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Trailing 10-0 at halftime, Lakota West scored 30 points in the second half en route to a 30-17 win against Hamilton Friday. Sophomore quarterback Malik Grove led the Firebirds with three second-half touchdowns.

Grove, who began the year as the Firebirds’ third-string quarterback, has scored five touchdowns (three rushing and two passing) the last two weeks.

Lakota West also received another strong performance from senior running back Marcus Davis, who finished with 194 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries. Davis’ touchdown run went for 72 yards.

Defensively, the Firebirds forced Hamilton’s offense into committing seven turnovers. Senior defensive back Antonio Darden finished with two of the Firebirds’ four interceptions.

The win gives Lakota West its first conference victory this season. The Firebirds are now 2-6 overall and 1-4 in the Greater Miami Conference. Hamilton, meanwhile, falls to 3-5 overall and 1-4 in the GMC.

H– A.J. Morrison 25-yard FG – 9:58 left in 1^st quarter
H– Quinton Bailey 7-yard pass from Anthony Crouch (Morrison kick) – 5:02 in 2^nd quarter
L– Grove 1-yard run (Justin Martin kick) – 9:28 left in 3^rd quarter
L– Davis 72-yard run (Martin kick) – 7:47 left in 3^rd quarter
L– Grove 5-yard run (Martin kick) – 3:18 left in 3^rd quarter
L– Grove 4-yard run (kick failed) – 10:20 left in 4^th quarter
H– Roblow Givens 7-yard run (Morrison kick) – 6:58 left in 4^th quarter
L– Martin 18-yard FG – 3:14 left in 4^th quarter

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Hamilton, Hamilton football, Lakota West, Lakota West football, Lakota West sports, Malik Grove, Marcus Davis, Ohio football recruiting, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, Roblow Givens

Lakota West (1-6 overall, 0-4 in the Greater Miami Conference) will be searching for its first conference win of the season when it hosts Hamilton (3-4 overall, 1-3 in the GMC) this Friday at 7:30 p.m. Last week, the Firebirds almost pulled off an upset against GMC power Colerain.

Hamilton: The Big Blue has an impressive weapon on the offensive and defensive side of the ball in senior Roblow Givens. The running back and safety is currently fifth in the conference in rushing yards with 818. Givens also has 11 rushing touchdowns this season. The speedy back would have even better offensive numbers if he didn’t play both ways. Givens is his most dangerous in the wildcat formation running behind senior left tackle Adam Pankey. The 6-foot-6 315-pound Pankey has scholarship offers to Illinois, N.C. State, Pittsburgh, West Virginia and many others. On defense, Hamilton has an athletic defensive backfield and has eight interceptions this season. Senior Jake Venable is also putting together a nice season with six sacks, four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in seven games. As a team, Hamilton is averaging 243 yards of total offense per game and is allowing 321 yards per game on defense.

Lakota West: After starting the season as the third-string quarterback, sophomore Malik Grove got the opportunity to play for the first time on the varsity level and almost led the Firebirds to an upset against Colerain last Friday. Trailing 24-6, Grove threw two touchdown passes in the final three minutes of the game – trimming the lead to 24-19. With less than a minute left in the game, Lakota West recovered the onside kick. After a 47-yard pass play from Grove to senior wide receiver Kayaune Ross, Lakota West found itself on the 2-yard-line. Unfortunately, for Firebird fans, Lakota West turned the ball over and Colerain was able to run out the clock. Nevertheless, Grove turned in a good stat line – completing 14-of-23 passes for 250 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions. The first-year varsity player, who bowled a perfect game for Lakota West last winter, could play again this week. However, both Grove and fellow sophomore Tyler Jones, who has started every other game this season, are sharing snaps at practice this week. A starter is not expected to be named. Meanwhile, senior running back Marcus Davis has been impressive all season – rushing for 745 yards and two touchdowns on 164 carries. As a team, Lakota West is averaging 258 yards of total offense per game and is allowing 352 yards per game on defense.

Bottom line: This could be the Firebirds best chance to win a conference game this season. Lakota West has two remaining games after this week, and they are both on the road at Sycamore (7-0 overall, 4-0 in the GMC) and at Lakota East (4-3 overall, 2-2 in the GMC). It is difficult to determine the favorite in this game. On one hand, Hamilton has been more consistent and has proven talents in Givens and Pankey. And, on the other hand, the emergence of Grove last week could give the Firebirds a shot in the arm.

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Adam Pankey, Hamilton, Hamilton football, Kayaune Ross, Lakota West, Lakota West football, Lakota West sports, Malik Grove, Marcus Davis, Ohio football recruiting, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, Roblow Givens

The Lakota East football program (2-1) returns home after two consecutive road games to face Hamilton (2-1) Friday at 7:30 p.m. The Thunderhawks won their opener at home against Western Hills, by the score of 28-6, before splitting road games at Winton Woods (38-37 win in four OTs) and at La Salle (27-23 loss) of the Greater Catholic League. Meanwhile, Hamilton is coming off a 33-14 win against Milford. The Big Blue also defeated Northmont, by the score of 28-14, this season. Hamilton’s only loss was against GCL power Moeller.

Hamilton: The Big Blue bounced back from a 68-7 thrashing by Moeller and ran through the Milford defense for 380 rushing yards as a team in the 33-14 win last Friday. In the win, the Hamilton offense was able to score on rushing plays of 27, 47, 79 and 88 yards. Senior Roblow Givens, who finished with 210 yards and two scores on 15 carries, reeled off the 88-yard run. Givens’ teammate, junior quarterback David Evans, scored on the 79-yard run. At wide receiver, providing some big-play ability, senior Deprece Daniels has 132 yards and two touchdowns on six receptions this season. As a team, Hamilton is averaging slightly more than 287 yards (207 rushing and 80 passing) on offense per game. Defensively, the Big Blue is giving up slightly more than 364 yards (167 rushing and 197 passing) per game.

Lakota East: Head coach Rick Haynes is expected to start sophomore quarterback Eric Eichler (photo), who played the majority of the La Salle game last Friday night. In that game, Eichler completed 6-of-13 passes for 69 yards and rushed for 47 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore fullback Mikel Horton has played well this season, totaling 296 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 55 carries in three games. His teammate, junior tailback Will Mahone has rushed for 214 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries this fall. Mahone also has 150 receiving yards and two touchdowns off of seven receptions. As a team, Lakota East is averaging 312 yards (246 rushing and 65 passing) of total offense per game. Defensively, the Thunderhawks are giving up an average of 286 yards (148 rushing, 138 passing). Senior defensive lineman J.T. Turner leads East with 3.5 sacks this fall.

Bottom line: This game will feature two different styles of run-heavy offenses. Hamilton will likely use Givens and Evans in a wildcat-style offense, while Lakota East will use its triple-option offense attack that will feature up-the-middle runs by Horton and outside pitches to Mahone. This game could be close and feature a few big passing plays when defenses over purse the run. Fans from both schools are expecting a win.

(WestChesterBuzz.com will provide a game story and photos from this game)

Photo taken by Barb Trimble of Trimble Photography. For pictures of Lakota East sporting events visit her website, www.trimphoto.com

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: David Evans, Deprece Daniels, Eric Eichler, football, game preview, Hamilton, Hamilton football, J.T. Turner, Lakota East, Lakota East football, Lakota East Sports, Mikel Horton, Roblow Givens, Will Mahone

For the second time this season, the Lakota East girls’ basketball program was able blowout Hamilton. In last night’s contest, the Thunderhawks jumped out to 18-7 advantage after the first quarter and cruised to a 64-33 win.

In December, Lakota East defeated the Big Blue by the score of 72-38.

Last night, Jan. 26, the Thunderhawks featured four players who scored in double figures in junior Whitney Wyckoff (12 points), junior Molly Blomer (13 points), junior Bernice Satterwhite (11 points) and senior Megan Costa (10 points).

The 10-point scoring effort was a career high for Costa, who happens to be the Thunderhawks’ lone senior. In her past five appearances, Costa has made 52 percent of her field goals and is averaging 6.8 points per game in only 10.8 minutes per game.

Blomer (11 rebounds) and junior Alyssa Grevenkamp (10 rebounds) also recorded double figures in rebounding.

Junior forward Tazzie Shaw did not play after playing in the past two games against Princeton and Lakota West. Prior to those games, Shaw has been dealing with an ankle injury.

With the win, Lakota East improves its overall record to 12-3 and its record within the Greater Miami Conference to 7-3.

Next up will be a road game against Mason (10-4 overall, 7-3 in GMC) at 3:30 p.m. this Saturday, Jan. 29. The game will be played at the Mason Middle School arena.

Lakota East defeated Mason at home earlier this season, by the score of 59-50. Currently, Mason and Lakota East are involved in a four-way tie for second place in the GMC standings. Colerain (10-5 overall) and Sycamore (12-5 overall) are also 7-3 in conference play.

Posted in: Sports, Winter Sports |

Tags: Tags: Alyssa Grevenkamp, basketball, Bernice Satterwhite, girls' basketball, Hamilton, Lakota East, Lakota East Sports, Megan Costa, Molly Blomer, Tazzie Shaw, Whitney Wyckoff

Lakota West snapped a two-game losing streak by defeating Hamilton, by the score of 49-30, last night, Jan. 19, at Lakota West High School. Prior to the two-game losing streak, the Firebirds experienced a seven-game winning streak.

Last night, Lakota West was able to jump out to 11-1 lead in the first quarter. Hamilton, however, erased much of that lead, in the second quarter as it outscored the Firebirds 14-5 in that frame.

With only a 16-15 lead at halftime, Lakota West played well in the second half and outscored the Big Blue 33-15 in the last two quarters.

Junior Rachel Huxhold and senior Mea Williams led Lakota West with 11 points. The scoring total was a career high for both players.

According to westfirebirds.com, senior Ronni Grandison, junior Summer Reeves, and freshman Amanda Gallof were unavailable due to a combination of illness and injury.

With the win, Lakota West improves its record to 9-5 overall and 5-3 within the Greater Miami Conference.

The Firebirds’ next opponent will be Lakota East (10-3 overall and 5-3 in the GMC). That game will take place this Saturday, Jan. 22, at Lakota West High School.

Pictures provided by Mark Ferland/Ferland Fotos. For more photos of other Lakota West athletic events visit ferlandfotos.smugmug.com.

Posted in: Sports, Winter Sports |

Tags: Tags: Amanda Gallof, basketball, girls' basketball, Hamilton, Lakota West, Lakota West sports, Mea Williams, Rachel Huxhold, Ronni Grandison, Summer Reeves

For the second straight game, the Lakota East girls’ basketball program scored more than 70 points in a convincing win against a Greater Miami Conference opponent. On Monday, Dec. 20, the Thunderhawks hammered Hamilton by the score of 72-28 and then on Wednesday, Dec. 22, they took care of Middletown with a 77-13 win.

In the win against Middletown, senior forward Molly Blomer led Lakota East with a season-high 19 points. Blomer made eight of her 11 field goal attempts, had seven rebounds and three steals in only 17 minutes of playing time.

Juniors Alyssa Grevenkamp (10 points), Whitney Wyckoff (14 points) and Tazzie Shaw (13 points) each scored in double figures for Lakota East. All three also scored in double figures in Monday’s win against Hamilton.

Lakota East junior point guard Aleth Pashi added five points and five assists.

With the two wins, Lakota East improved its record to 5-2 overall and 3-2 within the GMC. Middletown and Hamilton both are 0-5 in the GMC.

Posted in: Sports, Winter Sports |

Tags: Tags: Aleth Pashi, Alyssa Grevenkamp, basketball, girls' basketball, Hamilton, Lakota East, Lakota East Sports, Middletown, Tazzie Shaw, Whitney Wyckoff

After losing to Colerain on Saturday, Dec. 18, the Lakota East girls’ basketball program took out its frustration on Hamilton in a 72-28 win Monday, Dec. 20. Meanwhile, the Lakota East boys’ program won the Hilton Head Holiday Classic by defeating Nations Ford, S.C., by the score of 70-53.

The girls’ team made 56.6 percent of its field goals and led 37-8 at halftime against Hamilton. Junior Tazzie Shaw led Lakota East with 17 points. Shaw also pulled down three rebounds and dished out three assists.

Juniors Alyssa Grevenkamp and Whitney Wyckoff each added 12 points for the Thunderhawks in the win.

With the win, Lakota East improves to 4-2 overall and 2-2 in the Greater Miami Conference. Hamilton falls to 1-4 overall and 0-4 in the GMC.

The girls will be back in action this Wednesday, Dec. 22, when they will host Middletown (0-7 overall, 0-4 in GMC) at 7:30 p.m.

The boys’ program defeated a different high school from South Carolina in three straight days. With the championship win, Lakota East is now 5-0 overall and 2-0 in the GMC.

Next up for the boys will be a road game at Wayne Dec. 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Posted in: Sports, Winter Sports |

Tags: Tags: Alyssa Grevenkamp, basketball, boys' basketball, Colerain, girls' basketball, Hamilton, Hilton Head Holiday Classic, Lakota East, Lakota East Sports, Tazzie Shaw, Wayne, Whitney Wyckoff

After squeaking out a hard fought win against Princeton Dec. 7, the Lakota East Thunderhawks were able to hammer Hamilton by the score of 69-39 at Lakota East High School Dec. 10.

Senior Cameron Lee led the Thunderhawks with 13 points. Lee’s fellow seniors also played well; Michael Boyd added 10 points, Jeff Cargill had nine and R.J. Leppert scored eight.

A total of 11 Lakota East players scored in the win.

With the win, Lakota East improves to 2-0 overall and 2-0 within the Greater Miami Conference. Hamilton falls to 2-1 and 0-1 in the GMC.

After opening the season with two home wins, Lakota East will travel to Hilton Head, S.C. to play in a tournament, which starts Dec. 18. The team’s next game in the state of Ohio will be at Wayne Dec. 28.

The Thunderhawks will finally return to home Jan. 7 for a game against Middletown.

Posted in: Sports, Winter Sports |

Tags: Tags: basketball, boys' basketball, Cameron Lee, Hamilton, Jeff Cargill, Lakota East, Lakota East Sports, Michael Boyd, R.J. Leppert

The Lakota East boys’ basketball program hopes to add its second Greater Miami Conference win this season when its faces Hamilton tonight, Dec. 10, at 7:30 p.m. at Lakota East High School.

Earlier this week, the Thunderhawks earned a hard fought win against three-time defending GMC champions Princeton. Senior guard Michael Boyd led Lakota East with 14 points in the 54-48 win.

The Princeton game was not only Lakota East’s first game of the season, but it was also its first conference and home game of 2010-2011.

Hamilton, on the other hand, is 2-0 with wins against Edgewood (59-45) and Springfield (48-42). In those two contests senior Cameron Jones is leading the team with 12.5 points and 3.5 steals per game. Off the bench, junior Breon Boyd is averaging nine points and 6.5 rebounds. Other statistical leaders include sophomore Corey Wise (nine points and seven rebounds per game), junior Robert Givens (8.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and three assists per game) and senior Brian Cleckley (7.5 points and six rebounds per game).

Hamilton has not played against a GMC opponent this season.

One game note: Lakota East junior Mark Minch is expected to play against Hamilton tonight, according to Pulse Journal reporter Steven Matthews.

Minch did not play in the Princeton game due to a back injury, but averaged 8.4 points and 3.4 rebounds last season.

Posted in: Sports, Winter Sports |

Tags: Tags: basketball, boys' basketball, Breon Boyd, Brian Cleckley, Cameron Jones, Corey Wise, Hamilton, Lakota East, Lakota East Sports, Mark Minch, Michael Boyd, Robert Givens

After the Big Blue scored 14 points in the first half, Lakota West was only able to put 13 points on the board in the second half in a 14-13 loss to Hamilton.

Hamilton scored early in the first quarter when senior quarterback Brian Cleckley scored on a 76-yard touchdown run with 10:51 left in the first quarter. Cleckley finished the game with 144 rushing yards on only 14 carries.

Then with 2:39 left in the first half, senior running back Devin Jarrett, who had 91 rushing yards on 11 carries, scored on a 54-yard run. The Big Blue went into halftime with a 14-0 lead.

West got in scoring column in the third quarter when senior Keith Whitaker scored on a one-yard run, making the score 14-7.

Then, in the fourth quarter, junior running back Marcus Davis scored on a 25-yard run. However, the extra point attempt by junior kicker Lucas Gobell was blocked.

The Firebirds rushing attack performed well in the loss. Sophomore Alfred Ramsby (photo) had 94 yards on 27 carries and Davis finished with 95 yards on 18 carries.

With the win, Hamilton improves to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in the Greater Miami Conference. Lakota West falls to 1-5 overall and 0-3 in the GMC.

BOX SCORE

1st Q – HAM – Cleckley 76-yard run (Jordan Weislogel kick), 10:51, 7-0
2nd Q – HAM – Jarrett 54-yard run (Weislogel kick), 2:39, 14-0
3rd Q – LW – Whitaker 1-yard run (Gobell kick), 7:04, 14-7
4th Q – LW – Davis 25-yard run (kick failed), 9:05, 14-13

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Alfred Ramsby, Brian Cleckley, Devin Jarrett, football, Hamilton, Hamilton 14 Lakota West 13, Laktoa West, Marcus Davis