Final Score
Carlisle 48 Legacy Christian 43 Carlisle erased an 11-point deficit at the end of the 3rd quarter to comeback and defeat Legacy Christian 48-43. Blake Lawson (Sr) spearheaded the comeback attempt in the final quarter and hit crucial free throws down the stretch. He and Justyce Taylor (So) combined for 33 of Carlisle’s 48 points. Legacy was led by Parker Burke (Sr) who scored 15 points despite being in foul trouble and taking some physical hits. Final Score Northmont 73 Troy 45 Northmont exploded out of the half and took down Troy 73-45. The Thunderbolts, who led by 10 at the half, outscored the Trojans 44-26 in the 2nd half behind BJ Hatcher (Jr) and his 19 points. Hatcher had multiple breakaway dunks as the Bolts forced 22 turnovers. Evan Kaiser (Sr) led the Trojans with 10 points in the loss. Final Score Beavercreek 76 Lakota West 70 Beavercreek survived a late comeback attempt from Lakota West to pick up a non-conference victory, 76-70 over the Firebirds. In a game that featured little defense, the Beavers capitalized with Isaiah Williams (Jr) leading with 24 points and Liam Gluck (Sr) not far behind with 22 points. Hakeem Smith (Sr) led the Firebirds with 23 points in the loss. Final Score Miamisburg 78 Xenia 53 Miamisburg took out the host Buccaneers of Xenia in the finale, 78-53. The Vikings out-rebounded Xenia 45-21 in the win and used their size advantage from the tip. Andrew Hoerner (Jr) exploded for the Vikings finishing with a double-double. Scored 28 points on 11-of-20 shooting from the floor and 18 rebounds. Alijah Winters (Sr) led scoring for the Buccs with 14 points in the loss.
0 Comments
GWOC
As per the last several years, Centerville continues to play the part as the top team as they stand 5-0 in conference play nearing the end of 2023. The Elks have already beaten the likes of Beavercreek, Northmont and Springboro early in the year. Centerville is all over the stat leaders too. Jonathan Powell (Sr) leads the conference with 23 ppg early and Baboucarr Njie (Sr) leads in FG % and Rebounding and is Top 5 in Blocks. Beavercreek stands with a lone loss to the Elks, but has beaten Springboro and Wayne early in the year. Isaiah Williams (Jr) has been off to a great start averaging 18 points and 4 assists per game. Springboro has been the surprise team with two close losses to Beavercreek and Centerville and has won some close victories over Fairmont, Wayne and Northmont. Will Yates (Sr) is having himself a year with 16 points and 5 assists per game. Yates is also averaging 3 steals per game. While their record may be deceiving, Wayne still looks the part as they’ve lost to some of the bigger players right now, but they too are all over the stat sheet with leaders. Juan Cranford Jr (Sr) is averaging 18 points and 6 rebounds per game and shooting 43% from 3PT range. Myles Perkins (Jr) and Isaiah Thompson (So) are some of the better defenders currently in the conference. MVL Miami- Tippecanoe has been a bit of a surprise with a 6-1 record in the league. The lone loss comes to Stebbins on the road, but the Red Devils have won every MVL game by double digits. Jackson Smith (Sr) is having himself a year with 17 points and 8 rebounds per game for the Red Devils. Butler lost to West Carrollton to start the year, but have won their last 5 league games and stands 5-1. The Aviators are allowing a league low 36 points per game and have one of the better interior players in Julius Rusk (So) who is averaging 8 rebounds and 1 block per game. Valley- Sidney and Stebbins stand tied at 4-2 each in the league, with West Carrollton and Fairborn both a half game back at 3-2 each. Sidney has already beaten Stebbins and West Carrollton, but recently lost a tight one to Fairborn. The Yellow Jackets are getting nearly 35 points per game in offense from the guard combo of Julius Spradling (Jr) and A’Zon Steele (Jr). Stebbins has won 4 straight since losing to Sidney early in the year, which has included victories over Tippecanoe and Troy in the process. The Indians don’t have any major stat stuffers on the offensive end, but they’ve found a way to beat one of the better teams in the league in Tipp and are playing exceptional basketball. West Carrollton has respectable losses to Sidney and Tippecanoe and has been led by Chylan Ingram (Jr) who leads the MVL in Rebounds (10 rpg) and Blocks (3 bpg) so far. Fairborn is the dark horse as they are up-and-down with wins over Sidney and Stebbins, but big losses to Butler and Tippecanoe. The Skyhawks have a plethora of guys leading them with Taiyou Williams (Sr) averaging 14 points per game, William Perry III (So) leading with 5 assists per game, and Divine Olinger (Jr) with 2 blocks per game. GCL (Coed) Alter stands alone atop the league at 3-0 in league play and already beating McNicholas and Fenwick once. The Knights have looked solid on both ends of the floor and are being led by RJ Greer (Jr) with 18 point per game. McNicholas and Fenwick are both right behind with a 2-1 record and both losing to Alter so far. McNick has been led by freshman Grant Waters who is sitting in 4th in scoring at 13 points per game. Fenwick is getting production from multiple seniors and look to be one of the better teams currently from a district standpoint as well. Bailey Temming (Sr) is averaging a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds per game. SWBL Buckeye- The Buckeye division is still working itself out with Oakwood atop at 4-1 and Valley View right behind at 3-1. Brookville, Carlisle, and Waynesville all stand 2-2 and in a 3-way tie. The Lumberjacks lone league loss is to Carlisle, but has beaten Valley View and Waynesville already once. Luke Rubin (Jr) is averaging 17 points per game and is currently Top 5 in scoring in the league. Valley View got a late start due to their football team’s success but has already picked up wins over Carlisle and Waynesville. A tough loss at Oakwood holds them back currently. But the Spartans have the top scorer in Brody Denny (Fr) with 23 points per game and top interior player in Ty Fritz (Fr) with 13 rebounds and 2 blocks per game. Southwestern- This division is smaller and a little simpler. Franklin is ahead at 3-0 but Bellbrook is right behind at 2-1 as is Edgewood at 1-1. Franklin has already beaten Bellbrook head-to-head and has one of the best scorers in the league in Kai Cook (Jr) with 18 points per game. DCL The City League might be the most surprising start so far this year with Belmont currently at the top at 3-1. Afterwards, a 3-way tie at 2-2 between Dunbar, Thurgood Marshall and Ponitz. Belmont’s lone loss comes to Dunbar, but wins over Thurgood and Ponitz have helped cancel this out. The Bison have a good senior combo leading them in Judah Baldwin and Da’Marion Calahan. Dunbar has struggled out the gate with loses to Meadowdale and Thurgood, but they did beat Belmont to start the year. Baron White (Jr) is averaging 17 points per game for the Wolverines and currently stands in 4th in scoring. Thurgood has lost one possession games to Belmont and Ponitz and have the win at home against Dunbar. Darius Williams (Sr) is averaging 10 points and 9 rebounds for the Cougars. Ponitz beat Thurgood but lost a one possession game to Belmont. They have one of the better defenders in the league in Chris Warner (Sr) who is averaging 16 points and 10 rebounds already early in the year. TRC Troy Christian stands alone and is the only undefeated team in the conference currently at 5-0. Lehman Catholic and Northridge both are 4-1 and Miami East is still well within striking distance at 3-2. The Eagles have looked solid early on in conference play behind their senior trio of Parker Penrod, Alex Free, and Frank Rupnik. Victories over Miami East and Northridge have been key wins. Lehman has been a bit of a surprise as they’ve only lost to Miami East, but have yet to face Troy Christian or Northridge yet. The Cavs have been paced by Donovan O’Leary (Sr) with 15 points and 8 rebounds per game. Northridge meanwhile has beaten Miami East early in the year and their lone loss comes to Troy Christian. Jadyn Martin (Jr) is averaging 16 points and 8 rebounds per game for the Polar Bears. Miami East has fallen to Northridge and Troy Christian, but did pick up a win over Lehman Catholic. They have the leading scorer in the conference in Jacob Roeth at 19 points per game. WOAC Currently we have a 3-way tie at the top of the conference with Preble Shawnee, Tri-Village, and Bradford all standing at 4-0. Franklin Monroe is right behind at 3-1. Preble is fresh off a double digit win over Franklin Monroe, and is winning by an average of 39 points per game against WOAC opponents. Mason Shrout (Sr) is putting up 20 points, 5 assists and 8 rebounds per game for the Arrows. The Arrows have one of the best low-post players as well in Logan Hawley (Sr) who has 10 points and 8 rebounds per game. Tri-Village has also been winning by a large margin, with an average victory by 51 points per game. The Patriots have yet to allow more than 45 point to a WOAC opponent this season. Trey Sagester (So) and Tanner Printz (Sr) are combining for 38 points per game early on. Bradford has won some tight ones early on, but still have yet to take a loss in conference play. The Railroaders have senior leadership in Hudson Hill and Landon Wills as well as good guard play from Owen Canan (Jr). SCAL Botkins and Russia are currently both 4-0 in league play while Anna and Jackson Center both stand at 2-2. Botkins has already beaten Jackson Center to start the year off and are winning at a large margin with 5 of their 6 wins being by double figures. Russia has also beaten Jackson Center but also beat Anna right before the holidays. The Raiders have surrendered more than 45 points just once and are again looking like a defensive nightmare for teams. Anna has already fallen to Jackson Center and Russia, but the Rockets have had some non-league success with wins against MAC opponents, including Marion Local right before Christmas. Jackson Center is continuing to adjust to post-Scott Elchert life and has been up-and-down early on. Closely contested losses to Russia and Botkins jump out, but a 1-point victory over Anna and convincing non-league victories have optimism building for the Tigers. MBC Dayton Christian has surprised us with a 3-0 start early in conference play, with Legacy Christian and Miami Valley School not far on their tails with 2-1 records. Dayton Christian has already beaten Legacy Christian once this season and have shown they can replace two 1,000 point scorers with confidence. Seth Edgerton (Sr) is leading in scoring with 19 points per game. Legacy Christian’s lone loss is to Dayton Christian on the road, but the Knights beat MVS earlier. Parker Burke (Sr) has been filling out the stat sheet with 15 points and 5 assists per game. Jacob Thompson (So) is averaging a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds per game. Miami Valley School has been impressive minus the loss to Legacy Christian. Jacob Barnard (Sr) is averaging 19 points and 6 rebounds for the Rams and has already went for 20+ points 5 times this year. Final Score
Valley View 52 Oakwood 78 Wednesday featued a SWBL showdown between Oakwood and Valley View, as the Spartans made the trip over to “The Pit” for a showdown with the red-hot Lumberjacks. The biggest storyline entering this game was the showdown between two of the league’s highest scorers as Valley View’s Brody Denny (Fr) and Oakwood’s Luke Rubin (Jr) were facing off and both were in the Top 5 in scoring entering the game. Right at the tip. It was apparent Oakwood was going to force the ball out of Denny’s hands. This came in the form of jumps traps not just to Denny, but with all the Spartan guards. This caused turnovers for the Spartans early and allowed Oakwood extra possessions. Rubin got things rolling using his speed to beat defenders off the bounce. Oakwood got the lead after the first quarter 20-11. The Jacks defense continued into the second frame as they continued to force turnovers on the Spartans. But Valley View settled in and was able to finally get Denny going offensively as well as see Micah Valenti (Sr) play with some poise and bring some scoring for the Spartans. Both teams played an even quarter ending with Oakwood leading still 37-28 at the half. The third quarter was very one sided as Valley View was held scoreless for the first 4 minutes of the quarter and Oakwood got hot behind the arc. 7 different players for the Jacks would knock down a 3-point shot and the Jacks added to their lead ending the 3rd quarter up 60-40. The offensive showing continued into the final quarter with Oakwood continuing to make shots behind Rubin and PJ Bremner (Sr). The Jacks would go on to win this one 78-52 behind 19 points from Luke Rubin and 14 points from PJ Bremner. Valley View would be led by Denny with 19 points and fellow freshman Ty Fritz would score 11 points. Oakwood will rebound in about 48 hours and face Middletown Madison again at home on Friday. Valley View will also have a 48 hour turnaround and will take on Waynesville on Friday. Final Score
Covington 46 Bethel 53 Bethel and Covington battled it out Tuesday night in a TRC showdown as both teams were looking to win their first TRC game of the year. Right off the bat, the Buccs were ready to play. Covington came out hot on a 7-0 run within the first few minutes, keeping Bethel scoreless for the 1st part of the quarter. The Bees would respond going back and forth and cutting into the deficit, trailing 12-7 after 1 quarter. Britton Miller (Sr) impressed with his unselfishness in the game and distribution as a guard, and Brogen Angle (Jr) knocked down some big perimeter shots The 2nd quarter allowed Bethel to chip away more at the deficit behind a great shooting performance from Mike Halleg (Jr). The junior guard made shots off the drive and made some tough buckets with a defender closing in. Covington’s offense got a little stagnant especially at the end of the quarter as fatigue began to settle in. The Buccs however maintained their lead 20-19 going into the half. Bethel continued a strong offensive showing as they went back and forth with the Buccs until going on a 8-0 run leading into the end of the quarter. However, Britton Miller buried a 3 at the buzzer to stop the run. Bethel made enough shots in the quarter to create the separation and took advantage of some Covington turnovers. Bethel took the lead 35-30 into the end of the quarter after the Miller made shot. Bethel continued their offensive barrage in the final quarter behind Halleg and Eli Lowery (Jr). Covington would make some shots at the end, but not enough to retake the lead as Bethel would win 53-46. Even in a losing effort, Covington won the hustle battle in this one and is the reason why they were able to control much of the 1st half. Britton Miller lead the Buccs with 14 points in the loss. Mike Halleg finished with 19 points to lead Bethel. Covington drops to 0-2 with the loss and now focuses on a big matchup Friday with Northridge. Bethel moves to 2-2 and will go on the road to Lehman Catholic for another TRC showdown. Final Score
Springboro 47 Fairmont 41 Springboro traveled up to Trent Arena for a key early-season matchup for the Panthers as they took on GWOC rival Kettering Fairmont. Springboro started off the game very aggressive, dominating the offensive glass and getting some 2nd chance opportunities around the rim. 6-foot-6 Carson Gutmann (Jr) excelled and took up space for the Panthers. Fairmont took their time with a much slower paced style of play and being methodical with their motion offense. While the patience was impressive, turnovers were an issue for the Firebirds much of the quarter. Springboro would take a 11-7 lead to end the quarter. The 2nd quarter was even more impressive for the Panthers as they were able to extend the lead to 9 points behind great slashing from Will Yates (Sr) who was able to find the paint consistently off dribble drive. The Firebirds offense struggled to start the quarter but would settle in after Evan Gentile (Jr) hit some shots and the Firebirds would end the quarter on a 10-3 run to cut into the deficit. Springboro would maintain their lead at the half, but only ahead 19-17. The 3rd quarter was a bit of a flip. Springboro began to struggle with ball security and got a little sloppy offensively while Fairmont executed and did better getting dribble drive action. Both teams went back and forth with the Panthers still leading at the end of the quarter 30-27. Fairmont finally looked like they’d broken through as they went on a 5-0 run to start the 4th quarter and would take a two-point lead. But Springboro rebounded and responded with a 5-0 run of their own and from there ran away the rest of the quarter. Springboro would hold on to win 47-41 and earn a well deserved GWOC victory. Will Yates led Springboro with 17 points in the win. Evan Gentile led the Firebirds with 14 points in the loss. Final Score
Sidney 69 Xenia 47 Sidney made the trip down I-75 on Thursday evening for a Miami Valley League showdown with Xenia. Xenia was looking to rebound after a close 1-point loss to Piqua. Sidney was trying to continue their start after beating Tecumseh just a few days earlier. Right off the bat, it was clear Sidney had plenty of consistency from beyond the arc. A’zon Steele (Jr) got rolling early with a few jumpers and slashes to the rim. Jayden Daniel (Jr) knocked down 2 early 3’s as well as the Yellow Jackets jumped out of the gate. Xenia struggled from the floor. While they were getting some shots in the paint, there were more misses than makes. Even with the struggles, Sidney took an early 16-8 lead in the 1st. Sidney continued to feed off of Daniel’s shooting, but began to find a rhythm as well from Julius Spradling (Jr), who found a groove both off of turnovers and in the halfcourt. Xenia’s Alijah Winters (Sr) consistently found success offensively with explosiveness on the drive and some floaters in the paint. Even with Winters’ scoring, the Buccs struggled with turnovers and allowed Sidney to get out on the fast break far too many times. Going into the half, Sidney extended the lead 33-18. Sidney exploded out of the 2nd half on a 9-2 run behind hot shooting from Steele and Spradling, forcing the Buccs to burn a timeout. Out of the timeout, Xenia began bringing more ball pressure which visibly gave the Yellow Jackets some problems. The Buccs were able to run even the rest of the quarter but offensively the flow and missed shots continued to be the theme. Sidney ended the quarter up 52-30. Xenia found some fire in the 4th quarter and came out on all cylinders behind Winters. The Buccs were able to get the deficit down to 17 points, but Sidney would find a way to respond, typically with a forced turnover. The Yellow Jackets would end the game with a 69-47 win. Steele, Spradling, and Daniel combined for 55 points. Winters finished with 17 points for Xenia. Sidney will go to Stebbins next Tuesday in their next game. Xenia will take on Coopersville (MI) on Saturday morning at the Nutter Center. Final Score
Trotwood 61 CJ 41 Trotwood-Madison picked up an early season road win over Chaminade-Julienne, beating the Eagles in their home gym 61-41. The Rams got out to a fast start jumping ahead 9-2 with their up-and-down style of offense. C-J responded with small run of their own and got 6-foot-9 Jamiel Atkins (Jr) in foul trouble with 2 fouls in the 1st quarter. Trotwood would respond with another short run at the end of the quarter and take a 15-10 lead. Trotwood’s pressure defense, anchored by Cari Reaves (So) and Delamarr Blanton (Jr) forced several turnovers by the Eagles. The Rams especially locked in on Cal Weatherspoon (Sr), who had scored 22 points just a few days prior. C-J couldn’t get shots to fall in the paint and missed several free throws when they did get to the line. The offensive struggles allowed Trotwood to continue to add to the lead and they were up 30-18 at the half. C-J tried to get more perimeter shots in the 3rd quarter as they had struggled from the floor and against the size Trotwood brought. Shots continued to not fall, and Trotwood responded with some transition buckets off of turnover. The Eagles’ TJ Donnelly (Sr) was able to get a few buckets to keep the Eagles in it, but a Blanton 3 at the buzzer gave Trotwood the quarter advantage and extended their lead 42-27. The final quarter Trotwood turned up their offense even more and gave Blanton the green light to go get buckets. Blanton would end with 21 points and was scoring in a variety of ways. The Eagles were plagued with turnovers and missed shots from the floor. Cal Weatherspoon led the Eagles with 9 points to pace the Eagles in the loss. Centerville
25-4 (Greater Western Ohio Conference) Lost in the State Semifinals 57-53 to Pickerington Central Who is Back: Jonathan Powell (Sr)- Xavier Commit- 1st Team All District, Baboucarr Njie (Sr), Ethan Greenburg (Jr), Eli Greenburg (Jr) Who is Gone: Gabe Cupps (SW District POY), Collin O’Conner (2nd Team All District), Emmanuel Deng, Dulguun Gankhuyag Burning Question: How do you replace a senior class that went to 3 State tournaments? Outlook: Elks have a lot of firepower still and are the team to beat in the Southwest District. Powell makes a case for Mr. Basketball Elder 21-5 (GCL South) Lost in Regional Semifinals 54-47 to Centerville Who is Back: Tyler Johnson (Sr)- Thomas More commit, Cam Williams (Jr) Who is Gone: Carson Browne- All District, Sam Whitmer Burning Question: How do the Panthers compare with the rest of the competitive GCL South? Outlook: Elder is one of the better coached programs and always play their best basketball come March. Combination of size and composure makes them dangerous Fairfield 23-5 (Greater Miami Conference) Lost in Regional Finals 64-53 to Centerville Who is Back: Kameron Sanders (Jr), Gabe Clemmons (Jr), Cashawn Ingram (Jr) Who is Gone: Deshawne Crim (1st Team All District), Ray Coney (2nd Team All District), Aamir Rogers Burning Question: Can the juniors continue the dominance Fairfield has had the past 2 years? Outlook: Indians are losing 3 starters and plenty of scoring. Sanders and Clemmons have attracted D1 college interest and should keep Fairfield in the running. Kings 18-6 (Eastern Cincinnati Conference) Lost in Sectionals 73-66 to Western Hills Who is Back: Talan Noyes (Sr), Tommy Clark (Jr), Myles Baker (Jr), Tyler Owens (So)- transfer from Covington Catholic (KY) Who is Gone: Michael Mussari Burning Question: Will the Knights get through the perennial powers in SW Ohio? Outlook: Kings returns a lot of great guards and especially saw growth in Clark and Baker. Knights will challenge in the ECC Lakota East 11-13 (Greater Miami Conference) Lost in District Semifinals to Moeller 51-50 Who is Gone: Trey Perry (Jr), Tyler Bachman (Sr), Derek Jackson (Sr) Who is Back: Jack Kronauge, Julian Mitchell, Lebron Bennie-Powell, Kayden Meadows Burning Question: Will East rebound from a down year last season? Outlook: The Thunderhawks have one of the best PGs in SW Ohio and a tradition that they will bounce back after a tough regular season in 2023. Moeller 18-8 (GCL South) Lost in District Finals 57-36 to Princeton Who is Back: AJ McBride (Sr)- Niagara Commit, Kingston Land (Jr), Eric Mahaffey (Sr)- Akron Commit, Kyle Havens (Sr), Brady Franz (Jr)- transfer from Texas, Roman Mason (Jr), Alex Kazanecki (Jr) Who is Gone: Donovan Mukes, Nick Williams, Jason Henning, Grant Smethwick Burning Question: Can Moe say healthy and will McBride be back in time? Outlook: Moeller is a very well coached program and if healthy, have a plethora of talent at their disposal. Should make a case to challenge for a District title again. Princeton 19-8 (Greater Miami Conference) Lost in Regional Semifinals 51-45 to Fairfield Who is Back: Dorian Williams (Sr)- Vanderbilt football Commit, Cliff Cass (Jr), Kieran Granville-Britten (Jr)- transfer from Taft, Brendan Braddix (Sr), Amir Phillips (Fr) Who is Gone: Riley Woods, Keven Adorno, Jaiden Arnold- transfer to Aiken Burning Question: Can the Vikings replace the guard play departing and repeat last season’s success? Outlook: Princeton has the pieces to have success, but they are going to need Cass and Williams to really step up. Will look to some younger players to fill in the gaps and will not have Granville-Britten due to injury. St. Xavier 13-12 (GCL South) Lost in District Semifinals 58-40 to Fairfield Who is Back: Donovan Waleskowski (Jr)- 2nd Team All District, Jacob Wassler (Jr) Who is Gone: Kyle Conner, Luke Eckert Burning Question: Can the Bombers get back to their roots and find success in GCL play? Outlook: Ryan Fleming joins the Bombers from Summit Country Day and will bring the same physicality and tenacity to compete in the GCL South. Bombers have enough to compete for a District title. Sycamore 17-7 (Greater Miami Conference) Lost in District Semifinals 47-45 to Elder Who is Back: Raleigh Burgess (Sr)- Purdue commit, 2nd Team All District, Tariq Kimbrough (Jr), Sam Imade (Jr) Who is Gone: Charlie Hall, Bryce Darbyshire, Austin Southerland, Des Bolden Burning Question: Now with Burgess back healthy, can the Aves replace the rest of the experience graduated? Outlook: There is a lot of talent gone and will be hard to replace. Burgess was having a monster year before getting injured and him healthy is enough to keep Sycamore in the running. Wayne 21-5 (Greater Western Ohio Conference) Lost in District Finals 76-51 to Fairfield Who is Back: Juan Cranford Jr (Sr), Boots Perkins (Jr), Josiah Marshall (Sr), Josiah Howard-Morrison (Sr) Who is Gone: Lawrent Rice (1st Team All District) Burning Question: How will the Warriors look replacing one of the greatest players in their program? Outlook: The Warriors return a great core of upperclassmen to replace Rice and should again be one of the best teams in the GWOC and in SW Ohio Winton Woods 9-14 (Eastern Cincinnati Conference) Lost in Sectionals 74-50 to Fairfield Who is Back: Tyler McKinley (Sr)- Cincinnati commit- (transfer from Link Academy, MO), Sean Harmon Jr (Sr)-transfer from Walnut Hills, Jaylen Mercer (Fr) Who is Gone: Jermaine Matthews, Javion Bostic Burning Question: How far can McKinley get the Warriors in his return to Ohio? Outlook: Transfers change the dynamic of this team and the addition of a Top 100 player in the country (McKinley) makes this team a great chance to win the ECC and compete for a District title. Alter
20-8 (GCL Coed) Lost in Regional Finals 64-59 to Chaminade-Julienne Who is Back: Gavin Leen (Sr), RJ Greer (Jr)- transfer from Springboro, Charlie Uhl (Jr), Brady Connor (Jr), Matthew Lunne (Jr) Who is Gone: Anthony Ruffolo (1st Team All District) AJ Leen (2nd Team All District), Gavin Geisel Burning Question: Is Greer the missing piece to get the Knights back to Dayton? Outlook: Alter is one of the biggest teams in the area with several players 6-foot-6 or taller. Losing 2 All-District guards is tough, but the Knights are still one of the better teams in the area and can challenge for a league and District title. Chaminade-Julienne 26-3 (GCL Coed) Lost in State Semifinals 56-54 to Lutheran West Who is Back: Devin Rakestraw (Sr), Cal Weatherspoon (Sr), David Cartwright (Jr) Who is Gone: George Washington III (District Player of the Year), Evan Dickey, Jackson Washington Burning Question: Can the Eagles replace the amount of scoring lost? Outlook: C-J will still be a tough team and can challenge for a District title, but the race for the GCL will come down to them and Alter Dunbar 20-7 (1st in Dayton City League) Lost in Regional Semifinals 58-50 to Alter Who is Back: Eric Brewer (Sr), Baron White (Jr)- transfer from Northridge, Jekel Hill (Jr) Who is Gone: Antaune Allen (1st Team All District), Antone Allen, BJ Hatcher- transfer to Northmont Burning Question: How does Dunbar replace the Allen twins and their scholarship PG? Outlook: The Wolverines lost a lot of talent to graduation and transfer from a season ago. But Brewer and White will be leaders and Dunbar should again be the team to beat in the DCL Trotwood-Madison 9-14 Lost in Sectionals 58-54 to Northmont Who is Back: Tim Carpenter (Sr)- Indiana (football) commit, Delamarr Blanton (Sr)- transfer from Middletown, Donovan Hardy (Sr)- transfer from West Carrollton, Jamiel Atkins (Jr), Cari Reaves (So)- transfer from Meadowdale, Darius Dennis (Fr) Who is Gone: Mykel Morton Burning Question: How well will the new players mesh together? Outlook: There are a lot of new faces in Trotwood. If chemistry is built, and Carpenter ends up playing, this team can win a District title now that the Rams are moving down to Division II. Woodward 19-5 (Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference-Red) Lost in District Finals 72-59 to Dunbar Who is Back: Ru Mills (Sr)- 1st Team All District, Donte Ferrell (Sr), Jeremiah Hughes (Sr) Who is Gone: Kanye Moreland- 3rd Team All District Burning Question: Can Bulldogs be the best team in Cincinnati? Outlook: Woodward has seniors and plenty of athleticism across the board. Mills can be one of the best scorers in the District and the Bulldogs will be the favorites in the CMAC. Wyoming 23-3 (Cincinnati Hills League) Lost in District Finals 65-35 to Chaminade-Julienne Who is Back: Kellan Wiley (So), Carlyle Billingsley (So) Who is Gone: Lance Grayson (2nd Team All District), Will Svendsen, Louie Trenkamp Burning Question: Can the Cowboys repeat their undefeated league record in 2024? Outlook: This group will again be one of the best teams in SW Ohio and although they are a young team, can compete for another District title run. CHCA
17-7 (Miami Valley Conference-Scarlet) Lost in District Semifinals 75-53 to Woodward Who is Back: Luke Sanders (Jr)- 2nd Team All District Who is Gone: Wes Roberts (1st Team All District) Burning Question: Can Sanders get the Eagles back to a District title? Outlook: CHCA moves back down to Division III after a season in Division II and have one of the best scorers in SW Ohio on their team. The Eagles will be a tough out and could challenge for a District title. Dixie 19-6 (Western Ohio Athletic Conference) Lost in District Semifinals 53-49 to Tri-Village Who is Back: Kole Huffman (Sr), Luke Miller (Jr) Who is Gone: Conner Hawk (3rd Team All District), Owen Stevenson Burning Question: Can the Greyhounds replicate their previous success with the loss of Hawk? Outlook: Dixie made a major step last year and bring back some pieces from that team going into the new season. Losing Hawk will be tough, but the core back makes Dixie a sleeper to monitor. Indian Lake 13-12 (Central Buckeye Conference-Mad River) Lost in District Semifinals 60-51 to Miami East Who is Back: Caiden Nicol (Sr)- 1st Team All District, Camdon Tuttle (Sr) Who is Gone: Burning Question: Can Lakers contend with Miami East or Preble Shawnee at the top of the District? Outlook: Indian Lake has a history of competing come postseason. This group has made the District title twice as underclassmen and can get back to Districts. Miami East 24-3 (Three Rivers Conference) Lost in Regional Semifinals 50-40 to Preble Shawnee Who is Back: Wes Enis (Sr)- Lincoln Memorial commit- 1st Team All District, Jacob Roeth (Sr)- 1st Team All District Who is Gone: Burning Question: Will East get through Preble Shawnee come tournament time? Outlook: The Vikings have one of the best guard combos in the state and are a winning team. Expect another District title and the Vikings make an argument to make it to Dayton come March. Preble Shawnee 23-4 (Western Ohio Athletic Conference) Lost in Regional Finals 59-46 to Harvest Prep Who is Back: Mason Shrout (Sr)- IPFW commit- District Player of the Year, Logan Hawley (Sr), Brayden Robinette (Sr) Who is Gone: Isaac Blankenship Burning Question: Are the Arrows in the same conversation with the state contenders? Outlook: Arrows should again win the WOAC behind Shrout and an improved Hawley. If they can get past Miami East, easily a District contender and can make it to Dayton. Seven Hills 14-8 (Miami Valley Conference-Gray) Lost in District Finals 42-27 to Preble Shawnee Who is Back: Isaiah Richardson (Sr), Terrance Yarbrough (Jr) Who is Gone: Jaden Sims Burning Question: Can Hornets repeat their postseason success? Outlook: Likely one of the best teams out of D3 in Cincy. Another District run is certainly possible. Summit Country Day 18-7 (Miami Valley Conference-Scarlet) Lost in District Semifinals 38-34 (OT) to Mariemont Who is Back: Cayleb Walters (Jr)- 1st Team All District, Chris Davis (Sr), Jalen Dandridge (Sr) Who is Gone: Pat McHugh Burning Question: Do the Knights have the experience to win a District title? Outlook: Former standout Kevin Johnson Jr takes over for the Knights and inherits a team returning a lot of talent from last year. Walters could be a breakout candidate. Tri-Village 21-6 (Western Ohio Athletic Conference) Lost in Regional Semifinals 54-45 to Harvest Prep Who is Back: Tanner Printz (Sr), Trey Sagester (So) Who is Gone: Wilson Suggs (1st Team All District), Justin Finkbine (2nd Team All District), Dalton DeLong Burning Question: Can the Patriots continue their dominant program losing 3 starters? Outlook: The Patriots are always a well coached program and have one of the better athletes in Printz. If Sagester can shoot the ball consistently, they can contend again for a District title. |
Written by: Tony PetersEdited and Published by: Seth Keim Archives
March 2024
Categories |