MOUNT VERNON — Alex Taylor smashed down the door at the Division I state tournament. There’s no telling what Mount Vernon’s state champion heavyweight will do once he puts on a few pounds. The newly-crowned North Central Ohio Wrestler of the Year, Taylor became Mount Vernon’s first boys state champ when he beat Massillon Perry’s […]
state tournament
Posted inWrestling
Galion’s Harding one win from elusive state title
COLUMBUS — As he left the mat following Saturday’s state semifinal victory, Galion’s Gradey Harding had a simple message for coach Brent Tyrrell. “One more,” Harding said matter-of-factly as he confidently strode down the tunnel and into the bowels of Ohio State’s Schottenstein Center. For the second straight year, Harding will wrestle in a state […]
Posted inWrestling
Century Club: Madison’s Stancombe picks up 100th career win in state opener
COLUMBUS — Jaxin Stancombe’s 100th career victory couldn’t have come at a better time. Madison’s junior heavyweight, Stancombe pinned Canton South’s DeAngelo Spear in the second period of their opening-round match at the Division II state tournament Friday afternoon inside Ohio State’s Schottenstein Center. The milestone victory sends Stancombe (43-4) into Saturday’s quarterfinals against Greenville’s […]
Posted inWrestling
A Sight to Behold: area wrestlers take aim at state finals
COLUMBUS — It’s the greatest spectacle in all of Ohio high school athletics and something every state meet-qualifying wrestler dreams of taking part in. The Parade of Champions prior to the start of the tournament’s championship finals is part light show, part fireworks display and everything that’s good about high school sports. “It’s pretty cool,” […]
Posted inWrestling
Crestview’s Gearheart, Mapleton duo qualify for state wrestling tourney
FINDLAY — Naomi Gearheart is headed back to state. Crestview’s sophomore 145-pounderpinned Keystone’s Sage O’Brien in the second period to claim her second district championship in as many years Sunday at Findlay High School. Gearheart advances to next week’s state tournament at Ohio State’s Schottenstein Center. She finished fifth at state in the 155-pound class […]
Posted inSwimming
Lex’s Goodman collects All-Ohio honors after finishing 14th in Division II boys diving competition
CANTON — Lexington’s Deven Goodman opened the state swimming and diving tournament in style. A senior, Goodman finished 14th in the Division II one-meter boys diving competition Tuesday at C.T. Branin Natatorium. Goodman finished with 302.50 points, earning All-Ohio honors. The top 16 finishers in each event earn All-Ohio recognition. Two of Goodman’s Lexington teammates, […]
Posted inSwimming
State tournament awaits area’s top swimmers, divers
MANSFIELD — For north central Ohio’s state swim meet qualifiers, this week is more business trip than sight-seeing mission. Several locals will be in the hunt for high podium finishes when the Division II swimming prelims hit the water Thursday at Canton’s C.T. Branin Natatorium. The Ohio High School Athletic Association released the official list […]
Posted inGolf
St. Peter’s freshman places 13th at Division II state golf tourney
AKRON — Joy Kim made her move Monday. A freshman at St. Peter’s, Kim shot a closing-round 78 at the Division II state tournament at Firestone Golf Club’s Fazio Course. She finished with a two-day total of 164, good for 13th place. Kim shot an 86 on the opening day, leaving her in a three-way […]
Posted inBoys Basketball
Shelby falls to Maysville in state semifinals
DAYTON — The brightest of lights were an appropriate setting for Shelby’s Alex Bruskotter. The Whippets’ senior authored one of the greatest performances in state tournament history. But his 34-point outburst was just a bit short as Maysville found just enough second-half magic to extend its storybook season. Bruskotter scored 34 points but the Whippets […]
Posted inBoys Basketball
State of Play: Richland County boys basketball on the upswing again
SHELBY — Greg Gallaway knew it and so did Mansfield Senior coach Marquis Sykes and Lexington’s Scott Hamilton. No matter which team won the Division II Ontario district tournament, there were going to be some worthy squads sitting at home for the regional. “We said there were going to be some very good basketball teams […]