Ohio Heritage Conference Preview
The Ohio Heritage Conference sent one team to the Elite 8 in Division IV last year (Cedarville) and had another team in the District Finals (Greeneview). As we look to 2021-22, repeating these feats might be a challenge. Graduation didn’t…
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Continue ReadingThe Ohio Heritage Conference sent one team to the Elite 8 in Division IV last year (Cedarville) and had another team in the District Finals (Greeneview). As we look to 2021-22, repeating these feats might be a challenge. Graduation didn’t affect the conference too much, but several teams lost their core players and now must rebuild. Today I continue preseason preview by looking at the OHC and breaking down what to expect.
Contenders
Catholic Central- The Irish had 6 losses overall last year…and 3 of the 6 came against Cedarville. The Irish return their top 4 from a 17 win team that fell short to Cedarville in the Sectionals. Tyler Galluch (Jr) is poised for a breakout Junior year after tearing up the AAU scene this past Summer. He’s got an experienced and unselfish PG in Ashton Young (Sr). Fellow senior Ian Galluch also returns and is similar to Young in his unselfishness and passing ability. The Irish looked solid throughout the season and now must put the pieces together in 2021-22. This group legitimately could be in the District Finals or farther come March.
Cedarville- The Indians were Regional Runner-Ups last season falling to the state champion Botkins Trojans in the Elite 8. 4 seniors are gone from that team including Trent Koning and Isaiah Ramey who combined for almost 35 points per game last year. Looking to this season, there is still optimism this group can still compete. Drew Koning (Jr) played much like his brother in that he can score off the bounce and set guys up. He will likely be the starting PG this year. Hayden Hanson (Sr) also returns and at 6-foot-8 is one of the biggest guys in the OHC. His size will be tough to matchup against. Tyler Cross Tyler Cross 6'1" | PG Cedarville | 2024 OH (So) also returns after mainly being a JV guy last year. His ceiling is extremely high going into 2021. The biggest question mark for this group will be can they again find success against Catholic Central, even though the Irish are the ones with more returning talent this year?
Rest of the Conference
Fairbanks– Panthers are losing their top 3 players from last season’s 13 win season.
Mechanicsburg- Indians lose their best scorer and rebounder from last year. Overall top 3 are gone and new guys will be leaned on this season.
Northeastern- Jets were solid last year finishing 11-10, but lose 2 of their top 3. Return Cole Allen (Sr) back but who else will he have around him?
Triad– Cardinals have struggled for a few years now consecutively. Return Ayden Spriggs (Sr) and will be hoping for better success this year.
West Jefferson- Roughriders will try to replicate their football success on the court after a 4-15 finish. MJ Book (Sr) was one of the conferences best scorers last year and is back.
West Liberty-Salem- Tigers have 2 of their top 3 back from a 15-9 team that upset Miami East in the Sectional tournament. Two goods seniors return in Logan Saylor and Owen Johnson.
Greeneview– Rams were in the District Finals last year, but lose their top guys (Rhett Burtch and Cole Allen). Their top guys back are juniors with experience led by Myles Witt and Ethen Caudill Ethen Caudill 6'3" | SF Greeneview | 2023 OH . Could be a sleeper in D3 Sectional play.
Greenon- Knights return their top guy in Jaden Journell (Sr) for this season but lose their next best in Mason Potter. Depth could be an issue in season and once they get to tournament play.
Madison Plains- Eagles were competitive last year, but lose top player Adyn Gammell. Who is next man up this year?
Southeastern– Trojans won 1 game last season and return several pieces from that team. Will be looking to improve and compete more within the conference.