Matt Goul
@mgoul.bsky.social
Reporter for cleveland.com and the Plain Dealer, specializing in high school basketball and football. Find me at @mgoul on most social media platforms or email mgoul@cleveland.com.
Glenville's @JCincere8 is the @clevelanddotcom Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight season. Meet the all-area team on defense:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Cleveland.com football all-stars 2025: Meet the best defensive players from Northeast Ohio
Glenville’s Cincere Johnson repeats as the cleveland.com Defensive Player of the Year
www.cleveland.com
December 17, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Glenville's @JCincere8 is the @clevelanddotcom Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight season. Meet the all-area team on defense:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
After record-setting seasons, @WhiteBrandon26 and @hackleman_zach are the @clevelanddotcom co-Offensive Players of the Year. Meet the all-area team on offense:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Cleveland.com football all-stars 2025: Meet the best offensive players from Northeast Ohio
St. Edward’s Brandon White and Zach Hackleman share cleveland.com Offensive Player of the Year honors.
www.cleveland.com
December 17, 2025 at 4:21 PM
After record-setting seasons, @WhiteBrandon26 and @hackleman_zach are the @clevelanddotcom co-Offensive Players of the Year. Meet the all-area team on offense:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
For the second straight year, @avoneagles are the #OHSAA Division II state champions and @coach_elderm is the @clevelanddotcom Coach of the Year:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Avon’s Mike Elder is the 2025 cleveland.com football Coach of the Year
Avon overcame an early season test, injuries and key losses to graduation to repeat as Division II state champion.
www.cleveland.com
December 17, 2025 at 4:20 PM
For the second straight year, @avoneagles are the #OHSAA Division II state champions and @coach_elderm is the @clevelanddotcom Coach of the Year:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Some shakeups for this week's
@clevelanddotcom
boys basketball Top 25.
-A new No. 1.
-Three teams jump into the top 10.
-Cleveland Heights, Keystone and Hudson now in the Top 25.
-Plenty to watch going forward.
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
@clevelanddotcom
boys basketball Top 25.
-A new No. 1.
-Three teams jump into the top 10.
-Cleveland Heights, Keystone and Hudson now in the Top 25.
-Plenty to watch going forward.
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Cleveland.com boys basketball Top 25: A new No. 1 and more shakeups two weeks into season
Bedford is among three teams that moved into the top 10.
www.cleveland.com
December 15, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Some shakeups for this week's
@clevelanddotcom
boys basketball Top 25.
-A new No. 1.
-Three teams jump into the top 10.
-Cleveland Heights, Keystone and Hudson now in the Top 25.
-Plenty to watch going forward.
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
@clevelanddotcom
boys basketball Top 25.
-A new No. 1.
-Three teams jump into the top 10.
-Cleveland Heights, Keystone and Hudson now in the Top 25.
-Plenty to watch going forward.
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
How Bedford learned to believe it can play with anybody to beat anybody. A look back on @BedfordBearcats' big early season win with full highlights and reaction from @ajmcguinea5, @kwood__3, @soexclusive3z and @MaineG52:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
How Bedford learned to play with anybody to believe it can beat anybody
The Bearcats applied their double-digit rally vs. St. Ignatius to an early statement victory vs. Warrensville Heights in boys basketball.
www.cleveland.com
December 13, 2025 at 6:06 PM
How Bedford learned to believe it can play with anybody to beat anybody. A look back on @BedfordBearcats' big early season win with full highlights and reaction from @ajmcguinea5, @kwood__3, @soexclusive3z and @MaineG52:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Glenville's next in line mirrors its outgoing senior class. A look at what that means for the Tarblooders after their third #OHSAA state championship in four years:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Glenville’s next in line mirrors outgoing senior class after title run
What’s next for the Tarblooders after their third Division IV football state championship?
www.cleveland.com
December 9, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Glenville's next in line mirrors its outgoing senior class. A look at what that means for the Tarblooders after their third #OHSAA state championship in four years:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Kirtland’s line pushed it to an eighth #OHSAA state title, and that group could make the Hornets a favorite for No. 9:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Kirtland’s line pushed it to eighth state title, and that could make it a favorite for No. 9
A majority of Kirtland’s offensive line is slated to return after pushing the way for the Hornets’ skillful seniors.
www.cleveland.com
December 8, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Kirtland’s line pushed it to an eighth #OHSAA state title, and that group could make the Hornets a favorite for No. 9:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Avon's underclassmen must walk before they can ride. How a little motivation doesn't hurt, and where it can take the Eagles after their #OHSAA Division II state-title defense:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Avon’s underclassmen must walk before they can ride
What’s next for the Eagles after their second straight Division II football state championship?
www.cleveland.com
December 8, 2025 at 11:58 PM
Avon's underclassmen must walk before they can ride. How a little motivation doesn't hurt, and where it can take the Eagles after their #OHSAA Division II state-title defense:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
John Silvestro's four rushing touchdowns tied a Division VI state finals record, while Kirtland's defense was just as dominant vs. Hopewell-Loudon. See how:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
John Silvestro’s four TDs tie Division VI record, while defense rules Kirtland’s state-title win (video)
John Silvestro rushed for 255 yards and four touchdowns to cap the first 2,000-yard season at Kirtland.
www.cleveland.com
December 7, 2025 at 2:43 AM
John Silvestro's four rushing touchdowns tied a Division VI state finals record, while Kirtland's defense was just as dominant vs. Hopewell-Loudon. See how:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Kirtland claims its eighth #OHSAA state crown with a dominant performance.
“They got to play together one last time,” coach Tiger LaVerde said of his 11 seniors. “They were on my little Pee-wee team and this is a really cool way for them to finish.”
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
“They got to play together one last time,” coach Tiger LaVerde said of his 11 seniors. “They were on my little Pee-wee team and this is a really cool way for them to finish.”
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Kirtland claims eighth state title, takes down Hopewell-Loudon 41-6 in Division VI final
The Hornets sought their eighth state championship since 2011.
www.cleveland.com
December 7, 2025 at 2:43 AM
Kirtland claims its eighth #OHSAA state crown with a dominant performance.
“They got to play together one last time,” coach Tiger LaVerde said of his 11 seniors. “They were on my little Pee-wee team and this is a really cool way for them to finish.”
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
“They got to play together one last time,” coach Tiger LaVerde said of his 11 seniors. “They were on my little Pee-wee team and this is a really cool way for them to finish.”
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
A dislocated toe couldn't keep @Cjayyy3_ and @TarblooderFB from recapturing their #OHSAA state crown. A look back on how he, @_scalesAaron6 and @JCincere8 put the finishing touches on their run at Glenville as part of a historic defensive performance:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Dislocated toe couldn’t keep C.J. Newell, Glenville from another crown
One of Glenville’s seniors and third-year starters overcame an injury suffered in the state semifinals to propel the Tarblooders vs. Shelby.
www.cleveland.com
December 7, 2025 at 2:42 AM
A dislocated toe couldn't keep @Cjayyy3_ and @TarblooderFB from recapturing their #OHSAA state crown. A look back on how he, @_scalesAaron6 and @JCincere8 put the finishing touches on their run at Glenville as part of a historic defensive performance:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Glenville rides record-setting defense to its third #OHSAA Division IV state championship. See @TarblooderFB's performance:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Glenville rides record-setting defense to third state title (video)
No defense has been as stingy in an OHSAA state football championship game as Glenville on Friday morning against Shelby.
www.cleveland.com
December 7, 2025 at 2:42 AM
Glenville rides record-setting defense to its third #OHSAA Division IV state championship. See @TarblooderFB's performance:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Glenville allowed only 27 yards to Shelby in the #OHSAA Division IV state championship and claimed its third title in four years.
Read all about it:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Read all about it:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Glenville football is back on top with third state title in four years, 45-7 over Shelby
Glenville set a state championship game record and shut down Mr. Football finalist Brayden DeVito of Shelby in the OHSAA Division IV title game.
www.cleveland.com
December 7, 2025 at 2:41 AM
Glenville allowed only 27 yards to Shelby in the #OHSAA Division IV state championship and claimed its third title in four years.
Read all about it:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Read all about it:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Blake Elder's four TD passes Thursday night tied an #OHSAA Division II state finals record.
“I can’t credit my teammates enough," @blake_elder said. "They put me in positions to succeed, and I just took the opportunities and gave it to our playmakers.”
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
“I can’t credit my teammates enough," @blake_elder said. "They put me in positions to succeed, and I just took the opportunities and gave it to our playmakers.”
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Blake Elder’s patience leads to record performance in state championship for Avon
The senior quarterback threw four touchdown passes in the first half to lead Avon to a 37-20 victory over Cincinnati Anderson.
www.cleveland.com
December 7, 2025 at 2:41 AM
Blake Elder's four TD passes Thursday night tied an #OHSAA Division II state finals record.
“I can’t credit my teammates enough," @blake_elder said. "They put me in positions to succeed, and I just took the opportunities and gave it to our playmakers.”
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
“I can’t credit my teammates enough," @blake_elder said. "They put me in positions to succeed, and I just took the opportunities and gave it to our playmakers.”
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
How Avon turned up the heat to win its second straight #OHSAA Division II state title. (Hint, it started long before reaching frigid Canton.)
See how:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
See how:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
How Avon turned up the heat to win its second straight state championship (video)
"We weren’t sure how this season was going to go," said coach Mike Elder, looking back on Avon's only setback this season. "We had Glenville looking at us in the face when we got back home."
www.cleveland.com
December 7, 2025 at 2:40 AM
How Avon turned up the heat to win its second straight #OHSAA Division II state title. (Hint, it started long before reaching frigid Canton.)
See how:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
See how:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Avon didn’t wait for any fourth-quarter drama this time. The Eagles took control early and earned their second straight #OHSAA Division II state championship with a 37-20 victory against Cincinnati Anderson.
Read all about it:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Read all about it:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Avon chills Anderson’s offense, 37-20, to repeat as state football champion
Blake Elder threw four first-half touchdown passes and the Eagles beat Anderson, 37-20.
www.cleveland.com
December 7, 2025 at 2:39 AM
Avon didn’t wait for any fourth-quarter drama this time. The Eagles took control early and earned their second straight #OHSAA Division II state championship with a 37-20 victory against Cincinnati Anderson.
Read all about it:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Read all about it:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Glenville faced Shelby QB Brayden DeVito two years ago in regionals. They meet again Friday for the #OHSAA Division IV state championship.
“He has grown a lot,” Glenville coach Ted Ginn Sr. said. “There are several ways he can throw it and run it.”
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
“He has grown a lot,” Glenville coach Ted Ginn Sr. said. “There are several ways he can throw it and run it.”
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Glenville vs. Shelby football: OHSAA Division IV state championship preview
Glenville seeks its third state championship in four years when it meets Shelby at 10:30 a.m. Friday in Canton.
www.cleveland.com
December 3, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Glenville faced Shelby QB Brayden DeVito two years ago in regionals. They meet again Friday for the #OHSAA Division IV state championship.
“He has grown a lot,” Glenville coach Ted Ginn Sr. said. “There are several ways he can throw it and run it.”
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
“He has grown a lot,” Glenville coach Ted Ginn Sr. said. “There are several ways he can throw it and run it.”
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Avon defends its state title Thursday night against Cincinnati Anderson in a rematch of last year's #OHSAA Division II state championship.
Here's how they got back to Canton:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Here's how they got back to Canton:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Avon vs. Cincinnati Anderson football: OHSAA Division II state championship preview
The Eagles face Anderson again after last year’s state final, kicking off 7 p.m. Thursday in Canton.
www.cleveland.com
December 3, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Avon defends its state title Thursday night against Cincinnati Anderson in a rematch of last year's #OHSAA Division II state championship.
Here's how they got back to Canton:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Here's how they got back to Canton:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Kirtland’s ninth straight final four comes with Col. Crawford's first appearance. #OHSAA Division VI state semifinals preview:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
OHSAA Division VI state semifinals preview: Kirtland’s ninth straight final four comes with opponent’s first appearance
Kirtland seeks return to Division VI state football championship in its ninth straight final four appearance, facing Colonel Crawford on Friday at Byers Field in Parma.
www.cleveland.com
November 26, 2025 at 11:07 PM
Kirtland’s ninth straight final four comes with Col. Crawford's first appearance. #OHSAA Division VI state semifinals preview:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Glenville and Indian Valley have star power. #OHSAA Division IV state semifinals preview:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
OHSAA Division IV state semifinals preview: Glenville, Indian Valley have star power
Glenville and Indian Valley have won the last three Division IV state championships, as Ohio State recruit Cincere Johnson and the Tarblooders take on Grady Kinsey and defending champ Indian Valley.
www.cleveland.com
November 26, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Glenville and Indian Valley have star power. #OHSAA Division IV state semifinals preview:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Undefeated CVCA faces its toughest test in Toledo Central Catholic. #OHSAA Division III state semifinal preview:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
OHSAA Division III state semifinal preview: Undefeated CVCA faces its toughest test
Undefeated CVCA makes its first football final four against Toledo Central Catholic, which is here for the fourth straight time.
www.cleveland.com
November 26, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Undefeated CVCA faces its toughest test in Toledo Central Catholic. #OHSAA Division III state semifinal preview:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Defending state champion Avon is in a familiar place with new challenger in Walsh Jesuit. #OHSAA Division II state semifinals preview:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
OHSAA Division II state semifinals preview: Defending champs in familiar place with new challenger
Defending champion Avon faces Walsh Jesuit, which stunned powerhouse Archbishop Hoban to reach its first state semifinal since 1999.
www.cleveland.com
November 26, 2025 at 11:03 PM
Defending state champion Avon is in a familiar place with new challenger in Walsh Jesuit. #OHSAA Division II state semifinals preview:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Record-setting Brandon White isn’t missing this trip to Mansfield. #OHSAA Division I state semifinals preview:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
OHSAA Division I state semifinals preview: Record-setting Brandon White isn’t missing this trip to Mansfield
The Eagles’ senior running back set the school’s new career rushing record despite missing most of his junior season to injury. His play has helped St. Edward back to the state final four vs. Olentang...
www.cleveland.com
November 26, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Record-setting Brandon White isn’t missing this trip to Mansfield. #OHSAA Division I state semifinals preview:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Some of Ohio's top high school athletes waited for today to come, and now they can cash in with the #OHSAA's approval of NIL. @marcusjjohnson_ and @JCincere8 are just a few who can benefit from it. They shared their thoughts:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
‘I’ve got a lot of things in motion’: After OHSAA approves NIL payments, Ohio’s top high school athletes are poised to cash in
Standouts such as Garfield Heights’ Marcus Johnson in basketball and Glenville football linebacker Cincere Johnson weigh in on Name, Image and Likeness.
www.cleveland.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Some of Ohio's top high school athletes waited for today to come, and now they can cash in with the #OHSAA's approval of NIL. @marcusjjohnson_ and @JCincere8 are just a few who can benefit from it. They shared their thoughts:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
Full highlights and reaction from Glenville's 35-7 win vs. Perry in the #OHSAA Division IV regional finals:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
See how Glenville beat Perry in the OHSAA Division IV regional finals (video)
Watch highlights and hear from Cincere Johnson, C.J. Newell, Joseph Saffold, Aaron Scales, Kaylon Bailey and Glenville coach Ted Ginn Sr.
www.cleveland.com
November 22, 2025 at 7:10 AM
Full highlights and reaction from Glenville's 35-7 win vs. Perry in the #OHSAA Division IV regional finals:
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...
www.cleveland.com/highschoolsp...