Coach Young Classic Preview
Every year, the annual Coach Young Classic is played at North Adams High School to honor late coach Dave Young. Several programs from Southern Ohio meet in a day long showcase allowing several schools across the SHAC to face non-conference foes. Here is a preview of the 6 boys games on slate this year.
Manchester vs. Symmes Valley
The first matchup of the day pits a struggling Greyhounds team against the Symmes Valley Vikings. Manchester is in a unique situation as they do not have a head coach. Instead they have used volunteers to fill in for games. This has resulted in a 2-11 record for Manchester who has struggled immensely this season. Symmes Valley is in the first year with their new coach Chad Coffman and will definitely be favorites in this game. Keep an eye on Layken Gothard for Symmes and the senior duo of Tanner Utterback and Jamie Combs for Manchester.
Lynchburg-Clay vs. Waverly
The Mustangs are a bit of a surprise this season as some expected them to challenge Peebles as the favorite in the SHAC. Although they are currently only 2 games behind for first, Lynchburg still has a record of 6-5 overall. Eric McLaughlin (2018) is ranked #47 in the Prep Hoops 2018 rankings and is the top player to watch in this game. Waverly is led by two sport athletes Easton Wolf and Clayton Howell. Howell is known for being a strong 3-point shooter and will be vital in this matchup.
Peebles vs. Eastern Pike
This could be one of the most intriguing matchups of the day. Peebles is led by seniors Tanner Arey and Bostin Robinson and are currently sitting in 1st in the SHAC. They face an Eastern Pike team that has two talented juniors leading them currently. Cody Weaver is one of their top backcourt players and Michael Miller is a 6’6” post player known for his defense. The Indians are currently 9-2 overall and I predict they will pull away in this matchup.
West Union vs. Chesapeake
The Dragons have been one of the top teams in the SHAC this season and currently are sitting right behind Peebles for 1st in the conference. Eli McCarty and Ryan Rothwell have been 2 players that have stepped up this season and have been a big part for this strong offensive unit. Chesapeake is led by Eli Archer who will be a name to watch for them.
Eastern Brown vs. Minford
The Warriors were looking like a favorite in the SHAC early in the season, but now they sit at 6-6 and are in 4th in the conference. Inconsistency has hurt this team and they will try to rebound against a Minford team that can shoot the ball very well. The Falcons are led by Darius Jordan and Breyden Tilley and had a game earlier this season where they knocked down 11 3’s. Minford is my favorite in this one as I expect Eastern’s struggles to continue.
North Adams vs. Greenfield McClain
In the finale game, the host team matches up with the McClain Tigers. The Green Devils have had a rough season thus far as they sit at 4-7 overall. Austin McCormick is a sophomore to watch for NA in this one. McClain is led by Dalton Mischal, an athletic sophomore for the Tigers that currently is ranked #39 in Prep Hoops 2020 rankings. The key in this game will be how well the Green Devils contain Mischal and keep him off the gla