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Behind a strong defensive effort, Lakota West stormed into Friday’s Division I sectional finals – defeating Western Hills by the score of 61-21 Tuesday.

Using a pressuring defense, the Firebirds (14-8 overall, 7-7 in the Greater Miami Conference) held Western Hills to 26.7 percent shooting and forced 33 turnovers.

The active defense led to five steals for Lauren Cannatelli as the 5-foot-7 freshman guard scored 11 points and dished out three assists.

Cannatelli’s backcourt partner, 5-foot-6 junior guard Emily Neihaus, was the only other Lakota West player in double figures with 10 points and three rebounds.

Meanwhile, Western Hills (11-8) forced 17 turnovers, with 5-foot-6 freshman guard Dan’Shae Hill picking up three steals to go with her team-high nine points and four rebounds.

Last Wednesday, Lakota West defeated Loveland by the score of 62-24 in its first postseason game. Like the win against Western Hills, the Firebirds’ defense played well – limiting Loveland to 19 percent shooting and forcing 29 turnovers.

Lakota West, the No. 8 seed in the Southwest District, will play No. 2 seed Princeton (19-3 overall, 13-1 in the GMC) at Harrison High School at 7 p.m. Friday. Earlier this season, Princeton defeated Lakota West by the score of 68-60. In that win, sophomore Kelsey Mitchell led Princeton with 33 points. Mitchell, who is ranked the No. 1 overall player in the class of 2014 by ESPN, is averaging 20.5 points per game.

Like the Firebirds, Princeton has had two convincing wins this postseason – defeating Woodward 83-16 last Wednesday and beating Northwest 70-12 Tuesday.

Lakota West (14-8) - Zieverink 3 3 9, Sh. Reeves 2 1 6, Cannatelli 4 1 11, McNeal 1 0 2, Neihaus 4 0 10, Huxhold 1 0 2, Adams 2 0 4, R. Mills 2 0 4, Tomasic 2 0 4, Su. Reeves 3 0 7, H. Mills 1 0 2. Totals 25 5 61.

Western Hills (11-8) - Abernathy 1 0 2, Johnson 0 2 2, Thomas 2 1 5, Hill 4 1 9, Davis 1 0 2, Chancellor 0 1 1. Totals 8 5 21.

Halftime: Lakota West 45-7. 3-pointers: L 6 (Cannatelli 2, Neihaus 2, Sh. Reeves, Su. Reeves).

Posted in: Sports, Winter Sports |

Tags: Tags: Dan'Shae Hill, Emily Neihaus, Kelsey Mitchell, Lakota West, Lakota West basketball, Lakota West sports, Lauren Cannatelli, Princeton basketball, Western Hills basketball

To let West Chester and Liberty Township residents catch up with the news that they need to know, WestChesterBuzz.com will list and link to all of last week’s top local stories every Monday morning. (Stories are listed in order of date – due to a short-handed staff, there will not be a “Last week in West Chester” post next Monday)

House Speaker John Boehner talks jobs at Hamilton plant: U.S. House Speaker John Boehner visited ThyssenKrupp Bilstein of America in Hamilton last Monday morning and called on President Obama to work closer with republicans to revive the economy faster. Acknowledging the nation’s ebbing jobless rate, which dropped to 8.3 percent in January compared to 8.5 percent in December, Boehner said the recovery should be further along.

Rick Santorum wins local Tea Party straw poll: Mitt Romney may have won the Nevada caucus and recent primaries in Florida, South Carolina and New Hampshire, but he finished third in the Liberty Township Tea Party straw poll last Monday night. Ironically, Santorum went on to win caucuses in Minnesota and Colorado, as well as a nonbinding primary in Missouri the following night.

Lakota high schools announce National Merit Finalists: Lakota West and Lakota East announced early last week its National Merit Finalists. Receiving the honor from Lakota West High School included seniors Johanna Blake, Sophia Cramer, Kayla McGinnis and Adam Williams. Meanwhile, Dwight Hu, Whitney Wyckoff and Laura Moak received the honor from Lakota East High School.

Firebirds pull away late to defeat Lakota East: After losing by the score of 74-34 to Lakota East last season, Lakota West has defeated its school district rival twice this winter in two closely contested basketball games. The latest victory for the Firebirds took place last Tuesday night when they outscored Lakota East 30-17 in the second half en route to a 57-46 win.

West Chester firms to cut 375 jobs: Nearly 400 workers in West Chester will lose jobs later this year as result of termination notices filed with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Liz Claiborne Inc. confirmed an announcement last year that it will shut its distribution center at 8741 Jacquemin Drive by Sept. 1, eliminating 365 jobs. Separately, Schneider Logistics Inc. said it would eliminate 10 positions by the end of March.

Butler-Warren Road widening project to begin this month: The widening of Butler-Warren Road should ease congestion for thousands of motorists in southeast Butler County and southwest Warren County by year’s end. Plans call for a 2.2-mile stretch of the road between Tylersville and Liberty Way/Mason roads to be widened from two to five lanes at a cost of almost $10 million. County Engineers announced last Wednesday the project would begin Feb. 27.

Butler County Commission candidates participate in forum: Candidates in the Butler County Commission and Butler County Clerk of Courts races participated in a voting forum at the Lakota West Freshman Campus in West Chester last Thursday night. The event attracted a good crowd and featured Republican primary commission candidates including current county Commissioner Chuck Furmon, state Rep. Courtney Combs and political newcomer T.C. Rogers. Also taking the stage in the commission race forum was Democrat Jodi Billerman and Libertarian Daryl R. Olthaus. Both, Billerman and Olthaus, will run in November against the winner of the Republican primary March 6.

Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs opens in West Chester: Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs will open its first Ohio restaurant at 10 a.m. Friday in West Chester. The restaurant, which will be open regularly from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday, is located at 9216 Allen Road in the former Tazza Mia Café off Union Centre Boulevard. The sub chain, which has 96 locations in nine states, prides itself on its freshly baked bread, sliced-to-order meats, healthy food options and inexpensive catering.

Posted in: Business, Election, Events, Government, News, Political events, Schools, Sports, Student achievements, Tea Party, Winter Sports |

Tags: Tags: Butler County Board of Elections, Butler County Commissioner electiion, Butler County Commissioner primary, Butler County Commissioners, Elaine Herrick, Goodcents Cincinnati, Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs, Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs Cincinnati, Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs West Chester, Goodcents West Chester, John Boehner, John Boehner Cincinnati, John Boehner photos, John Boehner West Chester, Ken Korn, Lakota East, Lakota East basketball, Lakota East Sports, Lakota West, Lakota West basketball, Lakota West sports, Last week in West Chester, Liberty Township Tea Party, Plan for America’s Job Creators, Super Tuesday Ohio, ThyssenKrupp Bilstein of America, ThyssenKrupp Bilstein of America Hamilton plant, VanGorden Elemenatry School, West Chester Tea Party

The Lakota East and Lakota West boys’ basketball programs found out Sunday afternoon where, when and who they will play in the Division I district tournament. The drawing was held at Wyoming High School.

Lakota West (13-6 overall, 10-3 in the Greater Miami Conference), which received the No. 9 seed, will open postseason play against the No. 28 seed Loveland Tigers (6-12 overall, 6-8 in the Fort Ancient Valley Conference) at Hamilton at 7 p.m. Feb. 25. The Firebirds still have a regular season game left on the schedule, which will be at home against Hamilton at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Meanwhile, the No. 19 seed Lakota East Thunderhawks (7-12 overall, 4-9 in the GMC) will face No. 12 seed Western Hills (12-6 overall, 6-5 in the Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference) at Hamilton at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24. Lakota East also has one game left in the regular season, which will be played at home against Sycamore (6-13 overall, 2-11 in the GMC) at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Posted in: Sports, Winter Sports |

Tags: Tags: boys' basketball Cincinnati district tournament, boys' basketball district tournament, district tournament, district tournament Cincinnati, Lakota East, Lakota East basketball, Lakota East Sports, Lakota West, Lakota West basketball, Lakota West sports

The Mason Comets (14-6 overall, 10-4 in the Greater Miami Conference) defeated a Lakota West (12-8 overall, 7-7 in the GMC) team, who had won six of its last seven games, by the score of 46-27 Saturday afternoon.

Mason senior Brianna Glover, who will continue her career at Xavier University, led all players in scoring with 20 points and in rebounds with 10.

Meanwhile, off the bench, senior Ali Zieverink scored 13 points in only nine minutes of playing time for the Firebirds.

The game officially ends the regular season for both teams.

For Lakota West, the postseason will begin Wednesday at 6 p.m. when it will face Loveland (4-16 overall, 3-13 in the Fort Ancient Valley Conference) at Harrison High School. Mason, on the other hand, will begin its postseason Saturday at 3 p.m. at Lakota East High School where it will play the winner of a Wednesday night matchup between Mt. Notre Dame (5-15 overall, 2-8 in the Girls Greater Cincinnati League) and Anderson (14-6 overall, 11-5 in the FAVC).

Mason 46, Lakota West 27

Lakota West (12-8, 7-7 in the GMC) – Cannatelli 3 0 7, Mills 1 0 2, Zieverink 6 1 13, Sh. Reeves 2 0 5. Totals: 121 27.

Mason (14-6 overall, 10-4 in the GMC) – Glover 7 5 20, McDowell 2 4 8, Neal 1 4 6, Garner 0 1 1, Herren 1 1 3, Gunn 2 2 6, Ammons 1 0 2. Totals: 14 17 46.

Halftime: Mason 23-8. 3-pointers: L 2 (Cannatelli, Sh. Reeves); M 1 (Glover).

Posted in: Sports, Winter Sports |

Tags: Tags: Ali Zieverink, Brianna Glover, Brianna Glover Xavier, Lakota West, Lakota West basketball, Lakota West sports

Lakota West junior guard Ali Barnes made seven of his 11 three-point attempts and scored 25 points in an 82-73 win against Sycamore Friday. It was the Firebirds’ fifth straight win.

Fellow junior Monty Boykins scored 20 points and pulled down six rebounds in the win. Teammates sophomore guard Tyler Williams (18 points, four assists) and senior forward Jackson Blue (10 points, 14 rebounds) made key contributions for Lakota West.

Meanwhile, Sycamore received strong performances from junior Joey Gruden (25 points, six rebounds), senior A.J. Williams (12 points, five rebounds) and junior Mason Morgan (14 points, 10 rebounds). Gruden made seven of his eight three-point attempts.

With the win, Lakota West improved its overall record to 13-6 and its record within the Greater Miami Conference to 10-3. The Firebirds are currently tied with Mason (16-3 overall, 10-3 in the GMC) for second place in the GMC – only one game behind Middletown (14-5 overall, 11-2 in the GMC).

The Firebirds, which will receive its postseason draw Sunday, has one more regular season game left that will be played next Friday at home at 7:30 p.m. against Hamilton (4-15 overall, 2-11 in the GMC). Meanwhile, Sycamore (6-13 overall, 2-11 in the GMC) will wrap up its season next Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Lakota East (7-12 overall, 4-9 in the GMC).

Lakota West 82, Sycamore 73

Lakota West (13-6 overall, 10-3 in the GMC) – Blue 3 4 10, Barnes 9 2 27, Stalker 2 1 5, Williams 5 3 16, Martin 2 0 4, Boykins 7 3 20. Totals: 28 13 82.

Sycamore (6-13 overall, 2-11 in the GMC) – Gruden 9 0 25, Hill 3 0 9, Farquhar 0 4 4, Faust 0 1 1, Gray 1 2 4, Brown 2 0 4, Morgan 7 0 14, Williams 5 2 12. Totals: 27 9 73.

Halftime: Lakota West 32-31. 3-pointers: L 13 (Barnes 7, Williams 3, Boykins 3); S 10 (Gruden 7, Hill 3).

Posted in: Sports, Winter Sports |

Tags: Tags: A.J. Williams, Ali Barnes, Joey Gruden, Lakota West, Lakota West basketball, Lakota West sports, Mason Morgan, Monty Boykins, Monty Boykins Lakota West, Tyler Williams, Tyler Williams Lakota West

Seniors Mel Stewart and Corri Muhi were each honored during a special signing ceremony at Lakota West High School Thursday. Stewart, who played libero at Lakota West has signed to play volleyball at Northern Kentucky University. Meanwhile, Muhi, who was a middle hitter for Lakota West, will play volleyball at Georgetown College (Ky.).

Stewart, who also considered West Florida, Gannon and Georgetown, was named honorable mention all-state, had 364 digs, was named first team all-GMC and Division I first team all-city by The Cincinnati Enquirer.

“They made me feel like they really wanted me to play for them,” Stewart said. “I also really liked their fast pace level of play. NKU really has a dedication to be a winning program.”

Muha, who also considered Northern Kentucky and Otterbein, has been selected to the all-GMC second team in each of the past two seasons.

“I love the small family-like feel of the campus and how nice and outgoing everyone is there,” Muhi said. “Everyone is always working to make themselves and the team better. They push and support each other to reach their goals.”

Stewart plans on studying athletic training, while Muhi is planning on studying graphic design.

Posted in: Events, Fall sports, School events, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Corri Muha, Lakota West, Lakota West sports, Lakota West volleyball, Mel Stewart, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, recruiting

The athletic departments at Lakota East and Lakota West high schools recently named their athletes of the week. Freshman Lauren Cannatelli and junior Bryan McNamara received the honor at Lakota West, while seniors Alissa Bryant and Grant Wall were honored at Lakota East.

Cannatelli has played a big role in Lakota West’s recent hot streak, which has included six wins in the last seven games. During that span, the freshman has scored in double figures three times. Furthermore, against rival Lakota East Feb. 1, she made a three pointer in the final quarter to produce the ninth and final lead change of the contest.

McNamara was the only Firebird to win an individual championship in the Greater Miami Conference meet at Mason last Saturday. He earned all GMC honors in each of the four events he participated in capped by his all GMC first team honor for winning the 500-yard free style event.

Bryant is a senior cheerleader at Lakota East, while Grant Wall is on the Lakota East boys’ basketball team. According to EastThunderhawks.com, Wall is the best on ball defender on the team. He is a great example of understanding his role and being a great teammate. He is also a member of our “Black Shirt Club.”

Posted in: Sports, Winter Sports |

Tags: Tags: athletes of the week, Lakota athletes of the week, Lakota East, Lakota East athletics, Lakota East basketball, Lakota East cheerleading, Lakota East Sports, Lakota West, Lakota West athletics, Lakota West basketball, Lakota West sports, Lakota West swimming

Lakota West senior Nathan Haynes has been appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy and will be a member of the track team, according to Lakota West Sports Information Director Todd Hummer.

Haynes finished sixth in the 800-meter run at the 2011 Division I state track meet last spring.

He was also the only runner on either Lakota East or Lakota West boys’ squads to qualify for the 2011 Division I cross country meet this past November. Haynes advanced to state after finishing sixth at the regional competition at Troy Memorial Stadium.

Haynes is the third track/cross country athlete to officially commit to a college program this month. On Feb. 2, the day after National Signing Day, Lakota West seniors Brady Holmer and Amanda Shelby were honored for making their college selections. Holmer will attend Northern Kentucky University, while Shelby will attend the College of Mount St. Joseph.

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports, Spring sports |

Tags: Tags: Lakota West, Lakota West cross country, Lakota West sports, Lakota West track, Nathan Haynes, Navy track, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Naval Academy track

For the second time this season Notre Dame (Ky.) lost to a team from the Lakota school district. The latest loss took place Wednesday when Lakota West defeated the Pandas by the score of 50-38.

The victory was the Firebirds’ sixth in the last seven games. Meanwhile, the loss was the fourth of the season for Notre Dame (20-4).

Trailing 11-6 after the first quarter, Lakota West dominated the second quarter and went into halftime with a 30-15 lead.

Overall, 10 Firebirds scored in the win.

Lakota West (12-7 overall, 7-6 in the Greater Miami Conference) will wrap up the regular season at Mason (13-6 overall, 9-4 in the GMC) Saturday at 2 p.m. The Firebirds will then open postseason play next Wednesday at 6 p.m. against Loveland (4-15 overall, 3-12 in the Fort Ancient Valley Conference) at Harrison High School.

Lakota West 50, Notre Dame 38

Notre Dame (20-4 overall) – Schilling 3 3 9, Ogle 1 0 2, Bernhard 1 1 3, Yung 1 3 5, Thelen 2 5 9, Clark 2 4 10. Totals 10 16 38.

Lakota West (12-7, 7-6 in the GMC) – Zieverink 3 2 8, Sh. Reeves 2 0 6, Huxhold 1 0 3, Adams 0 1 1, Cannatelli 2 0 6, Carter 1 0 2, Tomasic 3 1 7, Niehaus 3 0 8, Su. Reeves 1 5 7, McNeal 0 2 2. Totals 16 11 50.

Halftime: Lakota West 30-15. 3-Pointers: N 2 (Clark); L 7 (Sh. Reeves 2, Cannatelli 2, Niehaus 2, Huxhold)

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Lakota West, Lakota West basketball, Lakota West sports, Notre Dame Academy

Lakota West senior defensive end DeVonne Bingham has committed to Urbana University and junior offensive lineman Kyle Meadows has attracted the attention of Florida State University, according The Cincinnati Enquirer’s recruiting expert Mike Dyer.

Lakota West head coach Larry Cox notified Dyer Wednesday that the 6-foot-7 240-pound Bingham would attend Urbana. The defensive end becomes the ninth player in the Firebirds’ senior class to commit to a school to play football.

• Cincinnati Enquirer’s recruiting blog with Mike Dyer
• Lakota West football news from WestChesterBuzz.com

Last week, safety Dawson Fletcher (Indiana University), defensive lineman Blake Bell (California University of Penn.), linebacker Jordan Darland (Olivet Nazarene University), linebacker Cole Stalker (University of Findlay), offensive lineman Beau Odom (Georgetown College), wide receiver Bubba Williams (Lindsey Wilson College), wide receiver Kayaune Ross (Fort Scott Community College) and Marcus Davis (Murray State University – preferred walk-on) signed with colleges.

Meanwhile, the 6-foot-5 295-pound Meadows, has added Florida State to a list of schools that are interested in the offensive lineman. The junior already has offers from the University of Louisville and Youngstown State University.

According to Cox, he has also attracted the attention of Bowling Green, Michigan, Miami (Ohio), Ohio State, Michigan State, Alabama and Georgia. He even attracted new Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer, who attended a Lakota West junior varsity basketball game earlier this month.

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Alabama football, Bowling Green football, Cincinnati football, Florida State football, Florida State University football, Georgia football, Jordan Hicks, Kyle Meadows, Kyle Meadows football recruiting, Kyle Meadows Lakota West, Lakota West, Lakota West football, Lakota West sports, Larry Cox, Louisville football, Miami football, Michigan football, Ohio football recruiting, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, Ohio State football, Urbana football, Urbana University