An early look at the GWOC
The GWOC will be one of the toughest divisions in Dayton next season. Between the teams and players, there is plenty to be excited about in 2019-2020. Today I look at some of my very early thoughts for 2019-2020. Obviously…
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Continue ReadingThe GWOC will be one of the toughest divisions in Dayton next season. Between the teams and players, there is plenty to be excited about in 2019-2020. Today I look at some of my very early thoughts for 2019-2020. Obviously a lot can change between now and November, but here are some of my thoughts for the year.
- Which team will be the “best team” during the season?
WHen I think best team, I think of a team that has plenty of star power, good coaching, and the overall talent to be a divisional champion. I am going to predict Fairmont to be the best team in the GWOC. Seniors Madeline Westbeld (2020) and Madison Bartley (2020) return and provide the Firebirds with the firepower needed to hang with some of the best team in the conference. The coaching is solid as Fairmont has achieved 15+ wins the last two seasons. When you look at the talent aspect, Fairmont returns 5 of their top 6 scorers from a year ago. With several of these returnees being sophomores and freshmen last season, the experience will be much improved and Fairmont will have plenty of talent to surround Westbeld and Bartley.
- Which team will see improvement from last season?
Compared to last season, I think Lebanon will see the most improvement of all GWOC teams. The Warriors return one of the top players in the conference in Kendall Folley (2021) and have a lot of returning players to surround her with. I think after winning 9 games a year ago that the Warriors will hit double digit wins in 2019-20 and Lebanon will have better postseason success than last year.
- Who will be the Conference’s best player?
Rather than name one player, I elected to share my 3 picks for this award. Folley has already been mentioned above as she has a chance to have a breakout year with the Warriors. An impressive point guard, Kendall has a high basketball IQ and knows how to make plays for herself as well as teammates. Westbeld is one of the best double-double threats in Dayton and should see herself competing for POY honors. Lastly, Mickayla Perdue (2021) with her high scoring abilities will compete for POY. It seems Perdue has limitless range and can take over a game at any time. She was held to single digit scoring in only two games last year.
- Which backcourt player not yet mentioned will have a breakout year?
Amy Velasco (2021) from Centerville will gain the most attention during the season and will be a name to watch. She is extremely quick, difficult to guard, and makes smart plays. She sees the floor and looks to push the tempo, but keeps control of the game and doesn’t let herself sacrifice productive play with faster play.
- Which frontcourt player not yet mentioned will have a breakout year?
Tia Bass (2021) was a monster on the glass last season and possesses the skills to be one of the best frontcourt players in the GWOC. Bass makes plays on both ends of the floor and is truly a low post threat against whoever she may face.