The University of Dayton basketball team struggled mightily offensively Tuesday night in UD Arena against an inferior Davidson College, but two technical fouls against Davidson. one in the final 50 seconds that led to five UD points in two seconds, h...
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McCoy: UD Flyers Score A Technical Knockout
February 5, 2025A Tuesday ‘Not-So-Special’…Marion Holds Off Russia, 37-31
When face-to-face defense doesn't work...In a game marred by poor shooting, turnovers, and lapses in scoring, Marion Local somehow found enough for a not-so-pretty Tuesday win over Russia....
February 4, 2025Ten Days And Counting…And The Best Guys I Knew Then, And Now
A conversation with a former teammate turned into a walk down memory lane, or in this case...around Trautman Field. Remembering some old Buckeyes, and players and people I had the privilege of calling friends....
February 4, 2025Something Fun, #5…’Righteously’ Good, Unchained Melody
Amongst a myriad of choices for the fifth and final 'best' song of the 60s, considering all…it’s tough not to pick Bobby Hatfield and his Righteous Brothers rendition of Unchained Melody....
February 3, 2025What We Saw Over The Weekend….February 3, 2025
The rare confluence of three good area basketball teams in a twenty four hour period, the contrast in styles and athletes, and the example of three really good coaches and how they manage things. Read more in Monday's inside feature.........
February 3, 2025Buckeyes Win Streak Ends With Loss At Illinois
Ohio State led by 11 early in the second half, but Illinois repeatedly barged to the basket, sped up the Buckeyes’ guards and used a 15-0 run to gain control, and the game....
February 2, 2025Well Will Not Forget…Bill Wells, January 24, 2022
Three years after his untimely passing, many of us took time this week to not only remember, but to make sure we never forget a friend to Ohio State, and the guardian angel to Ohio State baseball…Bill Wells. This past week marked the anniversar...
February 2, 2025Buckeyes Baseball: The Hardest Part Of Playing College Baseball…..
It's not throwing strikes, and it's not hitting the curveball. Opening day is twelve days away and the hardest thing about playing college baseball is psychological reality. No one knows you're doing it. Read more.........
February 2, 2025The ‘Real’ Russia?…Raiders Put A Quiet 60 On Versailles For 18th Win
Russia played Saturday like a team that's good enough to play as well as they need on a given night against any given opponent, gaining their 18th win, 60-42, over Versailles. Different from last year's state semi-finalists, they're still working to...
February 1, 2025Upper Arlington Shows Grit, Knocks Off Surging Darby
The Bears bounced back from a blowout loss by making big stops down the stretch as they handed the Panthers just their second loss this winter. Upper Arlington, OH – There’s rarely been a novel approach from the opposing defenses Upper Arlington has ...
February 1, 2025McCoy: Up And Down Flyers Are Up In St. Louis
After an atrocious 22-point emasculation at St. Bonaventure, the University of Dayton Flyers walked into Chaifetz Arena, where Saint Louis was 11-1 this season, and whipped the Billikens, 71-63, behind Javon Bennett's career-best 19 points. Read Hal...
February 1, 2025Hard-nosed Defense Lifts Sidney Over Butler
In a battle of the Miami Valley League's first-place teams, Sidney owns the second half and scores the final 12 points to knock of struggling Butler by 18. Julius Rusk battles with Sidney defenders Jayce Daniel (12) and Ethan New. (pictured)...
February 1, 2025When VII Beats V…Or V Beats VII…What’s It Mean Now, Compared To Then?
The question of seven divisions of high school basketball becomes more obvious as the season progresses and the tournament approaches. And, are there enough athletes to make seven divisions relevant, and competitive?...
February 1, 2025Alder Uses Winning Pedigree To Edge Rival London 61-59 In OT
Freshman Danny Bentley scored a career-high 20 points off the bench and Noah Hess added 18 as state-ranked Jonathan Alder positioned itself to win a fifth consecutive Central Buckeye Conference Kenton Trail Division title. London, OH – Ask anyone who...
February 1, 2025Cam Elwer Scores 31, St. John’s Sinks 16 3’s in 81-48 Romp Over Versailles
Delphos St. John's buried 16 3-pointers against Versailles' typically staunch defense to claim an 81-48 runaway victory. Cam Elwer led the charge (above), cashing in 7 of 10 3-point attempts, and scoring 31 points....
February 1, 2025Buckeyes Basebll: Lipsey And Pettorini….Have Seen It All
The two principals who have played for three coaches in four years, Trey Lipsey and Tyler Pettorini have benefited from nearly every adversity you can imagine in college baseball. But can it help the Buckeyes in 2025? Opening day is just two weeks ...
January 31, 2025Mobley Jr. Sparks Buckeyes To 3rd Straight Win
John Mobley Jr. stuffed the stat sheet Thursday night at Penn State to help lead his team to a second straight road win and back to an even 5-5 at the midpoint of the Big Ten schedule....
January 31, 2025St. Henry Upends Marion Local For Undisputed MAC Lead…..
Not a thing of beauty, nonetheless St. Henry scrapped and clawed for a while...then hung on to win on the road at Marion Local to gain the chair at the head of the table....
January 30, 2025Something Fun #4…The Monkees Made Everyone ‘Believers’
A song by a group that for a decade took pop music by storm. Popular in nearly every form of media, The Monkees churned out a handful of hits that put them at the top of all-time best lists…none bigger than this one. I wish that I had paid clo...
January 30, 202516 Days Away…Baseball Then, And Baseball Now
Now two weeks from opening day and the first pitch of the Ohio State baseball season, a look back at how times, and things, have changed....
January 29, 2025McCoy: St. Bonaventure Destroys UD, 75-53
It is no fun adventure playing at St. Bonaventure and the University of Dayton basketball team found it out in a big, bad way Tuesday night, losing to the Bonnies, 75-53, under a barrage of three-pointers....
January 28, 2025Something Fun #3…Unanimous Del Shannon, And ‘Runaway’
Penned by a couple of guys with unremarkable names, their hit song in 1961 signaled a huge change in both their names and recognition by the listening public. Their song was one you'd never forget....
January 28, 2025Defense, Dominant Second Half Lead Buckeyes Past Iowa
Micah Parrish (above) has another big shooting night, and Ohio State breaks its three-game home losing streak...follows it’s big win over Purdue with one of its most complete performances of the season....
January 28, 2025Who’s Hot: Danielle Francis, And Lovin’ What You Do….
A senior leader on the Versailles women's bowling team, Danielle Francis portends quality and passion with everything she does...even math. Read about her in Monday Press Pros....
January 26, 2025Something Fun, #2…Not The Supremes’ Biggest, But The Fans’ Favorite
Challenged to reveal five favorite tunes of the 1960s, no one topped Diana Ross and Supremes, but her biggest hits were not necessarily everyone's favorite. This one was....
January 26, 2025Jackson Center Comeback Bid Falls Short…Tigers Fall To Marion Local
Jackson Center's Lucas Heitkamp and Marion Local's Kale Ahrens watch Heitkamp's fourth quarter three-point shot cut a 16-point Marion lead to just 4 points with three minutes to go. That was as close as the Tigers would get, falling Saturday to the ...
January 25, 2025Buckeyes Baseball: ….As The Pieces Fall In Place
20 days from opening day in Arizona, the Buckeyes begin to assemble the pieces, as roles and positions are charted, and names and talents emerge....
January 25, 2025McCoy: UD Flyers Start Fast, Then Hold On
The University of Dayton Flyers built a 30-11 first-half lead against Saint Joseph's and it looked like an easy runaway victory, but Saint Joseph's chipped away in the second half and drew within three points in the final minutes before Malachi Smith...
January 25, 2025Kremer’s 3-Point Barrage Hoists Marion Local Over New Bremen
Is that going in? Marion Local's Austin Niekamp tracks the flight of a reverse layup that fell for two of his 19 points in a Friday over New Bremen. The Flyers survived a slow first half to pull away in the second half, 54-36. Alan Brads writes th...
January 25, 2025Seasoned Westerville North Boys Hold Off Latest Challenge From Delaware
With heavy OCC-Capital Division implications on the line, the Warriors earned a season sweep of the Pacers and showed why they could be a Division II state-title contender. Westerville, OH – With an eye on earning a season sweep of defending regional...
January 25, 2025OSU-Bound Smith And Selfless UA Teammates Grind Down Youthful Bradley
Behind their tall and talented junior centers and stingy defensive efforts, Upper Arlington boys and girls recorded a decisive sweep of Hilliard Bradley in OCC Central Division play. Hilliard, OH – When asked how it felt to own a six-inch height adva...
January 25, 2025Something Fun…What Were Your Five Favorite Songs Of The 60s…?
A reader who likes our 'story behind the songs' series asked recently...what were your five favorite pop songs of the 1960s? Sounds like fun to look that far back. Hope you enjoy....
January 23, 2025Sidney Gets ‘Sized’ By West Carrollton, The Ingrams…73-66
West Carrollton used its superior size (above) and shot making to snap Sidney's five-game win streak, 73-66...Chylan and Joseph Ingram combine to score 53...Sidney drops its third game of the year. Read more in Wednesday's inside feature....
January 22, 2025McCoy: UD Posts A Blue Collar, Blue Chip Win
After four straight flat performances, including their narrow escape against Chicago Loyola in UD Arena Saturday, the University of Dayton Flyers put all the pieces together Tuesday night to destroy Duquesne, 82-62, in Pittsburgh, UD's first true roa...
January 21, 2025Commentary: National Champions, Yes…But Was It Good Enough!
The reality of Buckeye Nation can be summed up in one thought: It's hard to appreciate winning a national championship...because they didn't beat Michigan!...
January 21, 2025No Doubt About It: Buckeyes Are National Champions
At last...and after a decade of waiting the Buckeyes and coach Ryan Day win the 2024 CFP national title with a 34-23 decision over Notre Dame Monday in Atlanta. Jeff Gilbert writes the story for Press Pros....
January 21, 2025From The National Championship: The Fall And Rise Of The Buckeyes And Irish
Nothing else to write, or say....Two proud and storied programs showed the nation what resilience is this season. But only one of them will finish its story with a happy ending. Jeff Gilbert, from the CFP national championship site in Atlanta.......
January 20, 2025From The National Championship: Offensive Line’s Resilience Pushes Buckeyes To Brink Of Title
Injuries to the biggest Buckeyes threatened to derail Ohio State's championship dreams. But the line has shuffled into new positions and found a way to help the offense be explosive in the playoffs. Read Jeff Gilbert from the national championship ...
January 19, 2025Who’s Hot: Delphos St. John’s Jackson Wiechert
It’s not often that it happens, but when it does, and when you do it like Jackson Wiechert did it…the best three minutes of a basketball game is something you remember for a long time. It doesn’t happen that often. And sportswriters...
January 19, 2025McCoy: L’Etang, Smith Save UD In Overtime, 83-81
With three seconds left in overtime and 3.8 seconds left in a tie game, University of Dayton point guard Malachi Smith launched a half-court pass to 7-foot-1 Amael 'Frenchy' L'Etang and with 0:00.2 on the clock he dropped it into the basket to give t...
January 19, 2025Jackson Center Falls To Wapakoneta In The ‘Family’ Affair….
Wapakoneta overcame a halftime deficit and some hometown emotions to win the final six minutes, knocking off 11-2 Jackson Center, 44-41. Read about the game in Sunday's Press Pros....
January 19, 2025Russia Defense Overwhelms Anna For Second Time In Four Days
“Deja Vu all over again,” Anna Coach Nate Barhorst said of his team's second loss to Russia in four days. Friday’s mirror image game of Tuesday’s matchup saw Russia start hot, create havoc, and come five points shy of exactly matching Tuesday’s score...
January 18, 2025Wiechart’s Clutch Shooting…Delphos St. John…Sends Marion To Its First Loss
The excitement of the moment...Delphos St. John's Jackson Wiechert celebrates his three-point shooting that helped the Blue Jays outlast Marion Local, handing the Flyers their first loss of the season Friday, 55-43. Read about the game in Saturday's...
January 18, 2025Olentangy Orange Boys Stave Off Liberty To Stay Perfect In League
Fueled by a great start, strong transition play, and a balanced offense, the Pioneers again affirmed that the battle for the OCC Central Division runs through them. Powell, OH – Pinpointing what is the biggest strength of the Olentangy Orange boys b...
January 18, 2025Watterson Overmatches DeSales 59-41 In CCL Showdown
On the heels of an unbeaten Division III state football championship, Watterson’s basketball team – despite a late start as a unit – may also have the tools for a deep tournament run. Columbus, OH – After capturing the Division III state champ...
January 18, 2025Reader Asks…What Do You Know About The State Tournaments?
Delphos St. John's Cameron Elwer leads the Blue Jays against Marion Local Friday in a battle of unbeatens on Press Pros. And just three weeks now from the OHSAA tournament drawings for basketball, what you remember about sectional, district and regi...
January 17, 2025McCoy: UD Flyers Falter And Flop Again
For the third straight game, the heavily-favored University of Dayton basketball team tripped over the half-court line and tripped over the foul line and lost another Atlantic-10 Conference game, dropping the Flyers to 1-3 in league play and the loss...
January 16, 2025Buckeyes Baseball…30 Days Out, And The First Days Of Justin Haire
As opening day looms, Buckeye baseball coach Justin Haire tries to prioritize according to what he knows...and, what he's discovering one day at a time. A warmup to warmer days at Bill Davis in today's Press Pros feature..........
January 15, 2025St. Henry Frustrates Fort Loramie…Wins 46-41 In Double Overtime
How 'bout that?....St. Henry's Molly Wendel (left) and Alexis Buschur celebrate their double-overtime win (46-41) over defending champion Fort Loramie Tuesday night, marking Loramie's second loss in as many games. Read more about it in Wednesday's P...
January 14, 2025Cotton Bowl: Seen And Heard On The Field, Under The Stadium
Ohio State's semifinal performance and big plays were on display for all to see Friday night. But the reactions and things said by the head coach and the night's brightest stars – after most fans turned off the TV and turned in – revealed some of the...
January 13, 2025What I Saw Last Week In California…January 13, 2025
Ten days removed from being in Los Angeles for the Rose Bowl, I watched in horror last week as that very community burned to the ground…helpless to prevent it, and questionable in how they plan to rebuild….if they ever can! Like you, I wa...
January 13, 2025Ottawa-Glandorf Hands Loramie First Loss…Siegel, ‘Skins Disappointed With Play
The most anticipated game in western Ohio on Saturday, it turned out frustrating for both Carla Siegel (above) and the Loramie fans. Division V Ottawa-Glandorf came to town and clearly played like the better team....
January 12, 2025Bowling’s Do-It-All Man…In Versailles
Besides being the long-time bowling coach at Versailles High School, Tyler Phlipot wears a lot of hats relative to the sport...and gets credible recognition for a contribution to sport and community that's overlooked by many. Read his story........
January 11, 2025Cotton Bowl: Sawyer Saves Semifinal Win, Sends Buckeyes To Title Game
'Captain Jack'...Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer and coach Ryan Day celebrate an unforgettable Cotton Bowl win and the climactic finish that necessitates a new chapter in Buckeye lore. Jeff Gilbert writes the story for Saturday Press Pros....
January 11, 2025Richard’s Three-Point Binge Squeezes Minster Past Versailles….
Senior Kole Richard celebrated the best shooting night of his life, scored the game-winning shot (above), and his Minster teammates rode his 27 points to a surprise win over Versailles. Read more in Saturday Press Pros....
January 11, 2025From The Cotton Bowl: Simon’s Presence Crucial To Defense’s Success
Middle linebacker Cody Simon waited for his chance to start, and for his patience he's the leader Ohio State's defense needed this season. Jeff Gilbert reports from the Cotton Bowl........
January 10, 2025Buckeyes Lose Late Lead, Fall To No. 15 Oregon
Ohio State loses its second straight Big Ten game at home. That’s a trend the Buckeyes need to reverse to make NCAA Tournament hopes a reality. Losses like Ohio State suffered Thursday will be held against it by the NCAA Tournament selection co...
January 10, 2025Marion Struggles To Get Past Parkway, Stay Unbeaten……
A determined defensive effort in the second half by Marion Local salvaged a poor first half, offensively. Avae Unrast's three-pointer (above) gave them the lead in the third quarter, and kept their win streak alive with a 35-23 win over Parkway....
January 10, 2025Buckeyes Baseball: 36 Days Out…And The New Challenge Of Pitching
Now counting the days, and not months, sharper focus comes to Buckeye baseball for the 2025 campaign...with new coaches, new players, and new thinking on an old pitching problem....
January 9, 2025McCoy: UD Flyers Stumble Again. . .This Time At UMass
For the second straight road game, the heavily-favored Dayton Flyers took a header, this time to UMass, 76-72, when the Minutemen hit 19 of 20 free throws, including two at game's end by Daniel Rivera with 14 seconds left to seal UD's doom, their sec...
January 9, 2025From The Cotton Bowl: Buckeyes Focused With Eyes On Texas
From Dallas...There’s a single-mindedness to Ryan Day’s team that continues to give them an edge. The players talk about it over and over again, each in their own way. Jeff Gilbert reports from the site of the Cotton Bowl........
January 8, 2025Butler Survives Tipp’s Challenge, Sloppy Play…Stays Unbeaten
Not a thing of beauty, and a game that featured missed opportunities and lost possessions. But Butler did just enough at the end to remain unbeaten with a 42-36 win over Tipp....
January 7, 2025Buckeyes’ Early Baseball Schedule Is No Welcome Wagon For Justin Haire
Baseball breaks in just one month, the players are engaged with winter workouts, and the early dates will say a lot about the 2025 Buckeyes and their ability to adjust on the fly. Read more in our first baseball post for 2025!...
January 7, 2025Free Throws Carry Buckeyes To Rare Big Ten Road Win
Ohio State had a great night at the free-throw line at Minnesota and needed every one of them as Bruce Thornton (above) and the Buckeyes pull out a one-point double-overtime victory. ...
January 7, 2025The ‘Reader Speaks’….January 6, 2024
That extra package of reader responses, all wrapped up in Ohio State colors, for holiday reading that no one else dares....Buckeye basketball...why they handled Tennessee so easily...and proof that the CFP is a sham....
January 6, 2025Playoff Football: Why Did It Take So Long?
Thanks to the new 12-team playoff, Ohio State's title hopes are more than alive. The Buckeyes are the hottest team in the nation and the new favorite to win at all....
January 6, 2025McCoy: Thud Goes UD At George Washington
Was it letdown, or just a head full of themselves. The Flyers went on the road to George Washington and played like Martha...lose 82-62. Read Hal McCoy....
January 4, 2025Schulze’s 247 Paces Coldwater In Head-To-Head Match For League Lead….
Coldwater and St. Henry squared off Saturday, both unbeaten in league play, to determine the outright leader in MAC bowling at the midpoint of the season. A surprise contribution from freshman Drew Schulze (above) sparked Coldwater to a 2860-2656 wi...
January 4, 2025Buckeyes Rally, But Spartans Strike Back To Win
Michigan State held down Ohio State’s top scorers and answered a big second-half run with a finishing stretch that sent the Buckeyes to their second Big Ten loss. Columbus, OH – Ohio State’s second-half comeback electrified the Value City Arena...
January 4, 2025DeSales Shows Toughness In Tight Win Over Dublin Coffman
Backed by a hot start and steady defensive effort, the DeSales boys team held off the Shamrocks and flashed the necessary skills to make a long run in Division III. Dublin, OH – Armed with three senior starters and a renewed focus after enduring what...
January 4, 2025Marion’s Defense Hands Versailles Its First Loss…Mescher, Niekamp Score 17 Each In Flyer Win
Unbeaten Marion Local turned to what it does best Friday, its defense holding down Versailles' offense enough to score a 58-51 win on the road. Read more in Saturday Press Pros.......
January 4, 2025UA Girls Buckle Down On Defense, Wear Down Grove City 48-33
Buoyed by a stingy defense allowing just 34 points per game, Upper Arlington ran its record to 10-1 and sent out a message that it is a legitimate contender for a deep tournament run in March. Upper Arlington, OH – Senior tri-captain Lucy Martin was ...
January 3, 2025What I Saw At The Rose Bowl….Jan. 3, 2025
A compilation of thoughts that came out of Press Pros' trip West for the 111th Rose Bowl, which turned out to be much more than a Buckeye win. It was a eye and mind-opening experience, as well....
January 3, 2025Buckeyes Sink No. 1 Ducks In Rose Bowl Rout
It couldn't have gone better...Lineman Carson Hinzman hoists freshman Jeremiah Smith in celebration of his first quarter touchdown that signaled a huge day for the Buckeyes in the 111th Rose Bowl. They beat #1-ranked Oregon 41-21 in Wednesday's Rose...
January 2, 2025McCoy: UD’s ‘Bench Brigade’ Rises Up
When needed, the University of Dayton bench can make a difference and it did on New Year's Eve against LaSalle in the Atlanta 10 opener, an 84-70 win for the Flyers. Four bench players came out of their chairs to score 26 points and grab 19 rebounds....
December 31, 2024Reader Asks…”Why Haven’t You Predicted Ohio State And Oregon….?”
A Friday night 'picks' reader writes to put us on the spot. "How come you didn't pick the Ohio State-Oregon game...huh?" OK, you asked for it....
December 31, 2024Jeff Gilbert: California Grass To Be Proud Of….
When you think Rose Bowl, you think football and lots of beautiful things ... like roses ... but remember to appreciate what's under the players' feet. Jeff Gilbert writes for Press Pros....
December 31, 2024Job 3:25….And The Flight To Pasadena
There's a reason why network television makes so much money covering sporting events. It's an easy sell to watch at home...easier than five hours in a crowded plane to see it in person....
December 30, 2024Second-Half Defense, Depth, Thornton’s 33 Spark Buckeyes
Ohio State rode a 33-point performance from Bruce Thornton (above) to finish non-conference play with a big second half against Indiana State...heads into Big Ten play with the momentum of consecutive 20-point wins. Jeff Gilbert writes for Press Pro...
December 29, 2024Who’s Hot: Andy Holderman, Vandalia Butler
After years of basketball and moving around, Butler's Andy Holderman has an unbeaten team that's catching the attention of area high school basketball fans....
December 29, 2024Win Over Kentucky Shows Value Of OSU’s Depth, Difficult Schedule
Ohio State plays its last nonconference game Sunday against Indiana State. Head coach Jake Diebler says the tough losses and tough opponents so far have grown his team and prepared it for Big Ten play....
December 29, 2024Versailles Stuffs Tipp, Remains Unbeaten…Watren, Monnin, Ahrens Combine For 50
Unbeaten now in seven starts, Versailles played defense (above) and had three players combine for 50 points Saturday night to hand Tipp it's first loss of the season....
December 28, 2024Post-Oregon Defensive Upgrades No Sweat For Knowles
The Ohio State defensive coordinator says his veteran players don’t flinch when adversity strikes. And when his unit didn’t play well at Oregon, he didn’t flinch. He made changes. Read Jeff Gilbert........
December 28, 2024Butler Outlasts Sidney In MVL Battle Of Unbeatens…Junior Julius Rusk Shines
Close through three quarters, Vandalia Butler and junior post player Julius Rusk (above) outshot Sidney down the stretch to pull away and run its unbeaten record to 8-0. Read about the game in Saturday's Press Pros....
December 28, 2024Day Wants Focus On Selves, Nothing Else, In Preparation for Oregon
Playing Oregon in the Rose Bowl is not about second chances. To win, the Buckeyes must do what they did against Tennessee - play great football and ignore the noise. Jeff Gilbert writes pre-Rose Bowl for Press Pros....
December 26, 2024A Distant Third….Buckeyes Baseball Eyes A Challenge
With a Rose Bowl and the Big Ten basketball schedule immediately on deck, Ohio State baseball comes back in a matter of days to prepare for the February opener...hopefully, to create some priority of their own. Something to think about on the day af...
December 26, 2024Our 2024 List Of Some Notables For The Year……
You won't find this in the New York Times, but we wanted to share some good news about the shining lights among us. On Christmas day we take an opportunity to point out some friends from the past year...to let them know we appreciate them, and to let...
December 25, 2024Christmas Memory: ‘Good Will Hunting’, And Pheasants In The Snow
We all reflect upon our lives and memories at Christmas, and I'm no different for times spent hunting at Christmas with my dad, family, and friends. Here's a particularly good one for those who grew up with a love of the outdoors. A merry outdoors ...
December 24, 2024Holiday Music: “Our Little Song Broke Us Up”…Do You Hear What I Hear?
One of the most popular holiday songs in history, it was written as a protest warning during the Cuban missile crisis of 1962, adapted to a Christmas tune, and made famous by a man searching for one more hit record. An interesting read on an all-tim...
December 23, 2024What I Saw This Weekend…There’s Never Been An Ohio State Coach They Didn’t Want To Fire….
Orange you glad you came?....After a thrilling 42-17 win over Tennessee Saturday night, its hard to calculate who feels dumber over too much fan fervor...Ohio State fans wanting to fire Ryan Day before his time, or Tennessee fans for believing good t...
December 23, 2024Buckeyes Vanquish Vols, Smell The Roses With 42-17 Win
How You Like Us Now?....Defensive end Jack Sawyer celebrates the moment as the clock wound down on a dominating Ohio State 42-17 win over Tennessee at the Horseshoe Saturday night. Read more about the game from Jeff Gilbert in Sunday's Press Pros....
December 22, 2024What High School Bowlers Want For Christmas….
You've only got four shopping days left, but if you'd like to know what to get your favorite high school bowler for Christmas...we asked. And they let us know (New Bremen's Bryce Voress, above)....
December 21, 2024McCoy: Slow Start Lethal In UD Loss
With an excellent opportunity to improve their No. 22 rankings, the University of Dayton Flyers were flat in the first 11 minutes of the game and made no baskets against No. 18-ranked Cincinnati. After falling 18 points behind, the Flyers made a run ...
December 21, 2024OSU Defense Ready To Play As Fast As Vols Want
Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles knows how to get the play calls in fast whether a team plays with fast tempo or not. He’s been doing it for years. Ohio State’s intense defensive preparation for Tennessee has been this: Think about how to effe...
December 21, 2024Inspired Dublin Jerome Controls Berlin, Stays In First Place
With Andrea Baylin filling in as interim coach for Karli Burkett, Jerome’s girls continue to roll as the Celtics beat OCC Cardinal rival Olentangy Berlin to improve to 6-1. Delaware, OH – Fueled by a stretch of hot shooting, strong bench play, ...
December 21, 2024Botkin Survives Slugfest, Last-Second Shot, To Beat Jackson Center
Not for the offensive-minded...Jackson Center's Lucas Heitkamp shows his frustration as a last-second shot fell short. Defense and pinpoint foul shooting helped Botkins top the Tigers Friday in a see-saw Shelby County League matchu, 42-39. Read mor...
December 20, 2024Late Charge Gives Darby 69-61 Win Over OIentangy In OCC Cardinal Showdown
It’s not even Christmas yet, but 4-0 Hillard Darby already equaled its win total for all of last season and has set its sights on capturing its first OCC title since 2008. Hilliard, OH – By Division I and Ohio Capital Conference standards, the ...
December 20, 2024The Story Behind Mele Kalikimaka…The Hawaiian Christmas Song
Remembered as part of the hilarious National Lampoon Christmas Vacation movie, the holiday would not be as bright without the movie, and the story behind the song 'Mele Kalikimaka'. Merry Christmas, and enjoy!d it....
December 20, 2024Tables Turned…St. Henry Rebounds From Halftime Deficit To Beat Minster
St. Henry's girls borrowed a vintage page from the Minster playbook, turning repeated turnovers (above) into a second half comeback to win 43-35 on the road. Read more in Friday's Press Pros.........
December 19, 2024Another Take On Tennessee…And, Are You Ready For Some Baseball?
Requests for another opinion about Saturday's football playoff game with Tennessee...and surprising as it may sound, come New Year's day the NCAA baseball season is just six weeks away. And people are writing....
December 19, 2024Can They Beat The Vols?…Buckeyes Prepping, Say They’ve ‘Moved On’
Ohio State's offensive line concerns are still real. The Michigan loss will never not stop hurting. But the time has come to focus on Tennessee and game planning for every situation. Read Jeff Gilbert.......
December 18, 2024Royal’s Career Night Leads Buckeyes Past His Coach’s Alma Mater….
Sophomore Devin Royal (above) attacked the rim for a career night in points (31) and rebounds (15). leading the Buckeyes to a Tuesday win over visiting Valparaiso. Read Jeff Gilbert.........
December 18, 2024McCoy: UD Survives ‘Marquette Hangover’
With only three days to recover from the emotional high and physical exertion of beating No. 6 Marquette Saturday, the University of Dayton basketball team faced a bounce back dilemma Tuesday and avoided an upset defeat when Malachi Smith converted a...
December 18, 2024The Reader Speaks…December 17, 2024
The mailbox is full of reader responses to the OHSAA state football tournament...flagging attendance...competition...and the contemporary way to enjoy the state tournament. Read the latest post of 'The Reader Speaks'....
December 17, 2024What I Saw This Weekend….Too Many Penalties!
Another reminder from Sunday's Bengals' game that the NFL is over-officiated with too many flags that add nothing to the game, and make you change channels. Read more in Monday's Press Pros........
December 16, 2024McCoy: UD Shows Marquette The Defensive Door to Defeat
UD's Enoch Cheeks (above) pins the shot attempt of Marquette's Chase Ross during the Flyers' second half comeback Saturday against #6-ranked Golden Eagles. The Flyers overcame a ten-point halftime deficit to win 71-63. Read Hal McCoy in Sunday Pres...
December 15, 2024Buckeyes Blowout Loss To Auburn ‘Unacceptable’
Ohio State's road and neutral-court show didn't get any better Saturday against Auburn. And the Buckeyes suffered their most lopsided loss of the season....
December 15, 2024Bowling Returns…And Coldwater Sets Its Annual Goal
Saturday's opening of the MAC bowling season was packed, and highly anticipated as Minster, Versailles, New Bremen. St. Henry, Parkway, Fort Recovery, and Marion Local set sail to compete for league and post-season honors...and Coldwater set its sigh...
December 14, 2024Russia Builds Early Lead, Shuts Down Jackson Center
The Raiders rediscovered their defensive identity in practice this week and attacked the basket on offense for an important early-season league victory. ...
December 14, 2024Orange Withstands Late Charge From McClure-Led Coffman In 68-66 Win
Devin Brown totaled 27 points, grabbed eight rebounds and handed out six assists for Olentangy Orange, which has lofty expectations after two regional final runs. A narrow win over Coffman, however, showed the Pioneers that they still have work to do...
December 13, 2024Elwer’s 26, Delphos St. John, Scorches Minster In MAC Opener….
Junior Cam Elwer (above) scored 18 in the first half, 26 for the game, and paced Delphos St. John to a Friday 24-point win over Minster. Read about the game in Saturday's Press Pros....
December 13, 2024Coldwater’s Chip Otten…Is The Press Pros Area Football Coach Of The Year!
There's always stiff competition in west-central Ohio, but considering all...Coldwater's Chip Otten finishes ahead of the pack as 2024's Press Pros area Coach of The Year in football........
December 13, 2024Basketball Begins…And The Great Experiment
Our coverage of area basketball opens on Friday night with two of the best small-school matchups you can find on December 13. The question is...with now seven divisions of basketball, what lies beyond December 13th?...
December 12, 2024Looking Back: Who Were The Most Memorable Interviews….?
As we approach the end of the year and fifteen years of doing this, some holiday nostalgia. There have been nearly 7,000 feature stories on the site, and a sports personality once asked me, “Who was the biggest interview you’ve ever done?” When I to...
December 10, 2024What I Saw Over The Weekend: December 9, 2024
The high school football season came to a close with another triumphant statement by the Midwest Athletic Conference, and a demonstration that the best might be yet to come....
December 9, 2024Playoffs vs.Tennessee: Buckeyes Must Move On, Be Who They Are
Mental toughness and focus are key to the players getting ready for Tennessee...and the coaches putting them into position to do what they do best instead of stubbornly pursuing other goals....
December 8, 2024McCoy: UD Flyers Lay Lehigh Low
In a tune-up game for next Saturday night's confrontation with Marquette, UD's Flyers did what they were expected to do by bashing outmanned Lehigh. Hal McCoy writes the story for Press Pros....
December 8, 2024Terry Delivers Big Play After Big Play, Lifts Ironton To 1st Title In 35 Years
A thrill a minute, the Ironton Tigers withstood the challenge of defending champion Liberty Center with a highlight performance from senior Shaun Terry (above) to claim their first OHSAA state title since 1989. Read Steve Blackledge in Sunday's Pres...
December 8, 2024Coldwater Shocks Kirtland…12th Man Helps Turn Title Game…Cavs Capture 8th Title
The 'Divine' recovery...Coldwater's Noah Welsch (bottom, center) recovers this third quarter fumble that sealed the Cavaliers' eighth state title in football...a 31-7 decision over Kirtland. Read more about the play, the game, and what the Cavaliers...
December 7, 2024Royal Continues Rise, Leads Buckeyes Past Rutgers
Devin Royal was an unstoppable and efficient force around the basket Saturday to help Ohio State rebound from Wednesday’s miserable loss at Maryland. Columbus, OH – When Jake Diebler became Ohio State’s interim head coach last season, Devin Roy...
December 7, 2024Liberty Stuns Everyone But Itself By Beating Blue-Blood Moeller 28-14 For First State Title
Olentangy Liberty's defense turned in a brilliant performance to stymie high-powered Cincinnati Moeller, led by Mr. Football Matt Ponatoski, and the Patriots key offensive stars – quarterback Andrew Leonard, running back/receiver Jake Struck and rece...
December 7, 2024Second-Half Surge Lifts Revenge-Seeking Watterson Past Central Catholic For Division III Title
In rematch of last year's state final, the Watterson Eagles overcame a slow start to capture program's third championship...and the 2024 Division III OHSAA title....
December 6, 2024Marion Finally “Plays Its Best”…Claims 15th Title, And 64th Win In A Row
Scoring, impressing, in every manner conceivable, Marion Local showed Jerome Hillsdale, and the state, what all the fuss over 64 straight wins, 15 state titles, and four in a row - was about....
December 6, 2024What happens in Vegas big for Gallagher, Sasso
Ohio State's Paddy Gallagher is primed to announce his return to form this weekend at the Cliff Kean Invitational after nearly one year out of the Buckeyes' lineup while recovering from ACL surgery. (PressProsFeature Photo by Brian Bayless)....
December 5, 2024Down 33 At Halftime, Buckeyes Fall Hard At Maryland
The Buckeyes won't want to remember anything about their Big Ten opener. They would have been better off getting stuck in Washington Beltway traffic instead of making it to College Park....
December 5, 2024“Can You Please Write A Little Baseball…?”
A good-news, bad-news offering to those interested enough to ask….is there anything new to report on Buckeye baseball? For the faithful, most notably octogenarian Donald Motz, who writes regularly to ask if there’s anything to report on B...
December 4, 2024McCoy: UD Flyers Survive Shaky Start
After a stellar showing in the Maui Invitational that included a win over No. 2-ranked UConn, the University of Dayton Flyers hosted a mediocre Western Michigan team Tuesday night in UD Arena as 24-point favorites, but had to come from 10 points down...
December 4, 2024If It’s State Title Time, It’s Time For Kirtland vs. MAC
Across the miles, across the divisions, a powerhouse from Northeast Ohio knows that should it reach Canton on the final weekend of the high school football season, there will be a Midwest Athletic Conference foe waiting (Kirtland vs. Marion Local, ab...
December 3, 2024Commentary: Will You Show Up In Canton…?
What it looked like the last time the state tournament was held at Ohio State...With new teams, old teams, and the building upon legacies at stake, is there enough intrigue about the state football tournament to make you want to go? Read today's ins...
December 2, 2024What I Saw This Weekend…December 2, 2024
As bad as it was, it can always get worse...or can it? My own thoughts about losing to Michigan for a fourth straight year, and what it does or doesn't prove....
December 2, 2024Who’s Hot: Marion Local Running Back, Parker Hess
Marion's missing back from a year ago has rebounded to give the Flyers a three-headed monster in the backfield...and a shot at their fourth title in a row....
December 1, 2024Powerless Ohio State Comes Up Empty Again…Loses Fourth In A Row To Michigan
Even the happiest weren't happy...as she watched the clock tick down on missed opportunity and the Buckeyes' fourth consecutive loss to the Michigan Wolverines. Read Jeff Gilbert in weekend Press Pros....
November 30, 2024Blown Leads, Last-second 3 Sinks Ohio State
For Pitt it was a comeback and a great shot. For Ohio State it was a brutal reminder of games past that got away...in this case, more than once....
November 30, 2024“Crazy” 35-Point 2nd Quarter Helps Watterson Blitz Mistake-Plagued London 56-21
With 21 points in a stunning 53-second span late in the second quarter, Watterson turned a tight game into a rout. The 15-0 Eagles earned a chance avenge a state title game defeat to Toledo Central Catholic in 2023. Ashville, OH – The adjective “craz...
November 30, 2024Division VI Semi-Final: Welsch’s Catches, Depweg’s TDs Put Bluffton On Ice
Coldwater flashed enough finesse to augment a robust running game and dominant defense that pushed Bluffton aside and advanced the Cavaliers to the Division VI state championship game. #70 - Cale Wenning flying high with his teammates as they advanc...
November 30, 2024Big-Play Defense Ignites Liberty To 21-7 Upset Of 3-Time Defending Champ St. Edward
Thanks to a defense that created three turnovers, Olentangy Liberty stymied seven-time state champion Lakewood St. Edward to punch its ticket to the program’s first-ever state championship game. Mansfield, OH – Throughout much of what has bloss...
November 30, 2024Marion Local Dominates Columbus Grove For 63rd Straight, And Shot At 15th Title
They made it the usual business trip...Marion Local's run game (Parker Hess, 200 yards and three touchdowns, above) and defense overwhelmed Columbus Grove to claim its 63rd win in a row and a shot at their 15th title in next week's OHSAA Final Four. ...
November 30, 2024Marion, Coldwater Top A Delicious Friday Night Of High School Playoff Football….
Can anyone stop Marion Local's quest for title 15? And have too many overlooked Coldwater? Both play tonight for a spot in next week's OHSAA state final round. Some questions raised, and answered, in our Friday preview....
November 29, 2024The Rivalry And Its Men, Memories And Myths
Ohio State vs. Michigan goes to many different places in the minds of those invested in the rivalry. The one that matters most this year to Ohio State would be a change of direction for Ryan Day (above) and his legacy. Read Jeff Gilbert....
November 28, 2024McCoy: UD Flyers Rip UConn, 85-67
After losing two tight games to nationally-ranked North Carolina and Iowa State, the University of Dayton basketball team made a resounding statement Wednesday night in the Maui Invitational by outclassing and embarrassing No. 2 ranked UConn, 85-67, ...
November 28, 2024McCoy: UD Flyers Drop Another Close One
UD cracks again under the pressure of a second half street brawl...failure to defend the other team's only scorer...lose a game they could have won......
November 27, 2024The Reader Speaks…November 27, 2024
First-time writers share their own opinions about winning instead of participating...the volleyball tournament...Sammy Sasso...a 'real' tax cut...and the outdoors contribution of Ray Reilly....
November 27, 2024Buckeyes Ready To Satisfy Michigan Obsession
This is the week, and this will be Ohio State's and Ryan Day's year to do what the senior class has never done...beat Michigan!...
November 26, 2024McCoy: UD Flyers Blow 21-Point Second-Half Lead
After leading by 21 points, 56-35, early in the second half, the University of Dayton couldn't hold off onrushing North Carolina as the Tar Heels scored 58 second-half points and recorded their second biggest comeback in school history to beat the Fl...
November 26, 2024Thornton, Buckeyes Put Away Green Bay, Score 100 Again
Thornton was the man...OSU junior guard had his most complete game as a Buckeye Monday in the team's second 100-point output in a row...a 102-69 shellacking of Wisconsin Green Bay. Read Jeff Gilbert's game story....
November 25, 2024What We Saw Over The Weekend…November 25, 2024
Questions about sports photography...questions about Marion Local football...and more questions about the decision to expand title opportunity to every OHSAA sport. That's what we saw (heard) over the weekend....
November 25, 2024Buckeyes Dispose Of Indiana, Look North To, Uh…You Know
One for the band...Ohio State found ways to beat the upstart Hoosiers in every which way (Caleb Downs' third quarter punt return for a touchdown, above)...and keep alive their goal of getting to Indianapolis for a rematch with Oregon in the Big Ten t...
November 23, 2024McCoy: UD Flyers Get Chance To ‘Lei’ It Down
UD fans are the best. No matter what tournament or where the Flyers play, UD fans always dominate the stands. “Maui's a really fun tournament, a beautiful island. The guys are really ready to play and it's a fun atmosphere to be in,” - Zed Key. Ke...
November 23, 2024Depweg’s Four TDs Paves Coldwater’s Rout Of Anna
In conditions that restricted the accomplished passing talents of Coldwater's Baylen Blockberger and Anna's Alex Shappie, neither Mother Nature nor the Rockets proved equal to the assault Coldwater mounted behind a dominant offensive line and its arr...
November 23, 2024Struck’s 3-TD Night Powers Liberty Past Pick North For Regional Title
Called on to handle a larger role as a runner, three-sport standout and Ohio State lacrosse signee Jake Struck answered the bell as his physical style set the tone on this rainy, windy night. Columbus, OH – On its third play from scrimmage, Olentangy...
November 23, 2024