Fish Report's 2023 Year in Pics

It was a short 2023 for Fish Report after our announcement in June that we were stepping away. However, those first six months were also packed full of events that will be remembered forever. Below are the 115 front pages we shared with you during that time. Enjoy the memories and Happy New Year everyone.

January 2	January 3
January 4	January 5
January 6	January 9
January 10	January 11
January 12	January 13
January 16	January 17
January 18	January 19
January 20	January 23
January 24	January 25
January 26	January 27
January 30	January 31
February 1	February 2
February 3	February 6
February 7	February 8
February 9	February 10
February 13	February 14
February 15	February 16
February 17	February 20
February 21	February 22
February 23	February 24
February 27	February 28
March 1	March 2
March 3	March 6
March 7	March 8
March 9	March 10
March 13	March 14
March 15	March 16
March 17	March 20
March 21	March 22
March 23	March 24
March 27	March 28
March 29	March 30
March 31	April 3
April 4	April 5
April 6	April 7
April 10	April 11
April 12	April 13
April 14	April 17
April 18	April 19
April 20	April 21
April 24	April 25
April 26	April 27
April 28	May 1
May 2	May 3
May 4	May 5
May 8	May 9
May 10	May 11
May 12	May 15
May 16	May 17
May 18	May 19
May 22	May 23
May 24	May 25
May 26	May 30
May 31	June 1
June 2	June 5
June 6	June 7
June 8	June 12

June 13

Russia and Jackson Center boys tip off SCAL

Russia versus Jackson Center was a thriller last season in November and March

Shelby County Athletic League boys basketball tips off the 2023-2024 season this Friday night and opening the schedule is a battle of last year's league co-champions. Both Russia and Jackson Center were tied atop the 2022-2023 standings at 11-1. You might recall the Raiders beat the Tigers at their home opener the Friday following Thanksgiving in a nail biter 42-41. Later, the Tigers thumped the Raiders at their habitat on January 6th by the score of 65-53. After splitting their series, the two rivals played a rubber match at the regional final on March 10th in Kettering Fairmont's Trent Arena. It was a thrilling defensive battle that culminated with Russia handing Jackson Center just their second defeat of the entire season 27-25. Between the Tiger's bookend losses were 26 wins that resulted in a final record of 26-2. Russia advanced to the state tournament and bowed out in the semifinals versus Richmond Heights to wrap up their record at 25-4. 

JC's Reed Platfoot is one to watch

This Friday will begin a new era for Jackson Center. For starters, former head coach Scott Elchert retired after a school record 375 wins in 23 years at the helm. Highlighting his resume were state tournament appearances in 2012 and 2016, as well as five trips to the regional final in the last ten seasons. Taking over the reins is Aaron Klopfenstein, who's a familiar face with Tiger fans. Klopfenstein was coached by Elchert in 2009 and 2010, in addition to being on his staff the last five years. 

Maybe the new coach's biggest challenge will be replacing eight graduates in Jace Mullenhour, Nolan Fark, Camdyn Reese, Grant Elchert, Bryson Roberts, Kellen Reichert, Trevor Huber and Landon Reese. However, the well isn't exactly dry as last year's roster included five underclassman in Lucas Hartle, Xavier Lowe, Reed Platfoot, Lucas Heitkamp and Cooper Hartle. Finding that new chemistry might require some experimenting, but scheduling only one game on opening weekend and playing it at home is ideal for Coach Klopfenstein's program. Unfortunately, that matchup is against the Russia Raiders.

Anyone that doesn't have Russia circled as one of the potential top Division IV teams in Ohio is probably connected to head coach Spencer Cordonnier's program. As last season's interim head coach, Cordonnier handled an emotional situation with a father-like approach after the preseason passing of head coach Dave Borchers. The Raiders enjoyed all their success with hard work and perhaps an even-tempered attitude while never forgetting Coach Borchers throughout the campaign. 

The 2023-2024 Russia Raiders

It's often said the talent pool at small schools sometimes comes in waves. If that's true, the tsunami Shelby County saw coming slammed tiny Russia in 2022 and the water hasn't receded yet. There's another saying that success breeds success. After a Russia state baseball championship in the spring of 2022, many of those same boys were 2023 state basketball semifinalist and 2023 state baseball runner-up. By the way, the Russia golf team advanced to the state tournament this fall for the first time in school history and four of those players are on this winter's basketball team.

Heading into this weekend, the biggest departures Raider Nation should be concerned about are four-year starters Xavier Phlipot and Zane Shappie. Along with the graduations of Ross Fiessinger and Colby Monnin, there's certainly a leadership component that fans don't witness in the locker room and at daily practice. However, Coach Cordonnier is blessed to have lots of additional experience and talent back beginning with seniors Hayden Quinter, Brayden Monnin and Felix Francis. The junior class is also stacked and includes Braylon Cordonnier, Vince Borchers, Benjamin York, Zeb Schulze, Jaxon Grogean, Dominic Francis and Landon Pleiman. That roster no doubt has plenty of capable leaders to watch for as the season develops.

For interested folks unable to make the trip to Jackson Center on Friday, you can listen live to the action on ScoresBroadcast.com or watch on NKTelco Sports PPV. Russia will also be back on the court Saturday at St. Henry with the audio broadcast on WCSM.

Last year's season opener between the Raiders and Tigers started with a prayer

Experience Shelby County history

Rich Wallace and his wife Susan

Lots of folks in Shelby County are familiar with Richard Wallace of Sidney. Rich is a partner in the law firm of Elsass, Wallace, Evans & Co. He began practicing law in 1975 after serving in the U.S. Navy and completing law school. In 1978 he joined the firm with founding member and the late Eugene P. Elsass (1930-2007). 

In addition, Rich devotes many hours of service to the Shelby County community and is active in many not-for-profit activities including the Shelby County Historical Society, Sidney First United Methodist Church, Samaritan Works, Inc, and authoring the "Out of the Past" column in the Sidney Daily News. In the opinion of many, he's also one of the most informed historians in West Central Ohio. 

Back in late September, Rich visited the Village of Russia and met with a group of patrons for Friday morning breakfast at The Russia Inn. He wanted to update those interested on the Shelby County Historical Society, Shelby County Museum and The Wallace Family Learning & Innovation Center, all three of which Rich serves on the Board of Directors. Rich also extended an invitation for a road trip from Russia to Sidney to tour all three organizations.

On November 2nd, the Russia group made the journey and were treated to an enjoyable presentation of Shelby County history. Afterward they wrapped up with lunch at the famous The Spot Restaurant. Below is information on how you might also experience tales of Shelby County and the benefits of becoming a Historical Society member.

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