Benjamin Hercik

1 week ago | mahoningmatters.com | Benjamin Hercik

A familiar face is back on the sidelines for Lake Catholic. Matt Moran led the team from 2014-2022 and compiled a record of 110-81 and a district title in 2017. He then took the job as dean of students and left the Cougars' bench, but he wasn't away from the court. He took a role as an assistant coach at John Carroll under his brother Pete, who is the head coach, and Pat, who is also an assistant. When the opportunity came to return to the Cougars, Moran jumped at the chance.

1 week ago | news-herald.com | Benjamin Hercik

PLAYER OF THE YEARAJ TrobenterLake Catholic, seniorWhenever the Cougars needed a big hit this season, Trobenter answered the call. The Tri-C signee finished the season hitting .495 and found the over-the-wall power that had been laying dormant for the past two seasons, as he had five trips around the bases. His power benefited the Cougars’ strong bottom of the order as he had 30 RBI with 13 doubles and a triple.

1 week ago | news-herald.com | Benjamin Hercik

PLAYER OF THE YEARCarmella NilssonKenston, seniorHer ability to do a little bit of everything not only helped some of the new names for the Bombers get used to the varsity game but a second straight season of 13 wins. Nilsson led The News-Herald coverage area with 78 goals while also putting up 18 assists as well. The Tusculum signee also made an impact on the defensive end, racking up a total of 65 ground balls and 25 takeaways to lead on both sides of the field.

1 week ago | mahoningmatters.com | Benjamin Hercik

PLAYER OF THE YEARLuke SmileyMayfield, sophomoreEvery team needs a leader. Luke Smiley has embodied that in several different ways. During his freshman year, he helped start the Mayfield boys volleyball team from scratch. This season, not only did he play at a high level, he propelled the Wildcats to the second seed in Division II, Region 7 and elevated the play of the team around him.

1 week ago | news-herald.com | Benjamin Hercik

PLAYER OF THE YEARSean McKee Senior, Chagrin FallsEvery year, Chagrin Falls has a strong group that contends for state trips and player of the year honors. This season, the play of Sean McKee helped elevate the Tigers to that level and beyond. The Lafayette signee led the team in goals with 52 and assists with 36. Opponents often focused on him in the attack, but that allowed him to find the open man and create off of double teams.