Central Buckeye Conference Preview
The Central Buckeye Conference was the home of the 24-1 North Union Wildcats last season as well as 20-5 Jonathan Alder. The 2020-21 season will look quite different however than last season. For starters, of the 24 players named All-Conference,…
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Continue ReadingThe Central Buckeye Conference was the home of the 24-1 North Union Wildcats last season as well as 20-5 Jonathan Alder. The 2020-21 season will look quite different however than last season. For starters, of the 24 players named All-Conference, only 7 are back this season. Inexperience is going to be a theme in this conference from the get go as this season could be a rebuilding year for many of these programs. Take a look below as we preview the CBC.
First Team Prediction:
Jackson Izzard Jackson Izzard 6'2" | SG Alder | 2021 State OH (2021) Jonathan Alder- 2nd in scoring and rebounds for the Pioneers a season ago. One of the best two-way players in the Conference and Preseason favorite for Player of the Year.
Preston Crabtree Preston Crabtree 6'3" | SG North Union | 2021 State OH (2021) North Union- Another solid two-way player that led the Wildcats in scoring last year. Bound for a breakout season after a strong showing this offseason.
Jainaz Cameron Jainaz Cameron 6'6" | PF Lima Senior | 2021 State OH (2021) London- Arguably the conference’s best interior player now. Should step into an even larger role.
Drew Mitch (2021) Shawnee- 2nd in scoring and led the Braves in rebounds last year. One of the leaders on this experienced but young group.
Collin O’Connor (2023) Tecumseh- Under-the-radar guard for the Arrows. Led Tecumseh as a Freshman in assists and 2nd in scoring.
Top 2 Teams:
North Union- The Wildcats return 6 of their top 9 from a team that finished 24-1 and was undefeated in the CBC a year ago. Crabtree returns and is going to be the focal point of this group on the offensive end and a leader on defense. Fellow senior Trevyn Feasel will be accompanying Crabtree in the backcourt. 6’5 junior Zach Vernon will anchor the paint after leading the team in rebounds a season ago.
London- The Red Raiders on paper were going to be one of the top teams in the conference this season, but were hit hard when Trey Woodyard Trey Woodyard 6'6" | SF ISA | 2021 State OH (2021) transferred to ISA for his senior year. Woodyard was the favorite to win the POY award before leaving and leaves a scoring void with this group. Fortunately, Cameron is back and is part of a deep frontcourt with several players 6’2 of taller returning. He and fellow senior Ethan Minner will be the focal points of the Raiders offense while controlling the glass as well.
Predicted Finish:
Kenton Trail:
- London– Return too much size for the rest of the conference to hang with.
- Jonathan Alder– Have the best player in the conference (Izzard) but can they surround him?
- Shawnee– Young team a season ago looking to take next steps with Mitch and Patrick Fultz (2022).
- Kenton Ridge– Lose their top scorer from a season ago, but will lean on seniors Malcolm McKay and Michael Severt to step into larger roles.
- Tecumseh– No denying there’s talent on this roster, but can they compete in the CBC?
- Bellefontaine– Just don’t return enough to compete.
Mad River:
- North Union– One of the most experienced teams in the conference.
- Graham– Return scoring threat Brady King (2021) but can they stay healthy this year?
- Ben Logan– Bring back Trey Allen (2021) and a solid core from last year.
- Indian Lake– Lose their top 3 scorers from a year ago and the returning talent just won’t be able to compete with North Union or Graham.
- Northwestern– Taliek Dennis (2021) returns, but who else will step up and surround him?
- Urbana– Graduate almost all their production from last year.