Audio Interview with Graham boys basketball coach Brook Cupps

By Michael Cooper | Monday, December 1, 2008, 09:59 AM

ST. PARIS — The Graham High School boys basketball team aren’t worried about last season’s run to the Division II state semifinal.

They’re just worried about getting better everyday.

The Falcons return four starters from last year’s team, including three-year varsity players North Dakota signee Josh Schuler and Austin Jones.

Click the link below for an audio interview with Graham boys coach Brook Cupps:

BrookCuppsInterview.mp3

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Ivan Harris scores 12 in NBA D-League debut

By David Jablonski | Saturday, November 29, 2008, 03:19 PM

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Ivan Harris of Springfield scored 12 points and had seven rebounds in his NBA Developmental League debut Friday, Nov. 28. His Erie (Pa.) BayHawks, a new team in the NBADL, lost 95-90 to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.

Harris, the former Ohio State player, played last season in Finland. He started Friday and shot 5-of-13 from the field with three steals.

http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20081128/ERIFWN/recap.html

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KR looks strong in season opener

By Michael Cooper | Friday, November 28, 2008, 11:58 PM

SOUTH CHARLESTON — Kenton Ridge just had too much talent for Southeastern in its season-opening win on Friday, Nov. 28.

Southeastern coach Jim Lightle was impressed with the Cougars, who Cougars harassed the Trojans throughout the first half en route to a 72-46 victory. Saira House and Mariah Harris combined for nine steals which led to easy transition buckets for Kenton Ridge.

“We didn’t react well when they turned it up a notch,” Lightle said. “We did well in the beginning, but when they extended (the halfcourt trap) out a little higher, our kids who were supposed to flash high didn’t flash high enough. We dribbled into traps where we’re supposed to reverse the ball. It was little things that we hope we learn from.”

House had 32 points in the victory.

“We didn’t have anyone who could guard her,” Lightle said. “We went zone for a little while, but that didn’t work real well. We decided to play man because that’s what we do, and we’ll get better for it down the road. Kenton Ridge is a really good team.”

Last year, the two squads combined went 41-5. They each hope to have the same kind of success this season.

KR coach Ed Foulk was pleased to get a good win over a strong SE team.

“It was a nice win,” Foulk said. “It was good to come here and play. It was the first time we’d been here since the 1980s. (Southeastern) is going to win a lot of games.”

For more on this game, click here.

Meanwhile, Springfield picked up its first girls basketball win in school history after beating Stebbins.

For more on this and other games throughout the area, click here.

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Audio Interview with Springfield girls basketball coach Wynette Carter

By Michael Cooper | Thursday, November 27, 2008, 10:36 PM

SPRINGFIELD — It’s been a rough few months for the Springfield High School girls basketball program — and they haven’t played one minute of basketball.

The Wildcats are their on second coach, Wynette Carter, who took over just six weeks ago. But despite all the off-court issues, Springfield still has all the elements for success this season.

They’ve got two tough guards in Doniesha Bates and Shanay Portis, and a big post presence in MaRanda Boddie-Cannon. They’ll be ready to play on Friday, Nov. 28, when they tip-off against Stebbins in the Oakwood Invitational.

For a preview story on the Wildcats, click here.

For a story on Kenton Ridge, click here.

For preview capsules on each area team, click here.

For an interview with Springfield hoops coach Wynette Carter, click the link below:

NettieCarterInterview.mp3

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Audio Interview with Greenon girls basketball coach Gary Falkenbach

By Michael Cooper | Wednesday, November 26, 2008, 05:13 PM

SPRINGFIELD — Last season, the Greenon girls basketball squad finished 8-12 overall under new coach Gary Falkenbach.

But with a year under their belt, and all five starters returning, the Knights are expecting big things in Enon this season.

They return junior guard Allie Turner, who averaged 25.4 points per game last season. She’s being recruited by Division I colleges all over the country.

For an audio interview with Falkenbach, click the link below:

GaryFalkenbachInterview.mp3

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Audio Interview with Kenton Ridge girls basketball coach Ed Foulk

By Michael Cooper | Tuesday, November 25, 2008, 11:15 PM

SPRINGFIELD — The Kenton Ridge girls basketball team has won 77 games over the last four years, an average of 19 per season.

They shared the CBC Kenton Trail Division title last season with Tippecanoe, and were ranked No. 1 in Division II when the first state poll was released. They finished the season 19-1. But with top scorers Sakara House and Katie Ketterman lost to graduation, there’s no way the Cougars could be better, right?

Wrong. The Cougars return starting guard Saira House and four other varsity players. They also have a strong class of freshmen including Mariah Harris, Lonnie Lassiter and Lindsey Fenwick.

Click the link below for an interview with Cougars coach Ed Foulk:

EdFoulkInterview.mp3

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All-Ohio football squads

By Michael Cooper | Tuesday, November 25, 2008, 08:56 PM

SPRINGFIELD — Ten Ohio Heritage Conference football players were selected to the Division VI All-Ohio football squad, released on Tuesday, Nov. 25.

“It bodes well for the conference,” said Catholic Central football coach Steve DeWitt. “It shows just what kind conference we’re becoming.”

Catholic Central QB Brendan Kelly, Mechanicsburg linebacker Ethan Price and Mechanicsburg defensive lineman Dan Shoaf were named to the first team.

Mechanicsburg receiver Joe Webb and offensive lineman Ryan Gould were named to the second team, while Mechanicsburg quarterback Andy Huffman and Catholic Central linebacker Devon Halloran were named special mention in D-VI.

In D-V, Triad receiver Austin Dixon and West Liberty-Salem offensive lineman Tyler Hayes and Peter Lewis were named special mention.

On Monday, Tecumseh defensive lineman Jordan Jones was named second team defense in D-II, while Urbana defensive lineman Wade Miller made D-III second team defense.

Special mention went to Springfield High School’s Austin Moore in D-I, Tecumseh’s Jeremy Perry in D-II and Urbana’s Nick Gibson in D-III.

Click here for the complete All-Ohio football list.

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