2019-20 League Previews: SWBL Southwestern Division
Today we take a look at a division that produced a very strong group of talented teams last year that produced two teams that advanced to the regionals and one district runner-up. This year should be no different. No, I…
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Continue ReadingToday we take a look at a division that produced a very strong group of talented teams last year that produced two teams that advanced to the regionals and one district runner-up. This year should be no different. No, I am not guaranteeing regional qualifiers, but there are several teams who should make some noise in the tournament after battling all season long for the league title.
Bellbrook
A big change this season for the Golden Eagles, as they move up to Division 1, meaning a whole different path through the state tournament. They lost some solid talent, but returns some quality seniors in Gigi Painter, Alexis Cable, Brooklynn Hall and Kayla Paul. Bailey Zerby established herself last season as one to watch, as the junior joins sophomore Kendall Knisely in a rotation that should be strong again this year.
Brookville
After a struggling season in 2018, the Blue Devils hope that new coach and former Brookville player Stefany Hawkins can breathe new life into this team. I really like their solid post play of junior Emily Mason and sophomore Malerie Ross, who I thought has really improved over the summer. Keep an eye on freshman guard Jaclyn Fye who could emerge as one of the top freshman in the conference, and will provide steady play at the guard spot.
Eaton
Senior Bailey Shepherd is a great senior leader for the Eagles, as she has committed to Indiana Tech next season. Shepherd is an outstanding perimeter player and has good handles. Junior Lexi Miller also returns as a taller guard and will look to increase her production this season.
Franklin
Layne Ferrell Layne Ferrell 6'2" | PF Franklin High School | 2019 State OH is gone as she is now playing at Akron, and junior Jordan Rogers Jordan Rogers 5'8" | CG Franklin | 2021 State OH will be leading the way for the Wildcats this season. Rogers is very talented and can do it all from the guard spot. Brooke Stover is a senior who also returns with good experience. Franklin also moves up to Division 1 this season.
Monroe
They also move up to Division 1, and returns 5-9 senior Olivia Wells-Daniels, an athletic guard who put up some big numbers early last season. Wells is one of the top players in the SWBL. Also returning is Kylee Slone, who had a good summer improving her game. Alyssa Beckett is a junior who also had some big games last season. A rising junior is Brooke Frazier.
Oakwood
The Jills will have to replace all-state guard Lauren Hapgood Lauren Hapgood 5'8" | CG Oakwood High School | 2019 State OH , but they have junior Margie Conrath who developed into a strong leader last year complimenting Hapgood well. Seniors Kylie Neff and Kylie Foos add to an attack that should compete in the conference.
Valley View
The favorites in the Southwestern Division, as they return four starters and a solid group of younger kids who should compete. Senior Aubrey Stupp Aubrey Stupp 6'0" | CG Valley View High School | 2020 OH has verballed to Purdue Fort Wayne and is talented both inside and out. Junior Abigail Dickson is the consummate point guard who can score, while junior Lauren Legate is a threat from the perimeter. I really like the sophomore Claire Henson Claire Henson 5'11" | PF Valley View | 2022 State OH who is flying up the radar.
6 Players to Watch
Bailey Shepard- Eaton
Maleire Ross- Brookville
Olivia Wells Daniels- Monroe
Gigi Painter- Bellbrook
Aubrey Stupp Aubrey Stupp 6'0" | CG Valley View High School | 2020 OH – Valley View
Margie Conrath- Oakwood