Sports

MHS girls fall to Braves
Sports
Marysville’s Laine Dumbauld (20) gets halted and blocked by Olentangy’s Payton Kolberg (14) during the first half. The junior forward notched five points for the Lady Monarchs. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Aleksei Pavloff 
December 15, 2025
Marysville’s girls basketball team suffered its second divisional loss to Olentangy, 60-42, on Friday. The Lady Monarchs slipped to 4-3 overall on the season and 0-2 in the OCC Cardinal Division. The ...
Fairbanks, Pioneer boys turn in hoop wins
Sports
Evan Wiedmann (1) of Fairbanks goes in for a basket in this file photo. Wiedmann helped the Panthers to a win over Mechanicsburg. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
By Tim Miller 
December 15, 2025
Fairbanks’ boys cagers upped their record to 4-0 on Friday with a 47-27 victory at Mechanicsburg. Neither team did much to light up the scoreboard during the opening eight minutes of action. FHS took ...
Monarch boys drop game to Olentangy
Sports
Drew Chaffin (10) goes up for a shot against Olentangy. The Monarchs fell to the Braves 57-43. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
By Tim Miller 
December 15, 2025
Marysville’s boys basketball team slipped to 0-4 with a 57-43 loss to Olentangy on Friday. Monarch head coach Mark Tinklenberg, however, isn’t ready to push the panic button. “Our process in our pract...
North Union girls, boys notch hoop wins over Benjamin Logan
Sports
North Union’s Glory Blevins (11) wins the tip-off in this file photo. The Lady Cats upped their record to 6-1 with a victory over Benjamin Logan. (Journal-Tribune photo by Bob Putman)
By Bob Putman 
December 15, 2025
An explosive first half led North Union to a 70-25 victory over Benjamin Logan on Saturday at Benjamin Logan. The Lady Cats (6-1) scored 19 points in the first quarter and followed that with a 31-poin...
MHS swimmers defeat JA
Sports
Marysville’s Lila Kis, left, and Jonathan Alder’s Lily Schneider dive into the pool during Thursday’s meet at the Union County YMA. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Tim Miller 
December 13, 2025
Marysville’s swimming teams notched dual meet victories over Jonathan Alder. The MHS boys claimed a 133-20 triumph over Alder, while the girls won by a 94-67 count. Top places for individual swimmers ...
New coach will lead lady wrestlers
Sports
Jonathan Alder’s girls wrestling team is pictured from left, front row, Savannah Higgins, Tristen Gregory, Samantha Waugh, Victoria Bobrova, Bella Lopez, Gwyneth Davis and Hallie Poehler; second row, Maria Garcia, Reese Thomas, Heaven Cordle, Allison Funk, Elsie Holmes and Paige Sifrit; back row, assistant coach Ava Ater, Weston Oross, Betzy Lazaro Munoz, Vanessa Delarosa, Olivia Ranney, Ismerai Martinez-Perez, Mariela Vazquez-Osorio, Perla Gonzalez-Sanchez, Yadira Narcizo and head coach Joe Higgins. Not pictured, Phoebe Trimble and assistant coach Mike Fooce. (Photo submitted)
By Aleksei Pavloff 
December 13, 2025
Jonathan Alder’s girls wrestling team has new leadership. The growth of girls wrestling has benefitted new head coach Joe Higgins and his team. The program boasts 21 athletes, improving the numbers fr...
JA boys grapplers hope to keep standards high with new faces on mat
Sports
Members of the Jonathan Alder boys wrestling program are from left, front row, Max Reichenbach, Jacob South, Ellis Coleman, Ryan Renner, Tripp Baker, Nash Bowshier and Cameron Watkins; second row, Tyler Rapp, Grant Teach, TJ Maynard, Kelson Smith, Miles Pierson, Lane Rowe, Liam Harpster and Marcos Martinez; third row, Ayden Wilson, Luke Knox, Carson Watkins, Aiden Ricker, Paul Byerly, Rayce Watson, Nixon Baker and Edward Anderson; fourth row, assistant coaches Nick Harpster and Troy Smith, head coach Tony Watson and assistant coach Zach Schuller. Not pictured, Noah Kusek and assistant coaches Zane Johnson and Dom Prezzia. (Photo submitted)
By Aleksei Pavloff 
December 13, 2025
Jonathan Alder’s boys wrestling program seeks to keep its standards high while welcoming fresh new faces into the fold. The Pioneers  qualified three athletes to last year’s  Division II state tournam...
Vets return for JA bowling programs
Sports
The Pioneer boys varsity bowling team is from left, front row, Jaxen Taber, Camden Overmyer, Fred Bluhm and Andrew Honigford; second row, head coach Rusty Walter, James Zimmerman, Braden Warren, Grant Headings, Cooper Fleming and Gavin Murphy. (Submitted photo)
By Tim Miller 
December 13, 2025
A good number of lettermen return for Jonathan Alder’s boys bowling team. Those veterans include seniors Braden Warren (205) Grant Headings (210) and Fred Bluhm (190). They are joined by junior Gavin ...
Letterwinners back for swimmers
Sports
Members of Jonathan Alder’s swimming program are from left, front row, Emme Edwards, Lily Schneider and Leah Roseberry; second row, Alaina Nussbaum, Jenna Murphy, Eliza Shuping, Leyla Ruth and Gwyneth Davis; third row, Hunter Coffey, Andrew Bush, Henry Drewes, Parker Bates, Ian Yoder and head coach Katie Bumgarner. Not pictured, assistant coach Kaitlyn Vaughn. (Photo submitted)
By Tim Miller 
December 13, 2025
There are a total of 13 athletes in the Jonathan Alder swimming program for the 2025-2026 season. The girls team will feature seven returning letter winners who will compete in various events. The vet...
Alder girls in rebuilding mode
Sports
Jonathan Alder’s girls varsity basketball team is pictured from left, front row, Carys Jaskiewicz, Makenna Keene, Elliott Hecht, Corynn Magginis, Logan Donaldson, Alexis May and Kennedy McGrath; second row, assistant coach Skyler Beachy, assistant coach Scott Dietrich, Lily Hilbert, Alaina Reynolds, Isla Beatty, Caroline Timberlake, Kallie Sajdyk, Izzy Griffin and head coach Natalie McGrath. (Photo submitted)
By Tim Miller 
December 13, 2025
It will be a rebuilding type of season for Jonathan Alder’s girls basketball team. There are only two players -Kennedy McGrath and Caroline Timberlake – who have returned after seeing extensive playin...
JA team should still be strong despite loss of 2025 lettermen
Sports
The Pioneer boys varsity basketball team is pictured from left, front row, Ollie Miller, Ben McCain, Brady Sweet, Garrett Bauer, Chase Muetzel, Seth Hostetler, JJ Weese, Mitch McGrath and Drew King; second row, head coach Derek Dicke, assistant coaches Scott Heiss and Jackie Santa-Emma, Reed Jackson, Sam Moeller, Byron Byerly, Trey Bentley, Danny Bentley and assistant coaches Kip Garrison and Thomas Urban. Not pictured, David Urban (Stats). (Photo submitted)
By Tim Miller 
December 13, 2025
Jonathan Alder lost several lettermen from last year’s boys basketball team that finished as a regional runner-up during the post-season tournament. Before you start, however, feeling sorry for the Pi...
NU bowlers drop matches to BL
Sports
By Bob Putman 
December 12, 2025
North Union lost a pair of bowling matches to Benjamin Logan on Wednesday. The boys team was defeated 2735-2410. Riley Otten led the Wildcats with a 235 game and a 423 two-game series. Zach Howald fin...
MHS’ JJ Henry named to third-team All-Ohio honors
Sports
Marysville senior JJ Henry (2) eludes a defender during a game from the 2025 season. Henry has been named to third-team All-Ohio honors. (Journal-Tribune photo by Chad Williamson)
By Tim Miller 
December 12, 2025
A Marysville High School senior football player has earned All-Ohio accolades for the 2025 campaign. JJ Henry has been named to the state’s Division I third team as a running back by the Ohio Prep Spo...
Lady Panthers cruise to hoop victory over Jets; Triad squads fall
Sports
Hannah Boehm of Fairbanks (3) attempts a shot in this file photo. Boehm scored eight points during a victory over Northeastern on Wednesday. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
By Tim Miller 
December 12, 2025
Northeastern didn’t provide much opposition for Fairbanks’ girls basketball team on Wednesday. The Lady Panthers (4-1) coasted to a 53-10 victory. Fairbanks held an 18-6 lead after the opening period ...
Jonathan Alder, North Union gridders earn first-team All-Ohio
Sports
These local high school football players have earned first-team All-Ohio honors for the 2025 season. They are from left, Jonathan Alder’s Cashton Wheeler (1) and Trey Bentley (3) in Division IV and North Union’s Griffin Osborne, Division V. (Journal-Tribune photos by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Tim Miller 
December 12, 2025
A trio of area football athletes received top honors as the Ohio Prep Sports Media Association recently announced its Division IV and V All-Ohio teams. Jonathan Alder running back Cashton Wheeler and ...
Gymnasts open with victory
Sports
Marley Phillips of Marysville competes in the vault in this file photo. The Lady Monarchs defeated Thomas Worthington during their opening meet of the 2025-2026 season. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
By Tim Miller 
December 12, 2025
Marysville High School’s gymnastics team earned a victory during its first meet of the season. The Lady Monarchs scored a 122.15-119.95 verdict over Thomas Worthington on Wednesday. Individual results...
NU boys bowlers are veteran group; girls in rebuilding mode
Sports
Members of North Union’s boys bowling team are from left, front row, Copas, Rhett Staley, Landon Manning, Ben Suttles, Riley Otten and Landon Moss; middle row, head coach Matt Donohue, Connor Rhodes, Lucas Tanner, Ethan Gorman, Zach Howald, Keegan Donohue and assistant coach Izzy Pinardi; back row, Brady Stanley, Gavin Amrine and assistant coach Mike Donohue. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Bob Putman 
December 11, 2025
The North Union boys and girls bowling teams are in opposite of each other. The boys team returns several key members from last year, while the girls lost several bowlers to graduation. “I got four va...
Girls team will have new head coach this winter
Sports
North Union’s girls wrestling team is pictured from left, front row, Saige King, Kylynn Thompson and Zorie Franklin; second row, Anistyn Wilson, Rylee Horne, Aliana Smith and Addison Kirby; third row, girls head coach Skyla Hickok, Madison Goad, Jadyn Rowe, Katy Converse and boys head coach Garrett Andrews. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Aleksei Pavloff 
December 11, 2025
North Union’s girls wrestling program has a dedicated head coach this season with high expectations for the group. The Lady Cats will have a new face in their corner this season. Prior to the start of...
NU boys wrestlers hope to advance from 2024-25
Sports
NU’s boys wrestling team is pictured from left, front row, Collin Welch, Deegan Parks, Landon Long, Jaystin Beeney and Ben Bonnell; second row, Kory Ransome, Kingston Alvorado, Corey Gillium, Jack Kemp, Brody Rote and Luke Brown; third row, Noah Huddleston, Jason Rankin, Logan Lewis, Broden O’Reilly and Mason Andrews. Not pictured, head coach Garrett Andrews. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Aleksei Pavloff 
December 11, 2025
North Union’s boys wrestling team seeks to pick up where last season concluded. Last season, the Wildcats did not have any representation at the Division III state tournament. A difficult sectional to...
NU Lady Cat hoopsters look to continue success
Sports
Members of North Union’s varsity girls basketball squad are from left, front row, Kailin McElroy, Gabby Lindsey, Kailyn Colegrove and Kennedy Harrah; middle row, Reeslyn Riffle, Chloe McElroy and Tinlee Martino; back row, assistant coach Taylor Day, Emma McElroy, Morgan Mask, Glory Blevins, Kale Kohler and head coach Mitchell Loomis. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Bob Putman 
December 11, 2025
Over the past few years the North Union girls basketball team has achieved much success. It has won four straight Central Buckeye Conference Mad River Division titles and were Central District runners...
NU football playoff run means later start for Wildcat boys hoops
Sports
North Union’s boys varsity basketball team is pictured from left, front row, Wyatt Arver, Trenor Kite, Josiah Stover, Trace Huff, Jaxon Jolliff, Brevyn Martino and Nickolas Hajjar; back row, Dylan Asher, Ethan Monroe, Max White, Xavier Gruber and Dainon Lindsey. (Photo courtesy of Lady Brio Photography)
By Bob Putman 
December 11, 2025
It has been several years since the North Union boys basketball team faced a season in which it got off to a late start. As a result of the football team reaching the Division V regional finals, the W...
Pioneers turn back River Valley
Sports
By Tim Miller 
December 11, 2025
Jonathan Alder’s boys basketball team got back on the winning track with Tuesday’s 68-46 victory at River Valley. The Pioneers held a 22-20 edge after the first quarter and took a 40-29 margin at half...
Panthers boys cagers remain unbeaten by clubbing Southeastern
Sports
Alek Orders (0) of Fairbanks scores on a reverse layup along the baseline. The Panthers clubbed Southeastern 71-38. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
By Tim Miller 
December 11, 2025
A blowout victory with three players in double figures elevated Fairbanks’ boys basketball overall record to 3-0. The Panthers clubbed Southeastern 71-38 on Tuesday and improved their Ohio Heritage Co...
Monarch hoopsters drop heart-breaker to Delaware Hayes
Sports
Marysville’s Owen Graves (left) and Kellen Carter (right) collide after Graves intercepts a Pacer pass during the fourth quarter. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Aleksei Pavloff 
December 11, 2025
Basketball fans in Marysville were treated to a thrilling Ohio Capital Conference matchup that went down to the wire Tuesday night. The home crowd unfortunately did not get the celebration they had ho...
FHS’ Shope earns All-Ohio honors
Sports
Fairbanks junior Carson Shope (center) carries the ball during a 2025 game. Shope has been named as an All-Ohio honorable mention running back for Division VI. Shope finished the season with 1,008 yards on 182 carries. He also scored nine rushing touchdowns. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
By Tim Miller 
December 10, 2025
FHS girls bowling team has strong group of veterans; boys are in rebuilding mode
Sports
Fairbanks’ girls bowling team is pictured from left, front row, Caileigh Dominguez, Caelan Schmelzer, Charlotte Feick and Amelia Nicol; back row, head coach Stephanie Fairchild, Sidney Dulle, Jasmine Wampler, Emma Obert, Bella Nichols and assistant coach Chris Nichols. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Tim Miller 
December 10, 2025
A number of letter winners return for Fairbanks High School’s girls bowling team. Senior Amelia Nicol started off the 2025-2026 season with a 172 game and a 139 average. Jasmine Wampler has the highes...
FHS hopes to qualify individual wrestlers to district tournament
Sports
Fairbanks girls wrestling team is pictured from left, head coach Ethan Chippas, Madeline Cunningham, Hannah Niehaus, assistant coach Tracey Chippas and assistant coach Eric Chippas. Not pictured, Kylie Webb. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Aleksei Pavloff 
December 10, 2025
Fairbanks’ boys and girls wrestling clubs are hoping to qualify individual competitors to postseason action this season. Last winter saw Hannah Niehaus claim a state alternate designation during the g...
Panther boys cagers have different look for campaign
Sports
Fairbanks’ boys varsity basketball squad is pictured from left, front row, Nate Meihis, Luke Boehm, JJ Meihis, manager Brady Schultz, Cody Gallmeyer, Jackson Burns and Colin Bailey; back row, assistant coach Chrishawn Hopkins, head coach Zach Brown, assistant coach Hunter Burnett, Ty Schroeder, Lincoln Thrush, Hudson Grudt, Alek Orders, Evan Weidmann, assistant coach Josh Weikart, assistant coach Keenan Chapman and assistant coach Doug Tobe. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Tim Miller 
December 10, 2025
Fairbanks’ boys basketball team will have a different look during the 2025-2026 season. A number of veteran players graduated from a squad that won the school’s fifth straight Ohio Heritage Conference...
Letter winners return for Lady Panther hoopsters
Sports
Members of the Fairbanks girls varsity basketball team are from left, front row, Jolie Porter, Hannah Boehm, Claire Meihis, Mollie Thrush, Audrey Lahmers and Harper Landon; back row, assistant coach Landon Headings, Mara Vicari, Grace Keiderling, Liviann Maine, Sydney Cutler, Sara Lynch, Elizabeth Gregory and head coach Landon Fraker. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Tim Miller 
December 10, 2025
Fairbanks has five returning lettermen on the roster for its 2025-2026 girls basketball squad. Mara Vicari, Hannah Boehm, Sydney Cutler, Claire Meihls and Mollie Thrush all played important roles as t...
MHS gymnasts are strong group
Sports
Members of the Marysville High School gymnastics program are from left, front row, Samantha Little, Emma Brown, Kendall Giles, Marley Phillips and Maddie Forrester; back row, head coach Amber Calvert, Carly Brewer, Skyler Langhirt and Zoe Phillips. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
By Tim Miller 
December 9, 2025
The Marysville High School gymnastics team is a strong group of athletes including seven returning letterman, who compete with heart and character, according to head coach Amber Calvert. “We work ever...