Friday, February 17, 2023

Shaker Heights Wins 1st Home Playoff Game in a Decade; Headed to 3rd Round

 Shaker Heights Wins 1st Home Playoff Game in Nearly A Decade; 

Will Face Hoban in District Semis 

                Shaker Lady Raiders vs Boardman

By Deon Cash  

The Shaker Heights Lady Raiders have done something truly special in coach Carlton Conwell's first season at the helm. 

They not only won their first game in the OHSAA playoffs, but they also won their first home game in almost 10 years as they grinded out a 46-41 win against Boardman HS in the 2nd round of the OHSAA Girls State Tournament. 

Junior guard Mackenzie Riccitelli was hot and kept the game within reach for Boardman. However, the defense, size and clutch play of Shaker was too much. Riccitelli dropped 22, but it wasn't enough With the win the Lady Raiders are heading to the District Semifinals.  

The Favret sisters did some major work as Cece and Lizzy both scored double figures and hit the boards hard, altering shots and making a difference.


Guard Azaria Bryant-Franklin was also very solid, hitting some big shots and playing a overall good game.

Shaker will now face Akron Hoban, who is the #6 seed, and that game will be at Perry HS on Tuesday (6pmET). 

"I'm really proud of the way we stepped up at home tonight. The Favret sisters and Azaria played well and lead for us. We have played 10 girls all season, so next girl up is the mentality. Conwell stated. 

"We are watching film as we speak, and we will be ready for Hoban."

Despite the tough times this season, the team has been able to focus and we will need that next Tuesday as well. 


Follow Shaker Heights Lady Raiders on their journey 

@Shakerladyraiders  

@madeinOhio216

@SELive365 

Dunbar Legend Darran Powell Launches Training Combine; Cleared To Coach HS Again; Ohio State, USC, Utah, Others To Attend Combine

Dunbar Football Legend Darran Powell Launches Training Combine

Powell Cleared To Coach HS Again; Ohio State, USC, Utah, UAB, Other Colleges To Attend Combine

By Deon Cash

Darren Powell, one of the better football coaches in the Miami Valley, lost his opportunity to coach the Dunbar Wolverines 5 years ago. 

Powell, a former Dunbar star who played at Cincinnati, was a coach who had taken the Wolverines program to elite status (8-1) and was headed to a OHSAA tournament berth when things went south for him and the program he had came up with from the time he was a little kid. 

Powell would be blamed and was suspended indefinitely for being accused of playing an ineligible player. He would not be able to coach in High School again.

                     D.Cash (L) & Darran Powell (R) 

Powell would firmly and thoroughly deny the accusations, despite most not believing in him. It wouldn't matter, as Powell would be thrown through the mud and deemed guilty by OHSAA, Dayton Public Schools, and whoever else heard the story.

For Powell, that moment would be crippling, but not something Powell would let stop him from doing what he loved to do: Helping the youth elevate to the next level. 

Over the next few years, Powell admitted, it was a hard journey.

"I knew I was innocent and did not do what they were saying I did. It was tough to hear all the reports and see that people thought I had done that. 

"There was nothing I could do but pray and figure out what I was going to do next." Powell would state.

After numerous hearings and waiting for years to for OHSAA to do their due diligence, it finally happened before this season started: 

Powell would be reinstated to become a head coach in OHSAA again starting 2022-23 season. 

Powell felt vindicated, relieved, and happy at the same time.

"I knew I was innocent, and it showed once everything came out. I'm glad to be able to coach in the high school setting again."

While Powell was working with the family business, he got a opportunity to get back in coaching last season, as he was a Assistant Coach with the Flyght Academy last season. The Flyght Academy lost in the playoffs and it renewed his energy to get back to a head coaching position, when the time is right.

It felt good get back in the fold and be out there on the field."  

But Powell has shifted his focus to his new training program, which will be launching his first ever football Showcase / Combine next week. Powell started his training program last year, and has taken it to new heights this year.


 The name of the Showcase is the Hindsight To Go Training / Combine, which launches thisMonday (20th). 

It will feature kids from 3rd grade all the way through high school. 

"I have been wanting to launch this for 5 years. Now is the time. I'm excited for all the coaches, players, and college scouts who will be attending and watching." 

With Springfield, Trotwood, Piqua, West Carrollton, Tippecanoe, and the City League committed, it will be a great vibe at Dayton Sports Complex, which is under new ownership. All the coaches, AD's, and players will have their invites by Friday.  

"We are looking for 50-100 kids in each grade. We will have S.E.Live365 there to launch the Live Stream. There will be a host of media available. We will have a guest speaker or two. So yes, it will be a big day on the 20th. If you want to get better, be evaluated, and be around some professional and hard-working football players, come to the event." Powell said. 

With commitments from over 20 D-1 & D-2  colleges, the event has already created a national buzz in its first year. 

And we're talking about Power 5 Conferences who have committed, so expect a influx of other schools to watch as well.

The event will be streamed, as you can watch the combine and different drills on the website. 

For more information, go to www.SELive365.com