The WOAC 2024-25 boys basketball season will kick off over the Thanksgiving weekend.
Here is look at the teams and keys players in the conference this year.
PREBLE SHAWNEE ARROWS – (24-4, 11-0) – League Champs – Coach Ryan Robinson

Preble Shawnee is coming off the most successful season in school history one that led them to a WOAC League Championship and a trip to the DV State Final Four.
It was a magical season but some of the magic from that team has moved on. Gone is coach Jake Turner chasing his dream of becoming head coach at his alma mater Hamilton
Graduating was Mason Shrout the school’s all-time leading scorer with over 2,000 points and the all-time assist leader. He was the WOAC “Player of the Year” and an Ohio Mr. Basketball finalist. He now dons a uniform for the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodon’s. Also gone is 6’8” Logan Hawley an enforcer in the paint and solid rebounder now at Wittenberg.
Taking over for coach Turner is assistant coach Ryan Robinson and despite those graduations he will have solid returning players that are talented and experienced who know how to win.
Here is a look at key players for the Arrows in 2024
1. Brayden Robinette * SR 6’2 G – 3 Year Starter – 2nd Team all WOAC last year
2. Isaac Blankenship * SR 6’3 G – 4 Year Starter – WOAC 1st Team 2023 & 2nd Team 2024
3. Brody Morton * JR 6’3 G – 2 Year Starter – WOAC Honorable Mention 2024
4. Reece Smith SR 5’11 G
5. Brody Foxbower JR 6’4 F
6. Carson Hollon SR 6’5 F
7. Lane Lovely SR 5’11 G
Key contributors moving up from JV or transfers coming in
1. Kaden Taylor SR 6’5 C
2. Caleb Blankenship SO 6’2 G
3. Braylon Dorell SO 6’4 G
4. Clayton Brandenburg SO 6’2 G
“Our Goal is to build up young men to succeed in the real world, through the game of basketball. Defense will be our calling card all season long. Leading to transition offense.
“Offense – Playing with pace and unselfish ball movement for the best shot,” Coach Ryan Robinson stated.
Coach Robinson see his team in the hunt again this year.
1. Preble Shawnee; athleticism, size, & depth with experience from 2 WOAC & District titles.
2. Tri–Village; Great coach and the best player in the league.
3. Bradford
4 Franklin Monroe
TRI-VILLAGE PATRTIOTS – (24-3, 10-1) – 2nd place – Coach Josh Sagester

Tri-Village is coming off another successful season with a run to the regionals but took a couple of big losses to Preble Shawnee last season in the WOAC Championship and in the Regional Semi-Finals.
Coach Josh Sagester will be in his 16th season at Tri-Village and the program is eager to make it to the big stage once again.
The Patriots graduated a couple of talented guards but return one of the state’s best who will lead the team as they have no seniors on this year’s team.
Here is a look at the top players for the Patriots.
1. Trey Sagester 11 6’3” Guard – Returning as a 1st Team All-State Selection in Division III as a sophomore. Will be a three-year letterman and two-year starter. A Shot Maker, Play Maker, High IQ, Lengthy Athlete Garnering Division I interest at the Collegiate Level. 21.7 ppg. 3.1 apg. 2.4 rpg. 3.2 spg.
2. Noah Finkbine 11 6’3” Forward – Tough, Athletic and Physical. Will be a two-year letterman. Relentless motor on both ends of the floor. He will be a swiss army knife for the Patriots this season. We will utilize him in a variety of ways. 5.3 ppg. 1.6 apg. 4 rpg.
3. Griffin Richards 10 6’0” Guard – Athletic and skilled guard with good pedigree who can make shots and get into the lane effortlessly. Will handle a lot of the ballhandling duties. High IQ with the ball in his hand, can make others around him better.
4. Dom Black 10 6’6” post-Dom will bring a large presence in the paint for the Patriots on both ends of the floor. Dom has good size, moves well, has good touch around the rim and is an excellent passer. His size and skill will anchor the paint. Played significant minutes down the stretch for the Patriots last year as a freshman. Will be a two-year letterman. 3.7 ppg. 2.7 rpg.
5. Kaysn Hollinger 11 6’2” Forward – Tough, high motor will be asked to do a variety of things on both ends of the court for the success of the Patriots. Another versatile player in the rotation. 3.3 ppg. 3 rpg.
6. Brecken Gray 9 5’11” Guard – As a talented freshman, Brecken will bring shot making and High IQ to the table when the ball is in his hands. A coach’s son, he is a gym rat who will bring immediate skill level when he is on the court for the Patriots.
7. Hayden Hunt 11 6’4” Forward – Rugged, athletic, relentless on the glass. Hayden brings length and athleticism to the table.Hayden’s size, motor and finishing ability will be a nice piece to the puzzle.
Key contributors moving up from JV or transfers coming in
1. Carson Bedinghaus 11 6’2” Guard – Carson will be available to play the second half of the season for the Patriots. He will bring athleticism, skill and length to the table immediately upon his availability which will complement our team.
“Strengths of our team this year will be our chemistry, skill level and athleticism. As a coaching staff, we will continue to do our best to put kids in situations to be successful on both ends of the floor,” Coach Josh Sagester said.
“Our standards and goals for our program always remain the same. We strive to win a league championship, sectional championship, district championship and ultimately a state championship.” Sagester stated.
Coach Sagester feels like there are a number of teams who can compete for a title but still see Preble Shawnee as a favorite until someone knocks them off.
1. Preble Shawnee- Return several key pieces from last year’s team and has won the league the last two years.
2. Tri-Village- We aim to compete for a WOAC Championship regardless of the year.
3. Franklin Monroe- Return several lettermen to a team that won 18 games last year.
4. Arcanum
5. Newton
6. Dixie
FRANKLIN MONROE JETS – (18-6, 9-2) – 3rd place – Coach Troy Meyers

Franklin Monroe challenged the top two teams last year with two juniors and a sophomore leading the way. They came up short at the Piqua sectional to advance to districts … but all three key players return and will again be in the mix for a league title and likely bigger run in the tournament.
“Franklin Monroe will return a core of players and welcome a couple newcomers in the 24-25 season. Most of the off-season was spent building the identity and legacy of this team, separate from any other including last year.
Our guys have done a great job upholding a standard of excellence in the days outside of season, which will pay dividends once games begin to be played. It’s been such a blessing to have a core group who understand what real work looks like, what a real locker room is supposed to act like and genuine mentors who care about making each other better.
Environment matters, regardless of sport team, and we feel good about the way that message has been implemented thus far. Our challenge will be continuing to keep pressing competitive excellence. As long as we are allergic to complacency and a feeling of arriving, there is growth left to be seen individually and as a group.
We are unconcerned with the rest of the league, who should win what, speculation about potential or achievement and solely focused on our own growth every single day.
Distraction and comparison are two of the quickest things that will get you beat, so keeping the focus on our own growth is the only priority. Our staff is proud of our work to date and hopeful that our best days are ahead of us.”
—— Coach Troy Meyers ——-
ARCANUM TROJANS – (13-10, 7-4) 4th place tie – Coach Kevin Brackman
Arcanum coach Kevin Brackman will have a year under his belt heading into his second year guiding the Trojans. Three seniors on the team but just two returning lettermen.
Arcanum has good numbers in the program, and an athletic team that will hang their hat on defense.
1. Landon Flatter * SR. 5’11 G – Started 19 games as a junior. Averaged 8.0 points per game. He was second-team all-conference as a junior.
2. Matthew McCans* JR. 5’10 G – Averaged 4.5pts a game last year coming off the bench as a sophomore.
3. Charlie Weiss JR. 6’0 G
4. Cole Kessler JR. 6’1 G/F
5. Cameron Ball JR. 6’2 F
6. Bishop Cartwright SO. 6’0 G
7. Cohen Etherington SO. 6’1 F
8. Luke Stephens SO. 6’2 G/F
9. Graham Brubaker SR 6’0 G
Key contributors moving up from JV or transfers coming in
1. Luke Stephens SO. 6’2 G/F
2. Brubaker SR 6’0 G
3. Jace Mote SO. 5’7 G
4. Gideon Garno SO 5’11 G
5.Owen Neathery SR 6’0 F
6.Truman Knaus SR. 6’4 C
“For our team, it is all about getting better. We return just two pieces from last year, but we welcome a sophomore and junior group of guys who will only get better as we continue throughout the season. I am excited for this team to represent Arcanum,” Coach Kevin Brackman said.
“I believe the WOAC will be a fun conference to compete in this year. We have many great coaches who will have their kids ready to play every night. The top teams in the mix this year are Tri-Village, Preble Shawnee, Franklin Monroe, and Dixie. All four teams have respected returners from last season. I believe that we have a team that can surprise people. Our kids fit the mold of a sleeper team. Watch for Newton and MV to be much improved,” Brackman concluded.
DIXIE GREYHOUNDS – (12-11, 7-4) 4th place tie – Coach Nate Worthy

Dixie was poised to make a run at the top of the league but had an early season injury last year that hampered the Greyhounds. They play good defense and have enough offense to challenge the top teams in the conference and veteran coach Nate Worthy will have them ready to go every night.
Here is look at the key players
1. Nate Emrick* 12 5’9 G – 3 Year Starter @ PG.
2. Luke Miller* 12 6’2 G – Avg 11ppg as a soph. Season ending injury early last Year.
3. Logan Miller* 12 6’1 G – 7ppg & 4reb last year
4. Dillon Phillips* 11 6’2 F – 6ppg & 5reb last year
5. Trevor Huffman* 12 6’1 G
6.Kaiden Hypes* 12 6’4 F
Key contributors moving up from JV or transfers coming in
1. Connor Wade 12 6’2 F
2. Parker Butler 12 6’1 F
3. Keegan Stevenson 11 5’10 G
4. Brayden Puckett 11 6’2 F
“We have an older group that has been playing together for a long time. Nate Emrick, who is a 3-year starter will get this team going night in and night out. He sets the tone for us. Luke Miller is coming back from a devastating injury last year and will be a big part of what we do,” Coach Worthy stated.
“Our goal is to win the Dixie Holiday Tournament and win the WOAC,” Worthy added.
Coach Worthy expects his team to compete and be in the mix this year for the WOAC Title.
1.Tri Village
2.Preble Shawnee
3.Franklin Monroe
4.Dixie
BRADFORD RAILROADERS (13-11, 6-5) 6th place – Coach Alex Swabb

Bradford had a successful run last year in the league but graduated 4 seniors who contributed much to that success. Returning is two key players as the Railroaders will need newcomers to step up to replace them.
Here are the top returners.
1. Owen Canan 12 5’9 G – Averaged 14.7 PPG, 4.9 AST/G, 2.4 Steals/Game Current career assist leader in program history.
2. Zage Harleman 12 6’2 F
3. Rallie Wirrig 10 6’4 F
JV Moving Up/Transfers
1. Greg Chowning 11 5’8 G
2. Avery Felver 11 5’8 G
3. Treyl Manuel 12 6’0 F
4. Casey Jones 11 6’1 F
5. Zander Lingo 11 5’5 G
6. Raiden Wombold 10 5’11 G
7. Jaxon Hatala 11 5’10 G
“Our strength lies in having a group that loves to compete, and our goal is to get better with every practice and game. We return a couple 4-year varsity players and we’re going to lean on their experience,” coach Alex Swabb said.
“I think FM will be a team battling for the top spot after returning a majority of their core from last season. Tri-Village and Preble are the other two, both have maintained consistent success and there’s no reason to count them out,” Swabb stated.
NEWTON INDIANS (15-9, 5-6) 7th place – Coach Michael Cantrell

Coach Michael Cantrell’s team might have been the surprise team of the year as they made a strong run in post season after losing a lot of talent from the year before and rolled up 15 wins on the year.
They have three seniors and two juniors all with experience along with some younger athletic kids ready to contribute as well.
Here is a look at key players.
1. Max Newhouse* 12 6’5” C – 3 Year Letter Winner
2. Brady Wackler* 12 6’1” F – 3 Year Letter Winner
3. Luke Cornett* 11 5’10” G – 2 Year Letter Winner
4. Rhett Koffer* 11 5’9” G – 2 Year Letter Winner
5. Sawyer Renner 12 5’10” G
Key contributors moving up from JV or transfers coming in
1. Isaac Hainline 11 6’0” F
2.Cole Alexander 10 5’9” G
3. Trenton Robinson 10 5’9”G
4. Lee Morrow 10 6’4”C
“Our identity is going to be our defense and how physical we play. If we start today, I believe our strengths are how well we will share basketball and how balanced we will be compared to last year. For us to be successful, we stress three things daily: Defend, Rebound, and Take Care of the Basketball. Those are three concepts we emphasize daily,” Coach Michael Cantrell said.
“At the end of the day, we must continue to build good habits with and without the basketball, while competing at an extremely high level. I have been impressed with this team’s fight this offseason. They have worked at it in the classroom, the gym, and the weight room. I am excited to see them compete this winter,” Cantrell added.
He sees the following teams vying for the top spot.
1. Tri Village
2. Franklin Monroe
3. Preble Shawnee
NATIONAL TRAIL BLAZERS (8-15, 4-7) 8th place – Coach Andy Blevins

Former player and National Trail graduate Andy Blevins will take over coaching duties for the Blazers after coaching the Dixie Lady Greyhounds the least 3 seasons. Blevin’s son Tayden is a junior and one of three returning lettermen for the Blazers last season.
“Three key contributors from last season’s 8-win team are returning this year in Laird, Blevins, and Brubaker. We have added some athleticism and depth this year and look for Coffey, Turpin, Osswald, Alexander, and Mowen to contribute their way each night.
“We believe our strength is going to be toughness and defense. The first key for us to have success is solid team defense. The second key for our success is consistent offense night in and night out and to trust each other on offensive,” coach Andy Blevins said.
Here is a look at the roster and key contributors for 2024-25
1. Kellen Laird* JR 5’10 G – 12 PPG, 6RPG, 5APG, 4 SPG – He should break the career steals this season at NT.
2. Tayden Blevins * JR 6’1 G/F – 10 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.5 BPG
3. Nick Brubaker * SR 5’10 G – 5 PPG, 2 RPG, 32% 3P%
4. Daniel Turpin SR 6’4 F
5. Braylon Coffey JR 5’8 G
6. Brancin Mowen SR 6’2 G
7. Lucas Alexander SR 6’1 G
8. Ethan Osswald* SR 5’11 G – Varsity Experience, Toughness
9. Jonah Brinkley SO 6’2 F
10. Korbin Sullivan SO 5’10 G
11. Talon Bousman FR 5’9 G
12. Josh Osswald SR 5’11 F
Key contributors moving up from JV or transfers coming in
1. Braylon Coffey JR 5’8 G – JV PG Last year, will take over some ball handling duties, shooting and defense
2. Daniel Turpin SR 6’4 F – Transfer from Eaton HS this season, Adds size, rebounding, and toughness
3. Brancin Mowen SR 6’2 G – He will add some length and shooting to the varsity team
4. Lucas Alexander SR 6’1 G – Took a year off and now is back, adds length, shooting, and athleticism.
“Our goal for this season is to improve team culture and get back to physical defensive basketball and to compete every night. As a new coach coming into the program with a new staff, the kids are buying in and excited and that’s all we could ask for,” Blevins explained.
Coach Blevins sees Tri-Village, Franklin Monroe, Arcanum and Preble Shawnee as top contenders for a league title.
1. Tri-Village Josh does an excellent job up there and those kids bleed basketball, with Trey returning for his junior season and the rest of the kids one year older I look for them to be the front runner.
2. Franklin Monroe They are returning their top 2 scorers and a lot of their other key contributors. They are athletic and can seemingly play multiple styles of basketball
3. Arcanum Plays Solid team basketball and Regan can take over a game pretty quickly. They have great team defense and want to win with great tradition up there
4. Preble Shawnee I understand they lost a lot, but they have a lot left in the tank
Sleeper: “I think a few teams could fit this bill, but I am going to go with Mississinawa Valley. New Coach coming back and a solid young core. They will make some noise and once they get some experience under their belt they are going to be a tough game every night,” Blevins concluded.
ANSONIA TIGERS (6-17, 3-8) 9th place – Coach Tony Overholser

Coach Tony Overholser will be getting a late start again this year due to football success by the Tigers. They have just one senior and no returning starters so patience will be required as Ansonia gets their basketball legs under them. It will be a young, athletic and competitive group.
Here is a look at key players.
1. Bennett Lehman So 5’9” G – Averaged 3.6 ppg as freshman leading returning scorer, 3pt% and FT%.
2. Jacob Schmitmeyer So 6’ G – Top rebounder returning 3 Rpg.
3. Cade Shellhaas So 5’10” G – Need to utilize athleticism looking to add depth for us at guard and will have to develop some basketball skills, and a tenacious defender.
4. Ben Barnt Jr. 6’ F – Glue Guy will play much bigger than physical height and will be our Big Guy
5. Cooper Riffle Sr. 6’1” F – Didn’t play a lot a Jr. and grew 4-5 inches since last year and will be asked to step into a leadership role for us which will be a huge transition.
6. Carson Tobe Fr. 6’ F
7. Graham Coppess Fr. 6’1” G
8. Karson Weiss Fr. 5’11” G
“We have NO returning starters from last year. 3 lettermen returning Bennett Lehman, Jacob Schmitmeyer and Ben Barnt. We are very inexperienced and young with 3 Freshman who will be counted on to play significant roles this year,” Coach Tony Overholser said.
“We will need to use our athleticism when we can and develop our basketball IQ’s and skill throughout the season. Another late start because of our success in Football has put us behind, but this group catches on fast and by mid-season I expect us to be very competitive,” Overholser added.
“Our goal is to concentrate on development and hopefully win some games along the way. Being around the .500 range in the WOAC would be a huge lift for us,” Overholser stated.
“I expect a two-team race for the WOAC with Tri Village winning and FM second. Dixie, Newton, Arcanum should be in the mix for the 3rd spot with the other teams beating up on one another. My sleeper picks to go above .500 is Mississinawa Valley. They’re young and gritty and have an experienced coach coming in, so I don’t expect it to be an easy W anymore in the WOAC,” Overholser concluded.
TWIN VALLEY SOUTH PANTHERS (4-19, 2-9) 10th place – Coach Dwayne Chastain

There will be a new face pacing “Coach Tony A” court, Dwayne Chastain.
“I have 13 years of experience. I started my career at Thurgood Marshall. I coached there as an assistant for 5 years. I went to the state twice at Thurgood. Lost in the championship to St Vincent St Mary’s by 2. The following year lost in the Regional. I took 3 years of coaching. I came back after 3 years and lost in the State semifinal. 4 years later I became Meadowdale’s coach where I won the district, The City Championship and Coach of the year in the city.” Coach Chastain shared.
He is eager to share his experience and see Twin Valley South compete every night.
Key players for the Panthers are:
1. *Griffin Roell 12 6’5” Forward 2-year starter, Starter
2. *Trent Ray 10 6’2” Forward 1 year starter, averaged 7 rebounds a game last season, starter.
3. *Conner Mowell 12 5’9” Guard Played valuable minutes last year, Defender, Shooter
Key contributors moving up from JV or transfers coming in
1. Parker Howard 10 6’2” Guard Utility player, Starter
2. Aiden White 11 5’8” Guard Shooter, Starter
3. Caden Bishop 12 5’11” Guard Leadership, Starter
4. Lucas Barlow 10 6’4” Forward Low post presence, Rebounder
5. Mason Crews 12 5’9” Guard Defender
“My team’s strength is playing together. We defend well as a team and very unselfish on the offensive end of the floor. They are willing to make the extra pass for a great shot. When I came in as the coach. I can tell they were hungry to learn and win. From day one they were focused and committed to learning. I am very impressed on how quickly they pick up on what we are teaching them. I am excited for them and looking forward to the season,” coach Chastain said.
He sees his team mixing it up in the top four for the league title.
1. Tri-Village
2. Preble Shawnee
3. Franklin Monroe
4. Twin Valley South
MISSISSINAWA VALLEY BLACKHAWKS (3-20, 2-9) 11th place – Coach Jeff Vaughn

Misissinawa will be unknown by many this year with just one returning letter winner but returning to the bench is Jeff Vaughn who had a successful stint as the boys coach back in the early 2000’s.
The Blackhawks have two seniors and will be young on paper and experience but the youth they have is talented and in time they should be a team that will compete on any given night.
Here is a look at key players for the Hawks:
1. *Cing Scott So. 6’1” G – Only returning letter winner with substantial varsity experience.
2. Caden Hanes So. 5’10” G
3. Connor Hardy So. 6’1” F
4. Ashton Amspaugh So. 5’8” G
5. Ethan Grow Sr. 6’2” P
5. Ben Hamilton Fr. 6’6” P
6. Nick Ward Sr. 5’9” F
Key contributors moving up from JV or transfers coming in
1. Jaxin Beanblossom So. 5’6” G
2. Ty Houser So. 6’1” P
“Our team will be young and inexperienced but eager to compete. Keys will be to continue to develop throughout the year and do the small fundamental things and improve each game. We have some young talent that needs to continue to improve and work hard every day,” Coach Jeff Vaughn stated.
Coach Vaughn sees the following teams battling it out at the top this year.
1. Tri-Village
2. Franklin Monroe
3. Arcanum
4. Preble Shawnee
TRI-COUNTY NORTH PANTHERS (2-20, 0-11) 12th place – Coach Garrett WoodyardTri-County North is looking to improve this year and has some talent and size with experience. Look for the Panthers to be competitive every night.
Here are key players.
1. Clint Barnes* 11 6”4 F – Honorable Mention last year- Best Player – Super athletic
2. Koby Reynolds* 11 6”4 C – 3rd year varsity player- Great basketball IQ
3. Travis Williamson * 12 6”2 F – Great 3-point shooter
4. Corbin Flory * 10 5” 11 G – Brother Logan was a 1000-point scorer- He has same chance
5. Peyton Fannin* 10 5”10 G – All-around athlete – defender
Key contributors moving up from JV or transfers coming in
1. Aiden Ritchie 11 5”9 G – Scrappy guard who attacks the rim & fights on D
2. Nick Meyer 12 5”11 G – Hard-nosed defender with supreme quickness
“Our team strength is returning 5 varsity players who all have experience. For this team to have success and shock some people it all comes down to teamwork. We have the skill, size and athleticism. We need them to play TOGETHER. Our goal is to win 11 games this season. TCN has only won more than 10 games a handful of times in the last 20 years.
1. Tri-Village – Institutional success. The standard.
2. Arcanum- Returning key players. Great staff. Tons of upcoming talent as well.
3. Preble Shawnee – Lost great players and head coach but still have had a great JV, JH and role players.
4. Franklin Monroe- Their best guy is young, and we expect FM to continue to make a jump.
SLEEPER TEAM- I’d love to tell us … but that seems like cheating. So, I think Newton will be solid again.
That’s look at all 12 teams, Good Luck to everyone in 2024-25.