2024-2025 Preseason Storylines

​Alter could defend their title in a new division
The new divisional alignment certainly helps the defending champion Knights. After winning a state title in Division II a year ago, Alter returns 3 starters and will look to run things back in a new division. Replacing the guard combination of Gavin Leen and Joe Brand will be a challenge, but Alter has plenty of size in Brady Conner (Sr), Charlie Uhl (Sr), and Matt Lunne (Sr), along with NC State commit RJ Greer (Sr). The Knights will again have Cincinnati Wyoming in their way in their Region, along with Taft and Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (CHCA). Assuming the Knights can limit turnovers and utilize their size, they make a strong case to take home their 2nd straight State Title.
 
GWOC again will be tough
Every year seems to see the GWOC get a little tougher and tougher. Last season saw Centerville again win the conference title, but Beavercreek, Wayne and Springboro all finished 1-game back of the Elks. This year is no different and looks to be a competitive season in conference play. Centerville returns the Greenburg twins along with and the addition of Trey Sam (So) from Bellbrook. All 3 will be needed to replace Jonathan Powell and a lot of scoring from a State Runner-Up finish last season. Wayne again is losing their best player, but have plenty of skilled guards in Myles Perkins (Sr), Jaysean Price (Sr) and Isaiah Thompson (Jr) all back. Beavercreek has Isaiah Williams (Sr) returning for his final year, but depth will be a question for the Beavers. Springboro loses some major pieces, but have several role guys back. Springfield, Northmont and Fairmont all look solid and only make predicting this conference that much tougher to do.
 
Tippecanoe and Sidney are the teams to beat in the MVL
The Red Devils and Yellow Jackets have plenty of talent at their disposal and seem to be the favorites out of the MVL this year. Tippecanoe brings back CJ Bailey (Jr) along with a solid senior class. Sidney is senior heavy  and has arguably the best scorer in the league in A’Zon Steele (Sr). He along with Julius Spradling (Sr) and Jayce Daniel (Sr) will be a tough trio for the Valley division to defend.
 
What will the City League look like?
Transfer and graduation affected the Dayton City League quite a bit with 5 of the 6 teams losing 3 or more starters from the previous year. Dunbar again looks to be the team to beat behind Moses Sanford (So) and Carlisle transfer Justyce Taylor (Jr).  Meadowdale, Stivers and Thurgood Marshall all return key seniors, but will they have the depth to challenge the Wolverines at the top of the league standings?
 
SWBL has a couple contenders
For the first time in a few years, the SWBL has several teams that not only could contend within the league, but could make postseason noise as well. Oakwood had a successful season under 1st year coach Braden Short, and has Luke Rubin (Sr) returning for another big season. Valley View is young but the sophomore combo of Brody Denny and Ty Fritz are going to be a problem for years to come. Carlisle only loses one starter from a season again and has Blake Lawson (Sr) leading an upperclassmen heavy team. Bellbrook saw major growth in Austin Webb (Sr) in the offseason and bring back 4 starters from a season ago.
 
Tri-Village in the WOAC again
It should come as no surprise when it comes to WOAC that Tri-Village is identified as the team to beat. Behind legendary coach Josh Sagester, the Patriots have been a force in both conference play as well as in the postseason for many years. Trey Sagester (Jr) grew a year ago and evolved into a deadly perimeter shooter. While he is losing several seniors from a District champion team a year ago, Tri-Village does a great job of reloading vs rebuilding and will have new faces to pick up the pieces. Division VI is not as strong in SW Ohio and appears to be Tri-Village’s to take.
 
Russia can finally win a state title
For two straight seasons, the Russia Raiders reached the State Final Four, only to be defeated by eventual state champions Richmond Heights. With the new divisional alignments, Russia is away from the Spartans and are now the presumed team to beat in Division VII. Russia is losing one of the best seniors classes that has come through in recent history, but still has the pieces and the culture to contend year in and year out. Braylon Cordonnier (Sr) and Benjamin York (Sr) played major roles a year ago and are now back in more leadership roles as Russia will be the team to beat in the SCAL as well. SCAL foes Jackson Center and Botkins could have something to say, but few teams in Division VII have the depth and recent postseason success to match the Raiders.
 
TRC could be open
For the first time in the conference’s brief history, we could have an open race in the TRC this year. After years of seeing Troy Christian and Miami East dominate, we could finally see some change. Troy Christian graduated a legendary senior class and look to be a little down this year. Miami East will still hang around behind Ty Rohrer (So) and Kamden Wolfe (Sr). Northridge has been getting better each year and now look to be a potential favorite. Bethel and their standout guard Mike Halleg (Sr) will have something to say as well.