Royals Eliminate Bucks

By Todd Enders


The Wynford Royals and the Buckeye Central Bucks squared in their third meeting of the season in the sectional championship game. The Royals caged the Bucks by maintaining controlled of entire game, winning 67-58, for the sectional title.


Wynford played extremely well as a team to get the victory. Defensively the Royals frustrated the Bucks offense holding Grant Loy to only 10 points. A very aggressive defense forced Buckeye Central out of their game plan as they trailed most of the game. It was Jacob Shade's effort that kept the Bucks in the game leading all scores on the evening with 27 points.

Offensively for the Royals, they put four players in double figures. Alex Crall had a team high 16 points while Braxton Tea added 14, Jack Reed dropped 11, and Nate Sparks muscled in 10. Coach Jason Engel said, "A great team effort was the key to defeating the Bucks tonight."

The Royals improve to 15-9 and advance on to face the No.2 seed Mansfield St Peter's in the district semifinals at Willard High School with a game time of 8 p.m.

Boys Varsity Basketball

Eagles Eliminate Royals in Sectional Final

By: Todd Enders, "Royal Times"

The Colonel Crawford Eagles were too much to handle for the Wynford Royals. The Royals put together three successful quarters against the Eagles; unfortunately the game involved four quarters for the Royals. Wynford played a solid 24 minutes, but the Eagles played a complete 32 minutes. Coach Steve Mohr was pleased with the Royals effort. "We give ourselves a chance in the fourth quarter. Its a cliche, but the games 32 minutes long. As well as we played for 24 minutes to keep within touch, we weren't quite as good as Crawford on the offensive end."

The first quarter saw the Royals get out to a 5-0 lead, but the Eagles stopped the run with a steady dose of three's and inside post play. The Royals, Hunter Miller, had the hot hand as he kept the Royals close with 10 of the his 12 points for the Royals in the first quarter. The Eagles lead after one quarter of play, 16-12.

The second quarter found the Eagles jumping out to a quick nine point lead 21-12 as the Royals were forced to call a timeout to slow the Eagles momentum. Crawford increased their lead to as many as 13 points during the second quarter, 25-12, when Wynford had difficulty scoring. The Royals managed to put together a run before the half cutting the Eagles lead to seven before intermission, 27-20.

The Eagles came out a little sluggish on the defensive end of the court to start of the second half and the Royals took advantage of their effort. Wynford outscored the Eagles in the third 18-17, and managed to get within three of Crawford during the third quarter. Alex Crall and Mason Davis hit back to back threes to bring it to, 39-36, in favor of the Eagles. This was as close as the Royals would get with the Eagles holding on to a 44-38 lead at the end of the third quarter.

The fourth quarter was the difference in the game. Crawford outscored the Royals 20-3 in the fourth quarter by increasing their defensive intensity and getting to the foul line. Crawford's defensive pressure forced some crucial turnovers by the Royals, and the Eagles converted on 19-22 from the foul line was the difference in the game. "Their defensive intensity made it difficult for us to get into our sets and reverse the basketball, and they got to the line and hit their foul shots. That was the difference in the game.", according to Coach Mohr. 

The Royals were lead in scoring by Hunter Miller with 18 points and Mason Davis and Jake Glowaski with 9. The Eagles now advance to district play at Ashland University while the Royals disappointing, 8-16, season comes to an end with the 64-41 loss to the Eagles.

Boys Varsity Basketball

Royals Advance to Sectional Finals

By: Todd Enders, "Royal Times"

The Wynford Royals (7-15) and the Ashland-Crestview Cougars (7-15) faced off in the first round of the Northwest District III Sectional Tournament. The Cougars came in with a sizable advantage in height but that did not affect the Royals and post player, Jake Glowaski. Wynford put together a great team effort on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court. Coach Steve Mohr was very pleased with the Royals defensive effort. "We played great on the defense, holding them to 37 points on the night." This was a great team effort."

The Royals came out from the opening tip using a fast paced attack pushing the ball up the court on the offensive end. Wynford took an early 7-0 lead forcing Ashland-Crestview to call an early timeout at the 5:53 mark and pushed their lead to 11-0 before the Cougars put any points on the scoreboard with 4:40 remaining in the first quarter. This lead could have been even bigger, but the Royals missed some easy shots in the paint leading after one quarter of play, 17-11.

The Cougars managed to stay within reach of the Royals during the second quarter. Although, Wynford continued to advance the ball up the court on the offensive end while playing very aggressively on defense. Alex Crall, sophomore, gave the Royals a big boost going in at halftime leading, 27-19, hitting a baseline jumper at the buzzer.

The third quarter got off to a slow start for both teams. The first score by either team did not occur until 5:34 when the Cougars hit a big three cutting the Royals lead to six. Another quick steal and dunk by Ashland-Cresview cut the lead to two forcing the Royals to take a timeout. The Royals had great looks at the basket, but could not get anything to fall. The Royals, Mason Davis, finally got Wynford on the board at the 3:00 mark in the third quarter. After all the difficulty with scoring during the third quarter, Wynford still managed to maintain their 29-25 lead during this struggling stretch. The third quarter came to an end with Alex Crall hitting another big shot, a three pointer, with seconds left giving the Royals a 37-30 lead. 

The fourth quarter sent the Royals on a 12-2 run taking a sizable lead. Jake Glowaski was a big part of this run where he added 11 of his game high 19 points. Coach Mohr was very pleased with Jake's performance. "Jake played very well offensively and finished when given the ball in the paint." This run put a dagger in the Cougars and gave Wynford the win finishing off the Ashland-Crestview, 50-37.

Also contributing to the Wynford scoring attack was Mason Davis with 9 and Alex Crall with 7. When asked, "How big this win was for the Royals?"  He replied, "I am very happy for the team. The kids get a chance to play for a sectional championship against, rival, Colonel Crawford." This win improves the Royals to 8-15 on the season and winning four of the last five games. 

The sectional championship game against the Eagles takes place Friday evening at 6:15 pm at Lexington High School.

Announcement: Wynford Athletic Department

The Wynford Athletic Department will be selling boy's sectional final basketball tickets. The Game will be played on Friday February 28th at Lexington High School and will start at 6:15 P.M. Tickets can be purchased during school hours beginning on Wednesday February 26th. Tickets will be sold until Friday February 28th at 12:00 P.M. Adult ticket prices for the basketball game will be $6.00. Student ticket prices for the basketball game will be $4.00. All tickets at the door will be $6.00. Thank you for your support and GO ROYALS!

Boys Baketball

Royals Split with Vikings

By: Kelsey Redden, “Royal Times”

On Tuesday, February 18, the Royals hosted the River Valley Vikings. The junior varsity Royals made an early 9-0 run to start the game and forced the Vikings to take a timeout. After the timeout, the the Vikings quickly added six points cutting into the Royals lead, but that is the closest the Vikings would be the entire game. The Royals maintained the six point advantage on the Vikings, 18-12, at the end of the first quarter. The Royals offensively and defensively stepped up their play in the second quarter increasing their lead on the Vikings. The Royals found a hot hand and began hitting shot after shot. Wynford’s defense only allowed the Vikings to score six points in the second quarter as the they struggled to keep up with the Royals. Going into the half, the Royals had a large 22 point advantage and the momentum leading the Vikings, 40-18. In the third quarter, the Royals struggled handling the ball, committing turnovers, but were still able to maintain a sizable lead on the Vikings. The third quarter score was 57-23 and saw the biggest gap between the two teams; a 24 point advantage for the Royals. The junior varsity ended the fourth quarter with a 21 point win over the Vikings, 71-50. The leading scorers for the Royals were Braxton Tea, 24, Alex Crall, 13, and Matt Hall, 8. The Royals were able to tack on a big win improving to 11-9 overall. 

Before the varsity game, senior winter sport athletes and pep band members were recognized. The senior basketball boys included: Mason Davis, Jake Glowaski, Zach Lear, Michael Miller, Mark Pfiefer, Gage Roe, and Kallan Stiles. The senior cheerleaders included: Joanee Church, Autumn Tea, and Maria Ulmer. The pep band included: Cody Barth, Cody Lester, Rachel Redolf, and Madison Graham. The senior swimmers included: Madison Graham and Sara Hoffman. Seniors were escorted down center court by their parents as their names were announced. After the game, coach Steve Mohr recognized the senior players and spoke about them individually. Coach Mohr said, “That he was very proud of his seniors on how they have kept the team together throughout the season and never gave up”. 

In the varsity game, the Royals were taking on a very talented 17-4 Viking team. The Vikings scored first, but the Royals were able to answer back; staying within seven with 1:50 remaining. The Vikings led the Royals 21-11 by the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Royals were able to slow down the Vikings offense but were unable to stop them from scoring. The Royals were able stay within nine of the Vikings as they went into halftime, 32-23. The Royals started the third quarter off well but the Vikings were able to match each run the Royals put together, leading the Royals 49-38 at the end of the third quarter. The Royals put together a run during the fourth quarter where the boys showed the most drive. The senior players really stepped up in the game and were vocal both on and off the court. They were major contributors cutting into the Vikings lead. During the first minute of the fourth quarter, Wynford cut into River Valley’s eleven point lead, scoring five quick, closing the gap, 49-43. The Royals defense was able to step up and keep the Vikings from scoring for just over two minutes. This brought the Royals even closer with 3:10 to go in the fourth; Keaton Teynor hit a big three bringing Wynford to within four, 55-51. After a River Valley foul, Mason Davis hit both foul shots bringing the Royals to within two points, 55-53. As the quarter drew to an end, the Royals ran out of gas and were unable to surpass the Vikings, 68-56. The Vikings improved to 18-4 overall while the Royals fall to 6-15 overall. Top scorers for the Royals were Austin Shutler with 13, Keaton Teynor, 12, and Jake Glowaski, 10. The boys next game is a tournament game at Lexington High School against Ashland-Crestview on Tuesday, February 24th at 6:15 p.m.

Royals Host the Eagles

Royals Fall Short to the Eagles

Meghan Harrer, “Royal Times”

On Friday, February 14, the Wynford Royals hosted the Colonel Crawford Eagles in their final match up in the NCC. The Royals stuck with the Eagles throughout the entire game. The first half was a back and forth battle which the Eagles led at halftime 22-20. The second half was just as exciting and the Royals/Eagles battle continued. It was almost a given that the game was going down to the wire as the score continued to remain close throughout the third quarter with the Royals taking the lead at its end, 32-31. The fourth quarter brought the most excitement of the game with three minutes left to go in the fourth quarter junior, Mason Johnson, drains a three to bring the Royals with in one of the Eagles, 43-42. Each team continued to trade baskets at this point to add to the excitement. After Braxton Tea’s jump shot at the foul line made the score 50-49 in favor of the Eagles, the Royals were forced to foul and send Crawford to the line. The Eagles only connected on one foul shot giving the Royals a shot to tie. Alex Crall drives in the lane and makes a layup tying the game at 51 sending the game into overtime. Tucker Hall started overtime off by getting fouled and making a free throw giving the Royals a 52-51 advantage. The Eagles would take control after this and pull away from the Royals winning 58-52. The Royals were led in scoring by Alex Crall with 22 and James Ort with 14. The junior varsity falls to 9-9 overall and 6-6 in the NCC.

The varsity tipped off and the Royals got out to a fast start taking an early 2-0 lead, but that lead would be short lived. The Eagles drained back to back 3’s and never looked back taking an early twelve point lead with two minutes left in the first. Jake Glowaski finished the first quarter with a great post move for two of his 15 points; getting fouled and converting a three point play cutting the Eagles lead to eleven, 19-8. The Royals used this as a boost to start the second quarter. Coming out Mason Davis hit a big three continuing to cut into the Eagles lead. As the Royals gained momentum and got the Royal fans involved, Jake Glowaski makes a tip back bucket off a rebound to make it a nine point game. Later on in the second Austin Shutler makes two big three’s to make it a six point game. Although, the Eagles put a stop to the come back using great outside shooting; hitting three of their ten three’s on the night and pulled away at halftime, 41-29. During halftime, the Wynford varsity cheerleaders performed a routine that they have been practicing for weeks. Nicole Eckert, head coach, along with the Wynford fans were on their feet cheering for her squad. The name of the routine was called “Swagger Jagger”. Hoping to cut into the Eagles lead after intermission, the Royals tried to use a perimeter game to start the third. Mason Davis had the hot hand connecting on three of his six three’s on the night leading all scorers with 25 points on the night . The Eagles would not give in and also continued to shoot well from the floor. The Royals trailed 60-37 with two minutes left in the third, and Gage Roe tried to give the Royals another spark at the end of the third quarter by sinking a half-court buzzer beater making it 64-43. The Eagles were just too much for the Royals and continued on their winning ways to defeat Wynford, 74-61. The loss brings the Royals record to 4-14 overall and 2-10 in the conference. Austin Shutler also contributed 10 points for the Royals. Wynford will be back in action Saturday night for another NCC match-up against the Crestline Bulldogs.

Winter Homecoming

Stuckman Crowned Winter Homecoming Queen

By: Brooke Miller, The "Royal Times"

On December 20, 2013, during the junior varsity halftime, the 2013 Winter Homecoming crowning took place at Wynford High School. Wynford’s annual Winter Homecoming consists of a set of girls, one freshman, one sophomore, one junior, and three seniors. The girls all dressed in their nicest ball gowns were escorted down the court by one of the six basketball seniors this year. First up was freshman, Hannah Underwood who was escorted by Jake Glowaski. After Hannah and Jake took their place at the three-point line, the next announced girl was sophomore Jade Stuckman. Jade, however was wheeled in by Mason Davis rather than walking, due to her recent ACL tear during basketball. The crowd found humor when Mason wheeled Jade in a circle at half court. Then came junior attendant Samantha Lambert and her escort Mark Pfeifer. This was Samantha’s second year to be one of the underclassman attendants! After all the underclassmen took their positions, the seniors came. First announced was Kayli Stuckman, escorted by Michael Miller. After Kayli and Michael was second senior, Reegan Scott and her escort Gage Roe. The final senior was Beth DeLong with Zach Lear by her side.

After all the seniors were in place, 2012 Homecoming Queen, Haley Kocher walked down for her last time with her escort, senior, Kallan Stiles. Once Haley stood half court and waited for the queen to be announced, the whole crowd and girls, waited impatiently, anticipating who was going to be crowned. Once the band was done playing, Haley Kocher crowned Kayli Stuckman as the 2013 Winter Homecoming Queen. After the crowning, the queen and her court received VIP seating behind the scorers table to watch the rest of the junior varsity and varsity game where the Royals defeated the BucyrusRedmen55-42.

     

Boys Basketball

Wynford Royals Defeat Rivalry

By: Allie Crall, “The Royal Times”

On December 20, 2013, at Wynford High School, the Royals defeated the Redmen by playing as a team and doing what was needed for a victory. The Royals were 2-3 heading into the game against the Redmen. The Royals were ready to face their rivalry starting the game off shooting well and leading at the end of the first quarter. At the half, the Royals found themselves trailing 23-19 after the Redmen forced the Royals to commit numerous turnovers. After half time, the Royals played a near flawless second half outscoring the Redmen for a 55-42 victory. Top scorers for the Royals were Mason Davis and Jake Glowaski each with 13 points. This game brings the Royals to 3-3 overall and 1-0 in the conference. Junior, Hunter Miller said, “It was an all around team win, we made stops when we needed them and came out on top.” This was a great victory for the Royals to boost their confidence heading into another conference game at Upper Sandusky High School on December 27th at 6:00 p.m. taking on the Rams.

In junior varsity action, the Royals also downed the Redmen with a strong offensive performance. The junior varsity Royals were also 2-3 heading into the game. The Royals were in control the whole game; Bucyrus was never able to take the lead at any point. At the half, the Royals lead 24-18. After intermission, the Redmen and the Royals stepped up their game and made the second half very exciting. The Redmen staged a strong fourth quarter comeback and the fourth quarter got intense. This did not stop the Royals though. It was not until a Redman player was called for a technical foul, after slamming the basketball, disagreeing with an official's call. This sent Alex Crall to the line for two free throws and the Royals ending with possession of the ball. It was then clear who was going to win this game, the Royals 48-43. The Royals were led in scoring by Braxton Tea with 14 points and Alex Crall with 13. Sophomore, Alex Crall said, “When the game got tough we kept our composure to hold off their late run. It is always nice to beat Bucyrus.” The junior varsity Royals now stand 3-3 overall and 1-0 in the conference.

Boys Basketball

Shelby Whips the Royals in Home Opener

By: Brooke Miller

Saturday, December 7,  the boys basketball team hosted their first home basketball game of the season against the Shelby Whippets.  This was a big event for Wynford.  Many alumni from the past 50 years attended the game after their luncheon and alumni games earlier in the afternoon. The Royals got off to a slow start, not clicking on all cylinders, with the Whippets leading after one quarter of play 23-9. The Whippets continued to stay hot offensively while the Royals still had difficulty putting the ball through the rim trailing at halftime 40-20. The Royals tried to regroup during halftime but could not overcome a 20 point deficit to the Whippets trailing after three quarters of play 63-30.  The Royals continued to struggle against Shelby’s aggressive defense while Shelby had no difficulty running the floor and scoring easily on the Royals with a final of 72-46. The leading scorer for the Royals was junior Austin Shutler with 13 points.  The next home game for the Royals is Friday, December 13 against the Buckeye Central Bucks at 6 p.m.

Royals Upset at Home Opener

By: Allie Crall

Also on Saturday, the Wynford Royals junior varsity boys basketball team hosted the Shelby Whippets. The Royals led after the first quarter 15-14 where the Royals and Whippets exchanged leads. At the end of the half, the Royals trailed the Whippets 34-28. Each team had great offensive and defensive output during the first half.  At halftime, many previous athletes from the Royals basketball program were recognized including past players, coaches, and managers during the 50th Anniversary celebration. The Royals could not continue to match the Whippets offensive output as they tightened their grip defensively on the Royals. The Whippets took a sizable lead after three quarters of play 50-37. The fourth quarter for each team lacked scoring where the Royals only added four points and the Whippets seven making the final 57-41 Shelby. Braxton Tea lead the Royals in scoring with 14 and James Ort contributed 12. The Junior Varsity Boys will be back in action on Friday the 13th of December at Wynford High School against the Buckeye Central Bucks.