Western Ohio Athletic Conference Preview
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2021-22 will be the start of a new journey for the WOAC as they debut after bringing over multiple teams from the now defunct Cross County Conference (CCC) and Southwestern Buckeye League (SWBL). The excitement continues to build with Tri-Village…
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Continue Reading2021-22 will be the start of a new journey for the WOAC as they debut after bringing over multiple teams from the now defunct Cross County Conference (CCC) and Southwestern Buckeye League (SWBL). The excitement continues to build with Tri-Village having a chance to be a deep postseason team come March. Today I give you a first look at the conference and the expectations for the teams now calling it home.
The Contenders
Tri-Village– The Patriots are returning everyone from their undefeated regular season last year and look poised for another deep postseason run. If it weren’t for a Regional Semifinal loss to Cedarville, we were on a crash course for a Patriots vs Botkins Regional Final. Senior Layne Sarver Layne Sarver 6'4" | SF Tri-Village | 2022 State OH is the heavy favorite to win Player of the Year and will have the size and athleticism to be a tough matchup every night. The backcourt is led by Dalton DeLong Dalton DeLong 5'11" | PG Tri-Village | 2023 OH (Jr) and Wilson Suggs (Jr) who played well as underclassmen last season. Josh Scantland (Sr) is an automatic rebounder and has a great frame to anchor the paint. The Patriots are familiar with the majority of the teams in the conference and should have no issues taking the inaugural conference title.
Preble Shawnee- The Arrows easily cruised to a SWBL Buckeye division title last season finishing 11-1 in the league and 20-4 overall. This year’s team will look a little different as Preble returns 2 of their top 4 from a year ago. Gone is Bryce Singleton, the Arrows’ do-it-all big that is now at Miami-Hamilton. His departure leaves a gap in the rebounds category for this team. Fortunately, the Arrows return Mason Shrout Mason Shrout 6'4" | SF Preble Shawnee | 2024 State OH (So) who is poised for a legendary career in the WOAC. Shrout simply knows how to put the ball in the basket and will do it often this upcoming season. Xavier Adams (Sr) also returns and brings the size the Arrows will need to counter Tri-Village’s size. Beating the Patriots will be a tough task, but I believe Preble Shawnee has the tools to at least challenge for 2nd place.
Rest of the Group
Arcanum– Trojans were a top 5 team in the Sectional last year. Return 2 of their top 3 including Jake Goubeaux (Sr) in the backcourt. If they find some depth, could challenge in Top 3 of the WOAC.
Ansonia– Tigers have some younger players returning but will need to adjust to losing Reece Stammen.
Franklin-Monroe- Jets were right around middle of the pack in the CCC. They have a great guard in Ky Cool (Sr) but are losing some backcourt help from a year ago.
Newton- Newton could surprise some people returning two of their top guys in Chandler Peters (Sr) and Harold Oburn (Jr). Losing Mitchell Montgomery will leave a void in the rebounding game.
Bradford- Railroaders continue to grow their program in a new conference. Parker Davidson (Jr) can be an All-Conference caliber player.
Dixie- Greyhounds join the WOAC after being in the SWBL. Jordan Butt (Sr) has been a contributor since his freshman year and has some guys around him to make some noise in the conference.
National Trail- Mike Lockhart takes over for the Blazers after an underperforming year in 2020-21. Lose their two best guys from that team. Wyatt House (Sr) will be looked upon to fill the voids left.
Twin Valley South- Brayden Marker is gone after a nice career with TVS. Who will be the new name to take the lead?
Tri-County North- Panthers will have a new coach in 2021-22. They will look to improve on last season after battling injuries during the year.
Mississinawa Valley- Very young team last season. Lose top player Wyatt Feltner.