GWOC American South Preseason Preview
Trotwood was the most dominant team in the city of Dayton last year and lost only once in GWOC play. Even after watching 2 starters leave, the Rams are still the team to beat this season. Xenia, Fairborn, and Stebbins will challenge for 2nd while West Carrollton will need another season to get back to their winning ways. Here is a look at the GWOC South.
Fairborn– Last year the Skyhawks finished 2nd in the South division. This upcoming season will be difficult, but do-able with the replacements coming in. Shaunn Monroe (2019) is the top returning player and Jarod Bodekor (2019) and KJ Redman (2018) have potential to step up and fill the gaps. Their inside presence will struggle, but the guard play with carry them through conference play.
Stebbins- The Indians have good reason to be looking forward to this upcoming season. After finishing 9-14 in their first year in the GWOC, Stebbins brings back their top 5 scorers and have a real chance of competing near the top of the division. Jonathan Mpanzu (2018) is the top returning player and will lead them this upcoming season.
Trotwood-Madison– The Rams had a great season last year and has the potential to make another run. Amari Davis (2019) and Myles Belyeu (2018) are the top returners and have potential to be the best 1-2 duo in the city. One of the issues facing Trotwood is their lack of size. Besides Justin Stephens (2019), there isn’t much varsity frontcourt experience to help and will be needed if the Rams want to make it back to Columbus.
West Carrollton– The Pirates can only go up from here. Last year, they finished 0-23 and struggled substantially. Expect another struggle especially in a talented GWOC South this year. Although a winless record is unlikely, they will still need the help, especially from Dariane Matthew (2018) in order to compete.
Xenia– A 17-9 finish last year will likely increase for the Buccs this upcoming season. Samari Curtis (2019) returns and will compete for GWOC Player of the Year. He along with Meechi Harris (2018) will look to lead a Xenia team that desperately need help at the guard position. If they can get help there, they may be talented enough to compete with Trotwood at the top of the division.
Predictions
- Trotwood-Madison– Davis and Belyeu return and make the Rams nearly unstoppable in the GWOC.
- Xenia– Curtis can easily be the top guy, but without much more help, will only finish 2nd.
- Stebbins– Bringing back their top 5 scorers is huge, but needs everyone to step up even more if they wish to compete near the top.
- Fairborn– Have the potential to finish 2nd but need to see if the younger players can compete at the varsity level.
- West Carrollton– Just don’t have the athleticism and experience yet to compete with the rest of the division.