Clermont basketball 2014 by Clermont Sun Publishing Company

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2014-15 Basketball Preview Special brought to you by The Clermont Sun

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Amelia: Lady Barons: Defending champs expect nothing less in ‘14-15 Barons will league-wise and overall.” play tough D Continued from 3 The Barons have a few injuries

Amelia expecting leadership from returners, energy from newcomers in 2014-15 BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

A solid returning core as well as an influx of height and talent to the Amelia Lady Barons’ roster has head coach Tara Kaiser hoping to improve upon last year’s record and play some of the best defense that the school has seen. “We have four returning players: Mackenzie Hultz, Lindsay

Varsity Roster Year

12 12 12 11 11 11 10 10 9 9

Name

Julia Bamonte Elena McDonald Jessica Duncan Kendall Kaiser Mackenzie Hultz Samantha Lee Lindsay Buten Bryanna Deaton Shelby Hatcher Brooke Koehnke

Pos.

F G C F G F G F G F

B u t e n , K e n d a l l Kaiser and E l e n a McDonald. Those are going to be our four go-to girls,” the coach said. “We’re very young, but Tara Kaiser we’re looking to (those four) for a lot of leadership. I think we can do a lot of good things, but it will be a little bit of a process because we’re trying some new offensive strategies.” While Kaiser was understandably guarded about divulging the new tactics that the Lady Barons will employ, she was excited to share some information about a few players who moved into the district and will make an impact this year. “We have a few players who moved in, including a 6-foot-1 girl, Jessica Duncan, who I think

Continued from 2

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

The Lady Barons will have four returning starters this season and some JV players moving up.

can help us,” she said. Duncan, a senior, will bring some much-needed height to the Amelia front line, which has been guard-oriented in recent years. With a low-post presence, Kaiser said that her team will have more options when it comes to defending. “We’re pretty small besides Jessica, so with her in the game, our defense will probably change

a little bit,” Kaiser said. “I think our man-to-man is going to be as good, if not better, than it’s ever been. We’re trying some other new strategies that we’ve worked really hard on in scrimmages to get it through to the girls.” In the American Division of the Southern Buckeye Conference, the Lady Barons have found themselves looking up at the likes of New Richmond, Norwood and

Western Brown in recent years, but with some key pieces graduating out of programs around the area, Amelia is poised to make a move up the table. “I expect Goshen to be really strong. They’ve been young, but their strength now is in their seniors and sophomores,” Kaiser See Amelia, Page 23

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said. “New Richmond, without (Josie) Buckingham, may have a bit of a learning curve; Western Brown is always good. Norwood has lost quite a bit, but so have we — we lost five girls.” With the league seemingly up for grabs, Kaiser said she and her team have set goals to get to or above .500 and finish in the top three of the league. The Lady Barons will get a good idea of how they stack up early in the season, playing five of their first seven games against divisional opponents, all before Christmas.

we do,” he said. “Every league game, we expect to get their best shot. We’ve won everything the last two years — regular season and (league) tournament — so I would think everyone is gunning for us. We won’t underestimate anyone. They’re all good and all well-coached. We just go out and play and the last couple of years we’ve won most of our games,

Varsity Roster

Lady Barons 2014-2015 Schedule Nov. 29 Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 15 Dec. 18 Dec. 20 Dec. 22 Dec. 27 Jan. 5 Jan. 8 Jan. 12

at Aiken Norwood * New Richmond * Batavia * at Western Brown *

at Bethel-Tate at Goshen * Blanchester at Turpin Mariemont Glen Este at Clermont Northeastern Jan. 15 Williamsburg Jan. 19 at Georgetown Jan. 21 at Norwood * Jan. 26 at New Richmond * Jan. 29 Goshen * Feb. 2 at Batavia * Feb. 5 Western Brown * Feb. 9 Felicity-Franklin Feb. 11 Taft

that need healing over the first few weeks of the season, but Mazzaro said once they get back to full strength, he expects his team to replicate some of the success they’ve experienced in the last few seasons. Amelia begins their season with five straight SBC-American games, starting with Norwood on Dec. 5.

Year

Name

12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 10 10 10 10

Brett Greenough Chandler Hauke Garrett Weaver Keegan Carson

Pos.

G F F G Mason Blankenship G Sean Stewart F Daniel Waldmann G Jacob Hicks F Jason Haustetter G Cage Meyer F Kevin Carr G Ryan Turner F Tyler Stewart F

Lady Eagles: McKenney’s group will play good defense Continued from 17 that her team will be looking for an identity in the early part of the season, relying on their defense to transition into easy offensive chances. “I’ve been impressed with our defense,” she said. “They just need to keep playing hard and playing together and we’ll get through the beginning of the season.” In their conference, the Lady Eagles will hope to steal a few wins in the first month when they host league favorites Walnut Hills. They will then travel to

Turpin and Glen Este before returning home for a showdown with league newcomers Withrow. McKenney said that similar to last season, games in the league will be up for grabs on a nightly basis. A competitive league top to bottom, she expects Walnut Hills and Anderson to be the teams to beat, but they are not teams that are immune to giving up a game or two themselves. The coach explained that her team has the talent and work ethic to be competitive every night and she expects them be in the hunt come the end of January and beginning of February.

Milford: Eagles adjust to accentuate skill set Continued from 18 Given the Eagles attempt this year at a helter-skelter, trap-allover-the-floor style the three injured players’ speedy recovery is paramount to the Eagles’ earlyseason success. In a competitive Eastern Cincinnati Conference that saw Milford finish in solo fourth place last year with a 7-5 record, some savvy scheduling has given the Eagles over a month before they play any of the top three teams in the league. Cambron’s crew will begin the season against Sycamore on Dec.

5. Milford plays ECC newcomers Withrow next and then regrouping Anderson and Loveland teams before Christmas. Their next league game after that isn’t until Jan. 6 at Kings. “Our no. 1 goal is to win the ECC championship; that’s our main objective for this season,” Cambron said. “The guys want to make a deep run in the state tournament. “Obviously, to do that, we need injuries to go away and we need to have everybody. We’re kind of hoping we caught the injury bug early in the preseason and the rest of the way we’ll be fine, but that’s an unknown at this point.”

Eagles 2014-2015 Schedule Dec. 5 Dec. 9 Dec. 12 Dec. 16 Dec. 19 Dec. 30 Jan. 3 Jan. 6 Jan. 9 Jan. 13 Jan. 16 Jan. 20 Jan. 23 Jan. 24 Jan. 27 Jan. 30 Feb. 3 Feb. 6 Feb. 10 Feb. 13 Feb. 17 Feb. 20

Sycamore Shroder at Anderson * Withrow * Loveland * at Ryle at Colerain at Kings * Walnut Hills * at Turpin * Glen Este * at McNicholas Anderson * Batavia at Withrow * at Loveland * Clark Montessori Kings * at Northwest at Walnut Hills * Turpin * at Glen Este *

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Wildcats’ strong senior class eyes SBC crown

Barons expectations remain high after back-to-back conference championships

Page 22 • TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

O D D P A G E S

It’s been three years since Williamsburg last finished a season atop the Southern Buckeye Conference National Division, but with seven seniors returning as well as some impact underclassmen, head coach Dan McKibben is optimistic about the 2014-15 Wildcats. “We’re looking to go a little bit deeper this year,” McKibben said. “We’ve got nine or 10 guys that can play and should look to get a lot of minutes. We’re going to try to push the ball more and utilize our depth.” Year

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 9 9 9

Varsity Roster Name

Austin Horn Blake Vize Evan Barge Jared Spurlock Jon Socia Josh Wells Troy Davis Austin Whisman Justin Clark Jacob Wells Landen Ridener Nate Bogan

Pos.

G G G F G F G F C C G G

The concentration of that depth for Williamsburg comes in the form of the senior class. Headlined by All-SBC returners Evan Barge, Josh Wells Dan McKibben and Austin Horn, McKibben expects to rotate guys in liberally with the hope that come crunch time, his guys will be better prepared to handle the clutch situations. “We’re going to try to pressure the ball a little bit more, more full court,” he said. “We’re going to keep running guys in, staying fresh and hopefully, we wear people down in the second half.” Relieving those three All-Star seniors will be fellow classmates Blake Vize, Jared Spurlock, Jon Socia and Troy Davis as well as juniors Austin Whisman and Justin Clark. A trio of freshmen will be up on varsity full time, which will also help to add to the Wildcats repertoire. Landen Ridener, Jacob Wells (Josh’s younger brother) and Nate Bogan will be expected to play significant minutes in their first year of varsity ball. The hope for Williamsburg is that given their numbers and tal-

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BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

The Wildcats return seven seniors and will make their latest best effort to knock off Georgetown.

ent, they can compete with backto-back conference champions Georgetown. The G-Men have won the division each of the past two years and they return a solid core of seniors as well. “Everybody’s chasing Georgetown,” McKibben said. “They’ve got a group of six or seven seniors that most have been playing varsity for four years. This is the year that they’ve been looking forward to. They’ve won the league a couple of years in a row with those kids as underclassmen, so everybody else is pretty much chasing them.”

The Wildcats have been the GMen’s biggest threat, finishing runner-up the last two seasons. With steady senior leadership on both sides this year, Williamsburg is hoping to dethrone the defending champs. The Wildcats’ first chance to do so will be during the first week of the season. Traveling to Clermont Northeastern for the season opener on Dec. 5, Burg will turn around and head to Georgetown on Dec. 9 before rounding out their first trip through the division in the following two weeks.

Wildcats 2014-2015 Schedule

Dec. 5 at Clermont Northeastern * Dec. 9 at Georgetown * Dec. 12 Blanchester * Dec. 16 at Felicity-Franklin * Dec. 19 at Bethel-Tate * Dec. 29 Gamble Montessori Dec. 30 at Reading Jan. 3 at Madeira Jan. 6 at Fayetteville Jan. 9 Goshen Jan. 13 Batavia Jan. 17 at Eastern Jan. 23 at Norwood Jan. 27 at Amelia Jan. 30 Clermont Northeastern * Feb. 3 Georgetown * Feb. 6 at Blanchester * Feb. 10 Felicity-Franklin * Feb. 13 Bethel-Tate * Feb. 17 St. Bernard Feb. 19 at Batavia Feb. 21 at Western Brown

Coming off of at least a share of the Southern Buckeye Conference title in each of the past two seasons, the Amelia Barons are on a mission to make it three in a row in 2014-15. “We expect to compete really well in every game that we play,” head coach Craig Mazzaro said of this season’s expectations. “Last year, we went 19-4 and competed in every single game. We lost those four, but we easily could have been 23-0. “We expect the same thing (this year), we don’t lower expectations. For the guys coming up, we expect them to do their job. If

Barons 2014-2015 Schedule

Dec. 5 Dec. 10 Dec. 12 Dec. 16 Dec. 19 Dec. 27 Dec. 29 Jan. 6 Jan. 9 Jan. 10 Jan. 13

Jan. 17 Jan. 20 Jan. 23

Jan. 27 Jan. 30 Feb. 2 Feb. 4 Feb. 6 Feb. 10 Feb. 13

everybody handles their role, we’ll be just fine.” The guys coming up will be used to primarily fill the gaps left by two outgoing seniors, Jack Craig Mazzaro Mickler and two-time SBC Player of the Year, Tommy Hacker. Taking over the leadership roles for the Barons will be SBC FirstTeam selections Garrett Weaver and Keegan Carson, along with fellow seniors Mason Blankenship, Brett Greenough,

Norwood *

at New Richmond *

at Goshen * Batavia *

at Western Brown *

at Turpin Campbell County Mount Healthy at Bethel-Tate Glen Este at FelicityFranklin Indian Hill at Georgetown at Clermont Northeastern Williamsburg at Norwood * at Anderson New Richmond * Goshen * at Batavia * Western Brown *

TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview • Page 3

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

Despite losing two key seniors, the Barons have enough experience and talent to expect to compete in the American Division.

Chandler Hauke and Sean Stewart. The seniors will be helped out in the post by a pair of sophomores in Ryan Turner and Cage Meyer, both of whom measure 6-foot-5 or taller. The twin towers will allow Amelia to use the same style of play that has worked so well for them in the past. “We’ll do what we always do,” Mazzaro said. “We’re going to defend, rebound, handle the ball and let the offense fall where it may. We’ve got some decent shooters this year, too, so offense should still be the same.” Last season, the Barons lone conference loss came at the hands of their co-champions, New Richmond. While the Lions will likely be one of the teams to beat in the American Conference, Goshen and newcomers Batavia could have a say in how the division shakes out, not that Mazzaro has himself overly concerned with what his competitors are doing. See Barons, Page 23

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Burg expecting returns in Bogan’s second year at helm

Lady Bulldogs excited about challenge of switching to SBC-American this season

Page 4 • TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

Some familiar faces will lead the Batavia Lady Bulldogs into a new frontier this season as the school switches divisional allegiances in the Southern Buckeye Conference. Behind perennial First Team All-Conference performer Sam McElfresh, the Lady Bulldogs return a core group of contributors that head coach (and Sam’s father), Jason, hopes can make noise in the American Division. “We have to rely on playing defense. We don’t have a lot of scorers per se, but our defense and transition should be able to create some easy offense. “Obviously, switching over to the American Division this year is definitely a challenge, but we’re

excited about it. We welcome that. We took some lumps in the National, but our girls are excited to go over there and make some noise.” If Batavia Jason McElfresh is to make some noise, the younger McElfresh will likely be the one banging the drum. Prior to the start of the season, the senior Wilmington College commit had already racked up 700 career points and begins the season with her sights set on 1,00. She needs to average just less than 14 points per game to accomplish the feat and of course, stay clear of injury.

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Moving over to the big-school division of the SBC, the Lady Bulldogs are ready to make some noise.

Injury has been a bit of a bugaboo for McElfresh in the past and already this preseason, the bug has bitten some of her teammates. “One of our seniors, Sophia Gipson, tore her ACL here when we were getting prepared for Thomas More camp in July, so she’s not with us. There’s still a possibility that she might come back towards the end of the year,” Coach McElfresh said. “Alister Nickley, another senior, broke her foot when we scrimmaged Fayetteville this year, so we’ve already been hit by the injury bug.” With those two down for the beginning of the season, returning impact players Lexie Hebert and Manhattan Miller will take on a greater role as will incoming freshmen Katie Hatfield and Maggie Mehlman. “We have no juniors in our program, which can be good and bad,” the coach said. “It’s good for the future, but it’s tough now because we have to play some

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freshmen now that we normally wouldn’t just to get them some time.” Helping to bridge that gap between upper and underclassmen is Kaitlyn Ricke, a Clinton-Massie transfer who recently had her paperwork approved by the Ohio High School Athletic Association Year

12 12 12 12 12 10 10 10 9 9 9 9

Varsity Roster Name

Alister Nickley Lexie Hebert Sam Brown

Pos.

G G F Samantha McElfresh G Sofia Gipson G Carly Werring C Kaitlin Ricke F Manhattan Miller C Cati Hatfield F Ciera Curington F Kamryn Artis F Maggie Mehlman F

allowing her to play a full season as a sophomore as opposed to sitting out 50 percent of the games. The Lady Bulldogs play their first game in the American Division on Dec. 1 against defending champs New Richmond.

Lady Bulldogs 2014-2015 Schedule

Nov. 28 Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 8 Dec. 11 Dec. 15 Dec. 18 Dec. 22

at Woodward New Richmond * Goshen *

at Western Brown *

at Amelia * at Norwood * Georgetown at Clermont Northeastern Dec. 30 Hillsboro Jan. 3 Madeira Jan. 8 North Adams Jan. 12 Blanchester Jan. 15 Bethel-Tate Jan. 20 at Felicity-Franklin Jan. 22 at New Richmond * Jan. 26 at Goshen * Jan. 29 Western Brown * Feb. 2 Amelia * Feb. 4 at Milford Feb. 5 Norwood Feb. 9 at Williamsburg Feb. 11 at East Clinton

The Williamsburg Lady Wildcats enter the 2014-15 season boasting an interesting dynamic of seniors and underclassmen. Together, they’re tasked with continuing to lay the foundation of the program in head coach Hayley Bogan’s second year at the helm. Three seniors, four sophomores and nine freshmen will make up the Lady Wildcat roster, giving Coach Bogan hope that talent can overcome inexperience. “We’ve talked about how our fast break is going to be our best option as athletic as we are,” the coach said. “We have a lot of girls who are quick and who are young. They see the floor very well, so we’re going to run the floor as much as possible and then default to a half-court set up. “We are athletic enough to press

Lady Wildcats 2014-2015 Schedule

Dec. 1 at Clermont Northeastern * Dec. 4 at Georgetown * Dec. 8 Blanchester * Dec. 11 at Felicity-Franklin * Dec. 15 Bethel-Tate * Dec. 18 at Goshen Jan. 5 East Clinton Jan. 6 New Richmond Jan. 8 at Peebles Jan. 12 at Norwood Jan. 14 at Reading Jan. 15 at Amelia Jan. 22 Clermont Northeastern * Jan. 24 Ripley-Union Jan. 26 Georgetown * Jan. 29 at Blanchester * Feb. 2 Felicity-Franklin * Feb. 5 at Bethel-Tate * Feb. 9 Batavia Feb. 11 Whiteoak

this year, whereas we weren’t last year. Each night it’s going to be a different kind of press given the different teams have different squads. So Hayley Bogan far, both (presses) look good and if we put in a third option, we’ll check on that.” Bogan is depending on two seniors, Kennedy Clark and Shelby Schaeffer, to lead the way in the early going while Dana Little recovers from injury. Clark has been a mainstay at Burg, while Schaeffer is a recent addition from Batavia. The Lady Wildcats’ sophomore class boasts the most clout in terms of league-wide recognition with Hope Schaljo being named First Team All-Conference last year and Lexi Stephens getting Second Team honors. Callie Brown and Abbie Bowling are also back in the fold for Bogan. Despite a winless record last season, Bogan expects to see growth both on the floor and in the win column during her second season as the leader of the program. “I’m hoping to be able to mix up a lot of things,” the coach said

TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview • Page 21

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

The Lady Wildcats expect to outperform last year’s 0-18 record within the first month of the season.

of expectations for the season. “Last year, we weren’t able to do a lot of things because we were so young and I was new to the program, so they had to get adjusted to how I wanted things run. “This year, they have one year under their belts — even the junior high was running (my system). We want to come together and play together.” The Lady Wildcats hope to snap their winless streak early in the season while also putting on a good showing in conference. Burg will play its first five games all against National Division foes. Year

12 12 12 10 10 10 10 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

Varsity Roster Name

Pos.

Shelby Schaeffer G Dana Little F Kennedy Clark F Hope Schaljo G Calie Brown G Abbie Bowling F Lexi Stephens F Meria Jones G Emma Jeffers G/F Jerri Elliot G Peyton Fisher G Kasey Connor F Emily Brown G Carly Wagers F Keyona Gregory F Leslie Engel G/F

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Bulldogs hope to be better than last year, surprise teams in SBC-American

Lions bring back majority of defending SBC squad Page 20 • TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

O D D P A G E S

Once isn’t enough for the New Richmond Lions. Coming off of their first league title since 1995-96 and their first winning season since 2005-06, head coach Brian McMonigle brings back a roster that features three All-Southern Buckeye Conference selections from last Year

12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 10

Varsity Roster Name

Pos.

Bryce Kroeger CJ Grogan Isiah Young Jake Craig Daman Abner John Buckingham Adam Nassar Michael Williamson

Nick Laub JD Durham Frankie Taulbee Zach Walton Gage Kramer

G G G G F C G G G G G F G

year’s 17-5 squad. “We have a lot of returning players from last year, a lot of guys who played a lot of minutes and a lot of guys who played a lot Brian McMonigle over the summer,” he said. “We’re doing well — we still have a long way to go. But nonetheless, at this point, we’re pretty satisfied.” A strong senior class headlines those returners led by 6-foot-7 center John Buckingham. “He averaged about seven points and eight rebounds per game last year in a small amount of minutes in comparison to what we’re expecting him to get this year,” the coach said. “He’s worked really hard over the summer and played a lot of AAU, so he’s made a lot of steps in the past year.” While Buckingham will be charged with holding down the paint, he’ll have a strong contingent of talented guards surrounding him on the perimeter, headed

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BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

The Lions won their first league title since 1995 last year and hope to repeat again in 2014-15.

up by three-year varsity players CJ Grogan and Frankie Taulbee. Junior JD Durham was one of those returning All-Conference performers as a sophomore. Coach McMonigle said that they can move Durham around to where the team needs him because of his talent and basketball IQ. Having one of the most balanced teams in the area, inside and out, McMonigle wants to take advantage of that fact by keeping opponents off guard and out of sync. “We want to move the ball around the floor as fast as possible and get the kids to understand when to cut, when to screen, shot selection,” McMonigle said. “We need to share the ball and sometimes pass up shots that they probably could take to try to develop a better shot.” Implementing those teachings

will go a long way in helping the Lions repeat as SBC champions, but New Richmond will have to be especially disciplined against some of the other upper echelon programs that have come on in the past few years. “I think the league overall is going to be really good this year,” McMonigle said. “Amelia returns pretty much everybody, Batavia returns a lot of kids as well. Goshen always competes, Western Brown has a couple transfers in and I think they’re going to be much better. Norwood is going to be much improved; they only graduated one senior. Overall, the league is going to be very competitive.” New Richmond will get a firsthand look at the league right away in 2014-15, playing all five American Division opponents in the first three weeks of the season.

Lions 2014-2015 Schedule

Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6 Dec. 8 Dec. 11 Dec. 16 Dec. 18 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 6 Jan. 12 Jan. 15

Jan. 17 Jan. 20 Jan. 22 Jan. 26 Jan. 29 Feb. 2 Feb. 5 Feb. 9 Feb. 11

at Batavia * at Amelia * at Mariemont Norwood *

at Western Brown *

Goshen * at Blanchester Taylor at Deer Park at Williamsburg Madeira at Clermont Northeastern Georgetown Ripley-Union Batavia * Amelia * at Norwood * Western Brown * at Goshen * Reading Roger Bacon

An experienced Batavia squad will have a new set of challenges and opponents in 2014-15 as the Bulldogs move over from the small-school National Division of the Southern Buckeye Conference to the big-school American Division. “I think we’re going to be every bit as good as last year and I think we’re actually going to be better,” head coach Mike Hatfield said. “I don’t know if that will be reflected in the results. (The American) is going to be tough.” While the competition may stiffen in the American Division, the Bulldogs boast a roster that won’t be afraid to mix things up. Led by

Bulldogs 2014-2015 Schedule

Dec. 5 Dec. 9 Dec. 12 Dec. 16 Dec. 19 Dec. 22 Dec. 29 Dec. 30 Jan. 9 Jan. 13 Jan. 17 Jan. 23 Jan. 24 Jan. 27 Jan. 30 Feb. 3 Feb. 6 Feb. 10 Feb. 13 Feb. 17

New Richmond * Goshen *

at Western Brown *

at Amelia * at Norwood * at Mariemont at Holiday Tournament at Holiday Tournament Georgetown at Williamsburg Fayetteville Perry Blanchester at Milford at Bethel-Tate

at New Richmond *

at Goshen * Western Brown * Amelia * Norwood * Miami Valley Christian Feb. 19 Williamsburg

Player of the Year football standout s e n i o r KeShawn Foley, junior S h a w n Adams and sophomore J a k e McElfresh, Batavia has Mike Hatfield an inside-out presence that few in the conference can match. Add to the mix wing players Kenny Artis, Malek Christian and Tyler Large and the Bulldogs also have one of the deepest rosters in the area. Coach Hatfield said given their full compliment of talent as well as the sheer amount of it that he hopes his team’s depth can be one of their strengths this year. “I’m hoping we’ll be able to pressure a little more. I think most people say they want to, but you need to find out if you really can or not,” Hatfield said. “I think we’ll be streaky shooters and we

TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview • Page 5

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

With an experienced group coming back for Batavia, Coach Hatfield expects his team to be improved from last year, even if a tougher schedule and conference may not show it in the win/loss column.

also have the ability to go inside. “If we get in foul trouble, we have people who can come off the bench. We have four sophomores up and they’re going to be pretty important.” Aside from playing the likes of Amelia, New Richmond, Goshen, Norwood and Western Brown twice this season, Batavia also has Clermont County stalwarts Milford on the roster. Outside of their division, the Bulldogs will still play Georgetown, Williamsburg and Blanchester. Despite the move in division and ratcheted up schedule, the

Varsity Roster

Year

Name

Tyler Large

G G F

G F F

Joe Sickles

Pos.

Jacob McElfresh

Conner Gadbury

Colin Sammons

Kenny Artis Ty Wolfe

Malek Christian KeShawn Foley Garret Krauss

to the other side of the SBC, he allowed that he’s been encouraged by what he’s seen in the preseason. “I’m really optimistic,” he said. “I like the group, I think the team chemistry is really good. I’m looking forward to what we can do.” The Bulldogs get their season underway on Friday, Dec. 5 when they host defending co-league champions, New Richmond.

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Bulldogs, on paper at least, seem to be a good fit in the new-look American Division. The personnel that Batavia will run out on the floor can get up and down the court with anybody in the area. It seems to be up to their offense to put together some solid shooting performances. And while Hatfield is happy to play the role of underdog heading

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Lady Tigers hoping to update title banner

Lady Lions looking forward, working with what they have

Page 6 • TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

Hanging in the Bethel-Tate High School gym, the girls’ basketball league championship banner needs updating and head coach Dave Fallis thinks that his 201415 Lady Tigers have the perfect opportunity to do so. Switching to the National Division of the Southern Buckeye Conference, the Lady Tigers will play teams like Georgetown, Felicity-Franklin and Williamsburg twice as opposed to New Richmond, Western Brown and Amelia. “Looking at the league last year, Felicity and Georgetown had fantastic years,” Fallis said, sizing up his team’s new division. “We think we can compete this year, we think the league is wide open. Felicity’s well coached; I don’t

need to tell you about Georgetown, we all know how many consecutive league titles they’ve won. “But, we’re really not focused on the opponents Dave Fallis in the league. We’re working on our daily formula for success and we feel our biggest opponent this year is ourselves. “We can’t beat ourselves like we have in the past.” Feeling like the team has matured drastically from a squad that went 11-12 a year ago and lost just one senior, Fallis also can be confident in his team knowing that both Brooke and Julia Jenike will

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BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

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The Bethel-Tate Lady Tigers return all but one player from last year’s team and hope that experience translates into a conference championship during their first season in the SBC-National Division.

begin the season healthy. “With Brooke out front as our point guard, that’s going to help everything,” he said. “From a speed perspective, she can really get us in to the flow of our offense really quickly. “(Brooke and Julia) are really opposite kind of players in my mind. “Brooke can go to the basket and shoot the perimeter shot, but Julia’s just so strong going to the basket, making moves from just about anywhere on the court. I really don’t think there’s anyone in the conference who’s going to be able to keep up with her.” Supplementing the Jenikes is three-year starter Allison Poe, an inside-out threat. On the block, Fallis said that juniors MacKenzie Year

12 12

Varsity Roster Name

Allison Poe

Pos.

Brooke Jenike

Julia Jenike

Haley Taylor

Morgan Reinhart

11 11 11

Alyssa Demaris

MacKenzie Watson F

Haylee Foster

BETHEL GIRLS CMYK

Watson and Alyssa Demaris and sophomore Morgan Reinhart will give the Lady Tigers a presence down low that they’ve been missing in year’s past. The well-rounded nature of Bethel’s team bodes well for a program looking to take that next step this season.

Lady Tigers 2014-2015 Schedule

Nov. 29 Ripley-Union Dec. 1 Georgetown * Dec. 2 Middletown Madison Dec. 4 at Felicity-Franklin * Dec. 8 Clermont Northeastern * Dec. 11 at Blanchester * Dec. 15 at Williamsburg * Dec. 18 Amelia Dec. 22 Goshen Jan. 3 Cincinnati Country Day Jan. 5 at Norwood Jan. 12 at Western Brown Jan. 15 at Batavia Jan. 22 at Georgetown * Jan. 26 Felicity-Franklin * Jan. 28 at Milford Jan. 29 at Clermont Northeastern * Feb. 2 Blanchester * Feb. 5 Williamsburg * Feb. 9 at Fayetteville Feb. 11 at Seton

The past is in the past for the New Richmond Lady Lions and after losing one of the best players to ever walk the halls at the high school in Josie Buckingham, head coach Brad Hatfield said that his team is concerned with who’s on the floor in black and red this year. “There’s no way to replace a player like (Buckingham) and we’re not attempting to do that,” Hatfield said. “We’re attempting to build the best team we can with the people that we have.” Part of building that new team with the personnel available to him has resulted in Hatfield trying to install and run a new system without having a dominant presence in the middle. “We’re learning a new style of play right now,” the coach explained. “It’s been a bit of a

Lady Lions 2014-2015 Schedule

Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6 Dec. 8 Dec. 11 Dec. 16 Dec. 18 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 6 Jan. 12 Jan. 15

Jan. 17 Jan. 20 Jan. 22 Jan. 26 Jan. 29 Feb. 2 Feb. 5 Feb. 9 Feb. 11

at Batavia * at Amelia * at Mariemont Norwood *

at Western Brown *

Goshen * at Blanchester Taylor at Deer Park at Williamsburg Madeira at Clermont Northeastern Georgetown Ripley-Union Batavia * Amelia * at Norwood * Western Brown * at Goshen * Reading Roger Bacon

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TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview • Page 19

challenge for us so far adjusting to a new speed. The girls are working hard and I know it’s going to work out fine for them.” Leading the new Brad Hatfield speed regime at New Richmond will be junior point guard Maren Hance, a twoyear starter for the Lady Lions who also plays soccer and runs track. Hance likes to get out on the PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY break and force her opponents to make tough decisions, allowing Coming off of a league title, the Lady Lions will adjust their style of play to better fit their skill set. her to take the ball all the way to the basket or drop it off to one of defending Southern Buckeye more than 15 games in each of the her teammates. Conference American Division past three seasons will do that. “(Hance) is our returning player champions, the Lady Tigers have The Lady Lions will play five of with the most experience,” the blessing and the curse of being their first six games against conHatfield said. “During her junior the top dog until someone knocks ference opponents, beginning with year, we’re expecting her to really them off, but Hatfield is happy to Batavia on Dec. 1. step up and take on a leadership play the underdog role. role, both on and off the floor. “I think the conference is strong Varsity Roster Hance’s most familiar team- this year,” Hatfield said. “You Year Name Pos. mates will be senior Madison have Western Brown and Goshen 12 Madison Holdsworth F Holdsworth as well as classmates who will rise to the top pretty easAriel Huber, Ashley Gray, Cidney ily based on what they have com11 Ariel Huber F Adams, Jade Kunz and Lindsey ing back. I think those are the two 11 Ashley Gray G Williams. who have to be the teams to beat 11 Cidney Adams G The strong junior class will be this year. Batavia was much held up by five sophomores who improved last year and I expect 11 Jade Kunz F will see varsity time this year: them to compete as well.” 11 Lindsey Williams G Bergen Workman, Anna Even as the coach downplays Hamilton, Lexi Forsee, Sydney his team’s chances, those around 11 Maren Hance G Closterman and Taylor Harris. the American won’t take New 10 Anna Hamilton F Coming into the season as Richmond lightly. Having won 10 Bergen Workman G 10 Lexi Forsee G 10 Sydney Closterman G 10 Taylor Harris F

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Page 18 • TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview Year

12 12 12 12 11 11 11

O D D P A G E S

Name

Varsity Roster Pos.

Ryan Gallimore Will Hannah Grant Riesenberg Justin Arnold Mitchel Wenzler Keenan Farrell Jack Engelman

G F F G G G F

Year

11 11 11 11

11 10

Name

Dakota Lefker

Brad Hall Ben Greenwell

Pos.

Alex Shiplett

Jake Chilastri Wes Reid

G F F

G G

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Milford hit by the injury bug early, but expected to be healthy for stretch run

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

An experienced group of Eagles lack a traditional inside presence, but make up for it with defense.

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

Adversity is a part of sports and it comes in many different shapes and sizes. For the Milford Eagles this season, they’re facing adversity due to injury right out of the gate. Head coach Joe Cambron returns four seniors and two juniors from a squad that went 1211 last year, but in filling the gaps left by outgoing players, the 13thyear head coach headed into the season with some questions surrounding the health of his roster. “We have three varsity players that are injured right now that are in our top-seven,” Cambron said. “Those guys not being out there (in the preseason) has really thrown us off. That has made our preseason a little different than we anticipated.” Ben Greenwell, Keenan Farrell and Mitchell Wenzler are the trio of juniors laid up with injuries, but fortunately for two — and possibly all three — they could be on the court by mid-to-late December. Greenwell’s ankle is expected to be ready for the Dec. 5 opener, while Wenzler’s broken wrist will

likely be a few weeks l o n g e r . Farrell is battling some i n j u r y unknowns that, depending on a recent doctor’s appointment, could Joe Cambron clear him or result in him missing significant time. While those three try to get healthy, Cambron will rely on his quartet of senior leaders: Ryan Gallimore, Will Hannah, Grant Riensenberg and Justin Arnold. Without a tradition big man, the coach said his team is trying to make up for what they lack in size with ball pressure and a solid rotation. “We look different than every other year I’ve been at Milford because we don’t have much size,” Cambron said. “We’re going to try to play a lot faster and create some offense from our defense.” See Milford, Page 23

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Tigers move into National Division with third coach in three years, McNick’s Jutze BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

Under their third head coach in three years, the Bethel-Tate Tigers are hoping some new scenery both on the sidelines and on the schedule will help bring the program back to prominence. Tom Jutze took control of the program following a one-win season a year ago under Reggie Hall. The Tigers new head man has been an assistant coach for the past seven years at McNicholas High School and hopes to carry over some of the success he’s had with the Rockets to Bethel. While Jutze would like to get out in transition when the opportu-

Tigers 2014-2015 Schedule

Dec. 5 Georgetown * Dec. 9 at Felicity-Franklin * Dec. 12 Clermont Northeastern * Dec. 16 at Blanchester * Dec. 19 Williamsburg * Jan. 6 at Cincinnati Country Day Jan. 9 Amelia Jan. 10 at Ripley-Union Jan. 13 at Taylor Jan. 16 Goshen Jan. 20 at New Miami Jan. 23 at Western Brown Jan. 24 Norwood Jan. 27 Batavia Jan. 30 at Georgetown * Feb. 3 Felicity-Franklin * Feb. 6 at Clermont Northeastern * Feb. 7 at Fayetteville Feb. 10 Blanchester * Feb. 13 at Williamsburg * Feb. 14 Ross

nity presents itself, his team has been working to win primarily in the half court. “More or less, we want to play good half-court defense,” he Tom Jutze said. “We want to run when we can run, but we have to be patient in our halfcourt offense and get good shots.” Leading the Tigers into this new era is a pair of three-year varsity players, team captains Adam Shinkle and Jake Robinson. The inside-out duo will be looked to as tone-setters both on and off the court, Jutze said. Junior Evan Iding returns from last year’s starting lineup as well. Kody Curless, a junior, saw some varsity minutes last year, but will be called upon to have a bigger role in 2014-15. Seniors Jason Altmayer and Cody Poff are on the team this year after taking last season off and a handful of sophomores will see some playing time also. Dropping down to the Southern

TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview • Page 7

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

The entire Bethel-Tate boys program is working together to install a new system under first-year varsity head coach Tom Jutze.

Buckeye Conference National Division, the Tigers will have a new crop of competition that stands between them and a league title. “We’re in a very tough conference. Georgetown is the team to beat,” Jutze said. “They’re good year in and year out. They’re the team to beat every year. “All the other teams are good — I don’t want to just say Georgetown. I think we have a very balanced league with Georgetown being the favorite.” If Georgetown does prove to be

the cream of the National Division crop, the Tigers will get an early glimpse at what they’re up against, opening the season with the GMen visiting on Friday, Dec. 5. Year

12 12 12 12 11 11 11 10 10 10 10 10

Varsity Roster Name

Pos.

Adam Shinkle Cody Poff Jake Robinson Jason Altmayer Evan Iding Kody Curless Mitchel McElfresh Caleb Bastin Jake Stolz

F G C F G G G F F Noah Picklehiemer G Tommy Bingamon F Trenton Weeks G

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Lady Rockets begin rebuild under Benjamin

TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview • Page 17

Page 8 • TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

A trio of returning starters, coupled with players moving up in the program and a key member of last year’s team coming back from injury has first-year head coach Liz Benjamin optimistic that the Clermont Northeastern Lady Rockets can improve upon last year’s 3-18 season. “We have Jackie Sullivan, a senior, back. Rachel Ward, a senior, is back and Andrea Johnson, a sophomore guard, is back; those are our returning starters,” Benjamin said. “I have a bunch of JV juniors who have moved up to varsity and Katlin Reece, a junior, is back from injury.” Of that group, Johnson is the Year

12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11

10 10

Varsity Roster Name

Ellie Wright

Jackie Sullivan

No.

3 4

Mckenzie Cooper 14 Rachel Ward

Josie Seibert

Lexie Walker Katlin Reece

Tayrn Sanders

Lauren

Andrea Johnson

Schnegelsberger Kayla Diekmann

lone returning All-Southern Buckeye Conference selection. Junior track standout J e n n a Mummert, also a First Team AllLeague per- Liz Benjamin former on the hardwood last season, is not playing this season. Benjamin said that what her team does not have in size will be made up in the transition game, doing their best to wear out opponents by simply outrunning them. “We’re going to run and run and run,” she said. “We want to utilize our speed to make up for our lack of height. We want to fast break as much as possible.” In her first year at the helm of the varsity, Benjamin wants to begin to build a program that will steadily climb the ladder in the bulked up SBC-National Division. With Georgetown and Felicity as perennial favorites and BethelTate moving into the division from the big-school side, the coach hopes to get her team to the cusp of that upper echelon. “I would love to be in the middle of the pack,” she said. “Given Georgetown, and with Bethel dropping down, it’s going to be a big challenge. Felicity has their star, (Ashley) Moore, back and she’s going to be difficult. “Between us, Blanchester and Williamsburg, I would love to be at the top of that group.” As the process of building her

ANTHONY A. K AMP Pediatric Dentist PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

The Lady Rockets aim to improve upon last year’s 3-18 mark in the program’s first year under head coach Liz Benjamin.

program commences, Benjamin set some simple goals for her team: in a nutshell, improve on last season. “We want to win more than last year,” she said. “I’d love to be .500 or better.” CNE begins their season playing conference opponents in five of the team’s first seven games.

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Lady Rockets 2014-2015 Schedule

Nov. 29 Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 8 Dec. 11 Dec. 13

at Indian Hill Williamsburg * at Blanchester * at Bethel-Tate * Georgetown * at LynchburgClay Felicity-Franklin * at Norwood Batavia Taylor at St. Patrick at Pepsi Classic at Little Miami Amelia New Richmond Goshen at Williamsburg * Blanchester * Bethel-Tate * at Georgetown *

Dec. 15 Dec. 18 Dec. 22 Dec. 23 Dec. 29 Dec. 30 Jan. 5 Jan. 12 Jan. 15 Jan. 20 Jan. 22 Jan. 26 Jan. 29 Feb. 2 Feb. 5 at Felicity-Franklin *

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Lady Eagles combining upperclassmen experience with underclassmen talents

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

Milford will expect to get offensive output from a variety of sources as opponents key in on Kelly Noll.

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

The 2014-15 Milford Lady Eagles have taken on the task of melding experienced upperclassmen with some younger newcomers in hopes accomplishing the team’s stated goal of winning the fourth quarter and in turn, winning close games that they have lost in the past. The Lady Eagles have four seniors, four juniors, three sophomores and one freshman dressing and head coach Kristi McKenney said getting contributions not only from each class, but each member of each class will be important to the team’s overall success this year. Junior Kelly Noll will be looked to as Milford’s top offensive threat coming off of a sophomore season in which she averaged just under eight points. “Kelly has been doing a great job of picking up the slack,” McKenney said. “She’s our best shooter right now. It’s just important that everybody steps up their game. When (opponents) start to key in on Kelly, someone else is going to have to step up.” Expected to buttress Noll’s wing

threat is the Lady Eagles’ inside game headed up by senior Shelby Mayleben. Standing just under 6-feet t a l l , Mayleben leads a post p r e s e n c e Kristi McKenney aided by sophomore Hayden White and freshman Lisa Sullivan. “I have experience (mixed) with freshmen and sophomores,” McKenney said. “It’s going to be key how they handle the middle.” Running the point for Milford will be a role that McKenney hopes to fill by committee after losing First Team All-Eastern Cincinnati Conference selection Bridget Rheude to graduation. Sophomore Tori Gilman will begin the season running the offense with some help from senior Meghan Swearingen while junior Hannah Woody recovers from mononucleosis. To be expected, McKenney said See Lady Eagles, Page 23

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Lady Eagles 2014-2015 Schedule

Nov. 29 Dec. 2 Dec. 4 Dec. 6 Dec. 10 Dec. 13 Dec. 18 Dec. 20 Dec. 29 Jan. 3 Jan. 7 Jan. 10 Jan. 14 Jan. 17 Jan. 19 Jan. 21 Jan. 28 Jan. 31 Feb. 4 Feb. 7 Feb. 11 Feb. 14

at Winton Woods McNicholas Walnut Hills * at Turpin * at Glen Este * Withrow * at Seton at Loveland * at Northwest at Oak Hills Kings * Anderson * Hughes Turpin * at Withrow * Glen Este * Bethel-Tate at Walnut Hills * Batavia Loveland * at Kings * at Anderson *

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MILFORD EAGLES Year

12 12 12 12 12 11 11

Name

Varsity Roster

Caroline Moore Kaitlyn Woody

Pos.

G G Meghan Swearingen G Shelby Mayleben F Taylor Roof G Hannah Waltz G Hannah Woody G

Year

11 11 11 10 10 10 9

Name

Kelly Noll Morgan Laughlin Taylor Foster Amanda Zanola Hayden White Tori Gilman Lisa Sullivan

MILFORD GIRLS CMYK

Pos.

G F G G F G C

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Veteran core hopes to lead Rockets to the top

Warriors hope new style of play leads to more victories Page 16 • TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

O D D P A G E S

Headed up by returning First Team All-Southern Buckeye Conference selection Cody Schock, the Goshen Warriors have put in the work in the offseason and developed the supporting talent to be in the mix in what head coach Scott Wake expects could be a wide-open American Division in 2014-15. “We’ve got some guys with quite a bit of experience and a few with a little bit of varsity experience,” the coach said. “We have a bunch of guys who play a whole bunch of basketball, they’re primarily basketball kids. They played a lot all summer, they played in the fall and several played in leagues this fall, so it’s been good leading up to this point.” Besides Schock, the Warriors bring back senior Stephen Voto and sophomores Ryan Wake and Brandon Cox, all of whom saw some varsity minutes last year. Now, with a year of top-level competition under their belts and stepping into bigger roles, Coach

Wake has a l t e r e d Goshen’s typical dribble, drive and dish style of play that the Warriors have run in the past to something that better a c c e n t u a t e s Scott Wake the talents of his players. Offensively, Wake said that they’ll get away from driving into the teeth of the defense and instead use ball movement to get open looks and clear passing lanes into the post. “We’ll play a lot more man-toman this year than we have,” Wake said of the defensive side of the ball. “We’re a little bit longer and tougher mentally than we have been. Whether we press a lot will depend on when guys come back (from injury). We’ve got a couple down now, so we’ll have to wait and see. Once we get everybody back, I think we can do some pressing.” Coming off of a 5-5 mark in the

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BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

The Goshen Warriors expect to compete for a league title in the SBC-American.

American last season, Wake believes his team has as good of a chance as anyone to stake a claim for the conference title in a league that could go any number of ways this season.

Warriors 2014-2015 Schedule

Dec. 5 Dec. 9 Dec. 12 Dec. 13 Dec. 16 Dec. 19 Dec. 30 Jan. 3 Jan. 9 Jan. 16 Jan. 17 Jan. 20 Jan. 23 Jan. 27 Jan. 30 Feb. 3 Feb. 6 Feb. 7 Feb. 10 Feb. 13 Feb. 16

Western Brown * at Batavia * Amelia * at Ross Norwood *

at New Richmond *

Madeira at Little Miami at Williamsburg at Bethel-Tate Loveland at Hillsboro Georgetown Felicity-Franklin

at Western Brown *

Batavia * at Amelia * Mariemont at Norwood * New Richmond * Indian Hill

“I don’t think there’s anyone that couldn’t win the league and there’s no one who couldn’t be in last place,” he said. “Amelia’s coming back as returning league champs, but New Richmond should be good, Norwood should be better. Batavia’s coming in with some good young players and Western Brown always comes around. Anybody could win our half this year.” The Warriors will open up finding out just how stout that American half of the SBC is, playing five of their first six games against divisional opponents beginning with Western Brown on Dec. 5.

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

An experienced upperclassmen core returns in 2014-15 for the Clermont Northeastern Rockets who will play under first-year head coach Jim Jones, a CNE staple. Headed up by a trio of seniors that started last season for Darnell Parker, the Rockets will have five players who have seen playing time on varsity. “We have returning All-League senior Darian Bullock. Patrick Kelley started in the post for us last year and Trey Amann, point guard, so we have three returning starters,” Jones said. “We have five guys who have seen significant minutes last year, so we have a pretty good nucleus coming

Rockets 2014-2015 Schedule

Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec.

Year

12 12 12 12 11 10 10 10 9

Varsity Roster Name

Pos.

Tyler Sweeney G Zac Mallon G Stephen Voto G/F Cody Schock F Logan Brand F Ryan Wake G Alex Koopmans G Brandon Cox F Tony Moore G

Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan.

5 9 12 13

16 19 29 30

3 9 13 17

Williamsburg * Blanchester * at Bethel-Tate * at LynchburgClay Georgetown * Felicity-Franklin * St Bernard at CNE Holiday Tournament at Taylor at Norwood Mariemont Cincinnati Country Day at Little Miami Amelia New Richmond at Williamsburg * at Blanchester * Bethel-Tate * at Georgetown *

Jan. 21 Jan. 23 Jan. 27 Jan. 30 Feb. 3 Feb. 6 Feb. 10 Feb. 13 at Felicity-Franklin *

back.” Only one player on the Rockets’ 13man roster, sophomore C h r i s Coleman, is an underclassman, giving Jones and CNE a Jim Jones roster more experienced than nearly everyone they will face this season. Perhaps more important than the experience that the team has earned is the talent that the veterans possess. Jones hopes that the team’s natural ability will allow them to do a variety of things to keep opponents on their heels. “I feel like we’re pretty athletic, so we’re going to try to push the ball as much as we can,” the coach said. “We’re definitely going to try to be up-tempo. We’re going to be mostly man (on defense), but we’ll try to press some.” Coming off of a 5-5 season in the Southern Buckeye Conference National Division, Jones said he believes his group is prepared to contend for a league title.

TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview • Page 9

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

With a strong core of returning starters, the Rockets hope to compete for the SBC-National crown.

“Georgetown is Georgetown; they’re three-headed monster is back — (Jake Cropper, Gage Bradley and Jacob Miller),” Jones said. “Bethel is going to be pretty good, they have a bunch of kids back. Blanchester has a bunch of their kids returning. ‘Burg’s solid. It’s going to be a much improved league this year.” Even with Georgetown searching for their third consecutive league title, Jones didn’t pull any punches in talking about what his

team’s goals were for the year. “We’re trying to win a championship,” he said. “That’s the one (goal) we always try to set. And then, we want to make a little tournament run. We want to win a couple games in the tournament.” The Rockets’ will find out just how reasonable that goal of winning a league title will be right away, playing five of their first six games against divisional opponents beginning with Williamsburg on Dec. 5.

Year

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 10

Varsity Roster

CMYK

Name

Trey Amann Andrew Braley Darian Bullock Tyler Camacho Kyle Jones Patrick Kelley Brandon Mullins Kody Boyd Jessie Blevins Nick Ernst Damian Mitchell David Coleman Chris Coleman

Pos.

G G F G F C F G F G G G F

CMYK

Lady Warriors in search of first SBC title since 2006-07

Lady Cardinals not content with one regional semifinal appearance, hope to duplicate

Page 10 • TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

Only a few months removed from a stinging defeat in the Division IV regional semifinals, the Felicity-Franklin Lady Cardinals are back at work and not resting on the laurels earned last March at Tippecanoe High School. “I think once you get a taste of (success), you want even more of it the next year,” head coach Kerry Stamper said. “That’s definitely what they’re striving for, but they know it’s a different team, a different year and we’re going to do our best to get where we need to be. If it takes us there, then that’s great.

Lady Cardinals 2014-2015 Schedule

Nov. 29 Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 8 Dec. 11 Dec. 15

Dec. 17 Dec. 18 Dec. 22 Dec. 29 Dec. 30 Jan. 5

Jan. 14 Jan. 15 Jan. 20 Jan. 22 Jan. 26 Jan. 29 Feb. 2 Feb. 5 Feb. 9

at Mariemont Blanchester * Bethel-Tate * at Georgetown * Williamsburg * at Clermont Northeastern * at Peebles Western Brown Norwood Ripley-Union at Pepsi Classic at Cincinnati Country Day Whiteoak at Goshen Batavia at Blanchester * at Bethel-Tate * Georgetown * at Williamsburg * Clermont Northeastern * at Amelia

Last year has definitely made them a little hungrier to win.” The Lady Cardinals lost three key players to graduation after last year’s tourna- Kerry Stamper ment run, but a good number of contributors return including leading scorer and Player of the Year prospect Ashley Moore. “Of course, Ashely is great offensively, but defensively she just knows where that pass is going,” Stamper said. “She anticipates so well.” Flanking Moore, who plays a combination of point and shooting guard, will be experienced players like Brittany Drake and Paige Kessen. Both are inside-out threats that rotate from the block to the wing depending on the personnel on the floor. Stamper also had the intuition last year to bring up a number of junior varsity players for the playoff run that would allow them not only to practice full time with the

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

The Lady Cardinal roster that made the tournament run last year returns all but three players.

varsity, but also travel and experience the postseason atmosphere. This year those players — Taylor Howerton, Ridge Ivey, Paige Cummins, Lauren Mitchell, Morgan Horn and Sydney Stamper, — will have a more active role throughout the season. A nice addition to the team this year has been Maria Ruwe, a homeschooled student who has been in the district for her postsecondary education, but decided to play elsewhere before this year. Stamper said that Ruwe will add a dimension to the Lady Cardinal game plan that they have been

missing in the past. In conference, Felicity has come in second each of the past two years to Georgetown. With BethelTate dropping down, Stamper pegged the Lady Tigers as their biggest competition for the league title with the Lady G-Men losing some seniors to graduation. The quest for the conference title will begin right away for the Lady Cardinals as they face their first rotation of Southern Buckeye Conference National Division foes right out of the gate. Five of Felicity’s first six games are against divisional opponents.

12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 10 10 10 9

FELICITY GIRLS

Whether teams and coaches like to admit it, some years things simply aren’t meant to be. There could be a rash of injuries that derails momentum, a young team still trying to find its identity or something as arbitrary as a few bad breaks at inopportune times. Whatever the case may be, things just don’t seem to be working out. For the Goshen Lady Warriors, this isn’t one of those years. In fact, this is the year that head coach Dave Mason has been waiting for. “We’re fortunate. We have nine seniors back,” Mason said. “I’ve got a whole core that, since I’ve been here, have been playing varsity ball, so we’d like to think that this is our time this year; that we can make the big push and get over the hump.”

Lady Warriors 2014-2015 Schedule

Year

CMYK

Varsity Roster Name

Pos.

Mikayla Hamilton F/C Ridge Ivey G Maria Ruwe G/F Paige Kessen G/F Ashley Moore G Taylor Howerton F Brittany Drake G/F Paige Cummins F/C Lauren Mitchell G Morgan Horn G Sydney Stamper F Kylie Sponcil G

Nov. 28 Dec. 1 Dec. 2 Dec. 4 Dec. 10 Dec. 11 Dec. 16 Dec. 18 Dec. 20 Dec. 22 Jan. 5 Jan. 12 Jan. 14 Jan. 15 Jan. 20 Jan. 22 Jan. 26 Jan. 28 Jan. 29 Feb. 2 Feb. 5

at Ross Western Brown * Indian Hill at Batavia * Little Miami Norwood *

at New Richmond *

Williamsburg Amelia * at Bethel-Tate Madeira at Georgetown at Hillsboro Felicity-Franklin at Clermont Northeastern

at Western Brown *

Batavia * at Loveland at Amelia * at Norwood * New Richmond *

TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview • Page 15

Seniors Kayla Miller and Courtney Turner headline the returning class as the only two to receive AllSouthern Buckeye C o n f e r e n c e Dave Mason honors last year. Brittany Clark, Megan Allen, Sheilelah Pittman, Natalie Taulbee, Brandi Steele and Katrina Blumentritt also return. And senior Haley Halcomb has come back out after taking a year PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY off, giving Mason another body The Lady Warriors have nine seniors on their roster as well as a junior and two sophomores who have down low. seen significant varsity minutes. They are expecting this season to be a special one. Kelsie Jeandrevin is the lone Given their guard-oriented junior in the program after Jackie Brown moved out of district. She attack, which fortunately is made will be responsible for parlaying up of soccer and cross country athwhat the Lady Warriors hope will letes, the Lady Warriors have no be a successful 2014-15 into the problem with pushing the tempo. Mason sees Western Brown as next few seasons with a trio of sophomores also dressing on var- the team to beat in the American Division with New Richmond lossity. “We think we’ve got a group ing some key senior pieces and that can compete with anyone in Bethel-Tate moving to the our league,” Mason said. “We’re National. In search of their first league very confident in that. We have great leadership and some players title since 2006-07, the Lady with great ball skills. We’re still Warriors get into the heart of their not big. We don’t have a dominant schedule right off the bat playing post player, but I’ve got four or Western Brown in the second John H. Evans • Charles E. Evans • Andrew W. Evans five girls that we think can fill that game of the season and the rest of James F. Regenhold • Lewis E. Frith • Mary Lu Roby SBC-American before role amongst each other, so we’re the Jamie Gier • Brian Wikoff Christmas. excited.” Traditional Funeral & Cremation Services

Evans Funeral Home

Year

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 10 10 10

Varsity Roster Name

Megan Allen Brittany Clark Courtney Turner Haley Halcomb Kayla Miller

Pos.

F G G F G Katarina Blumentritt G Brandi Steele F Natalie Taulbee F Sheilelah Pittman F Kelsie Jeandrevin G Olivia Taulbee G Anna Dowd G Shawna Shinkle F

Pre-Planning Available

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Character & Excellence in Funeral Service

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MEET JOE ALLEN, YOUR RETIREMENT INCOME SPECIALIST

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GOSHEN GIRLS CMYK

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E V E N P A G E S

CMYK

Felicity-Franklin hoping to accomplish team, individual goals under new head coach

Trojans prepare to outwork opponents, play tough defense Page 14 • TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

O D D P A G E S

Losing seven of their top eight scorers from a year ago, Glen Este head coach Dave Caldwell is hoping to find some offense on the fly and depend on defensive intensity to carry the Trojans in the early part of the season.

“We have a bunch of seniors who I’m hoping can chip in and contribute a little bit,” Caldwell said. “As of right now, we’re going to go out and try to play as hard as we can and see if playing some defense can make a difference.” While Glen Este feels its way through the early going, Caldwell

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

and

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45 West Main Street, Batavia, Ohio

Phone:

GO BULLDOGS!

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

The Trojans lost seven of their eight top scorers to graduation and will depend on defense in 2014-15.

said there is one starter and three other players who have varsity experience from last season’s 1013 squad. P e y t o n Burdick, the lone returning Dave Caldwell starter, will be looked upon to have a more offensive impact. Zach Jones, Aatur Shah and Collin Fryman are the only other members of the roster to have varsity experience last season. Aside from those four guards, all of whom stand around 6-feet Year

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 10 10 10

CMYK

Varsity Roster Name

Aatur Shah Dylan Chafin Alex McCormick Peyton Burdick Zach Jones Andrew Bingham Austin Bryant Ronnie Murphy Tyler Creel Hunter Hoffman Jackson Madden Collin Fryman David Lorenzo Brad Gardner Elijah Johnson

Pos.

G F F G G G F G G G F G G F F

tall, the Trojans will have a few trees in the middle of the defense with the likes of senior Dylan Chafin and sophomore Brad Gardner. Caldwell said when those two get in the game, things get more difficult for the opposing offense. “They’ll make it more difficult to shoot,” he said. “The best defensive years we’ve had at Glen Este is when we have someone back there at 6-6, 6-7. It really makes a difference. “We’re going to try to play hard on the perimeter and force people to come inside and see if we can’t make their shots hard for them.” The mixture of talent and size throughout the Eastern Cincinnati Conference is abundant and as Caldwell ran through the teams that he expects to contend for the league title, the usual suspects — Kings, Walnut Hills and Milford — were at the forefront. “I think it’s fair to say that ourselves and Loveland are wild cards since we both have lost a lot (to graduation),” he said. “Turpin and Anderson are both young teams. I don’t know if their young guys are ready for varsity play, but I do know that they’re still really good. But like last year, on any night, anything can happen.” The coach said that he expects his team to outwork and outhustle their opponents, using physical toughness and athleticism to make it as difficult as possible for teams on the offensive end while turning tough-nosed defense into transi-

tion opportunities. The Trojans begin their season with Little Miami on opening night before taking on defending ECC champs Kings on Dec. 12.

Trojans 2014-2015 Schedule

Dec. 5 Little Miami Dec. 12 at Kings * Dec. 13 at Clark Montessori Dec. 19 Turpin * Dec. 20 at New Richmond Dec. 23 Walnut Hills * Dec. 30 at Bellevue Jan. 6 Loveland * Jan. 9 Anderson * Jan. 10 at Amelia Jan. 13 at Withrow * Jan. 16 at Milford * Jan. 21 Western Brown Jan. 23 Kings * Jan. 27 at Walnut Hills * Jan. 30 at Turpin * Feb. 3 Winton Woods Feb. 6 at Loveland * Feb. 10 CHCA Feb. 13 at Anderson * Feb. 17 Withrow * Feb. 20 Milford *

A changing at the helm of the Felicity-Franklin boys basketball program moved athletic director Jerod Jodrey from invested viewer to hands-on head coach as the longtime freshman and junior varsity coach takes over for Bobby Sandker in 2014-15. A mainstay in the program for the entirety of his players’ time at the high school, Jodrey is making a seamless transition into the leading role thanks to an experienced returning foundation headed up by a trio of varsity lettermen. “We have five seniors back; three of them have varsity experience — the other two were JV players last year,” the coach said. “We have one freshman that’s going to play a little bit of varsity, two sophomores and three juniors.” Point guard Louis Quiles and post players Trevor Barrons and Dylan Foster will be key contributors, as will Austin Strunk and Chris Whitt. Getting their indoctrination into

the big time will be juniors Jacob Simpson and Joey Liming while classm a t e s C l i n t o n Liming and J e r e m y Collins saw some varsity Jerod Jodrey time last season. The Cardinals are planning to improve upon their three-win season a year ago and hope to do so by making a concerted effort to get the ball inside to their bigs. “We’re going to try to get it to our bigger guys, Trevor Barrons and Austin Strunk,” Jodrey said. “That’s going to be our best advantage. Quiles, our point guard, can score it.” Playing in the Southern Buckeye Conference National Division that has been dominated by Georgetown in recent years, Jodrey was looking forward to seeing newcomers Bethel-Tate twice a year given the schools’

TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview • Page 11

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

The Cardinals return five seniors with experience, including three starters from last year’s team.

battles in the past. “We played (Bethel) in the (SBC Tournament) last year and those games are always tough,” he said. “It doesn’t matter which team is better, it’s going to be a good game. Everybody’s going to be ready to play for that one.” Looking at the bigger picture, Jodrey said each individual on the team has set his own goals to work towards while the team is dedicated to pushing its overall record over .500. The Cardinals will host Whiteoak in their season opener before getting their first crack at Bethel-Tate on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Year

12 12 12

12 11 11 11 11

10 9 9

Varsity Roster Name

Austin Strunk Chris Whitt

Dylan Foster

Pos.

Louis Quiles

Jacob Simpson

Trevor Barrons Clinton Liming

Jeremy Collins Joey Liming Cody Green

C F

Jared Boeckmann G Mark Drake

Cardinals 2014-2015 Schedule

Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec.

6 9 12 16 19

Jan. 2 Jan. 3 Jan. 7 Jan. 9 Jan. 13 Jan. 16 Jan. 27 Jan. 30 Feb. 3 Feb. 6 Feb. 7 Feb. 10 Feb. 13 Feb. 17

CMYK

Whiteoak Bethel-Tate * at Georgetown * Williamsburg * at Clermont Northeastern * St. Bernard at Mariemont Blanchester * Western Brown Amelia Norwood at Goshen at Blanchester * at Bethel-Tate * Georgetown * Little Miami at Williamsburg * Clermont Northeastern * at Cincinnati Country Day

CMYK

Glen Este ready to take ‘next step’ in 2014-15

TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview • Page 13

Page 12 • TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

Coming off of a 2013-14 that saw the Glen Este Lady Trojans struggle to string together victories, head coach Jeff Click believes his team, a year older and wiser, is ready to make the leap to

Lady Trojans 2014-2015 Schedule

Dec. 1 Dec. 6 Dec. 8 Dec. 10 Dec. 13 Dec. 17 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Dec. 28 Jan. 7 Jan. 8 Jan. 10 Jan. 14 Jan. 17 Jan. 21 Jan. 24 Jan. 28 Jan. 31 Feb. 5 Feb. 7 Feb. 11 Feb. 14

at Seton at Withrow * CHCA Milford * at Loveland * at Kings * Anderson * Wayne

at Mt. Notre Dame

at Turpin * at Amelia Walnut Hills * Western Brown Withrow * at Milford * Loveland * Winton Woods Kings * St. Ursula at Anderson * Turpin * at Walnut Hills *

a 15-win team. “We have a lot of experience coming and we think we had a really good offseason where our girls improved fundamental- Jeff Click ly and they got better physically,” Click said. “They spent a lot of time working out and doing the things that they needed to do. Hopefully, we’re looking to take that next step from the .500level team that we’ve been to a 15plus win team and compete for the league championship.” Click has reason for his optimism given that he has four returning starters in Kelly Simon, Payton Funk, Whitney Brand and Lindsey Singleton, each of whom have been playing varsity for at least three years. Aside from the vets, the Trojans will suit up two freshmen who Click says will see significant minutes. “We have two really good newcomers: Jasmine Hale, a freshman who will start, and Kaylin Burdick who will play a lot,” Click said. Singleton, Brand and Brooklyn Reese are the three seniors on the roster who will be making their last run at a conference title, a feat that Click says comes down to winning close games against some of the best teams in the league. “Walnut (Hills) returns a lot, Anderson’s obviously very good and it goes through those teams,” Click said. “We didn’t beat either

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

The Lady Trojans return four players with at least three years of varsity experience and they will mix in a pair of freshman who are expected to play big minutes.

one of those teams last year, so we lost four games between those two teams. This year we want to at least split and then see where the chips fall.” Click said that he has altered the Lady Trojans’ style of play slightly this year to best suit his personnel. Without a traditional big player down low, Glen Este will try to exploit matchup problems by using their undersized forwards more on the perimeter to keep opponents centers and forwards out of the paint. Defensively, Click said he wants to do similar things to put

his team in the best position to succeed, whether that be picking up full court, falling back into zone or going half-court man-toman. If Glen Este can put things together early this season, they can help their head coach get to 250 career wins before the new year. Click currently sits six wins shy of 250 at 244. The Lady Trojans will have to be road warriors in the early going as they play four of their first six games on the road before coming home for two of three to round out 2014.

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E V E N P A G E S

The Company You Keep®

Year

12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 10 9 9

Varsity Roster Name

Pos.

Lindsey Singleton Whitney Brand Brooklyn Reese Brandi Brock Kelly Simon Alexis McKinley Payton Funk Courtney Vespie Carly Thacker Rachel Nelson Kaylin Burdick Jasmine Hale

F F F G G G G F F G F G

Thank you to Batavia High School and Jake Knapp for your help with our cover shoot.

GLEN ESTE GIRLS CMYK

CMYK

Glen Este ready to take ‘next step’ in 2014-15

TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview • Page 13

Page 12 • TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

Coming off of a 2013-14 that saw the Glen Este Lady Trojans struggle to string together victories, head coach Jeff Click believes his team, a year older and wiser, is ready to make the leap to

Lady Trojans 2014-2015 Schedule

Dec. 1 Dec. 6 Dec. 8 Dec. 10 Dec. 13 Dec. 17 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Dec. 28 Jan. 7 Jan. 8 Jan. 10 Jan. 14 Jan. 17 Jan. 21 Jan. 24 Jan. 28 Jan. 31 Feb. 5 Feb. 7 Feb. 11 Feb. 14

at Seton at Withrow * CHCA Milford * at Loveland * at Kings * Anderson * Wayne

at Mt. Notre Dame

at Turpin * at Amelia Walnut Hills * Western Brown Withrow * at Milford * Loveland * Winton Woods Kings * St. Ursula at Anderson * Turpin * at Walnut Hills *

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

The Lady Trojans return four players with at least three years of varsity experience and they will mix in a pair of freshman who are expected to play big minutes.

MEET JOE ALLEN, YOUR RETIREMENT INCOME SPECIALIST

Let Joe help you as you make these life changing decisions.

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513-470-7826

jdallen@ft.newyorklife.com

E V E N P A G E S

The Company You Keep®

Year

12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 10 9 9

Varsity Roster Name

Pos.

Lindsey Singleton Whitney Brand Brooklyn Reese Brandi Brock Kelly Simon Alexis McKinley Payton Funk Courtney Vespie Carly Thacker Rachel Nelson Kaylin Burdick Jasmine Hale

F F F G G G G F F G F G

Thank you to Batavia High School and Jake Knapp for your help with our cover shoot.

GLEN ESTE GIRLS CMYK

CMYK

Felicity-Franklin hoping to accomplish team, individual goals under new head coach

Trojans prepare to outwork opponents, play tough defense Page 14 • TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

O D D P A G E S

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

and

Insurance

Werring - Dickerson (513) 732-1461

45 West Main Street, Batavia, Ohio

Phone:

GO BULLDOGS!

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

The Trojans lost seven of their eight top scorers to graduation and will depend on defense in 2014-15.

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 10 10 10

CMYK

Varsity Roster Name

Pos.

G F F G G G F G G G F G G F F

tion opportunities. The Trojans begin their season with Little Miami on opening night before taking on defending ECC champs Kings on Dec. 12.

Trojans 2014-2015 Schedule

TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview • Page 11

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

The Cardinals return five seniors with experience, including three starters from last year’s team.

12 12 12

12 11 11 11 11

10 9 9

Varsity Roster Name

Austin Strunk Chris Whitt

Dylan Foster

Pos.

Louis Quiles

Jacob Simpson

Trevor Barrons Clinton Liming

Jeremy Collins Joey Liming Cody Green

C F

Jared Boeckmann G Mark Drake

Cardinals 2014-2015 Schedule

Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec.

6 9 12 16 19

Jan. 2 Jan. 3 Jan. 7 Jan. 9 Jan. 13 Jan. 16 Jan. 27 Jan. 30 Feb. 3 Feb. 6 Feb. 7 Feb. 10 Feb. 13 Feb. 17

CMYK

Lady Warriors in search of first SBC title since 2006-07

Lady Cardinals not content with one regional semifinal appearance, hope to duplicate

Page 10 • TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

Lady Cardinals 2014-2015 Schedule

Nov. 29 Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 8 Dec. 11 Dec. 15

Dec. 17 Dec. 18 Dec. 22 Dec. 29 Dec. 30 Jan. 5

Jan. 14 Jan. 15 Jan. 20 Jan. 22 Jan. 26 Jan. 29 Feb. 2 Feb. 5 Feb. 9

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

The Lady Cardinal roster that made the tournament run last year returns all but three players.

12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 10 10 10 9

FELICITY GIRLS

Lady Warriors 2014-2015 Schedule

Year

CMYK

Varsity Roster Name

Pos.

Nov. 28 Dec. 1 Dec. 2 Dec. 4 Dec. 10 Dec. 11 Dec. 16 Dec. 18 Dec. 20 Dec. 22 Jan. 5 Jan. 12 Jan. 14 Jan. 15 Jan. 20 Jan. 22 Jan. 26 Jan. 28 Jan. 29 Feb. 2 Feb. 5

at Ross Western Brown * Indian Hill at Batavia * Little Miami Norwood *

at New Richmond *

Williamsburg Amelia * at Bethel-Tate Madeira at Georgetown at Hillsboro Felicity-Franklin at Clermont Northeastern

at Western Brown *

Batavia * at Loveland at Amelia * at Norwood * New Richmond *

TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview • Page 15

Evans Funeral Home

Year

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 10 10 10

Varsity Roster Name

Megan Allen Brittany Clark Courtney Turner Haley Halcomb Kayla Miller

Pos.

F G G F G Katarina Blumentritt G Brandi Steele F Natalie Taulbee F Sheilelah Pittman F Kelsie Jeandrevin G Olivia Taulbee G Anna Dowd G Shawna Shinkle F

Pre-Planning Available

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www.evansfuneralhome.com

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Character & Excellence in Funeral Service

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GOSHEN GIRLS CMYK

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E V E N P A G E S

CMYK

Veteran core hopes to lead Rockets to the top

Warriors hope new style of play leads to more victories Page 16 • TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

O D D P A G E S

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CMYK

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

The Goshen Warriors expect to compete for a league title in the SBC-American.

American last season, Wake believes his team has as good of a chance as anyone to stake a claim for the conference title in a league that could go any number of ways this season.

Warriors 2014-2015 Schedule

Dec. 5 Dec. 9 Dec. 12 Dec. 13 Dec. 16 Dec. 19 Dec. 30 Jan. 3 Jan. 9 Jan. 16 Jan. 17 Jan. 20 Jan. 23 Jan. 27 Jan. 30 Feb. 3 Feb. 6 Feb. 7 Feb. 10 Feb. 13 Feb. 16

Western Brown * at Batavia * Amelia * at Ross Norwood *

at New Richmond *

Madeira at Little Miami at Williamsburg at Bethel-Tate Loveland at Hillsboro Georgetown Felicity-Franklin

at Western Brown *

Batavia * at Amelia * Mariemont at Norwood * New Richmond * Indian Hill

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

Rockets 2014-2015 Schedule

Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec.

Year

12 12 12 12 11 10 10 10 9

Varsity Roster Name

Pos.

Tyler Sweeney G Zac Mallon G Stephen Voto G/F Cody Schock F Logan Brand F Ryan Wake G Alex Koopmans G Brandon Cox F Tony Moore G

Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan.

5 9 12 13

16 19 29 30

3 9 13 17

Jan. 21 Jan. 23 Jan. 27 Jan. 30 Feb. 3 Feb. 6 Feb. 10 Feb. 13 at Felicity-Franklin *

TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview • Page 9

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

With a strong core of returning starters, the Rockets hope to compete for the SBC-National crown.

Year

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 10

Varsity Roster

CMYK

Name

Trey Amann Andrew Braley Darian Bullock Tyler Camacho Kyle Jones Patrick Kelley Brandon Mullins Kody Boyd Jessie Blevins Nick Ernst Damian Mitchell David Coleman Chris Coleman

Pos.

G G F G F C F G F G G G F

CMYK

Lady Rockets begin rebuild under Benjamin

TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview • Page 17

Page 8 • TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11

10 10

Varsity Roster Name

Ellie Wright

Jackie Sullivan

No.

3 4

Mckenzie Cooper 14 Rachel Ward

Josie Seibert

Lexie Walker Katlin Reece

Tayrn Sanders

Lauren

Andrea Johnson

Schnegelsberger Kayla Diekmann

ANTHONY A. K AMP Pediatric Dentist PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

The Lady Rockets aim to improve upon last year’s 3-18 mark in the program’s first year under head coach Liz Benjamin.

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Lady Rockets 2014-2015 Schedule

Nov. 29 Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 8 Dec. 11 Dec. 13

Dec. 15 Dec. 18 Dec. 22 Dec. 23 Dec. 29 Dec. 30 Jan. 5 Jan. 12 Jan. 15 Jan. 20 Jan. 22 Jan. 26 Jan. 29 Feb. 2 Feb. 5 at Felicity-Franklin *

Dentistry for Infants, Children, Young Adults, and Special Needs

Lady Eagles combining upperclassmen experience with underclassmen talents

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

Milford will expect to get offensive output from a variety of sources as opponents key in on Kelly Noll.

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Lady Eagles 2014-2015 Schedule

Nov. 29 Dec. 2 Dec. 4 Dec. 6 Dec. 10 Dec. 13 Dec. 18 Dec. 20 Dec. 29 Jan. 3 Jan. 7 Jan. 10 Jan. 14 Jan. 17 Jan. 19 Jan. 21 Jan. 28 Jan. 31 Feb. 4 Feb. 7 Feb. 11 Feb. 14

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MILFORD EAGLES Year

12 12 12 12 12 11 11

Name

Varsity Roster

Caroline Moore Kaitlyn Woody

Pos.

G G Meghan Swearingen G Shelby Mayleben F Taylor Roof G Hannah Waltz G Hannah Woody G

Year

11 11 11 10 10 10 9

Name

Kelly Noll Morgan Laughlin Taylor Foster Amanda Zanola Hayden White Tori Gilman Lisa Sullivan

MILFORD GIRLS CMYK

Pos.

G F G G F G C

CMYK

Page 18 • TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview Year

12 12 12 12 11 11 11

O D D P A G E S

Name

Varsity Roster Pos.

Ryan Gallimore Will Hannah Grant Riesenberg Justin Arnold Mitchel Wenzler Keenan Farrell Jack Engelman

G F F G G G F

Year

11 11 11 11

11 10

Name

Dakota Lefker

Brad Hall Ben Greenwell

Pos.

Alex Shiplett

Jake Chilastri Wes Reid

G F F

G G

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PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

An experienced group of Eagles lack a traditional inside presence, but make up for it with defense.

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

CMYK

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CMYK

Tigers move into National Division with third coach in three years, McNick’s Jutze BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

Tigers 2014-2015 Schedule

TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview • Page 7

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

The entire Bethel-Tate boys program is working together to install a new system under first-year varsity head coach Tom Jutze.

the cream of the National Division crop, the Tigers will get an early glimpse at what they’re up against, opening the season with the GMen visiting on Friday, Dec. 5. Year

12 12 12 12 11 11 11 10 10 10 10 10

Varsity Roster Name

Pos.

Adam Shinkle Cody Poff Jake Robinson Jason Altmayer Evan Iding Kody Curless Mitchel McElfresh Caleb Bastin Jake Stolz

F G C F G G G F F Noah Picklehiemer G Tommy Bingamon F Trenton Weeks G

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CMYK

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CMYK

Lady Tigers hoping to update title banner

Lady Lions looking forward, working with what they have

Page 6 • TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

GOOD LUCK BETHEL TIGERS!

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PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

12 12

Varsity Roster Name

Allison Poe

Pos.

Brooke Jenike

Julia Jenike

Haley Taylor

Morgan Reinhart

11 11 11

Alyssa Demaris

MacKenzie Watson F

Haylee Foster

BETHEL GIRLS CMYK

Lady Tigers 2014-2015 Schedule

Lady Lions 2014-2015 Schedule

Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6 Dec. 8 Dec. 11 Dec. 16 Dec. 18 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 6 Jan. 12 Jan. 15 Jan. 17 Jan. 20 Jan. 22 Jan. 26 Jan. 29 Feb. 2 Feb. 5 Feb. 9 Feb. 11

at Batavia * at Amelia * at Mariemont Norwood *

at Western Brown *

Goshen * at Blanchester Taylor at Deer Park at Williamsburg Madeira at Clermont Northeastern Georgetown Ripley-Union Batavia * Amelia * at Norwood * Western Brown * at Goshen * Reading Roger Bacon

CMYK

TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview • Page 19

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200 Western Avenue New Richmond, OH 45157 513-553-4132

315 Plane Street Bethel, OH 45106 513-734-2228

www.ecnurre.com

NEW RICHMOND GIRLS CMYK

E V E N P A G E S

CMYK

Bulldogs hope to be better than last year, surprise teams in SBC-American

Lions bring back majority of defending SBC squad Page 20 • TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

O D D P A G E S

12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 10

Varsity Roster Name

Pos.

Bryce Kroeger CJ Grogan Isiah Young Jake Craig Daman Abner John Buckingham Adam Nassar Michael Williamson

Nick Laub JD Durham Frankie Taulbee Zach Walton Gage Kramer

G G G G F C G G G G G F G

CMYK

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

The Lions won their first league title since 1995 last year and hope to repeat again in 2014-15.

Lions 2014-2015 Schedule

Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6 Dec. 8 Dec. 11 Dec. 16 Dec. 18 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 6 Jan. 12 Jan. 15

Jan. 17 Jan. 20 Jan. 22 Jan. 26 Jan. 29 Feb. 2 Feb. 5 Feb. 9 Feb. 11

at Batavia * at Amelia * at Mariemont Norwood *

at Western Brown *

Goshen * at Blanchester Taylor at Deer Park at Williamsburg Madeira at Clermont Northeastern Georgetown Ripley-Union Batavia * Amelia * at Norwood * Western Brown * at Goshen * Reading Roger Bacon

Bulldogs 2014-2015 Schedule

Dec. 5 Dec. 9 Dec. 12 Dec. 16 Dec. 19 Dec. 22 Dec. 29 Dec. 30 Jan. 9 Jan. 13 Jan. 17 Jan. 23 Jan. 24 Jan. 27 Jan. 30 Feb. 3 Feb. 6 Feb. 10 Feb. 13 Feb. 17

New Richmond * Goshen *

at Western Brown *

at Amelia * at Norwood * at Mariemont at Holiday Tournament at Holiday Tournament Georgetown at Williamsburg Fayetteville Perry Blanchester at Milford at Bethel-Tate

at New Richmond *

at Goshen * Western Brown * Amelia * Norwood * Miami Valley Christian Feb. 19 Williamsburg

TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview • Page 5

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

With an experienced group coming back for Batavia, Coach Hatfield expects his team to be improved from last year, even if a tougher schedule and conference may not show it in the win/loss column.

Varsity Roster

Year

Name

Tyler Large

G G F

G F F

Joe Sickles

Pos.

Jacob McElfresh

Conner Gadbury

Colin Sammons

Kenny Artis Ty Wolfe

Malek Christian KeShawn Foley Garret Krauss

College Hill Apartments Serving Clermont County Families 2 & 3 bedroom

(513) 732-3804

12 11

12 12

Torrence Shannon 11 Shawn Adams

and

Insurance

Werring - Dickerson (513) 732-1461

45 West Main Street, Batavia, Ohio

Phone:

GO BULLDOGS!

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Burg expecting returns in Bogan’s second year at helm

Lady Bulldogs excited about challenge of switching to SBC-American this season

Page 4 • TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

GO BULLDOGS!

Original Artwork by Margi Hopkins, local artist whose work can be viewed at pepperportraits.com

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

Moving over to the big-school division of the SBC, the Lady Bulldogs are ready to make some noise.

333 West Main St. Batavia

513.732.1116

BATAVIA GIRLS CMYK

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12 12 12 12 12 10 10 10 9 9 9 9

Varsity Roster Name

Alister Nickley Lexie Hebert Sam Brown

Pos.

G G F Samantha McElfresh G Sofia Gipson G Carly Werring C Kaitlin Ricke F Manhattan Miller C Cati Hatfield F Ciera Curington F Kamryn Artis F Maggie Mehlman F

Lady Bulldogs 2014-2015 Schedule

Nov. 28 Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 8 Dec. 11 Dec. 15 Dec. 18 Dec. 22

at Woodward New Richmond * Goshen *

at Western Brown *

Lady Wildcats 2014-2015 Schedule

TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview • Page 21

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

The Lady Wildcats expect to outperform last year’s 0-18 record within the first month of the season.

12 12 12 10 10 10 10 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

Varsity Roster Name

Pos.

WILLIAMSBURG GIRLS CMYK

E V E N P A G E S

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Wildcats’ strong senior class eyes SBC crown

Barons expectations remain high after back-to-back conference championships

Page 22 • TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview

BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

O D D P A G E S

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 9 9 9

Varsity Roster Name

Austin Horn Blake Vize Evan Barge Jared Spurlock Jon Socia Josh Wells Troy Davis Austin Whisman Justin Clark Jacob Wells Landen Ridener Nate Bogan

Pos.

G G G F G F G F C C G G

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BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

The Wildcats return seven seniors and will make their latest best effort to knock off Georgetown.

Wildcats 2014-2015 Schedule

Barons 2014-2015 Schedule

Dec. 5 Dec. 10 Dec. 12 Dec. 16 Dec. 19 Dec. 27 Dec. 29 Jan. 6 Jan. 9 Jan. 10 Jan. 13

Jan. 17 Jan. 20 Jan. 23

Jan. 27 Jan. 30 Feb. 2 Feb. 4 Feb. 6 Feb. 10 Feb. 13

Norwood *

at New Richmond *

at Goshen * Batavia *

at Western Brown *

TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview • Page 3

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

Despite losing two key seniors, the Barons have enough experience and talent to expect to compete in the American Division.

177 West Main Street Amelia, OH 45102 513-753-6130

200 Western Avenue New Richmond, OH 45157 513-553-4132

315 Plane Street Bethel, OH 45106 513-734-2228

www.ecnurre.com

THE BROWN COUNTY PRESS

Lee Rose

E-mail: leerose@clermontsun.com RETAIL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE

PHONE: (513) 732-2511 EXT. 107

Rene’ Arrigo Mounts E-mail: rarrigo@fuse.net MARKETING ADVISOR

PHONE: (513) 732-2511 1 (800) 404-3157

Angie Allen

ANDERSON

BATAVIA

MILFORD

MT ORAB

463 Ohio Pike Suite 101

2055 Hospital Dr. Suite 300

5914 Wolfpen Pleasant Hill

292 Brooks Malott Rd.

513-831-7503

E-mail: angieallen@fuse.net ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE

PHONE: (937) 444-3441

THE SUNDAY SUN THE CLERMONT SUN THE BROWN COUNTY PRESS

www.clermontsun.com

www.browncountypress.com

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CMYK TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview • Page 23

Page 2 • TIP-OFF ‘14 - ‘15 Basketball Preview

Amelia: Lady Barons: Defending champs expect nothing less in ‘14-15 Barons will league-wise and overall.” play tough D Continued from 3 The Barons have a few injuries

Amelia expecting leadership from returners, energy from newcomers in 2014-15 BY CHRIS CHANEY Sun staff

Varsity Roster Year

12 12 12 11 11 11 10 10 9 9

Name

Julia Bamonte Elena McDonald Jessica Duncan Kendall Kaiser Mackenzie Hultz Samantha Lee Lindsay Buten Bryanna Deaton Shelby Hatcher Brooke Koehnke

Pos.

F G C F G F G F G F

Continued from 2

PHOTO / CHRIS CHANEY

The Lady Barons will have four returning starters this season and some JV players moving up.

Call to schedule a tour today.

Varsity Roster

Lady Barons 2014-2015 Schedule Nov. 29 Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 15 Dec. 18 Dec. 20 Dec. 22 Dec. 27 Jan. 5 Jan. 8 Jan. 12

at Aiken Norwood * New Richmond * Batavia * at Western Brown *

Year

Name

12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 10 10 10 10

Brett Greenough Chandler Hauke Garrett Weaver Keegan Carson

Pos.

G F F G Mason Blankenship G Sean Stewart F Daniel Waldmann G Jacob Hicks F Jason Haustetter G Cage Meyer F Kevin Carr G Ryan Turner F Tyler Stewart F

Eagles 2014-2015 Schedule Dec. 5 Dec. 9 Dec. 12 Dec. 16 Dec. 19 Dec. 30 Jan. 3 Jan. 6 Jan. 9 Jan. 13 Jan. 16 Jan. 20 Jan. 23 Jan. 24 Jan. 27 Jan. 30 Feb. 3 Feb. 6 Feb. 10 Feb. 13 Feb. 17 Feb. 20

AMELIA GIRLS

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E V E N P A G E S

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O D D P A G E S

2014-15 Basketball Preview Special brought to you by The Clermont Sun

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