After taking a look back at the just-completed high school basketball season in my previous column, I decided to look ahead to next winter’s schedule to wrap up what’s been another year of great hardwood action. With input from our two resident gurus here at MyCountyLink, Gaylen Blosser and Dale Barger, here are some thoughts on what to expect beginning in November:
—WOAC GIRLS
Expect a wide-open race for league honors among five teams. Mississinawa Valley loses the heart of this year’s 20-5 league and district champions to graduation, but returns a group of talented young players who should contend for the title. Tri-Village is in a similar situation as the Lady Patriots have to replace a solid senior class that went 21-5, but as always will be among the top echelon in the WOAC.
Ansonia at 16-9 made waves this year and should be even better next season, while Newton and Arcanum will cause problems for everyone. Franklin-Monroe will continue to rebuild, as will Preble Shawnee, along with the other Preble County schools and Dixie. Here’s hoping that Bradford will have enough girls interested in playing next year, as the Lady ‘Roaders fielded no team this season.
Seven to watch—Charlotte Barga and London Reichert, Ansonia; Ella Flatter and Matty Noe, Arcanum; Ani Cottrell, Newton; Lola Grieshop, Tri-County North; and Tatum Gray, Tri-Village.
—WOAC BOYS
Tri-Village, fresh off a 26-1 season, enters the post-Trey Sagester era as the D-VI Ohio Player of the Year moves on. But fear not, for the Patriots return three starters and upcomers from a 22-0 junior varsity team. The Arcanum boys bring back 6’7” Ben Hamilton, along with point guard Jace Mote, and should make a run at the title. Preble Shawnee, Twin Valley South, and Mississinawa Valley will be more than just competitive and could create headaches for league foes. Ansonia will be much improved, and Franklin-Monroe will be Franklin-Monroe. The other conference teams will hope for continued improvement and a chance to break into the upper echelon.
Ten to watch—Ben Hamilton and Jace Mote, Arcanum; Graham Coppess, Ansonia; Rallie Wirrig, Bradford; Blake Riffell, Franklin-Monroe; Cing Scott, M-V; Dom Black (a D-I college football prospect who will have to decide if he plays hoops next year), Griffin Richards, and Brecken Gray, Tri-Village; and Trent Ray, Twin Valley South.
—MIAMI VALLEY LEAGUE GIRLS
Tipp City, coming off a 23-3 season with MVL Miami Division and district trophies in hand, loses quite a few seniors, but as always will be a force to be reckoned with as second-team D-III All-Ohio honoree Abbi Mader returns for her junior year. Butler and Troy will be pushed by Greenville’s much-improved Lady Wave as they enter their second season under the guidance of Shane Hillard. Stebbins should stay in control of the Valley Division, while Sidney’s young team should be vastly improved. Piqua, West Carrollton, Fairborn, and Xenia all will hope to make strides over the summer months in order to be more competitive next year.
Seven to watch—Brooklynn Kimball, Fairborn; Kenzie Carroll, Piqua; Olivia Foy, Sidney; Abbi Mader, Tipp City; Emma Dady and Alexa Moeller, Vandalia-Butler; and Arriyah Izeh, West Carrollton.
—MIAMI VALLEY LEAGUE BOYS
Tipp loses quite a bit, but the Red Devils don’t rebuild; they just reload, so expect them to be in the thick of the Miami Division race. Vandalia-Butler is always a concern, and Troy has a young team that will surprise people next year. West Carrollton’s quickness is always evident, and the Pirates will be a tough out in the Valley Division, as will Stebbins. Piqua and Greenville in the Miami and Xenia, Sidney, and Fairborn in the Valley all will seek to make significant strides for next year.
Six to watch—Michael McMahon, Greenville; Kaleb Lee and Davis Bucks, Sidney; Hudson Ganger, Tipp; Sultan Khaleel, West Carrollton; and Devin Withers, Xenia.
OTHERS—
The Midwest Athletic Conference will return one state titleist in the St. Henry girls and another in the Delphos St. John’s boys. As usual, the conference schedule will be a dogfight every night as the MAC continues to be one of the state’s toughest, regardless of enrollment. And the Shelby County League will feature Russia’s Lady Raiders, this year’s D-VII runner-up under Ohio Coach of the Year Mike Bashore. On the boys’ side of the league, expect a battle at the top among Botkins and three or four other schools.
Versailles girls should be strong again despite graduating D-V All-Ohio second-team choice Katie Litten and Kynnedi Hager. The Tigers boys squad will have to not only replace D-V All-Ohio first-teamer Drake Ahrens but also longtime Head Coach Travis Swank. Versailles is another team that just keeps on trucking, so look for another strong season with a new coach at the helm.
AND FINALLY—
Greenville’s boys will be under a new coaching staff next year, according to reports from sources at different levels. The Wave are in a prolonged drought over the past nine years, compiling a record of 23-183. Here’s hoping that a fresh approach and renewed commitment on the part of players, parents, and fans alike turn the program around!
And as a final thought, Miamisburg was recently turned down by the Southwestern Buckeye League as the Vikings sought to join the SWBL and leave the Greater Western Ohio Conference. Also, there are rumors that Northmont might seek to exit the GWOC. With the constant ebb and flow of league affiliations, I wouldn’t be surprised to see both the ‘Burg and Northmont apply to the MVL!!
