Brown County Basketball - 2019

O D D P A G E S

Hoop fever strikes again Features: • Western Brown • Georgetown • Ripley • Fayetteville-Perry • Eastern

2019-20 Brown County Prep Basketball Preview Brought to you by The News Democrat, The Ripley Bee, and The Brown County Press

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Basketball Preview •

Basketball Preview

Warriors on the hunt for SHAC Div. I crown

BY Wade Linville The Eastern Warriors hit the hardwood this season on the hunt for a Southern Hills Athletic Conference Division I Title, and they're equipped with the talent and experience it will take to accomplish that goal.

Not only is long-time Eastern head basketball coach Rob Beucler equipped with five seniors to provide leadership, but he also has a slew of talent and varsity experience when speaking of juniors and underclassmen.

Among the seniors on the return is 6'2" guard Titus Burns, an outstanding allaround player who can find success penetrating to the hoop or from shooting beyond the arc. Burns is excited to get the opportunity to be a senior leader on the court for the Warriors this winter.

"I love it. This is what I've been working on for (the past) three years," said Burns.

Also back on the court for his senior season with the Warriors are Dustin Jimison (5'10"), Parker Murphy (6'1"), Ian Wiles (6'0") and Landyn Pickerill (5'10").

A great deal of talent also lies in the junior class for the Warriors. Colton Vaughn (6'3" junior) is back for his third year of varsity basketball.

"I feel we have a really good team and we are a very hard match-up," said

High expectations for Lady Broncos Western Brown girls seek SBAAC American Division Title after last yearʼs runner-up league finish

BY Wade Linville

Wade Linville/CHAMPION MEDIA

The Eastern Warriors return a great deal of experience and talent for their 2019-20 basketball season.

Vaughn.

Vaughn plans to contribute big on the boards, in scoring, and on the defensive end for the Warriors this season, as he has in past years.

Ryan Boone (5'10" guard) returns as a junior after gaining a great deal of varsity experience as a sophomore, and Ethan Daniels (6'1") is another junior on the return for the Warriors.

"I've been focusing on everything, especially shooting and ball handling," said Boone. "I think I can play my role every game, no matter if it's passing to my

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teammates and getting them shots, or if they're off a night and need me to step up and shoot. I'm going to do whatever it takes to win."

There are two talented sophomores back for the Warriors after gaining some varsity experience as freshmen last season - Trent Hundley (6'4") and Luke Garrett (6'0").

"I think I've become stronger with the ball," Garrett said when asked what improvements he's made in his game since his freshman year. "I feel my shot has gotten a little better, I'm smarter, and a little more experienced."

"I think I'm getting more consistent with my shooting," said Hundley, coming off an outstanding freshman season of varsity. "I think I've grown stronger and faster."

Beucler is back for his 40th year of coaching and 25th as the Eastern varsity boys head basketball coach.

"I like this bunch," Beucler said of this year's Warriors.

"Defense and rebounding are going to be two areas (that we really focus on). I think we can score, but there are going to be nights you can't score, and I mean that's everybody.

You can have the best players in the world and if they don't shoot it well you're in trouble, and you better be able to defend it. That's why we want to make it (defense) a constant for us. They're a good bunch of kids...they play hard."

The Warriors will once again face some stiff competition in the SHAC against teams such as North Adams, selected in the SHAC Preseason Coaches Poll to finish in first place ahead of Eastern. But the Warriors hit the hardwood this season with confidence, a team hungry for a league crown.

"This bunch has some experience and they like to play," said Beucler. "We need

eastern

to learn to share it and play as a unit."

"We just want to come out, work hard every day, and keep going," said Beucler. "We've got some ultimate goals (where we want to go), but again it comes with daily effort."

The Warriors kick off their 2019-20 court campaign with a Dec. 3 non-league game on the road at Hillsboro High School.

They will face the RipleyUnion-Lewis-Huntington Blue Jays in a road game, Dec. 7.

Page 11

Coming off a runner-up league finish last season, the Western Brown Lady Broncos have their scopes set on a Southern Buckeye Athletic/Academic Conference American Division Title with some experience and talent returning to the court this winter.

"We're hoping to have a really good year," said thirdyear Western Brown varsity head coach, Tim Chadwell.

The Lady Broncos and Goshen tied for second in the SBAAC American Division last year with league marks of 7-3, while Wilmington claimed the league title with a perfect 10-0

league record.

This year's Lady Broncos are hungry for a league crown, a team with two SBAAC American Division First Team all stars and one American Division Second Team all star back on the court.

Among the key players on the return are senior center/forward Emma Sams and junior guard Baylee Jones, both coming off seasons in which they earned SBAAC American Division First Team honors.

Jones averaged 11.6 points per game last season to lead the Lady Broncos in scoring, while also dishing out an average of three assists per contest.

Sams averaged 7.7 points per game while also averaging 5.3 rebounds per contest.

Another key player on the return for the Lady Broncos is senior post player Allie Buttree, who averaged 5.1 points per game and 6.8 rebounds per game last year.

The Lady Broncos' SBAAC American Division Second Team all star on the return is senior guard Gracie Fischer. Fischer suffered from an injury prior to the start of the season, but is expected to return early in the season.

Fischer averaged over five points per game last season to go along with 2.9 rebounds and around two assists per contest.

Divine Thompson is taking the court with the Lady Broncos for her senior season, a player who may lack

in overall varsity experience but is expected to contribute to the team's success this year with her ability to lead.

Madison Flischel and Megan West (6'1" center) are hitting the hardwood for as junior members of the Western Brown varsity girls' basketball squad.

There is one freshman looking to make a successful varsity debut this season, Sadie Foster.

Becky Roblero-Solis is a 5'6" sophomore guard who will aid the Lady Bronco varsity team on the court.

Joining Chadwell's coaching staff this season is varsity assistant Tess Jenike-Noeth.

"She brings a lot of basketball knowledge and we're really fortunate to have her," said Chadwell.

The Lady Broncos will once again face some stiff

league competition in the SBAAC big school division.

"The league is going to be really tough again," said Chadwell. "Everybody got hit hard by graduation, but one thing about this league is that the coaches are so good. The teams are going to be ready."

The climb to the top of the SBAAC American Division will be steep, but Chadwell and his Lady Broncos are up for the challenge.

"We want to win the league. I feel like we've challenged for it the last couple of years, and we're really looking forward to this season," said Chadwell.

The Lady Broncos also face a tough non-league schedule this winter, starting off with a Nov. 22 home game against Anderson.

The Lady Broncos will then take the long trip to Pigeon Forge, TN to compete Nov. 29-30.

Western Brown Lady Broncos Nov. 22 - vs. Anderson

Jan. 2 - at Bethel-Tate

Nov. 25 - vs. Clinton-

Jan. 6 - vs. Clermont NE

Massie

Jan. 9 - vs. N. Richmond

Nov. 29 & 30 - at Pigeon

Jan. 11 - vs. Lynchburg

Forge

Jan. 16 - at Clinton-

Dec. 5 - at Goshen

Massie

Dec. 9 - vs. Williamsburg

Jan. 23 - vs. Goshen

Dec. 12 - at Wilmington

Jan. 27 - vs. Wilmington

Dec. 16 - vs. Batavia

Jan. 30 - at Batavia

Dec. 19 - at W. Clermont

Feb. 1 - at Hillsboro

Dec. 27 & 28 - BC Holi-

Feb. 3 - at N. Richmond

day Tournament (Western Brown)

Eastern Warriors Dec. 3 - at Hillsboro Dec. 7 - at Ripley Dec. 10 - vs. Batavia Dec. 13 - vs. Whiteoak Dec. 17 - at Peebles Dec. 27 & 28 - BC Holiday Tournament (Western Brown) Jan. 3 - at N. Adams Jan. 10 - at W. Union Jan. 14 - vs. Manchester Jan. 17 - at Felicity

Jan. 18 - at Coach Young Classic Jan. 21 - vs. Lynchburg Jan. 28 - vs. W. Union Jan. 31 - vs. N. Adams Feb. 1 - vs. Madeira Feb. 4 - vs. Georgetown Feb. 5 - vs. St. Patrick Feb. 7 - at Lynchburg Feb. 11 - vs. Ripley Feb. 14 - at Fairfield

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The Western Brown Lady Broncos begin their quest for a Southern Buckeye Athletic/Academic Conference American Division Title after finishing runner-up in the league last year.

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Basketball Preview •

Basketball Preview

Williams takes over as Broncos’ varsity head coach Talented crew on the return for W. Brown

BY Wade Linville The Western Brown Broncos return a slew of talent for their 2019-20 court campaign.

They may be hitting the hardwood this season under the leadership of their first-year varsity boys' basketball head coach Drake Williams, but Williams is no stranger to this year's Bronco squad.

Williams has been the junior varsity coach and an assistant varsity coach under Greg Foster in previous years, and he was selected to take over as varsity head coach after Foster stepped down from the

position.

Among the key players on the return for the Broncos is junior guard Zyon Tull. Tull averaged 14 points per game last season to go along with 2.3 steals and 3.4 rebounds per contest, earning Southern Buckeye Athletic/Academic Conference American Division First Team honors.

This marks Tull's fourth year of varsity.

Another key player on the return for the Broncos is senior post man Yani Williams.

Williams averaged 5.3 rebounds and 5.1 points per game last season, a season in

which he was named an SBAAC American Division Honorable Mention.

Also back for his senior season with the Broncos is guard Ian Shaffer, a skilled threepoint shooter who averaged 5.4 points per game last season.

Colton Carroll is another senior guard back on the court for the Broncos after averaging three points and 2.2 rebounds per game last year.

Guard Chance Moore is back as a senior after averaging 5.8 points per game during his junior year.

Dylan Novak is a sophomore who you can expect to get some varsity playing time

this season, as well as freshman Drew Novak.

Jackson Miller is a sophomore who will contribute in the Broncos' success on the court this season.

Also back on the court with varsity experience for the Broncos are junior post man Wil Sizer and sophomore post man Cameron Weil.

The Broncos tied for second with Goshen (6-4) in the SBAAC American Division last season, while ClintonMassie claimed the league title with a record of 8-2.

During the preseason, the Broncos have found success with their transition game, relying on defensive plays to

Wade Linville/CHAMPION MEDIA

The Western Brown Broncos begin their quest for a Southern Buckeye Athletic/Academic Conference American Division Title.

create offense.

"Defense is the key right now. Our best offense is our defense," said Williams.

That type of up-tempo play helped them rack up 34 points in the fourth quarter alone to seal the deal on a 71-46 road win over the Ripley-UnionLewis-Huntington Blue Jays in a preseason OHSAA Foundation Game.

"Our guys are definitely fun to watch when they're making shots," Williams said of this year's Broncos.

The Broncos have also been getting some good minutes off the bench in preseason games.

The Broncos will once again face some tough league competition in the SBAAC American Division.

"It's going to be tough, top to bottom," Williams said of this year's SBAAC big school division. "A lot of the teams last year had a lot of young kids, they're going to be stepping up."

The Broncos have also beefed up their non-league schedule which should help to better prepare them for the post season tourney, a regular season schedule now with some non-league opponents such as St. Xavier.

"One of the big keys for us is to try and get these kids to have bigger goals than winning league. One of the other

senior goals (in addition to winning league) is to win some tournament games," said Williams.

Williams said he would like to see improvement in the players' confidence before the official start to the 2019-20 season.

"A lot of the younger guys who played with me on the JV level last year, you can see their confidence starting to come," said Williams.

The Broncos open their season by hosting the Clermont Northeastern Rockets on Dec. 3.

Western Brown Broncos Dec. 3 - vs. Clermont NE Dec. 6 - vs. ClintonMassie Dec. 10 - vs. St. Xavier Dec. 13 - at Goshen Dec. 17 - vs. Williamsburg Dec. 20 - at Bethel-Tate Dec. 27 & 28 - BC Holiday Tournament (Western

Lady Warriors in search of SHAC Division I three-peat

BY Wade Linville The Eastern Lady Warriors hit the hardwood this season on a quest for a three-peat in the Southern Hills Athletic Conference big school division.

Over the past two years, the Lady Warriors have brought home SHAC Division I basketball titles under the leadership of head coach Kevin Pickerill, winning four league titles over the past five years with Pickerill at the helm. The Lady Warriors have also claimed Southeast District Division III sectional titles, district titles, a regional title, and made a State Final Four appearance (2017) in Kevin Pickerill's time as head coach.

"We always try to win the league. I feel like that is one of our main goals is to win the league, a sectional title, a district title; and I think we've got the ability to do that if we can stay healthy.

We've kind of had the 'injury bug' the last few years, but we've been able to still play at a pretty high level," said Kevin Pickerill.

But as the years have progressed, the Eastern varsity

girls basketball program has lost a slew of talent to graduation, including a pair of Division I college commits in recent years. Lacking the size they've had in recent seasons, expect the Lady Warriors to rely heavily on some skilled guards this season.

Among the skilled guards on the return is fourth-year varsity player and the head coach's daughter, Camryn Pickerill. She recently signed her letter of intent to continue her basketball career on the collegiate level at Ohio Dominican University in Columbus.

Another key player on the return for the Lady Warriors is senior guard Juanita Frost, a skilled outside shooter who has worked hard to improve on her defense and ability to penetrate to the hoop since last season.

"When you think of me, you think of a shooter, but this year I want to focus a lot more on my defense and my driving game," said Frost.

This marks Frost's second year as a full-time varsity player while also playing some varsity as a sophomore.

"It's going to start with our senior guards. Camryn

Brown) Jan. 3 - at Wilmington

Eastern Lady Warriors

Jan. 4 - at Anderson

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Page 3

Jan. 10 - vs. Batavia

Nov. 27 - vs. Georgetown

Jan. 2 - at Adena

Jan. 11 - vs. Lynchburg

Dec. 2 - vs. Lynchburg

Jan. 6 - vs. North Adams

Jan. 17 - vs. N. Richmond

Dec. 5 - vs. Ripley

Jan. 9 - at Manchester

Jan. 18 - at Coach Young

Dec. 7 - vs. Miami Trace

Jan. 13 - vs. Goshen

Classic (North Adams)

Dec. 11 - at Clinton-

Jan. 20 - vs. Williams-

Jan. 21 - at McClain

Massie

burg

Jan. 24 - at Clinton-

Dec. 12 - at West Union

Jan. 23 - at Ripley

Massie

Dec. 16 - at Peebles

Jan. 27 - at Lynchburg

Jan. 31 - vs. Goshen

Dec. 18 - at Whiteoak

Feb. 3 - vs. West Union

Feb. 1 - at Hillsboro

Dec. 19 - at Fairfield

Feb. 6 - at North Adams

Feb. 4 - vs. Wilmington

Dec. 21 - at Rio Grande

Feb. 8 - vs. CHCA

Feb. 7 - at Batavia

Dec. 27 & 28 - BC Holiday Tour. (Western Brown)

Wade Linville/CHAMPION MEDIA

This yearʼs Eastern Lady Warriors are on a quest for the programʼs third straight Southern Hills Athletic Conference Division I Title.

Pickerill and Jaunita Frost are both returning players who have played a lot of minutes," said Kevin Pickerill.

Camryn Pickerill and Frost were excited to get the opportunity to be senior leaders on the court for the Lady Warriors this season.

"I feel like I'm a good extension on the floor from my dad, and because I've grown up learning from him. I feel like I bring a lot to the team when it comes to leadership," said Camryn Pickerill.

Injury has already had an impact on the Lady Warriors before the 2019-20 season has even started, as one of their key players (Izzy Barber) recovers from a torn ACL. Also taking the court as senior Lady Warriors this season are Kalle Reynolds, Allison Daniels, Emily Fannin, Ashlee Minnix, and Hailey Hampton.

There are two talented juniors taking the court with

the Eastern girls varsity team this season, Caitlyn Wills and Emma Brown.

Kevin Pickerill looks for depth to be among the team's strenghts this season with 14 players appearing on the first varsity roster released.

Among the 14 varsity players are four skilled sophomores - Bailey Dotson, Emma Prine, Kirsten Bailey, and Mackenzie Gloff.

There is one freshman looking to make a successful varsity debut this winter, Rylee Leonard.

The Lady Warriors were picked to finish second in their league in the SHAC Preseason Coaches Poll, but this year's Lady Warriors are looking to prove them wrong with Kevin Pickerill bringing to the court what could be one of the hardest working groups in his years as head coach.

"The preseason has gone pretty well. We've been working hard," said Kevin Pickerill. "This might be one of the hardest working

eastern

groups I've had, but we have to (work hard) because we're a lot different (this year).

We're little, (and) we're going to have to make up (for that) with some effort and some heart."

"We're guard oriented and we feel that's a strong point for us," said Kevin Pickerill.

You can expect a bit of a change in playing style from this year's Lady Warriors due to their lack of size in the paint, a more up-tempo style of play.

"It's a change of pace from what we've been in the past that's for sure," said Kevin

Pickerill.

Camryn Pickerill is adapting well to the change and is looking forward to an uptempo season.

"I've always liked the way we've slowed it down, so it's definitely been a change for me, but I think as a team we will succeed (as a fast-paced team)," said Camryn Pickerill.

The Lady Warriors are scheduled to kick off their 2019-20 basketball campaign with a Nov. 27 nonleague game at home against the Georgetown Lady GMen.

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Page 4 •

Basketball Preview •

Basketball Preview

Expect up-tempo basketball from Lady Rockets

BY Wade Linville You can expect up-tempo basketball from this year's Fayetteville-Perry Lady Rockets as they hit the hardwood for their 2019-20 court campaign.

"We are getting back to our 'bread and butter' of fast basketball both on offense and defense," said FayettevillePerry girls varsity basketball coach, Toby Sheets, who is back for his 32nd season at the helm. "Our guards will be our strengths, as it has been for many of our most successful seasons."

This year's Lady Rockets will rely heavily on young talent with only one senior, 5'10" forward Taylor Malone.

Malone is the tallest on

this year's Fayetteville-Perry varsity squad, a team that lacks a true center. She is a third-year varsity starter who has led the team in rebounding over the past two seasons, averaging 8.25 boards per game last winter.

"Taylor (Malone) is one of our hardest workers," said Sheets. "She constantly is pushing herself to be the best she can be."

Coming off an impressive varsity basketball debut as a freshman during the 2018-19 season, you can once again expect big things out of the Lady Rockets' 5'6" sophomore guard Olivia Crawford.

Crawford led the Lady Rocket varsity team in scoring last season, scoring a total of 447 points and aver-

Fayetteville Lady Rockets Dec. 2 - vs. Whiteoak

Jan. 8 - at Felicity

Dec. 3 - vs. Batavia

Jan. 9 - at West Union

Dec. 5 - vs. Peebles

aging 18.6 points per game.

She led the team in twopoint field goal shooting percentage (40 percent) and in free throw percentage (64 percent).

"Olivia (Crawford) has a true understanding of fast break basketball," said Sheets. "It comes to her naturally."

Back on the court for her junior season with the Lady Rockets is 5'8" forward Kelbee Coffman. Coffman was second on the team in rebounding last season, averaging 7.3 boards per game.

She also contributed 7.2 points per game and led the team in three-point field goal shooting percentage (34 percent).

"Kelbee (Coffman) has the ability to score the basketball. I recall a compliment about Kelbee from coach Brett Justice of Peebles, who said, 'Kelbee has perfect shooting form,'" Sheets ex-

plained. "I'm pretty sure he knows what shooting form should be like."

Also on the return for the Lady Rockets is 5'5" sophomore forward Maddie Brockman. Brockman played both junior varsity and varsity last season, seeing playing time in 14 varsity games.

Sheets also holds high expectations for 5'8" freshman point guard Anne Murphy, as the Murphy name continues in the Lady Rocket basketball program. Anne Murphy is looking to fill some big shoes at point guard after her two older sisters (Samantha Murphy and Cecilia Murphy) excelled at the position in years prior. Both her older sisters scored over 1,000 career points. Sheets even coached their mother, Angela (Molitor) Murphy, who graduated in 1990 and is now the Fayetteville-Perry High School Athletic Director.

This marks the sixth

straight year there will be a Murphy running the point of the Lady Rocket offense on varsity. According to Sheets, Anne Murphy may be the most talented of the Murphys thus far.

"I was Anne's physical education teacher from kindergarten through sixth grade, (and) I have said to myself many times that 'this young lady is going to be the best Murphy of all,'" said Sheets.

"Her height (5'8") is different than her sisters. She can do it all (run point guard, score, rebound, and defend any position player)."

Others appearing on the this year's Lady Rocket varsity roster include: sophomore forward Delanie Combs, freshman forward/guard Cassidy Feldhaus, junior guard Kelby Craig, junior guard Cora Hansel, freshman forward Faith Rosselot, and sophomore forward Hanna Polston.

The Lady Rockets lost three seniors to graduation from last season, a season in which they finished 13-11 overall and 6-7 in the Southern Hills Athletic Conference.

They are preparing to once again face some tough competition in the SHAC. "I feel once again the SHAC is very balanced.

Some very strong seniors graduated from several teams of a year ago," said Sheets.

"In our division (SHAC Division II), I would say any of four schools (Peebles, Fayetteville, Fairfield, Manchester) could win it. In (SHAC) Division I, I would say North Adams and Eastern will be the toughest."

The Lady Rockets officially kick off their 2019-20 basketball campaign with a home game against the Whiteoak Lady Wildcats on Dec. 2.

Page 9

Lady Jays ready to take flight Junior transfer to contribute to success of RULH varsity girls basketball team

BY Wade Linville The Ripley-Union-LewisHuntington Lady Jays are ready to take flight, once again under the leadership of head coach Chris Coleman.

Although they were picked in the Southern Hills Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches Poll to finish on the bottom in SHAC Division I, don't underestimate the Lady Jays this season.

While scoring has been a problem in recent years for the Lady Jays, one new transfer from Milford High School should be able to help out with that - Azyiah Williams. Williams excelled on the court as a sophomore guard at Milford

High School last season, and expect her to be among the top guards in the SHAC as a junior this winter.

"She can score herself, plus I think she can get everyone else involved too, so her coming here really helps things," Coleman said of Williams.

The Lady Jays will rely heavily on young talent after losing seven seniors from last year's team to graduation and no seniors appearing on this year's roster.

"We really lost all our scoring, we lost everything," said Coleman.

"We're starting over to be honest."

Among the key players on the return is sophomore

guard Reggie Taylor, who gained a great deal of varsity experience last season.

This year's Lady Jays lack size in the paint, but expect them to be an aggressive team with players such as freshman Riley Finn on the court.

"Riley Finn is a freshman who I think can fill in and do a little bit of rebounding and scoring for us," said Coleman.

In addition to Williams, there are five juniors taking the court for the Lady Jays this season- Mary Ann Rister, Kadence Madison, Gregoryona Miller, Gracelynn Walters, and Hannah Morgan.

Other sophomores looking to aid in the Lady Jays' success on the court this season are Emily Verne, Kylee Glover, and Kamryn Price.

Look for Coleman to have his Lady Jays ready to play aggressive defense, and with a smaller group than last season you can look for them to push towards an up-tempo game.

"We're going to try and go a little faster than 'a snail's pace' like we have been," Coleman said. "We are going to try and pick the pace up, at least offensively."

With a faster team on the court this season, look for the Lady Jays to go to other defenses rather than the zone more often than they have in recent years.

"I think we will be able to get back to man-to-man defense and get after people like we used to," said Coleman.

Williams is excited to join the RULH varsity girls basketball squad, a much

smaller school than Milford.

"It's a lot smaller than what I expected, but we have work to do and we're going to get it done," said Williams.

The 5'2" speedy Williams is all about the up-tempo game.

"I like to keep the game going at a really fast pace and I don't like to slow down much," said Williams.

Taylor is turning out to be a good leader on the court for the Lady Jays, although she's just a sophomore.

"Once we get to playing

games and going into the season, we will be a lot better," said Taylor. "Last year, I worked my way (up). I started JV full time last year, and by the middle of the year I was getting more varsity time. By the end, I was starting varsity. So, it feels kind of good (to be a leader on the team this year)."

The Lady Jays were scheduled to compete in the Tip-Off Classic at Manchester High School on Nov. 23, and they will host the Georgetown Lady GMen for a non-league game on Nov. 30.

Ripley Lady Jays Nov. 23 - at Manchester

Jan. 4 - vs. Madeira

Tip-Off Classic

Jan. 9 - at Lynchburg

Jan. 11 - at Clermont NE

Nov. 30 - vs. Georgetown

Jan. 13 - vs. Peebles

Dec. 9 - at Hillsboro

Jan. 13 - at Whiteoak

Dec. 2 - vs. North Adams

Jan. 23 - vs. Eastern

Dec. 11 - vs. Stivers

Jan. 23 - vs. North

Dec. 5 - at Eastern

Jan. 27 - vs. West Union

Dec. 12 - at Fairfield

Adams

Dec. 7 - at Greenup

Jan. 29 - at Augusta

Dec. 16 - at Manchester

Jan. 27 - vs. Manchester

Dec. 12 - at North Adams

Jan. 30 - at Whiteoak

Dec. 18 - at Georgetown

Jan. 29 - vs. CCPA

Dec. 14 - vs. St. Patrick

Feb. 1 - at Adena

Dec. 19 - vs. Ripley

Jan. 30 - at Peebles

Dec. 16 - at West Union

Feb. 3 - vs. Fairfield

Dec. 27 & 28 - Brown

Feb. 3 - at Lynchburg

Dec. 19 - at Fayetteville

Feb. 6 - vs. Lynchburg

County Holiday Tourna-

Feb. 6 - vs. Fairfield

Dec. 27 & 28 - Ripley

ment (Western Brown)

Holiday Classic

Jan. 6 - vs. Blanchester

Jan. 2 - vs. N. Richmond

Good Luck All Teams!

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The Fayetteville-Perry Lady Rockets begin their hunt for a Southern Hills Athletic Conference Division II championship.

fayetteville

This yearʼs Lady Jays will rely heavily on young talent. From the left, head coach Chris Coleman, Azyiah Williams, Kadence Madison, Riley Finn, Hannah Morgan, Kamryn Price, Emily Verne, Gracelynn Walters, Gregoryona Miller, and Reggie Taylor.

rulh

Page 8 •

Basketball Preview •

Basketball Preview

Blue Jays seek SHAC Division I repeat

BY Wade Linville The Ripley-UnionLewis-Huntington Blue Jays are on a quest to repeat as the Southern Hills Athletic Conference Division I champions with a great deal of talent and experience on the return, but after losing some skilled seniors to graduation they will need some players to step into leadership roles on the court.

The Blue Jays return one SHAC all-star from last season, guard Nigel Royal.

Royal is a well-rounded player who is a threat from beyond the arc and with his explosive penetration to the hoop.

Nigel Royal is the younger brother of last year's SHAC Player of the Year and 2019 RULH grad, Jaki Royal. Nigel Royal has often been compared to his older brother in their style of play, but this year he's excited to get his opportunity to take charge in his own way.

"I'm about the same as him, the same athletic (ability). Maybe he can jump higher, but I can shoot better. I'm going to lead the team, definitely,

how he led the team and I think we can still have a good ending like we did last year," said Nigel Royal.

Nigel Royal will lead the Jays in an up-tempo game, a player who said he likes to follow up a big defensive stop with the "run and gun" offense when the opportunity presents itself.

Also back for his senior season to provide leadership on the court for the Jays is 6'3" senior Peyton Fyffe, an aggressive player in the paint who is also capable of knocking down the three.

The Jays were picked in the SHAC Preseason Coaches Poll to finish third in the SHAC big school division behind North Adams (1st pick) and Eastern (2nd pick), but the Jays will be working hard to prove them wrong in their quest to repeat as the SHAC Division I champs.

"We might not have a target on our back, but we are definitely going to push to make sure we have one on our back," said Peyton Fyffe.

Expect senior postman TK Whaley to play a significant role in the Jays'

204 W. State Street 101 Liming Farm Rd. 1011 S. Second Street Georgetown, Ohio Mt. Orab, Ohio Ripley, Ohio (Formerly Egbert Funeral Home)

937-378-6384 937-444-0323 937-392-1112 KENNETH A. CAHALL • STEPHANIE R. DYER JOE VAUGHN • JEFFREY EGBERT • CLAYTON CAHALL Directors www.cahallfuneralhomes.com

GOOD LUCK BLUE JAYS!

Murphy to provide senior leadership for Rockets McCommons takes over as Fayetteville varsity head coach

BY Wade Linville

Wade Linville/CHAMPION MEDIA

This yearʼs Ripley-Union-Lewis-Huntington Blue Jays will be batting to repeat as the Southern Hills Athletic Conference Division I champions.

success on the court this season. Whaley (6'3") is a strong player under the basket with high hops, a player who the Jays will rely heavily on for rebounding, defense in the paint, and scoring.

Another senior on the return for the Jays is 5'9" guard Kobe Rigdon, a skilled shooter from beyond the arc.

Quincy Ellis is also back for his senior season on the court for the Jays, a 5'9" guard who likes to drive to the hoop and create some scoring opportunities for his teammates. He is also very capable of putting up double figures in scoring when needed.

Montrez McGill is a 5'8" senior guard whose playing time at the varsity level has been limited due to injury, but expect him to see a great deal of minutes this winter.

Other seniors taking the court for the Jays this season are Joel Herrmann (6'0") and Zach Heflin (6'3").

The Jays have only one junior this season, 6'0"

guard Cody Germann.

Germann has put in a lot of work since last season and you can expect him to be another player the Ripley varsity boys team relies heavily on this winter.

There's a trio of talented sophomores who will see some varsity minutes for the Jays this season - Gabe Fyffe (6'4"), Braiden Bennington (6'0"), and Daniel Patrick (5'9").

Gabe Fyffe's size will certainly help out the Jays this season.

Bennington is a skilled three-point shooter who may also find success with drives to the basket, and Patrick is a hard-worker on defense who can also knock down the three.

Back as head coach for the Jays is Rex Woodward, who earned SHAC Coach of the Year honors last winter after coaching the Ripley varsity boys' basketball team to a league title.

"We lost our leaders last year with Jaki (Royal), (Landon) Dearing, (Landon) Rigdon, and

rulh

(Corey) Germann. You can't replace those guys, so you just got to hope the guys step up and kind of do some of the things that they left behind," said Woodward. "As always, our expectations are going to be lofty."

"The league is going to be really, really good this year. But we have talent,

The Fayetteville-Perry Rockets hit the hardwood this season under the leadership of their new head coach DJ McCommons.

Although he's only been with the Rockets a short period of time, he likes what he has seen so far out of this year's FayettevillePerry varsity boys basketball squad.

"In my first year and short time with the guys so far, I have learned a lot," said McCommons. "They

have so much heart, they compete daily and their skills are improving daily too."

The Rockets have only one senior this season who they will rely heavily on leadership from, guard Christopher Murphy. This marks Murphy's fourth year of varsity.

"Our lone senior Chris Murphy will be relied on heavily but we won’t be shy about letting others take the leadership roles," said McCommons.

"Definitely expecting some

younger guys to make a name for themselves. With only one senior, multiple underclassmen will get the shot to prove themselves."

"Our team will be young overall with one senior but a lot of growth will be made," McCommons added.

McCommons has past coaching experience in AAU and at Purcell Marian High School.

He hopes to see steady improvement out of this year's Rockets.

"I hope to the see the team get 1% better daily," he said. "If that happens, we will get to whatever win total we are supposed to, and get some tournament wins too."

With one player (Blake Coffman, sophomore) topping out around 6'5", two players at 6'4" (sophomore Levi Wiederhold and freshman Austin Snider) and four more over 6'0", this year's Rockets aren't lacking in size.

Expect them to be athletic, strong, and aggressive with some of the players coming off fall football season.

The Rockets were scheduled to face the LynchburgClay Mustangs in a SHAC contest on the road on Nov. 29, and on Dec. 6 they will venture to Felicity-Franklin High School to face the home standing Cardinals.

CHRIS MURPHY

and we have eight seniors," said Woodward. "Not all of them are experienced seniors, but at the end of the day they're seniors, so they're going to be leaned on heavily."

The Jays are scheduled to host the Georgetown GMen in a non-league game on Nov. 30.

Fayetteville Rockets

Ripley Blue Jays Nov. 30 - vs. Georgetown

Jan. 10 - at North Adams

Dec. 6 - at Fleming Co.

Jan. 14 - vs. Fayetteville

Dec. 7 - vs. Eastern

Jan. 18 - Young Classic

Dec. 13 - at Fairfield

at North Adams

Dec. 14 & 15 - Oak Hills

Jan. 21 - vs. Manchester

Tournament

Jan. 25 - vs. St. Patrick

Dec. 17 - at Lockland

Jan. 28 - at Lynchburg

Dec. 20 - vs. Lynchburg

Jan. 31 - at Whiteoak

Dec. 27 & 28 - Ripley

Feb. 4 - vs. West Union

Holiday Classic

Feb. 7 - vs. North Adams

Jan. 3 - at West Union

Feb. 8 - vs. Oyler

Jan. 4 - vs. Madeira

Feb. 11 - at Eastern

Jan. 7 - vs. Peebles

Page 5

Nov. 29 - at Lynchburg

Jan. 7 - at North Adams

Dec. 6 - at Felicity

Jan. 14 - at Ripley

Dec. 7 - vs. East Clinton

Jan. 17 - vs. Manchester

Dec. 10 - at Augusta

Jan. 21 - vs. Whiteoak

Dec. 13 - vs. Lynchburg

Jan. 24 - at Peebles

Dec. 20 - vs. West Union

Jan. 25 - vs. MVCA

Dec. 27 & 28 - Brown

Jan. 28 - vs. Stivers

County Holiday

Feb. 4 - vs. Peebles

Tournament (W. Brown)

Feb. 7 - at Whiteoak

Jan. 3 - at Manchester

Feb. 11 - vs. Fairfield

Good Luck To All Teams!

Karen Hamlin Agent

112 N. High Street, Mount Orab, OH 45154

937-314-4000 www.sfagentkaren.com Provided/CHAMPION MEDIA

The Fayetteville-Perry Rockets hit the hardwood this season under the leadership of their new head varsity basketball coach DJ McCommons.

fayetteville

Page 6 •

Basketball Preview •

Basketball Preview

Lady G-Men have sights set on SBAAC National Div. Title

BY Wade Linville The Georgetown Lady GMen return two Southern Buckeye Athletic/Academic Conference National Division First Team all stars, coming off a 2018-19 season in which they tied for second place in league play with the BethelTate Lady Tigers at 9-3.

Sophomore guard Torie Utter is back on the court for the Lady G-Men after leading the varsity team in scoring and ranking fifth overall in the SBAAC in scoring as a freshman, averaging 14 points per game. She was one of the two Lady G-Men named to the 2018-19 SBAAC National Division First Team. Utter shot 78.8 percent from the foul line last year (63-80).

Junior guard Maddi Benjamin is the second SBAAC National Division First Team all star on the return for the Lady G-Men, but an injury left her sidelined for much of the preseason. Her coaches and teammates are hoping for her quick recovery, a player who averaged 10.6 points per game last season, as well as 4.8 steals, four rebounds, and 2.4 assists per contest. Benjamin shot over 70 percent from the foul line last season (91-128).

Back on the court as Lady G-Men seniors are twin sister

guards Hannah and Hailey Gregory. Expect both to play significant roles in the Lady G-Men's success this winter as both bring a great deal of varsity experience and leadership to the court.

Another senior with varsity experience on the return for the Lady G-Men is 5'5" guard Allyson McHenry, a skilled three-point shooter.

Grace Burrows, 5'5" guard, is a skilled three-pointer shooter who returns to the court for the Lady G-Men. Another player back with varsity experience is 5'2" senior guard Kati Colwell.

Regan Gable (5'5" guard) takes the court for her senior season with the Lady G-Men, while 5'6" freshman guard Anistin Fender is looking to earn some varsity playing time.

Nancy Hastings is a 5'7" sophomore forward who appears on the Georgetown varsity roster this season, as well as 5'8" junior forward Emily Ring.

Rounding out the Georgetown varsity roster is 5'7" sophomore forward Caitlyn Sweet.

While they lack size, expect the Lady G-Men to be aggressive on defense and looking to utilize their speed on offense.

"We may be 5'4" and 5'5" but we play a lot bigger at

204 W. State Street 101 Liming Farm Rd. 1011 S. Second Street Georgetown, Ohio Mt. Orab, Ohio Ripley, Ohio (Formerly Egbert Funeral Home)

937-378-6384 937-444-0323 937-392-1112 KENNETH A. CAHALL • STEPHANIE R. DYER JOE VAUGHN • JEFFREY EGBERT • CLAYTON CAHALL Directors www.cahallfuneralhomes.com

GOOD LUCK G-MEN & LADY G-MEN!

Expect some new faces on varsity for Georgetown G-Men

BY Wade Linville

Wade Linville/CHAMPION MEDIA

The 2019-20 Georgetown Lady G-Men.

times," said second-year Georgetown varsity girls head basketball coach, Andrew Gill.

According to Gill, the effort on defense and aggressive play should help to make up for the Lady G-Men's lack of size. But once again the path to a SBAAC National Division Title will be no walk in the park.

Last year's league champion Williamsburg Lady Wildcats that finished perfect in the SBAAC National Division at 10-0 lost one SBAAC National Division First Team all star and the league's Player of the Year to graduation (Jessica Chase), but they return two National Division First Team players (Paige Fisher and Madi Ogden), as well as one who received 2018-19 National Division Second Team honors (Emily Hart, senior).

Bethel-Tate head coach Bernie Cropper returns a very talented crew with two seniors who earned SBAAC National Division First Team honors as juniors last year (Taylor Bee and Grace White).

"Our side of the league is going to be very competitive," said Gill. "You can't come in and take a day off. I think

there are going to be a lot of competitive games."

With only three returners to varsity who saw significant minutes last season, expect the Lady G-Men to improve as some of the younger players gather some additional varsity time this winter.

"The only three full-time varsity players I have returning are Torie (Utter), Maddi (Benjamin), and Hailey (Gregory)," said Gill. "The rest of them played minutes here and there at the varsity level last year but not full-time, and we all know that's a huge step.

There's a huge difference in the speed, the strength, and decision making."

"We're not big, so we need to use our speed and our quickness," said Gill. "We know we're undersized. We know that every game we play they are going to be bigger than us, but we take the philosophy that 'let's be quicker than them' and 'let's be smarter than them.'"

The Lady G-Men were scheduled to host the Clermont Northeastern Lady Rockets on Nov. 25, and they will face the Eastern Lady Warriors in a non-league road game Nov. 27.

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Georgetown Lady G-Men

Georgetown G-Men

Nov. 27 - at Eastern

Nov. 30 - at Ripley

Nov. 30 - at Ripley

Dec. 6 - vs. Clermont NE

Dec. 2 - vs. Blanchester

Dec. 10 - vs. Blanchester

Dec. 5 - vs. Bethel

Dec. 13 - vs. Bethel

Dec. 9 - at East Clinton

Dec. 17 - at East Clinton

Dec. 18 - vs. Fayetteville

Dec. 20 - at N. Richmond

Dec. 21 - at Mariemont

Dec. 27 & 28 - Brown

Dec. 27 & 28 - Brown County Holdiday Tournament (Western Brown) Jan. 2 - vs. Felicity Jan. 4 - vs. CCD Jan. 6 - at Williamsburg

After unloading a talented crew of seniors from last season's team that claimed back-to-back league titles under the leadership of head coach Doug Williams, expect some new faces on the Georgetown varsity boys' basketball team this winter.

Taking over as the new Georgetown varsity boys' head coach is Cory Copas.

Copas is excited about this year's young crew of GMen, a team that plays hard and has a lot of potential.

Lack of size and inexperience at the varsity level may make it tough to complete a Southern Buckeye Athletic/Academic Conference National Division threepeat, but don't be too quick to count them out of the running for another league crown.

The G-Men return only two players with some true varsity experience- junior guard Joshua Galley and senior forward/guard Fred Linville.

Galley averaged just over five points per game, rebounds per game, and just under two assists as a junior last season.

Linville averaged just over two points per game coming off the bench.

Another player the GMen are expecting big things from this year is freshman guard Carson Miles.

Garrett Ernst lacks varsity experience, but expect him, as well as other players, to show improvement as the season rolls along.

Expect Blaise Burrows to also contribute to the GMen's success this season, a skilled outside shooter.

Wade Linville/CHAMPION MEDIA

The 2019-20 Georgetown G-Men.

There are a number of other G-Men who will be working hard to make a name for themselves at the varsity level, coming off a summer and preseason in which they competed hard, and now they're ready to fill some big shoes after the loss of some outstanding seniors

to graduation.

“Losing the seniors, we have lost 90-percent of everything...the scoring, the defense, and the leadership.

We have a target on our back, and most of these kids don't understand because they weren't part of that (past success). Most of them

County Holiday Tournament (Western Brown) Jan. 4 - vs. CCD Jan. 7 - vs. Mariemont Jan. 10 - vs. Felicity Jan. 14 - at Williamsburg Jan. 17 - at Clermont NE

Jan. 9 - at Clermont NE

Jan. 18 - at Whiteoak

Jan. 13 - at Blanchester

Jan. 21 - at Blanchester

Jan. 16 - at Bethel

Jan. 24 - at Bethel

Jan. 20 - vs. East Clinton

Jan. 28 - vs. East Clinton

Jan. 22 - at West Union

Feb. 4 - at Eastern

Jan. 30 - at Felicity

Feb. 7 - at Felicity

Feb. 3 - vs. Williamsburg

Feb. 8 - vs. Lynchburg

Feb. 6 - vs. N. Richmond

Feb. 11 - vs. Williamsburg

Page 7

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didn't play significant varsity minutes last year. I think our biggest weakness will be that we don't have varsity experience,” said Copas.

“As far as significant minutes at the varsity level, I think we only have one guy (Joshua Galley, junior). I think it's good that those se-

niors set a standard of where we are supposed to be by winning league titles, and I told the kids we have to thrive on that. We're going to get everybody's best, but that's what you want. If you're a competitor, you want to get everybody's best.”

Page 6 •

Basketball Preview •

Basketball Preview

Lady G-Men have sights set on SBAAC National Div. Title

BY Wade Linville The Georgetown Lady GMen return two Southern Buckeye Athletic/Academic Conference National Division First Team all stars, coming off a 2018-19 season in which they tied for second place in league play with the BethelTate Lady Tigers at 9-3.

Sophomore guard Torie Utter is back on the court for the Lady G-Men after leading the varsity team in scoring and ranking fifth overall in the SBAAC in scoring as a freshman, averaging 14 points per game. She was one of the two Lady G-Men named to the 2018-19 SBAAC National Division First Team. Utter shot 78.8 percent from the foul line last year (63-80).

Junior guard Maddi Benjamin is the second SBAAC National Division First Team all star on the return for the Lady G-Men, but an injury left her sidelined for much of the preseason. Her coaches and teammates are hoping for her quick recovery, a player who averaged 10.6 points per game last season, as well as 4.8 steals, four rebounds, and 2.4 assists per contest. Benjamin shot over 70 percent from the foul line last season (91-128).

Back on the court as Lady G-Men seniors are twin sister

guards Hannah and Hailey Gregory. Expect both to play significant roles in the Lady G-Men's success this winter as both bring a great deal of varsity experience and leadership to the court.

Another senior with varsity experience on the return for the Lady G-Men is 5'5" guard Allyson McHenry, a skilled three-point shooter.

Grace Burrows, 5'5" guard, is a skilled three-pointer shooter who returns to the court for the Lady G-Men. Another player back with varsity experience is 5'2" senior guard Kati Colwell.

Regan Gable (5'5" guard) takes the court for her senior season with the Lady G-Men, while 5'6" freshman guard Anistin Fender is looking to earn some varsity playing time.

Nancy Hastings is a 5'7" sophomore forward who appears on the Georgetown varsity roster this season, as well as 5'8" junior forward Emily Ring.

Rounding out the Georgetown varsity roster is 5'7" sophomore forward Caitlyn Sweet.

While they lack size, expect the Lady G-Men to be aggressive on defense and looking to utilize their speed on offense.

"We may be 5'4" and 5'5" but we play a lot bigger at

204 W. State Street 101 Liming Farm Rd. 1011 S. Second Street Georgetown, Ohio Mt. Orab, Ohio Ripley, Ohio (Formerly Egbert Funeral Home)

937-378-6384 937-444-0323 937-392-1112 KENNETH A. CAHALL • STEPHANIE R. DYER JOE VAUGHN • JEFFREY EGBERT • CLAYTON CAHALL Directors www.cahallfuneralhomes.com

GOOD LUCK G-MEN & LADY G-MEN!

Expect some new faces on varsity for Georgetown G-Men

BY Wade Linville

Wade Linville/CHAMPION MEDIA

The 2019-20 Georgetown Lady G-Men.

times," said second-year Georgetown varsity girls head basketball coach, Andrew Gill.

According to Gill, the effort on defense and aggressive play should help to make up for the Lady G-Men's lack of size. But once again the path to a SBAAC National Division Title will be no walk in the park.

Last year's league champion Williamsburg Lady Wildcats that finished perfect in the SBAAC National Division at 10-0 lost one SBAAC National Division First Team all star and the league's Player of the Year to graduation (Jessica Chase), but they return two National Division First Team players (Paige Fisher and Madi Ogden), as well as one who received 2018-19 National Division Second Team honors (Emily Hart, senior).

Bethel-Tate head coach Bernie Cropper returns a very talented crew with two seniors who earned SBAAC National Division First Team honors as juniors last year (Taylor Bee and Grace White).

"Our side of the league is going to be very competitive," said Gill. "You can't come in and take a day off. I think

there are going to be a lot of competitive games."

With only three returners to varsity who saw significant minutes last season, expect the Lady G-Men to improve as some of the younger players gather some additional varsity time this winter.

"The only three full-time varsity players I have returning are Torie (Utter), Maddi (Benjamin), and Hailey (Gregory)," said Gill. "The rest of them played minutes here and there at the varsity level last year but not full-time, and we all know that's a huge step.

There's a huge difference in the speed, the strength, and decision making."

"We're not big, so we need to use our speed and our quickness," said Gill. "We know we're undersized. We know that every game we play they are going to be bigger than us, but we take the philosophy that 'let's be quicker than them' and 'let's be smarter than them.'"

The Lady G-Men were scheduled to host the Clermont Northeastern Lady Rockets on Nov. 25, and they will face the Eastern Lady Warriors in a non-league road game Nov. 27.

gtown

Georgetown Lady G-Men

Georgetown G-Men

Nov. 27 - at Eastern

Nov. 30 - at Ripley

Nov. 30 - at Ripley

Dec. 6 - vs. Clermont NE

Dec. 2 - vs. Blanchester

Dec. 10 - vs. Blanchester

Dec. 5 - vs. Bethel

Dec. 13 - vs. Bethel

Dec. 9 - at East Clinton

Dec. 17 - at East Clinton

Dec. 18 - vs. Fayetteville

Dec. 20 - at N. Richmond

Dec. 21 - at Mariemont

Dec. 27 & 28 - Brown

Dec. 27 & 28 - Brown County Holdiday Tournament (Western Brown) Jan. 2 - vs. Felicity Jan. 4 - vs. CCD Jan. 6 - at Williamsburg

After unloading a talented crew of seniors from last season's team that claimed back-to-back league titles under the leadership of head coach Doug Williams, expect some new faces on the Georgetown varsity boys' basketball team this winter.

Taking over as the new Georgetown varsity boys' head coach is Cory Copas.

Copas is excited about this year's young crew of GMen, a team that plays hard and has a lot of potential.

Lack of size and inexperience at the varsity level may make it tough to complete a Southern Buckeye Athletic/Academic Conference National Division threepeat, but don't be too quick to count them out of the running for another league crown.

The G-Men return only two players with some true varsity experience- junior guard Joshua Galley and senior forward/guard Fred Linville.

Galley averaged just over five points per game, rebounds per game, and just under two assists as a junior last season.

Linville averaged just over two points per game coming off the bench.

Another player the GMen are expecting big things from this year is freshman guard Carson Miles.

Garrett Ernst lacks varsity experience, but expect him, as well as other players, to show improvement as the season rolls along.

Expect Blaise Burrows to also contribute to the GMen's success this season, a skilled outside shooter.

Wade Linville/CHAMPION MEDIA

The 2019-20 Georgetown G-Men.

There are a number of other G-Men who will be working hard to make a name for themselves at the varsity level, coming off a summer and preseason in which they competed hard, and now they're ready to fill some big shoes after the loss of some outstanding seniors

to graduation.

“Losing the seniors, we have lost 90-percent of everything...the scoring, the defense, and the leadership.

We have a target on our back, and most of these kids don't understand because they weren't part of that (past success). Most of them

County Holiday Tournament (Western Brown) Jan. 4 - vs. CCD Jan. 7 - vs. Mariemont Jan. 10 - vs. Felicity Jan. 14 - at Williamsburg Jan. 17 - at Clermont NE

Jan. 9 - at Clermont NE

Jan. 18 - at Whiteoak

Jan. 13 - at Blanchester

Jan. 21 - at Blanchester

Jan. 16 - at Bethel

Jan. 24 - at Bethel

Jan. 20 - vs. East Clinton

Jan. 28 - vs. East Clinton

Jan. 22 - at West Union

Feb. 4 - at Eastern

Jan. 30 - at Felicity

Feb. 7 - at Felicity

Feb. 3 - vs. Williamsburg

Feb. 8 - vs. Lynchburg

Feb. 6 - vs. N. Richmond

Feb. 11 - vs. Williamsburg

Page 7

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didn't play significant varsity minutes last year. I think our biggest weakness will be that we don't have varsity experience,” said Copas.

“As far as significant minutes at the varsity level, I think we only have one guy (Joshua Galley, junior). I think it's good that those se-

niors set a standard of where we are supposed to be by winning league titles, and I told the kids we have to thrive on that. We're going to get everybody's best, but that's what you want. If you're a competitor, you want to get everybody's best.”

Page 8 •

Basketball Preview •

Basketball Preview

Blue Jays seek SHAC Division I repeat

BY Wade Linville The Ripley-UnionLewis-Huntington Blue Jays are on a quest to repeat as the Southern Hills Athletic Conference Division I champions with a great deal of talent and experience on the return, but after losing some skilled seniors to graduation they will need some players to step into leadership roles on the court.

The Blue Jays return one SHAC all-star from last season, guard Nigel Royal.

Royal is a well-rounded player who is a threat from beyond the arc and with his explosive penetration to the hoop.

Nigel Royal is the younger brother of last year's SHAC Player of the Year and 2019 RULH grad, Jaki Royal. Nigel Royal has often been compared to his older brother in their style of play, but this year he's excited to get his opportunity to take charge in his own way.

"I'm about the same as him, the same athletic (ability). Maybe he can jump higher, but I can shoot better. I'm going to lead the team, definitely,

how he led the team and I think we can still have a good ending like we did last year," said Nigel Royal.

Nigel Royal will lead the Jays in an up-tempo game, a player who said he likes to follow up a big defensive stop with the "run and gun" offense when the opportunity presents itself.

Also back for his senior season to provide leadership on the court for the Jays is 6'3" senior Peyton Fyffe, an aggressive player in the paint who is also capable of knocking down the three.

The Jays were picked in the SHAC Preseason Coaches Poll to finish third in the SHAC big school division behind North Adams (1st pick) and Eastern (2nd pick), but the Jays will be working hard to prove them wrong in their quest to repeat as the SHAC Division I champs.

"We might not have a target on our back, but we are definitely going to push to make sure we have one on our back," said Peyton Fyffe.

Expect senior postman TK Whaley to play a significant role in the Jays'

204 W. State Street 101 Liming Farm Rd. 1011 S. Second Street Georgetown, Ohio Mt. Orab, Ohio Ripley, Ohio (Formerly Egbert Funeral Home)

937-378-6384 937-444-0323 937-392-1112 KENNETH A. CAHALL • STEPHANIE R. DYER JOE VAUGHN • JEFFREY EGBERT • CLAYTON CAHALL Directors www.cahallfuneralhomes.com

GOOD LUCK BLUE JAYS!

Murphy to provide senior leadership for Rockets McCommons takes over as Fayetteville varsity head coach

BY Wade Linville

Wade Linville/CHAMPION MEDIA

This yearʼs Ripley-Union-Lewis-Huntington Blue Jays will be batting to repeat as the Southern Hills Athletic Conference Division I champions.

success on the court this season. Whaley (6'3") is a strong player under the basket with high hops, a player who the Jays will rely heavily on for rebounding, defense in the paint, and scoring.

Another senior on the return for the Jays is 5'9" guard Kobe Rigdon, a skilled shooter from beyond the arc.

Quincy Ellis is also back for his senior season on the court for the Jays, a 5'9" guard who likes to drive to the hoop and create some scoring opportunities for his teammates. He is also very capable of putting up double figures in scoring when needed.

Montrez McGill is a 5'8" senior guard whose playing time at the varsity level has been limited due to injury, but expect him to see a great deal of minutes this winter.

Other seniors taking the court for the Jays this season are Joel Herrmann (6'0") and Zach Heflin (6'3").

The Jays have only one junior this season, 6'0"

guard Cody Germann.

Germann has put in a lot of work since last season and you can expect him to be another player the Ripley varsity boys team relies heavily on this winter.

There's a trio of talented sophomores who will see some varsity minutes for the Jays this season - Gabe Fyffe (6'4"), Braiden Bennington (6'0"), and Daniel Patrick (5'9").

Gabe Fyffe's size will certainly help out the Jays this season.

Bennington is a skilled three-point shooter who may also find success with drives to the basket, and Patrick is a hard-worker on defense who can also knock down the three.

Back as head coach for the Jays is Rex Woodward, who earned SHAC Coach of the Year honors last winter after coaching the Ripley varsity boys' basketball team to a league title.

"We lost our leaders last year with Jaki (Royal), (Landon) Dearing, (Landon) Rigdon, and

rulh

(Corey) Germann. You can't replace those guys, so you just got to hope the guys step up and kind of do some of the things that they left behind," said Woodward. "As always, our expectations are going to be lofty."

"The league is going to be really, really good this year. But we have talent,

The Fayetteville-Perry Rockets hit the hardwood this season under the leadership of their new head coach DJ McCommons.

Although he's only been with the Rockets a short period of time, he likes what he has seen so far out of this year's FayettevillePerry varsity boys basketball squad.

"In my first year and short time with the guys so far, I have learned a lot," said McCommons. "They

have so much heart, they compete daily and their skills are improving daily too."

The Rockets have only one senior this season who they will rely heavily on leadership from, guard Christopher Murphy. This marks Murphy's fourth year of varsity.

"Our lone senior Chris Murphy will be relied on heavily but we won’t be shy about letting others take the leadership roles," said McCommons.

"Definitely expecting some

younger guys to make a name for themselves. With only one senior, multiple underclassmen will get the shot to prove themselves."

"Our team will be young overall with one senior but a lot of growth will be made," McCommons added.

McCommons has past coaching experience in AAU and at Purcell Marian High School.

He hopes to see steady improvement out of this year's Rockets.

"I hope to the see the team get 1% better daily," he said. "If that happens, we will get to whatever win total we are supposed to, and get some tournament wins too."

With one player (Blake Coffman, sophomore) topping out around 6'5", two players at 6'4" (sophomore Levi Wiederhold and freshman Austin Snider) and four more over 6'0", this year's Rockets aren't lacking in size.

Expect them to be athletic, strong, and aggressive with some of the players coming off fall football season.

The Rockets were scheduled to face the LynchburgClay Mustangs in a SHAC contest on the road on Nov. 29, and on Dec. 6 they will venture to Felicity-Franklin High School to face the home standing Cardinals.

CHRIS MURPHY

and we have eight seniors," said Woodward. "Not all of them are experienced seniors, but at the end of the day they're seniors, so they're going to be leaned on heavily."

The Jays are scheduled to host the Georgetown GMen in a non-league game on Nov. 30.

Fayetteville Rockets

Ripley Blue Jays Nov. 30 - vs. Georgetown

Jan. 10 - at North Adams

Dec. 6 - at Fleming Co.

Jan. 14 - vs. Fayetteville

Dec. 7 - vs. Eastern

Jan. 18 - Young Classic

Dec. 13 - at Fairfield

at North Adams

Dec. 14 & 15 - Oak Hills

Jan. 21 - vs. Manchester

Tournament

Jan. 25 - vs. St. Patrick

Dec. 17 - at Lockland

Jan. 28 - at Lynchburg

Dec. 20 - vs. Lynchburg

Jan. 31 - at Whiteoak

Dec. 27 & 28 - Ripley

Feb. 4 - vs. West Union

Holiday Classic

Feb. 7 - vs. North Adams

Jan. 3 - at West Union

Feb. 8 - vs. Oyler

Jan. 4 - vs. Madeira

Feb. 11 - at Eastern

Jan. 7 - vs. Peebles

Page 5

Nov. 29 - at Lynchburg

Jan. 7 - at North Adams

Dec. 6 - at Felicity

Jan. 14 - at Ripley

Dec. 7 - vs. East Clinton

Jan. 17 - vs. Manchester

Dec. 10 - at Augusta

Jan. 21 - vs. Whiteoak

Dec. 13 - vs. Lynchburg

Jan. 24 - at Peebles

Dec. 20 - vs. West Union

Jan. 25 - vs. MVCA

Dec. 27 & 28 - Brown

Jan. 28 - vs. Stivers

County Holiday

Feb. 4 - vs. Peebles

Tournament (W. Brown)

Feb. 7 - at Whiteoak

Jan. 3 - at Manchester

Feb. 11 - vs. Fairfield

Good Luck To All Teams!

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The Fayetteville-Perry Rockets hit the hardwood this season under the leadership of their new head varsity basketball coach DJ McCommons.

fayetteville

Page 4 •

Basketball Preview •

Basketball Preview

Expect up-tempo basketball from Lady Rockets

BY Wade Linville You can expect up-tempo basketball from this year's Fayetteville-Perry Lady Rockets as they hit the hardwood for their 2019-20 court campaign.

"We are getting back to our 'bread and butter' of fast basketball both on offense and defense," said FayettevillePerry girls varsity basketball coach, Toby Sheets, who is back for his 32nd season at the helm. "Our guards will be our strengths, as it has been for many of our most successful seasons."

This year's Lady Rockets will rely heavily on young talent with only one senior, 5'10" forward Taylor Malone.

Malone is the tallest on

this year's Fayetteville-Perry varsity squad, a team that lacks a true center. She is a third-year varsity starter who has led the team in rebounding over the past two seasons, averaging 8.25 boards per game last winter.

"Taylor (Malone) is one of our hardest workers," said Sheets. "She constantly is pushing herself to be the best she can be."

Coming off an impressive varsity basketball debut as a freshman during the 2018-19 season, you can once again expect big things out of the Lady Rockets' 5'6" sophomore guard Olivia Crawford.

Crawford led the Lady Rocket varsity team in scoring last season, scoring a total of 447 points and aver-

Fayetteville Lady Rockets Dec. 2 - vs. Whiteoak

Jan. 8 - at Felicity

Dec. 3 - vs. Batavia

Jan. 9 - at West Union

Dec. 5 - vs. Peebles

aging 18.6 points per game.

She led the team in twopoint field goal shooting percentage (40 percent) and in free throw percentage (64 percent).

"Olivia (Crawford) has a true understanding of fast break basketball," said Sheets. "It comes to her naturally."

Back on the court for her junior season with the Lady Rockets is 5'8" forward Kelbee Coffman. Coffman was second on the team in rebounding last season, averaging 7.3 boards per game.

She also contributed 7.2 points per game and led the team in three-point field goal shooting percentage (34 percent).

"Kelbee (Coffman) has the ability to score the basketball. I recall a compliment about Kelbee from coach Brett Justice of Peebles, who said, 'Kelbee has perfect shooting form,'" Sheets ex-

plained. "I'm pretty sure he knows what shooting form should be like."

Also on the return for the Lady Rockets is 5'5" sophomore forward Maddie Brockman. Brockman played both junior varsity and varsity last season, seeing playing time in 14 varsity games.

Sheets also holds high expectations for 5'8" freshman point guard Anne Murphy, as the Murphy name continues in the Lady Rocket basketball program. Anne Murphy is looking to fill some big shoes at point guard after her two older sisters (Samantha Murphy and Cecilia Murphy) excelled at the position in years prior. Both her older sisters scored over 1,000 career points. Sheets even coached their mother, Angela (Molitor) Murphy, who graduated in 1990 and is now the Fayetteville-Perry High School Athletic Director.

This marks the sixth

straight year there will be a Murphy running the point of the Lady Rocket offense on varsity. According to Sheets, Anne Murphy may be the most talented of the Murphys thus far.

"I was Anne's physical education teacher from kindergarten through sixth grade, (and) I have said to myself many times that 'this young lady is going to be the best Murphy of all,'" said Sheets.

"Her height (5'8") is different than her sisters. She can do it all (run point guard, score, rebound, and defend any position player)."

Others appearing on the this year's Lady Rocket varsity roster include: sophomore forward Delanie Combs, freshman forward/guard Cassidy Feldhaus, junior guard Kelby Craig, junior guard Cora Hansel, freshman forward Faith Rosselot, and sophomore forward Hanna Polston.

The Lady Rockets lost three seniors to graduation from last season, a season in which they finished 13-11 overall and 6-7 in the Southern Hills Athletic Conference.

They are preparing to once again face some tough competition in the SHAC. "I feel once again the SHAC is very balanced.

Some very strong seniors graduated from several teams of a year ago," said Sheets.

"In our division (SHAC Division II), I would say any of four schools (Peebles, Fayetteville, Fairfield, Manchester) could win it. In (SHAC) Division I, I would say North Adams and Eastern will be the toughest."

The Lady Rockets officially kick off their 2019-20 basketball campaign with a home game against the Whiteoak Lady Wildcats on Dec. 2.

Page 9

Lady Jays ready to take flight Junior transfer to contribute to success of RULH varsity girls basketball team

BY Wade Linville The Ripley-Union-LewisHuntington Lady Jays are ready to take flight, once again under the leadership of head coach Chris Coleman.

Although they were picked in the Southern Hills Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches Poll to finish on the bottom in SHAC Division I, don't underestimate the Lady Jays this season.

While scoring has been a problem in recent years for the Lady Jays, one new transfer from Milford High School should be able to help out with that - Azyiah Williams. Williams excelled on the court as a sophomore guard at Milford

High School last season, and expect her to be among the top guards in the SHAC as a junior this winter.

"She can score herself, plus I think she can get everyone else involved too, so her coming here really helps things," Coleman said of Williams.

The Lady Jays will rely heavily on young talent after losing seven seniors from last year's team to graduation and no seniors appearing on this year's roster.

"We really lost all our scoring, we lost everything," said Coleman.

"We're starting over to be honest."

Among the key players on the return is sophomore

guard Reggie Taylor, who gained a great deal of varsity experience last season.

This year's Lady Jays lack size in the paint, but expect them to be an aggressive team with players such as freshman Riley Finn on the court.

"Riley Finn is a freshman who I think can fill in and do a little bit of rebounding and scoring for us," said Coleman.

In addition to Williams, there are five juniors taking the court for the Lady Jays this season- Mary Ann Rister, Kadence Madison, Gregoryona Miller, Gracelynn Walters, and Hannah Morgan.

Other sophomores looking to aid in the Lady Jays' success on the court this season are Emily Verne, Kylee Glover, and Kamryn Price.

Look for Coleman to have his Lady Jays ready to play aggressive defense, and with a smaller group than last season you can look for them to push towards an up-tempo game.

"We're going to try and go a little faster than 'a snail's pace' like we have been," Coleman said. "We are going to try and pick the pace up, at least offensively."

With a faster team on the court this season, look for the Lady Jays to go to other defenses rather than the zone more often than they have in recent years.

"I think we will be able to get back to man-to-man defense and get after people like we used to," said Coleman.

Williams is excited to join the RULH varsity girls basketball squad, a much

smaller school than Milford.

"It's a lot smaller than what I expected, but we have work to do and we're going to get it done," said Williams.

The 5'2" speedy Williams is all about the up-tempo game.

"I like to keep the game going at a really fast pace and I don't like to slow down much," said Williams.

Taylor is turning out to be a good leader on the court for the Lady Jays, although she's just a sophomore.

"Once we get to playing

games and going into the season, we will be a lot better," said Taylor. "Last year, I worked my way (up). I started JV full time last year, and by the middle of the year I was getting more varsity time. By the end, I was starting varsity. So, it feels kind of good (to be a leader on the team this year)."

The Lady Jays were scheduled to compete in the Tip-Off Classic at Manchester High School on Nov. 23, and they will host the Georgetown Lady GMen for a non-league game on Nov. 30.

Ripley Lady Jays Nov. 23 - at Manchester

Jan. 4 - vs. Madeira

Tip-Off Classic

Jan. 9 - at Lynchburg

Jan. 11 - at Clermont NE

Nov. 30 - vs. Georgetown

Jan. 13 - vs. Peebles

Dec. 9 - at Hillsboro

Jan. 13 - at Whiteoak

Dec. 2 - vs. North Adams

Jan. 23 - vs. Eastern

Dec. 11 - vs. Stivers

Jan. 23 - vs. North

Dec. 5 - at Eastern

Jan. 27 - vs. West Union

Dec. 12 - at Fairfield

Adams

Dec. 7 - at Greenup

Jan. 29 - at Augusta

Dec. 16 - at Manchester

Jan. 27 - vs. Manchester

Dec. 12 - at North Adams

Jan. 30 - at Whiteoak

Dec. 18 - at Georgetown

Jan. 29 - vs. CCPA

Dec. 14 - vs. St. Patrick

Feb. 1 - at Adena

Dec. 19 - vs. Ripley

Jan. 30 - at Peebles

Dec. 16 - at West Union

Feb. 3 - vs. Fairfield

Dec. 27 & 28 - Brown

Feb. 3 - at Lynchburg

Dec. 19 - at Fayetteville

Feb. 6 - vs. Lynchburg

County Holiday Tourna-

Feb. 6 - vs. Fairfield

Dec. 27 & 28 - Ripley

ment (Western Brown)

Holiday Classic

Jan. 6 - vs. Blanchester

Jan. 2 - vs. N. Richmond

Good Luck All Teams!

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Wade Linville/CHAMPION MEDIA Wade Linville/CHAMPION MEDIA

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The Fayetteville-Perry Lady Rockets begin their hunt for a Southern Hills Athletic Conference Division II championship.

fayetteville

This yearʼs Lady Jays will rely heavily on young talent. From the left, head coach Chris Coleman, Azyiah Williams, Kadence Madison, Riley Finn, Hannah Morgan, Kamryn Price, Emily Verne, Gracelynn Walters, Gregoryona Miller, and Reggie Taylor.

rulh

Page 10 •

Basketball Preview •

Basketball Preview

Williams takes over as Broncos’ varsity head coach Talented crew on the return for W. Brown

BY Wade Linville The Western Brown Broncos return a slew of talent for their 2019-20 court campaign.

They may be hitting the hardwood this season under the leadership of their first-year varsity boys' basketball head coach Drake Williams, but Williams is no stranger to this year's Bronco squad.

Williams has been the junior varsity coach and an assistant varsity coach under Greg Foster in previous years, and he was selected to take over as varsity head coach after Foster stepped down from the

position.

Among the key players on the return for the Broncos is junior guard Zyon Tull. Tull averaged 14 points per game last season to go along with 2.3 steals and 3.4 rebounds per contest, earning Southern Buckeye Athletic/Academic Conference American Division First Team honors.

This marks Tull's fourth year of varsity.

Another key player on the return for the Broncos is senior post man Yani Williams.

Williams averaged 5.3 rebounds and 5.1 points per game last season, a season in

which he was named an SBAAC American Division Honorable Mention.

Also back for his senior season with the Broncos is guard Ian Shaffer, a skilled threepoint shooter who averaged 5.4 points per game last season.

Colton Carroll is another senior guard back on the court for the Broncos after averaging three points and 2.2 rebounds per game last year.

Guard Chance Moore is back as a senior after averaging 5.8 points per game during his junior year.

Dylan Novak is a sophomore who you can expect to get some varsity playing time

this season, as well as freshman Drew Novak.

Jackson Miller is a sophomore who will contribute in the Broncos' success on the court this season.

Also back on the court with varsity experience for the Broncos are junior post man Wil Sizer and sophomore post man Cameron Weil.

The Broncos tied for second with Goshen (6-4) in the SBAAC American Division last season, while ClintonMassie claimed the league title with a record of 8-2.

During the preseason, the Broncos have found success with their transition game, relying on defensive plays to

Wade Linville/CHAMPION MEDIA

The Western Brown Broncos begin their quest for a Southern Buckeye Athletic/Academic Conference American Division Title.

create offense.

"Defense is the key right now. Our best offense is our defense," said Williams.

That type of up-tempo play helped them rack up 34 points in the fourth quarter alone to seal the deal on a 71-46 road win over the Ripley-UnionLewis-Huntington Blue Jays in a preseason OHSAA Foundation Game.

"Our guys are definitely fun to watch when they're making shots," Williams said of this year's Broncos.

The Broncos have also been getting some good minutes off the bench in preseason games.

The Broncos will once again face some tough league competition in the SBAAC American Division.

"It's going to be tough, top to bottom," Williams said of this year's SBAAC big school division. "A lot of the teams last year had a lot of young kids, they're going to be stepping up."

The Broncos have also beefed up their non-league schedule which should help to better prepare them for the post season tourney, a regular season schedule now with some non-league opponents such as St. Xavier.

"One of the big keys for us is to try and get these kids to have bigger goals than winning league. One of the other

senior goals (in addition to winning league) is to win some tournament games," said Williams.

Williams said he would like to see improvement in the players' confidence before the official start to the 2019-20 season.

"A lot of the younger guys who played with me on the JV level last year, you can see their confidence starting to come," said Williams.

The Broncos open their season by hosting the Clermont Northeastern Rockets on Dec. 3.

Western Brown Broncos Dec. 3 - vs. Clermont NE Dec. 6 - vs. ClintonMassie Dec. 10 - vs. St. Xavier Dec. 13 - at Goshen Dec. 17 - vs. Williamsburg Dec. 20 - at Bethel-Tate Dec. 27 & 28 - BC Holiday Tournament (Western

Lady Warriors in search of SHAC Division I three-peat

BY Wade Linville The Eastern Lady Warriors hit the hardwood this season on a quest for a three-peat in the Southern Hills Athletic Conference big school division.

Over the past two years, the Lady Warriors have brought home SHAC Division I basketball titles under the leadership of head coach Kevin Pickerill, winning four league titles over the past five years with Pickerill at the helm. The Lady Warriors have also claimed Southeast District Division III sectional titles, district titles, a regional title, and made a State Final Four appearance (2017) in Kevin Pickerill's time as head coach.

"We always try to win the league. I feel like that is one of our main goals is to win the league, a sectional title, a district title; and I think we've got the ability to do that if we can stay healthy.

We've kind of had the 'injury bug' the last few years, but we've been able to still play at a pretty high level," said Kevin Pickerill.

But as the years have progressed, the Eastern varsity

girls basketball program has lost a slew of talent to graduation, including a pair of Division I college commits in recent years. Lacking the size they've had in recent seasons, expect the Lady Warriors to rely heavily on some skilled guards this season.

Among the skilled guards on the return is fourth-year varsity player and the head coach's daughter, Camryn Pickerill. She recently signed her letter of intent to continue her basketball career on the collegiate level at Ohio Dominican University in Columbus.

Another key player on the return for the Lady Warriors is senior guard Juanita Frost, a skilled outside shooter who has worked hard to improve on her defense and ability to penetrate to the hoop since last season.

"When you think of me, you think of a shooter, but this year I want to focus a lot more on my defense and my driving game," said Frost.

This marks Frost's second year as a full-time varsity player while also playing some varsity as a sophomore.

"It's going to start with our senior guards. Camryn

Brown) Jan. 3 - at Wilmington

Eastern Lady Warriors

Jan. 4 - at Anderson

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Page 3

Jan. 10 - vs. Batavia

Nov. 27 - vs. Georgetown

Jan. 2 - at Adena

Jan. 11 - vs. Lynchburg

Dec. 2 - vs. Lynchburg

Jan. 6 - vs. North Adams

Jan. 17 - vs. N. Richmond

Dec. 5 - vs. Ripley

Jan. 9 - at Manchester

Jan. 18 - at Coach Young

Dec. 7 - vs. Miami Trace

Jan. 13 - vs. Goshen

Classic (North Adams)

Dec. 11 - at Clinton-

Jan. 20 - vs. Williams-

Jan. 21 - at McClain

Massie

burg

Jan. 24 - at Clinton-

Dec. 12 - at West Union

Jan. 23 - at Ripley

Massie

Dec. 16 - at Peebles

Jan. 27 - at Lynchburg

Jan. 31 - vs. Goshen

Dec. 18 - at Whiteoak

Feb. 3 - vs. West Union

Feb. 1 - at Hillsboro

Dec. 19 - at Fairfield

Feb. 6 - at North Adams

Feb. 4 - vs. Wilmington

Dec. 21 - at Rio Grande

Feb. 8 - vs. CHCA

Feb. 7 - at Batavia

Dec. 27 & 28 - BC Holiday Tour. (Western Brown)

Wade Linville/CHAMPION MEDIA

This yearʼs Eastern Lady Warriors are on a quest for the programʼs third straight Southern Hills Athletic Conference Division I Title.

Pickerill and Jaunita Frost are both returning players who have played a lot of minutes," said Kevin Pickerill.

Camryn Pickerill and Frost were excited to get the opportunity to be senior leaders on the court for the Lady Warriors this season.

"I feel like I'm a good extension on the floor from my dad, and because I've grown up learning from him. I feel like I bring a lot to the team when it comes to leadership," said Camryn Pickerill.

Injury has already had an impact on the Lady Warriors before the 2019-20 season has even started, as one of their key players (Izzy Barber) recovers from a torn ACL. Also taking the court as senior Lady Warriors this season are Kalle Reynolds, Allison Daniels, Emily Fannin, Ashlee Minnix, and Hailey Hampton.

There are two talented juniors taking the court with

the Eastern girls varsity team this season, Caitlyn Wills and Emma Brown.

Kevin Pickerill looks for depth to be among the team's strenghts this season with 14 players appearing on the first varsity roster released.

Among the 14 varsity players are four skilled sophomores - Bailey Dotson, Emma Prine, Kirsten Bailey, and Mackenzie Gloff.

There is one freshman looking to make a successful varsity debut this winter, Rylee Leonard.

The Lady Warriors were picked to finish second in their league in the SHAC Preseason Coaches Poll, but this year's Lady Warriors are looking to prove them wrong with Kevin Pickerill bringing to the court what could be one of the hardest working groups in his years as head coach.

"The preseason has gone pretty well. We've been working hard," said Kevin Pickerill. "This might be one of the hardest working

eastern

groups I've had, but we have to (work hard) because we're a lot different (this year).

We're little, (and) we're going to have to make up (for that) with some effort and some heart."

"We're guard oriented and we feel that's a strong point for us," said Kevin Pickerill.

You can expect a bit of a change in playing style from this year's Lady Warriors due to their lack of size in the paint, a more up-tempo style of play.

"It's a change of pace from what we've been in the past that's for sure," said Kevin

Pickerill.

Camryn Pickerill is adapting well to the change and is looking forward to an uptempo season.

"I've always liked the way we've slowed it down, so it's definitely been a change for me, but I think as a team we will succeed (as a fast-paced team)," said Camryn Pickerill.

The Lady Warriors are scheduled to kick off their 2019-20 basketball campaign with a Nov. 27 nonleague game at home against the Georgetown Lady GMen.

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Page 2 •

Basketball Preview •

Basketball Preview

Warriors on the hunt for SHAC Div. I crown

BY Wade Linville The Eastern Warriors hit the hardwood this season on the hunt for a Southern Hills Athletic Conference Division I Title, and they're equipped with the talent and experience it will take to accomplish that goal.

Not only is long-time Eastern head basketball coach Rob Beucler equipped with five seniors to provide leadership, but he also has a slew of talent and varsity experience when speaking of juniors and underclassmen.

Among the seniors on the return is 6'2" guard Titus Burns, an outstanding allaround player who can find success penetrating to the hoop or from shooting beyond the arc. Burns is excited to get the opportunity to be a senior leader on the court for the Warriors this winter.

"I love it. This is what I've been working on for (the past) three years," said Burns.

Also back on the court for his senior season with the Warriors are Dustin Jimison (5'10"), Parker Murphy (6'1"), Ian Wiles (6'0") and Landyn Pickerill (5'10").

A great deal of talent also lies in the junior class for the Warriors. Colton Vaughn (6'3" junior) is back for his third year of varsity basketball.

"I feel we have a really good team and we are a very hard match-up," said

High expectations for Lady Broncos Western Brown girls seek SBAAC American Division Title after last yearʼs runner-up league finish

BY Wade Linville

Wade Linville/CHAMPION MEDIA

The Eastern Warriors return a great deal of experience and talent for their 2019-20 basketball season.

Vaughn.

Vaughn plans to contribute big on the boards, in scoring, and on the defensive end for the Warriors this season, as he has in past years.

Ryan Boone (5'10" guard) returns as a junior after gaining a great deal of varsity experience as a sophomore, and Ethan Daniels (6'1") is another junior on the return for the Warriors.

"I've been focusing on everything, especially shooting and ball handling," said Boone. "I think I can play my role every game, no matter if it's passing to my

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teammates and getting them shots, or if they're off a night and need me to step up and shoot. I'm going to do whatever it takes to win."

There are two talented sophomores back for the Warriors after gaining some varsity experience as freshmen last season - Trent Hundley (6'4") and Luke Garrett (6'0").

"I think I've become stronger with the ball," Garrett said when asked what improvements he's made in his game since his freshman year. "I feel my shot has gotten a little better, I'm smarter, and a little more experienced."

"I think I'm getting more consistent with my shooting," said Hundley, coming off an outstanding freshman season of varsity. "I think I've grown stronger and faster."

Beucler is back for his 40th year of coaching and 25th as the Eastern varsity boys head basketball coach.

"I like this bunch," Beucler said of this year's Warriors.

"Defense and rebounding are going to be two areas (that we really focus on). I think we can score, but there are going to be nights you can't score, and I mean that's everybody.

You can have the best players in the world and if they don't shoot it well you're in trouble, and you better be able to defend it. That's why we want to make it (defense) a constant for us. They're a good bunch of kids...they play hard."

The Warriors will once again face some stiff competition in the SHAC against teams such as North Adams, selected in the SHAC Preseason Coaches Poll to finish in first place ahead of Eastern. But the Warriors hit the hardwood this season with confidence, a team hungry for a league crown.

"This bunch has some experience and they like to play," said Beucler. "We need

eastern

to learn to share it and play as a unit."

"We just want to come out, work hard every day, and keep going," said Beucler. "We've got some ultimate goals (where we want to go), but again it comes with daily effort."

The Warriors kick off their 2019-20 court campaign with a Dec. 3 non-league game on the road at Hillsboro High School.

They will face the RipleyUnion-Lewis-Huntington Blue Jays in a road game, Dec. 7.

Page 11

Coming off a runner-up league finish last season, the Western Brown Lady Broncos have their scopes set on a Southern Buckeye Athletic/Academic Conference American Division Title with some experience and talent returning to the court this winter.

"We're hoping to have a really good year," said thirdyear Western Brown varsity head coach, Tim Chadwell.

The Lady Broncos and Goshen tied for second in the SBAAC American Division last year with league marks of 7-3, while Wilmington claimed the league title with a perfect 10-0

league record.

This year's Lady Broncos are hungry for a league crown, a team with two SBAAC American Division First Team all stars and one American Division Second Team all star back on the court.

Among the key players on the return are senior center/forward Emma Sams and junior guard Baylee Jones, both coming off seasons in which they earned SBAAC American Division First Team honors.

Jones averaged 11.6 points per game last season to lead the Lady Broncos in scoring, while also dishing out an average of three assists per contest.

Sams averaged 7.7 points per game while also averaging 5.3 rebounds per contest.

Another key player on the return for the Lady Broncos is senior post player Allie Buttree, who averaged 5.1 points per game and 6.8 rebounds per game last year.

The Lady Broncos' SBAAC American Division Second Team all star on the return is senior guard Gracie Fischer. Fischer suffered from an injury prior to the start of the season, but is expected to return early in the season.

Fischer averaged over five points per game last season to go along with 2.9 rebounds and around two assists per contest.

Divine Thompson is taking the court with the Lady Broncos for her senior season, a player who may lack

in overall varsity experience but is expected to contribute to the team's success this year with her ability to lead.

Madison Flischel and Megan West (6'1" center) are hitting the hardwood for as junior members of the Western Brown varsity girls' basketball squad.

There is one freshman looking to make a successful varsity debut this season, Sadie Foster.

Becky Roblero-Solis is a 5'6" sophomore guard who will aid the Lady Bronco varsity team on the court.

Joining Chadwell's coaching staff this season is varsity assistant Tess Jenike-Noeth.

"She brings a lot of basketball knowledge and we're really fortunate to have her," said Chadwell.

The Lady Broncos will once again face some stiff

league competition in the SBAAC big school division.

"The league is going to be really tough again," said Chadwell. "Everybody got hit hard by graduation, but one thing about this league is that the coaches are so good. The teams are going to be ready."

The climb to the top of the SBAAC American Division will be steep, but Chadwell and his Lady Broncos are up for the challenge.

"We want to win the league. I feel like we've challenged for it the last couple of years, and we're really looking forward to this season," said Chadwell.

The Lady Broncos also face a tough non-league schedule this winter, starting off with a Nov. 22 home game against Anderson.

The Lady Broncos will then take the long trip to Pigeon Forge, TN to compete Nov. 29-30.

Western Brown Lady Broncos Nov. 22 - vs. Anderson

Jan. 2 - at Bethel-Tate

Nov. 25 - vs. Clinton-

Jan. 6 - vs. Clermont NE

Massie

Jan. 9 - vs. N. Richmond

Nov. 29 & 30 - at Pigeon

Jan. 11 - vs. Lynchburg

Forge

Jan. 16 - at Clinton-

Dec. 5 - at Goshen

Massie

Dec. 9 - vs. Williamsburg

Jan. 23 - vs. Goshen

Dec. 12 - at Wilmington

Jan. 27 - vs. Wilmington

Dec. 16 - vs. Batavia

Jan. 30 - at Batavia

Dec. 19 - at W. Clermont

Feb. 1 - at Hillsboro

Dec. 27 & 28 - BC Holi-

Feb. 3 - at N. Richmond

day Tournament (Western Brown)

Eastern Warriors Dec. 3 - at Hillsboro Dec. 7 - at Ripley Dec. 10 - vs. Batavia Dec. 13 - vs. Whiteoak Dec. 17 - at Peebles Dec. 27 & 28 - BC Holiday Tournament (Western Brown) Jan. 3 - at N. Adams Jan. 10 - at W. Union Jan. 14 - vs. Manchester Jan. 17 - at Felicity

Jan. 18 - at Coach Young Classic Jan. 21 - vs. Lynchburg Jan. 28 - vs. W. Union Jan. 31 - vs. N. Adams Feb. 1 - vs. Madeira Feb. 4 - vs. Georgetown Feb. 5 - vs. St. Patrick Feb. 7 - at Lynchburg Feb. 11 - vs. Ripley Feb. 14 - at Fairfield

GOOD LUCK TO ALL TEAMS Like us on facebook

665 E. Main St., Mt. Orab, OH Wade Linville/CHAMPION MEDIA

The Western Brown Lady Broncos begin their quest for a Southern Buckeye Athletic/Academic Conference American Division Title after finishing runner-up in the league last year.

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1-800-523-4716 or 937-444-2555

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Hoop fever strikes again Features: • Western Brown • Georgetown • Ripley • Fayetteville-Perry • Eastern

2019-20 Brown County Prep Basketball Preview Brought to you by The News Democrat, The Ripley Bee, and The Brown County Press