SWBL Buckeye Division Preseason Preview
Last year, the SWBL Buckeye had several teams going through rebuilding phases. Now most schools will look to compete in a very talented division this year. Preble Shawnee and Madison will be the top teams to keep an eye on while Joey Bates and Justin Flor will compete for Player of the Year awards. Here is an in-depth look at the SWBL Buckeye division for 2017-18.
Carlisle- Reigning Player of the Year Justin Flor (2018) returns for the Indians along with senior guard Jake Moore (2018). A lack of experience will be the biggest question mark for Carlisle as they try to compete at the top of the Buckeye division again. Although Flor is a star, the Indians need more help to win the division again.
Dixie- The Greyhounds finished 8-15 a year ago in their first year with a new coach. 4 key returners come back led by Devin Worley (2018). There are high hopes for this team if someone steps up and gives Worley some help. Keep an eye on Seth Grubb (2018) and Dakota Grise (2018) to be Worley’s help.
Madison- Coach Smith has a very talented team going into 2017-18. The Mohawks finished 9-14 last year but that should change for sure. It starts with Levi McMonigle (2019) transferring over from Valley View. He won’t be eligible to play the first 11 games of the season due to OHSAA rules. Until McMonigle is eligible, the Mohawks will use Grant Whisman (2020) as their go-to scorer. He is one of the top sophomores in the state of Ohio and will challenge for Player of the Year honors.
Milton-Union- The Bulldogs went through a rebuilding stage a year ago, finishing 3-20 overall and only winning 1 game in league play. Coach Westerheide is confident the Bulldogs will improve and I agree. 4 of the top 5 scorers return and William Morris (2019) has potential to play at the next level. The biggest question will be who steps up and helps those 4 scorers.
Northridge- Rebuilding was the theme for the Polar Bears last year. After losing a senior class that went 59-17, Northridge fielded a young team last year that finished 6-17. Several juniors will be called upon to be leaders this year starting with Twon Hines (2019) and transfer Charles Drewery (2019) from Michigan.
Preble Shawnee- Experience and talent are two things the Arrows have plenty of. Joey Bates (2018) leads the 5 of 6 players returning for Preble Shawnee. With this talented core back the Arrows will be a favorite not just in the SWBL but in Southwest Ohio in Division III.
Waynesville- Several key pieces return for the Spartans after a 7-16 record last year. The biggest issue facing them is replacing top scorer Noah Price. Keep an eye on Anthony Carmichael (2019) to fill those shoes. Matthew Warren (2018) is another guy to watch especially after a strong finish to last year.
Predicted finish
- Preble Shawnee– Experience and depth will take Arrows through league play. Bates has lots of potential.
- Madison– If McMonigle was eligible the whole season, these guys could potentially have been preseason #1 in the division. They’re still one of the top teams in the league.
- Carlisle– J-Flor is the reigning Player of the Year and if he gets help the Indians could be even better.
- Dixie– Worley needs help for the Greyhounds to move higher than #4.
- Waynesville– Losing their top 3 scorers will hurt. Need Carmichael and others to contribute more.
- Northridge– One more year and these guys will be near the top of the division.
- Milton-Union– Will improve off their 3-20 season but still need more time to develop as a team.