Berlin Hiland alumni Zoe Miller has eclipsed her 1000 point as an Ashland Eagle. She recently hit 1000 career total points last season.
Zoe Miller has emerged as a key contributor to Ashland University’s women’s basketball program, showcasing her talent, leadership, and academic excellence. Her impact on the court and in the classroom has earned her numerous accolades, helping her team to a national championship in her first season.
During the 2023-24 season, Zoe was recognized as a WBCA Honorable Mention All-American and earned D2CCA Second-Team All-Midwest Region honors. She ranked second in NCAA Division II in field-goal percentage, shooting an impressive 61.2%. She averaged 13.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while maintaining a 41.5% shooting percentage from beyond the arc. Her academic excellence was acknowledged with a CSC Academic All-District selection, and she earned First-Team All-Great Midwest Athletic Conference honors. Zoe also achieved Great Midwest Academic All-Conference recognition.
Playing in all 37 games, including five starts, Zoe played a crucial role in Ashland’s national championship run. She earned Second-Team All-Great Midwest honors, averaging 12.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 20.3 minutes per game, with shooting percentages of 60.1% from the field and 42.2% from three-point range.
Before joining Ashland University, Zoe played at Bowling Green State University during the 2021-22 season, appearing in 23 games with five starts. She averaged 8.1 points and 3.0 rebounds per game, shooting 46.8% from the floor.
In high school, Zoe was a two-time First-Team All-Ohio selection in Division III. She was named East District Division III Player of the Year as a sophomore and earned Co-Player of the Year honors as a junior. She also dominated her conference, earning Inter-Valley Conference Player of the Year recognition. During her junior season, Zoe averaged 15.6 points and 10 rebounds per game, shooting 47.1% from the field and 33% from three-point range. She played a crucial role in her high school team’s success, helping them win league championships in each of her first three seasons and contributing to a 25-year conference title streak.
Ashland Eagles Dominate Kent State-Tuscarawas Ahead of Thanksgiving Break
On Tuesday, November 26, the Ashland University men’s basketball team secured a decisive 82-57 victory over Kent State-Tuscarawas at Sherrill Hudson Court inside Kates Gymnasium, improving their record to 3-2 heading into the Thanksgiving break.
Kent State-Tuscarawas (1-6) initially posed a challenge, building a 34-26 lead with just under six minutes remaining in the first half. However, Ashland responded with a critical 12-0 run to take a 38-36 lead at halftime.
The second half remained competitive early on, with the Golden Eagles tying the game at 43. Yet, Ashland seized momentum once again, launching an 8-0 run to establish a 51-43 advantage. From there, the Eagles steadily widened the gap, securing their first double-digit lead at 58-48 midway through the second half. Their dominance continued as they extended their lead to 20 points (72-52) with under six minutes to play.
After falling behind by eight points in the first half, Ashland outscored Kent State-Tuscarawas 56-23 for the remainder of the contest, showcasing their defensive strength and offensive efficiency.
Five Eagles reached double figures in scoring. Sophomore wing Cooper Davis led the team with 18 points, while junior forward Maceo Williams contributed a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, shooting an impressive 7-of-9 from the field. Junior point guard Jaron Crews and senior wing Stefan Stanic each added 12 points, and graduate forward Javin Etzler rounded out the top scorers with 10 points, shooting 5-of-6 from the floor.
Ashland demonstrated their offensive prowess by shooting 52.5% from the field and 75% from the free-throw line. Defensively, they held Kent State-Tuscarawas to just 34.9% shooting and limited them to 3-of-18 from beyond the arc.
This win solidifies Ashland’s position as a strong contender, building momentum as they prepare for the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC) season opener on December 5 at home against Northwood.
Grand Valley vs. Ashland: A Division II Clash of Titans
When thinking of legendary basketball rivalries, games like Duke vs. North Carolina or South Carolina vs. UConn might come to mind. However, in Division II, the stage is set for two powerhouse programs that consistently make noise every time they meet: Grand Valley State and Ashland University.
Grand Valley entered the matchup with an impressive 6-0 record, having won all six games by double digits, including a dominant 71-34 victory over Thomas More last Friday. Meanwhile, Ashland was looking to rebound after dropping their season opener.
As the snow fell just 30 minutes east of Lake Michigan, fans braved the cold for what promised to be a thrilling evening of women’s basketball. The game began slowly, with both teams struggling offensively. Missed layups, jumpers, and turnovers defined a sluggish first quarter. The Eagles shot 4-of-10 from the field and 1-of-5 from beyond the arc, while the Lakers matched their early struggles. By the end of the first quarter, the score was tied at 10-10 after eight lead changes and nearly even rebounding, with Grand Valley holding a slight edge, 9-8.
Heading into halftime, the Lakers began to find their rhythm, taking a 29-22 lead over the Eagles. Despite adjustments at the break, the third quarter saw Grand Valley extend their lead significantly, outscoring Ashland 19-7. Over two quarters, the Lakers outpaced the Eagles 38-14, building an insurmountable lead.
In the final minutes, Ashland continued to fight, cutting the deficit to 23 points with 1:45 remaining. However, the Lakers maintained their dominance, closing out the game with a decisive 67-42 victory.
Ashland struggled offensively, shooting just 15-of-43 (34.9%) from the field and 4-of-18 from three-point range. Grand Valley’s defense and offensive efficiency proved too much to overcome.
Ashland’s Top Performers
• Morgan Yoder: 10 points
• Ashley Mullet: 9 points
• Hayley Smith: 7 points
Despite the loss, Ashland looks to regroup and build momentum for the remainder of the season.
Ashland University pickup a 21-12 Victory Over Tiffin
Ashland University's football team secured its second consecutive win with a 21-12 triumph over Tiffin on Saturday, September 28, at Jack Miller Stadium/Martinelli Field. The Eagles (2-2 overall, 2-0 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference) relied on big plays, including three touchdown passes and two blocked field goals, to overcome the Dragons (2-2 overall, 1-1 GMAC) and remain tied for first place in the conference.
The Eagles struck first late in the opening quarter with a 47-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Trevor Bycznski to sophomore wide receiver Jamari Croom, courtesy of a trick 1980s-style flea flicker. With 5:58 left in the quarter, Ashland took a 7-0 lead, setting the tone for the game.
After a 30-yard field goal by Tiffin’s Ben Rudolph made it 7-3, Bycznski connected again—this time with senior wide receiver Tony Pannunzio for a 28-yard touchdown. Ashland extended their lead to 14-3 with just under 11 minutes left in the first half. The Eagles' defense stepped up with two blocked field goals—one by Pannunzio, assisted by senior defensive tackle Collin Strong, keeping Tiffin off the board for the remainder of the half.
Tiffin fought back in the third quarter, using a blocked-punt safety and a 30-yard touchdown run by running back Ronald Blackman to narrow the gap to 14-12. However, Ashland regained control, with Bycznski finding Croom for a 65-yard touchdown down the right sideline, extending the Eagles' lead to 21-12 with 8:55 remaining.
Game Highlights
Bycznski finished with 193 passing yards, completing 8 of 13 attempts and throwing for three touchdowns. Croom led the receiving corps with three catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore running back Ty'aris Stevenson added 91 rushing yards on 22 carries as part of Ashland’s 153-yard rushing performance.
Defensively, sophomore safety E.J. Teah led the Eagles with 11 tackles (seven solo) and a pass breakup, helping stifle Tiffin’s offense during key moments.
Up Next: Homecoming Showdown
Ashland will celebrate its 100th Homecoming game on Saturday, October 5, at 1 p.m., as they face Ohio Dominican (2-2, 1-1 GMAC)
Ashland Triumphs Over Ohio Dominican 26-6 in Strong Home Performance
Ashland, OH – Ashland University continued its impressive run in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference with a dominant 26-6 victory over Ohio Dominican on Saturday afternoon at Jack Miller Field. The Eagles improved to 3-2 overall and remain undefeated in conference play at 3-0, while Ohio Dominican fell to 2-3 and 1-2 in the G-MAC.
First Half: Eagles Take Command
The game started slowly, with both teams feeling each other out in the first quarter. Ashland’s defense set the tone early, and it wasn’t until 4:44 left in the first quarter that the scoring began. Kicker A.J. Rhodes, a graduate of Triway High School, connected on a 23-yard field goal to put the Eagles up 3-0 after a solid 14-play drive that consumed over six minutes of clock.
In the second quarter, Ashland began to pull away. Rhodes added a 43-yard field goal at the 13:24 mark, extending the lead to 6-0. The Eagles’ defense forced a safety just before the halfway point, making it 8-0.
Ashland continued to dominate, as Rhodes nailed another field goal from 29 yards out, followed by another safety, bringing the score to 13-0. With just 39 seconds left in the half, quarterback Trevor Bycznski connected with Dru Johnson on a 12-yard touchdown pass, capping a 7-play, 42-yard drive and sending the Eagles into halftime with a commanding 23-0 lead.
Second Half: Defense Holds Strong
The second half began with Ashland maintaining its momentum. Rhodes added a 38-yard field goal early in the third quarter, increasing the lead to 26-0. The Eagles’ defense continued to stifle Ohio Dominican, limiting their opportunities and keeping them off the scoreboard.
In the fourth quarter, Ohio Dominican finally found the end zone, with Drew Gallehue scoring on a 1-yard run after a lengthy 12-play, 70-yard drive. However, it was too little, too late, as Ashland’s defense stood firm, and the game ended with a final score of 26-6.
Key Performers
Trevor Bycznski led the Eagles offensively, throwing for 128 yards and a touchdown while also managing the game effectively. A.J. Rhodes was instrumental in the scoring with five field goals , demonstrating his versatility and reliability.
For Ohio Dominican, Gallehue had a strong performance with 138 rushing yards and a touchdown, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Ashland’s defensive pressure and efficient offensive execution
Over 6,000 Career High School Points Highlighted in One Picture
Ashland University – When you think of the best Division II basketball programs in the nation, Ashland University quickly comes to mind. Over the past 13 seasons (2011-12 to 2023-24), Ashland has built a formidable reputation with an astounding 390-41 record (.905), three national championships, and three undefeated seasons. Their dominance includes a Division II-record 73-game winning streak and an ongoing 39-game road winning streak, all of which have cemented their place at the top of collegiate basketball.
Among the rising stars that continue this tradition of excellence are four standout athletes from the high school ranks, each contributing to a remarkable total of over 6,000 career points. These players are poised to make their mark not only at Ashland but on the national stage as well.
Ashley Mullett (Hiland High School)
Ashley Mullett, a dynamic guard from Hiland High School, led her team to their 29th Inter-Valley Conference (IVC) championship with her remarkable skill and leadership. Averaging 21 points per game and shooting 45% from beyond the arc, Mullett was the catalyst behind Hiland’s success. The team won 25 games and came within one victory of reaching the state tournament, thanks in large part to Mullett’s ability to take over games in key moments.
Her efforts earned her Daily Record Player of the Year honors and a spot as a finalist for Ohio’s prestigious Ms. Basketball award. As Hiland’s engine, she set the pace for one of the top teams in the state and made herself a player to watch at the collegiate level.
Morgan Yoder (Hiland High School)
Morgan Yoder, also a Hiland alum, was a key contributor to her team’s run of success. A state champion in 2021, Yoder consistently made her presence felt on the court. Known for her defensive prowess, she recorded five steals in the state championship game, a performance that helped secure her team’s title. Her ability to disrupt opponents made her a standout, and her honors included third-team and honorable mention All-Ohio selections, along with first-team and honorable mention Eastern District recognition.
Yoder was an integral part of two Final Four appearances for Hiland, and her contributions to the program were critical to their sustained success.
Corri Vermilya (Loudonville High School)
Corri Vermilya made waves at Loudonville High School, where she solidified her legacy as one of the greatest players in school history. Vermilya, a three-time All-Ohio selection, was named Ohio Division III Player of the Year and finished third in the voting for Ohio Ms. Basketball. She set program records for rebounds (664) and single-game points (59), showcasing her scoring ability and relentless drive.
In the 2023-24 season, Vermilya led Loudonville to the Division IV state semifinals, where their season came to an end against Waterford. Her leadership and scoring ability helped the team post a remarkable 26-3 record. Vermilya’s 2,958 career points place her second on the all-time area scoring list, trailing only West Holmes’ Lisa Cline, and she leaves behind an unmatched legacy at Loudonville.
Zoe Miller (Hiland High School)
Zoe Miller capped off her high school career with a 28-1 record and a state championship in 2021, where she scored 12 points in the title game, helping Hiland to a 45-25 victory. Throughout her career, Miller accumulated 1,625 points, finishing just 20 points shy of the school record set by Jena Stutzman. Miller’s consistency and dominance in the paint were key to Hiland’s championship runs.
A two-time All-Ohio first-team selection, Miller’s ability to score and rebound made her one of the most well-rounded players in the state. She averaged 15.6 points and 10 rebounds per game as a junior and led Hiland to multiple conference titles. As a senior, Miller’s leadership helped extend the program’s remarkable 25-year streak of league championships.
These four high school stars—Mullett, Yoder, Vermilya, and Miller—have amassed over 6,000 career points and left their marks on Ohio high school basketball. Their individual and team accomplishments are testaments to their talent, work ethic, and dedication to the game, and their futures at Ashland University promise to be just as bright. Together, they represent the next generation of athletes who will carry on Ashland’s winning tradition on the national stage.