 42% shooting from the field, and is excited to see a coach of Jakacki’s pedigree take over.
“He’s a great coach, and the practices and everything he's done have been a lot different this year,” Ellis said. “And we've got a young team. We didn't really lose anyone from last year.”
Ethan Burge, a sophomore, brings a bit of a jack-of-all-trades to the court after averaging 7.6 points, 3.4 rebound, and 1.6 steals per game last season.
Burge finds himself in a mix of pure scorers and strong defenders, potentially creating a nice array of skill sets that can lead to success.
“Knowing that we have players that can do a little bit of everything on the court just helps us realize that we have a lot of guys that can score, defend, and do key things that can help us win games,” Burge said.
Jared Lechak, one of six seniors, takes pride in what he can do on the defensive end.
“I’m less worried about scoring points and more worried about playing good defense, and I feel like that’s my best attribute,” Lechak said. “Getting assists, finding open guys, getting them open, I feel like that’s better for me. Our coaches say defense wins championships, so I take it hard on that.”
There’s also a huge advantage to having a new coaching staff join a team riddled with juniors and underclassmen.
“The beauty of what we have
going on now is that everyone comes in with a clean slate,” Coach Jakacki said. “There's a fresh set of eyes, there's a fresh set of messages coming. And I think the thing that they're realizing is that we really care about them as people. So the basketball part of it is the easy part.
“We're trying to build a sustainable program. You mentioned the guys who are coming back are in the gym — we haven't had a full gym or a full, healthy set of practices yet.
“You can see it starting to click. Some of the things that may not have made sense before are finally falling into place.”
Being down a handful of players can also be helpful in discovering potential new key duos down the line, he said.
In the end, Coach Jakacki isn’t putting a ceiling on what this team can accomplish.
“I think them understanding the foundation of our basic principles, which starts on the defensive end — having a great understanding of what we want to do there first, understanding what our accountability standpoint means in terms of showing up on time, making sure we're appreciative, and all these little things that matter — are all translatable on the court and off the court,” Jakacki said. “I think come February, we're gonna be a team where everything's clicking on all cylinders. We're gonna be really, really tough out in the tournament.”
Kenston Girls Leaning on Energy, Experience in WRC
By cameron palmer sports@karlovecmedia.com
Fresh off an 11-11 season and a 2024-25 Western Reserve Conference championship, the Kenston Bombers girls basketball team is hoping to take the next step with its three seniors, while also elevating younger players into bigger roles.
“We went from being the hunter last year to being the hunted this year, which is a good position to be in,” Kenston Head Coach Kevin Hinkle said. “Right now we’re trying to develop everybody, understanding what their role is, what the strength of our team is, and what kind of style we want to play, and just really leaning on the experience we have, trying to develop the bench as we go early on. That’s the biggest issue: finding where we have our depth coming from.”
One player the Bombers can undoubtedly lean on is senior guard Morgan Cicek, who averaged 13.9 points per game last season (10.7 for her career).
Cicek knows what it’ll take for her team to repeat as league champs and have success in this year's campaign.
“We have to come in and work hard every day,” she said. “Yes, we did win last year, but we can’t get over our heads, and we can’t look down and not work as hard as we have been working. We know everyone’s going to be competing for first place, and if we settle for
where we are right now, we won’t repeat.”
When it comes to bringing the energy and forcing the issue offen sively and defensively, senior Tay Cable is looking to be an all-around threat and a leader.
“My role on this team is to play hard, get after it, uplift everyone, and make sure that everyone’s on task,” Cable said. “I would say, as a senior, I’m great at supporting my other teammates and helping them when needed. I want to hustle de fensively, be aggressive on offense, and be aggressive as a team player.”
The final senior, Aurora Young, who posted 7.5 points and 6.8 re bounds per game last season, is the second-best returning scorer and leading rebounder, setting her up to play another key role this season.
She and Cicek serve as the one-two punch.
“We’re both trying to be lead ers offensively and defensively be cause we both have the most var sity experience,” Young said. “Our leadership in general is going to be the most important thing, because we have so many younger players and inexperienced players who are coming in, and we need to make sure that we’re working with our teammates and surrounding our selves with people that are going to help everyone be successful.”
According to Coach Hinkle, the attributes and contributions of those three seniors will be difference-makers down the line.
“We’re going to rely on their experience and skill,” he said. “Mor-
ball a little bit more.”
Emily Grubich will spearhead those players who need to step up.
“Emily will play a significant role for us, being more of an offensive threat this year, but she does all the little things,” Coach Hinkle said.
not just the ball-handling, but looking to score.
“Addison Lowe is a sophomore stepping into a new role where we expect her to handle the ball, play off-ball, play defense, and be an active body,” Hinkle said.
Lions Focused on Taking Next Step To Regionals
By alan kornspan sports@karlovecmedia com
Under fourth-year head coach Pat Vuyancih, the NDCL Lions Boys Basketball program has made great strides.
It is evident that the former Cleveland State Vikings basketball player, who played on the legendary 1986 Cleveland State University “Sweet Sixteen” team under the leadership of Kevin Mackey, has changed the culture of the pro
2/13
2/16
Lions endured some tough seasons. In fact, over the preceding six years before Vuyancih began his tenure, the Lions were 34-98.
Last season, the Lions set the school record for wins in a season (16) and were one point away from winning an OHSAA District Championship and going to regionals for the first time in school history.
Lions Assistant Coach Chuck Frate discussed the team's goals and the excitement Lions basketball has created within the school
trict finals again and you get a taste of it, the kids see it, the fans (see it), everybody wants to get back there and see us get to regionals for the first time in school history.”
He added: “Now we're trying to take that next step and get to regionals.”
As they strive for excellence, Coach Vuyancih's team will have nine players on the varsity roster. The Lions have just two seniors, Connor Hernan and Luke Keep.
The seven juniors on the varsity roster include Drake Berschig, Brady Capel, Wesley Jacobson, Robby Lipowski, Jason Rook, Jack Sonby and Matt Wojciechowski.
Coach Frate said that the coaching staff believes they have the team to get to regionals this year.
Leading the Lions on the court will be senior point guard Luke Keep and senior center Brendan Hernan.
In the 2024-25 season, Keep averaged 9 points per game and led the Lions with 26 three pointers.
Coach Frate said that having Keep, a three-year starter, is a big advantage for the Lions.
“Our point guard Luke Keep is a three-year starter, and it's just such a blessing to have a three-year starter to run the offense and get everybody under control, get everybody in their spots where they're supposed to be,” Frate said.
Having Keep and Hernan run the pick and roll will be difficult for opponents to stop, Coach Frate said.
Although Keep and Hernan are the only seniors on the roster, Keep is confident in the ability of his teammates.
“Me and Brendan are the only seniors. We have a younger group, but the juniors are ready to play, I am excited to go far,” said Keep.
Offensively, Keep emphasized that the Lions will look to play up-tempo and push the ball in order to get easy baskets on the break.
In addition to running and trying to get quick transition points, Keep has an excellent perimeter game that he works on consistently.
“I continue to work on that every day,” Keep said. “I stay after practice as much as I can and keep working on my shot to stay consistent.”
With Keep distributing the basketball, Hernan said he will be focused on setting up screens to help teammates get open and also concentrate on grabbing rebounds.
In a similar role last season, Hernan averaged 7.7 points per game and had 88 rebounds throughout the season.
“We believe in running and running more. Run, run and press and eventually you'll get turnovers or you'll tire the other team out,” Coach Frate said.
“The good part about this offense is that everybody gets to play because you're playing so hard pressing up and down that the next five guys are going to come in right behind you.”
Defensively, Coach Frate said that the Lions will play man-to-man defense.
“We’ll play some full court press. Try to turn teams over, speed teams up.”
Strong Off-Season Points to Success For Lions
By alan kornspan sports@karlovecmedia com
The NDCL Lions Girls Basketball team will look to continue to improve under Head Coach Pete DiMichele.
After recording a 6-16 record in DeMichele's first year, the Lions improved to 11-13 last season.
With the Lions’ continued improvement last season, they took this momentum into their summer training.
The Lions had a great summer, going 10-2 in summer shootout competition.
Senior starters Maya Rowan and Brynn Munn expressed their excitement about the upcoming season.
“I'm really excited, especially since it's my senior season,” Rowan said. “We're building a great culture, and I think we're all going to be great teammates for each other.”
Added Munn: “I’m really excited for the season, we've all put in a lot of work over the summer and into the fall. I think we've all really bought into the team, and I think we should do really well this year.”
In addition to Munn and Rowan, the starters are seniors Emma Surbey and Maddy Varga as well as sophomore Coco Cochran.
Coming off the bench this year for the Lions are juniors Fallon Campolieti, Cece Pomnean, Lily Reginelli, Gia Roberts, Frankie Sargi, Olivia Tibaldi and sophomore Sadie Wurm.
Rowan averaged 6.9 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.9 steals per game.
Similarly, Munn averaged 5.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 2.6 steals per game last season for the Lions. Munn also record ed a career high 14 points in the sectional finals victory over Akron East.
“(Munn) is a really intelligent player, she gets the ball up the floor, she's watches a lot of film, and she loves studying the game,” Coach DiMichele said.
As Munn continues to develop her game, Coach DiMichele said her game this year will be multi faceted, as she will be looking to score from beyond the arc, drive to the basket, and help her team mates get open looks.
As a senior leader, Munn will focus on leading her team both on and off the floor.
“I think definitely being a point guard, it's my job to be a leader for the team, making sure everyone gets in their right spots and knows what they're doing,” she said. “But being a leader both on and off the court is really im portant in just making sure every one enjoys their time.”
Munn, who has committed to play NCAA college basketball next year at Grove City College, is hoping the Lions have a successful and fun season.
“I just want to obviously have a successful season and for everyone to stay together and just enjoy it,” Munn said.
Surbey averaged 2.8 points
bit more size, however this season Coach DeMichele will not have as much height in the post and is planning to play a five-out system. In this system the focus will be on tempo and “space and pace,” as Coach DiMechele explained.
“Being able to get the ball up and down the floor quickly and de-
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“Right now we're working on some old offense and implementing some new things,” Surbey said. “I think so far, it's working well.”
With a strong starting five and a deep bench, look for the Lions to continue to make positive strides in Coach DiMichele's third year at the helm.
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West geauga Wolverines
West G Boys Leaning on Depth, Senior Experience
By cameron palmer sports@karlovecmedia com
West Geauga is fresh off a stellar 18-win 2024-25 campaign, but two massive impact players from that team have since graduated, opening the door for new and old faces to step into the light.
The Wolverines welcome former NDCL standout and transfer Mason Pesho, who transferred out of West Geauga after eighth grade and was the starting guard for the
“I’m expecting the same kind of season this year as what (West G) had last year,” Pesho said. “I know the expectations might be a little lower now that two varsity starting guards are gone, but I’m hoping to keep that same energy and the same amount of wins.”
Head Coach Micah Young enters his fourth season, and this senior class brings a different edge, much like the team as a whole.
“Well, one thing I'll definitely say about our senior group is it's
12/10
12/13 @Harvey 2:15 p.m.
12/17 Hawken 7 p.m.
12/20 @Perry 6:30 p.m.
12/23 Kirtland 7:45 p.m.
12/30 Madison 5 p.m.
and they've been amazing and a significant part of rebuilding this program.
“The success of, like, what we've had over the previous three years doesn't happen without all of these guys. Like, I'll talk specifically about Dominic (Paros). Dom's been playing varsity for three years now, and really getting after it, being a leader for our guys, like Mason, our new transfer from NDCL. He has been awesome. He's been a leader, really — but, like, (also) main point guard for us. All of our seniors contributed in different ways.”
1/6 @Brooklyn 7 p.m.
1/9 Orange 6:45 p.m.
1/10 @Hawken 7 p.m.
1/13 @Edgewood 6:45 p.m.
1/16 Harvey 7 p.m.
1/20 @Kenston 7:30 p.m.
1/23 @Hawken 6:45 p.m.
1/24 @Lakeside 2:30 p.m.
1/30 Perry 7 p.m.
2/3 @Holy Name 7 p.m.
2/10 Beachwood 7 p.m.
2/13 @Mayfield 7:30 p.m.
2/17 @North 7 p.m.
Someone Coach Young thinks is primed to step into big shoes is Cooper Paskowski, who went from coming off the bench early last year to being integrated into the starting lineup as the year progressed because he did all the little things right.
“Cooper is that guy, and having that guy like that is so important,” Coach Young said. “We're gonna play in tough games, gonna be tough crowds that are going against this. Gonna be times when things aren't going our way, and that's a big part of our programs: how we preach, how we're gonna respond when adversity hits. Adversity is always going to hit.”
Paskowski is set to be a part of what could be a six-headed attack of double-digit scorers potentially collecting around 10 points each. This will be a change from the team needing to rely on two players scoring 50 points each.
“It's definitely really helpful, because a lot of times you see that we're kind of out-sized sometimes,” Paskowski said. “So being able to get everybody incorporated, and just being able to move the ball, really helps you play complete basketball and play the best version of basketball you could.”
Enter Finn Keenan, a four-year player for Wolverines basketball program, who has become a threepoint specialist over the last few seasons, also bringing great leadership and experience to a youthful team.
“I think we're coming this year,” Keenan said. “We have a lot of chemistry; we're all good buddies in school, and even new guys like Mason, we're still all buddies with him.”
Coach Young believes in the depth of this team, too.
“Obviously, we lost 90% of our points from last year,” he said. “But I will say, a lot of these guys have been in the gym this summer working because they know we needed to replace that scoring.”
The team's goals remain to win the Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division, compete with Hawken and Perry, and vie for a district title run.
“Definitely winning the league is one of our goals,” Coach Young said. “I mean, we've come in second place in our league the past two years, and getting over that hump is something that we need to accomplish here.”
Keenan
West geauga Wolverines
Wolverine Girls Look to ‘Get Right’
By cameron palmer sports@karlovecmedia com
Coming off a tough four-win 2024-25 season, the West Geauga Girls' Basketball team is focused on wiping the slate clean, rebuilding the program and competing.
Still, the growth that is evident since last season and after the offseason seems to be putting the program back on the right track for the next two seasons.
“That's where it starts,” Head Coach Brandon Stewart said. “They got a lot of experience last year; we played a lot of freshmen and sophomores, and we were a young team. We are a young team again this year. We've got two seniors, so it's a very young group, but they've put in a lot of work so far, and they've already grown from the experience they got and the lumps they took last year.”
Despite the growing pains, there’s confidence in how the schedule and Chagrin Division are, and the Wolverines could find themselves in the hunt for the coveted league title.
“I think with the way that our schedule shapes up, the way that our division shapes up, we want to be in contention to compete in that Chagrin Division,” Stewart said.
Junior Faelynn Beckrest is a player West G can lean on. She was a 16-point-per-game scorer last season who started as a freshman and continues to grow, and who knows what kind of role she needs to play.
“I need to be a leader. I need to
be able to help the team,” Beckrest said. “We're a really young team, but we have a lot of potential. We still don't have as much experience as many other teams, but those teams are made up of seniors and juniors, so taking on a leadership role is really important for us.
ent perspective on how we're go ing to play. We have a lot of guards; we're a very short team, and we've tried to get our motivation up. The more motivated we are, the more we're going to want to win, the bet ter we're going to play overall.”
junior class, hopes to see some improvements on last year’s 4-19 record.
year, and we have a pretty young team again — and having a young team, it's about just trying to mold together and get the morale up and just try,” Borz said. “We know it's not all about winning, and even if we're just improving in skill and ev erything, the time for that winning season is going to come. We still want to compete and try to win, but we play some tough competi tion.”
Lastly, sophomore Aubrey Sens identified key lessons this nucleus can learn from last year's ebbs and flows, and what steps can be taken to avoid them.
Beckrest
11/21
Lake Catholic 6:45 p.m.
11/25 @Madison 6:45 p.m.
11/29 @Edgewood 6:30 p.m.
p.m.
“I just learned that everyone got into their heads a lot last year, and we beat ourselves,” Sens said. “We just got down on ourselves easily, but I think everyone knows
WESTGEAUGA PLAZA
down, if somebody makes a mis take, we just lift them, tell them it's OK, give them a high five — and just even for ourselves, to just get over your mistake and to just keep playing, I think everyone learned that last year.”
Lessons learned make this season a “get right” season, where goals involve getting back on track
still the same team in December, then we're not doing something right.
“Everybody gets into the playoffs, so now it's about winning a tournament game this year. But for us, it's competing, winning a tournament game, and trying to advance into the next round, setting us up for taking that next step.”
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