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Five things fan should be excited about following Ohio State’s 91-58 win over Western Michigan

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Five things fan should be excited about following Ohio State’s 91-58 win over Western Michigan


Riding an 18-game winning streak against the MAC that dates back to the 1998-1999 season, the Ohio State men’s basketball team (5-0) welcomed the Western Michigan Broncos to the Schott Thursday night for a late night, non-conference battle. Favored by 27.5 points leading into the game, the Buckeyes jumped out to an early double-digit lead by getting baskets from six different players before the under-12 media timeout.

Ohio State jumped out to an 18-8 lead by the time the second media timeout rolled around at the 11:31 mark of the first half. Jake Diebler decided to start working in the bench early on Thursday, with both Colin White and Gabe Cupps scoring buckets early in the first half.

The Buckeyes authored a 23-2 run late in the second half to leave no doubt about the result of this one, taking a 49-24 lead into the locker room at halftime. Every active player scored in the first half for Ohio State except for Ivan Njegovan, who still had four rebounds, one assist, and one block. Mobley led all scorers with 10 first-half points on 4-of-7 shooting.

Ohio State held Western Michigan to 26.7% shooting in the first half, and at one point kept them off the scoreboard for over five minutes of game time at one point. The Buckeyes continue to get better and better on the defensive end after giving up 102 in the season opener.

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A Gabe Cupps three-pointer with 11:57 remaining in the game gave Ohio State the biggest lead it had all night, 73-30. Ohio State did not take anything for granted on Thursday night, continuing to put pressure on Western Michigan and not easing up on the visitors one bit even as the lead grew bigger and bigger. The Buckeyes won big Thursday, with the count standing at 91-58 when the final horn went off just after 10 p.m.

The Buckeyes were always going to win this game, the only question was how quickly they’d pull away and put the Broncos in the grave. On Thursday, it took about 11 minutes, when John Mobley Jr.‘s three-pointer from the corner put Ohio State up 25-12. Ohio State didn’t look back from there, and now the Buckeyes are 5-0 for the first time since the 2020-2021 season.

Rather than rehash every play of a 33-point blowout, here are a few things we noticed during Ohio State’s fifth win of the season that should give fans optimism for the team moving forward:

John Mobley Jr. hitting shots that aren’t three-pointers

Mobley came into Thursday night’s game really struggling when shooting inside the three-point line, having hit just one of his last 11 shots from inside the arc. On the season, he was shooting 21% on two-point tries.

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Mobley got busy early on Thursday, dropping in a three-pointer for Ohio State’s first made basket of the game 1:22 into the contest. Each of his next two baskets were two-point shots — the first was a tough reverse layup through traffic to put Ohio State up 9-4, and the second was a short baseline jumper about six minutes later that made it 20-12.

The sophomore guard’s best weapon will always be his three-point shot, and statistically he gets better the deeper back he shoots from. But to be a reliable scorer, teams need to at least believe that you’re capable of attacking the basket on occasion. Thursday was a step in the right direction for Mobley, who varied his shot selection while also driving, kicking out, and racking up a few early assists.

Mobley finished the game with 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting. Ironically, he was 2-for-7 from three-point range and 4-for-5 on two-point tries. He had two assists and one turnover in 28 minutes.

Brandon Noel scoring early after a goose egg against Notre Dame

Not that you can make any sweeping conclusions from one game in a 35-game season, but Noel not taking any shots or scoring any points against Notre Dame on Sunday didn’t exactly assuage the concern that the sixth-year senior may not transition smoothly from the Horizon League to the Big Ten.

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Like Mobley, Noel got busy early against Western Michigan, scoring on two of Ohio State’s first six possessions of the game. The first came on a self-made dunk, where Noel dribbled from the far baseline to the basket and slammed it home with two hands to make it 7-2. Three possessions later, Devin Royal found a cutting Noel for another easy dunk to put Ohio State up 11-4 just over five minutes into the game.

Through five games, Noel has looked like a smart cutter — someone who moves around the floor with purpose when he doesn’t have the ball in his hands. Taking no shots against Notre Dame felt odd, but Ohio State didn’t excel on offense in that game, and it’s looking more like a one-off than a trend.

Noel finished with eight points on 4-of-5 shooting in 21 minutes.

Despite playing some inferior opponents to start the season (aside from Notre Dame) Ohio State did not really put any of their games out of reach by halftime until Thursday.

The Buckeyes had a 16-point lead on IU Indy at halftime of the season opener, but allowed them to creep back in during the second half and there was never really a point during that game where the Jaguars felt completely out of it.

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Ohio State had a 15-point halftime lead against Purdue Fort Wayne, but the Mastodons clawed back in the second half — the Buckeyes lead was cut to just seven points with about 12 minutes left in that game.

Appalachian State came into the Schott last week and was leading Ohio State for the majority of the first half, but a 13-0 run to end the half put Ohio State up five points at halftime.

That’s not how it went o Thursday night against Western Michigan. After WMU scored six straight points to cut Ohio State’s lead to 18-12 with 10:58 remaining in the half, the Buckeyes went on a 23-2 run over the next seven-plus minutes to take a 41-14 lead over the visiting Broncos. Ohio State made it worse in the second half, stretching their lead to 40 points with 10:52 remaining. It was a blowout, and Ohio State left no doubt.

Gabe Cupps is a psycho in the best way

Through five games, it’s become clear that Gabe Cupps has fully embraced his role with Ohio State. The redshirt sophomore from Centerville has become the first guard off the bench, backing up whichever of Bruce Thornton or Mobley needs a break first. He came into Thursday night’s game averaging just under 20 minutes per game, averaging two shot attempts per game and three points per game.

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He has a unique handshake he does with every starter on the team when lineups are introduced, including a handshake with Noel that quickly turns into the two holding their backs and painfully walking in opposite directions, poking fun at his soon-to-be 24-year old teammate.

Cupps has also become Ohio State’s best on-ball defender, showing some Aaron Craft-like qualities while also screaming and clapping like he just shotgunned a Red Bull before taking the floor. Even on Thursday night, with Ohio State up 40 points and about 10 minutes remaining in the game, Cupps was screaming and clapping in the face of Western Michigan’s Jalen Griffith. Cupps picked up two reach-in fouls and one blocking foul on Thursday night, all while trying to make gritty defensive plays.

Cupps finished with five points on 2-of-3 shooting in 14 minutes. He had two assists, two steals, and hit one of his two three-point tries.

Devin Royal’s double-double

He may not be 100% back to normal yet as he recovers from what Diebler called a “nagging hip injury”, but Royal felt good enough Thursday night to register his first double-double of the season, finishing with exactly 10 points and 10 rebounds. He was 3-for-7 shooting, and was 4-for-4 at the free throw line in 22 minutes.

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It would make a lot of sense for Ohio State to ease Royal back into full-time minutes as he recovers from the lower body injury, but the fact that he was good enough Thursday night to grab 10 rebounds was a good sign for his health and Ohio State’s success moving forward.



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Wanda Lou Bailey, Louisville, Ohio

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Wanda Lou Bailey, Louisville, Ohio


ALLIANCE, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Wanda Lou Bailey, born August 8, 1940, in Charleston, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, in Louisville, Ohio. She was a beloved member of her community, whose life was marked by dedication to her family, faith, and numerous heartfelt pursuits.

A graduate of Poca High School in West Virginia in 1958, Wanda’s early years paved a foundation of commitment that she carried throughout her life. Her professional journey included roles at Big Lots and Quality Farm and Fleet, but it was her role as a pastor’s wife that truly defined much of her life’s work. Alongside her late husband, Rev. Paul Bailey, whom she married on May 31, 1958, Wanda was deeply involved in spiritual and community service until his passing on March 9, 2021.

Wanda’s warm spirit and spicy attitude extended beyond her family and church. She was known for her skills in puzzles, crafts, quilting-each piece a testament to her caring nature. Her memory bears, lovingly crafted from cherished fabrics, stand as small yet profound symbols of her dedication and love. She also volunteered for many years at Canaan Acres Christian Camp, embracing her role as “Camp Nana” with a heart full of grace and kindness, known by all who knew her there.

Wanda is survived by four devoted children: Paula (David) Monteleone, David (Debra) Bailey, Laura (Pastor Mike) Kimball, and Beth Bailey. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren-Jennifer (Nathaniel) Miller, Carrie (Casey) Callarick, Kimberly (Brandy) Brown, Michael (Heidi) McLaughlin, Gregory Bailey, Rev. Cassandra (Bryan) Wynn, Jeremiah (Jaclyn) Kimball, Courtnie (Jon) Eckelberry, and Joshua (Ruby) Vandeborne. Her legacy further extends through twenty-four great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren, as well as extended family who called her mom and nana, continuing her family lines that meant so much to her. Wanda was also sister to Mary McCalister, Clara Honaker, and Archie Quigley. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, William and Rebecca (Vansickle) Quigley, and her husband, Rev. Paul Bailey.

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The community will gather to honor Wanda’s life and legacy with a viewing on April 25, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Canaan Acres Campground, located at 8020 Nazarene Ave NE, Louisville, Ohio 44641. A funeral service will follow at 4:00 PM the same day at the campground with her son in law Pastor Mike Kimball officiating. Entombment will take place at Highland Hills Cemetery in Follansbee, West Virginia. on Monday, April 27th the time will be announced at a later date.

Wanda Lou Bailey’s life was one of service, creativity, and boundless love-a true beacon to her family and community. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege to know her. Memorial contributions can be made in Wanda’s memory to “Camp Nana Fund) in care of Caanan Acres Campground, 8020 Nazarene Ave. NE Louisville, Ohio 44641. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Sebring Chapel (330) 938-2526, www.grfuneralhome.com.

Family and friends may view send condolences at Gednetz-Ruzek-Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Service.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Wanda Lou Bailey, please visit our flower store.

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Bonnie Sue Reed-Tilton-Hetzel, East Liverpool, Ohio

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Bonnie Sue Reed-Tilton-Hetzel, East Liverpool, Ohio


EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Bonnie Sue Reed-Tilton-Hetzel, known lovingly as Bonnie, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio, following a sudden unexpected medical emergency.

Bonnie was born on March 27, 1947, in East Liverpool, Ohio.

Bonnie lived a life marked by faith, devotion and steady love. She was a Christian woman, whose life reflected the goodness she believed in and shared with others. Those who knew her best will remember her as faith-filled, loving and generous, a woman who offered encouragement, comfort and warmth wherever she went. She carried herself with a spirit that lifted others and she lived with the kind of purpose that leaves a lasting imprint on family, church and community alike.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Crystal Tilton (surviving husband Daniel) Sigmon of North Carolina. She was also preceded in death by her mother, Helen Cameron-Reed-Salisbury of East Liverpool, Ohio; her father, Leonard A. Reed of Ohioville, Pennsylvania; her grandparents, Frank and Ethel Hager-Cameron and Ina Duncan-Reed-Sarvey; and her two brothers, L. Frank Reed of Mansfield, Ohio and William J. Reed Sr. of East Liverpool, Ohio. Though these loved ones have gone before her, the bond of family and memory remains strong, and her life was deeply shaped by the generations who came before her and the ones she helped raise with love.

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Bonnie graduated from East Liverpool High School in 1965, where she lettered in music, played violin in the orchestra and the bellyra in the band, where they marched in the 1964 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, an achievement that stood as a proud memory of her youth. Her school years reflected her gift for music and her willingness to serve as part of something larger than herself. She later attended Kent State University and continued to live with a spirit of growth, learning and perseverance.

Her work ethic was strong and steady and she was respected for the many ways she contributed to the lives around her. She worked at Hills department store, Carriage Hill Meat Packing Plant and the United States Postal Service offices in Steubenville, Youngstown, Boardman, Austintown, East Liverpool and Calcutta. Later, she became self-employed in construction, roofing and remodeling, where her determination and practical skills were evident to all who knew her. Bonnie understood the value of honest work and she met life’s responsibilities with courage and grace.

Bonnie’s interests reflected her heart for ministry, family and fellowship. She loved delivering the word of God through music ministry, alongside her husband, bringing hope and comfort to nursing homes and prisons. She served her community and church, Lake Milton Baptist Temple, where she felt called to live with love and generosity. She also cherished hosting family dinners, where board games, laughter and togetherness created memories that will continue to bless her family for years to come. She enjoyed travel, especially trips to Florida and visits with family, and she valued church activities and the companionship of her six rescue cats, who were also part of the home she nurtured with tenderness.

She is survived by her devoted, faithful and loving husband, Frank Hetzel, or as she would call him “her Franko”, to whom she married on January 9th 1988; and her sister, Judi Reed-Cameron of Salem, Ohio, who will forever share in the treasured memories of a lifetime of sisterhood.

Bonnie leaves behind her two daughters, T. Renee Tilton-Rardon and her husband, Gene Goldberg of Wellsville, Ohio and April Tilton Large and her husband, David Large of Minerva, Ohio; as well as her son, Aaron Tilton of Lake Milton, Ohio. She also leaves behind her two stepdaughters, Mary Elizabeth Hetzel of Tennessee and Rebecca Hetzel Fowler and her husband, James Fowler of Tennessee; and her stepson, Robert Hetzel and his wife, Amy Hetzel of Wisconsin. Her family circle extends through 15 grandchildren, Nicholas (Ashleigh) Rardon, Zachary (Haylee) Cramer, Cassandra Sigmon, Elijah (Alexis) Sigmon, Joshua Sigmon, Alexa Sigmon, Emma Large, Ivy Large, Elyse Tingler, Danni Tingler, Tristan (Laurel) Fowler, Colton Fowler, Christian (Clarinda) Hetzel, Faith (Jacob) Charpentier and Joy (Aaron) Kamla; as well as five great-grandchildren, Macie Cramer, Damian Rardon, Savannah Rardon, Alleah Cramer and Petra Charpentier. Her family was one of her greatest joys, and she treasured each name, each face, and each precious moment shared together.

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Bonnie’s life offers a testimony that speaks plainly and powerfully. A life grounded in Christ does not end in defeat, because the faithful are held in the hands of God. She lived with conviction, served with compassion and loved with an open heart. Her story reminds us that a life of prayer, service and kindness is never wasted. As Maya Angelou wrote, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Bonnie made people feel loved, remembered, welcomed and encouraged and that is a legacy that endures.

Though her earthly journey has ended, Bonnie’s influence remains in the music she shared, the meals she prepared, the prayers she prayed, the work she completed and the family she helped shape. Her life was a blessing and her memory will continue to call others toward faith, gratitude and love. May those who mourn her also celebrate the hope she lived by, trusting that the same God who sustained her in life now holds her in eternal peace.

Romans 8:6

King James Version 

“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

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Viewing and services will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Lake Milton Baptist Temple, 415 S Pricetown Road, Diamond, Ohio 44412. Viewing will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., with a service following at 3:00 p.m. 

A small burial service for immediate family will be held at the cemetery afterwards.

There will be a dinner held at the church’s hall after funeral services and everyone is welcome to join to celebrate Bonnie’s life.

Arrangements for the family have been provided by Bernard P. Borowski Memorial Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bonnie Sue (Reed) Tilton-Hetzel, please visit our floral store.

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A television tribute will air Monday, April 20, at the following approximate times: 6:47 a.m. on WYTV, 9:43 a.m. on WKBN, 10:58 a.m. on FOX and 8:12 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.



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Three Buckeyes Who Proved They Belong at Ohio State Spring Game

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Three Buckeyes Who Proved They Belong at Ohio State Spring Game


Fans got their first glimpse of the 2026-2027 Buckeyes during their spring game earlier today. In contrast to last year’s offensive takeover, it was the defense this year that shined for the most part.

With this, we still saw plenty of Buckeyes that proved that they are ready to play, and ready to play now. Here are three standouts from the Ohio State Spring Game.

Chris Henry Jr.

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Coming into the game, most Ohio State fans had already penciled Chris Henry Jr., the No. 1 WR in the 2026 class according to ESPN, as the successor to Carnell Tate in the Buckeye offense. 

Anyone that didn’t, probably should now.

The freshman wideout hauled in 4 passes for 96 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter. 

Playing all snaps on the outside, Henry Jr. looked very poised, showcasing smooth route running and breakaway speed. The connection between him and another Buckeye on this list was the highlight of the offense for the day. There is no doubt he should be an immediate contributor in this Ohio State offense. 

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Tavien St. Clair

After a subpar showing at the spring game last year, Tavien St. Clair showed flashes of the top-10 recruit he was just two years ago. 

He dazzled early with two big completions to Chris Henry Jr., showing off his big arm in the process. 

His touchdown pass to Henry Jr. was a beautiful look off from St. Clair, who launched it right to the right pylon to find the freshman wideout.

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It was not all sunshine and rainbows for St. Clair on the day though, as he was forced into a couple three-and-outs as well as a few balls that could have been intercepted.

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All in all, all tools are there for St. Clair to be great when his number is called, and another year of growth under Julian Sayin should help him get there.

Beau Atkinson

Buckeye fans were surprised when Beau Atkinson was basically a non-factor on the defensive line a season ago, as the hype around him coming from North Carolina was immense.

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The player they expected to see last year was on full display, as the senior finished the day with a sack and an interception off a Julian Sayin batted ball at the line of scrimmage.

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His high motor was one to watch early, as his get-off and confidence at the position looked vastly improved from last year. He is one to seriously watch to be the starter next to Kenyatta Jackson Jr. come September. 

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