TDN Winter Sports Preview 2012

November 21, 2012

Troy Daily News 2012 Basketball Preview Edition

Page 1

Break On Through Troy point guard Kristen Wood looks to have a huge senior season

COVER PHOTO/ ANTHONY WEBER

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TROY BOYS

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

TROY DAILY NEWS • WWW.TROYDAILYNEWS.COM

Young Trojans under radar Troy loses 4 starters, looks to reload after GWOC North title

Troy senior Kristen Wood has started at the point since she was a freshman, and she is looking to have a breakout season as a young and athletic Trojan team begins its quest for a third straight Greater Western Ohio Conference North Division title — and perhaps a run to a sectional title and beyond.

Edition Editors Josh Brown Colin Foster Contributing Writers Josh Brown Colin Foster James Freeman Rob Kiser Photographers Anthony Weber Lee Woolery Mark Dowd Jim Houser Ben Robinson Mike Ullery Luke Gronneberg

INSIDE Troy Boys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Troy Girls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Troy Christian . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Tippecanoe . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Milton-Union . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Miami East . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Bethel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Newton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Covington . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Piqua . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Lehman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Bradford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 2011-12 Year in Review . . . .14

Troy Daily News

FRANK BEESON Group Publisher

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On the cover

ence becomes thin for the

BY JOSH BROWN Trojans.

Sports Editor jbrown@tdnpublishing.com Joining the team will be sophomore Tre Last season, after los- Hudson, who started for ing their point guard the JV squad as a freshLance Carter to gradua- man and will be running tion, no one expected the point.

“He’s really come on much out of the Troy nicely,” Miller said. “He Trojans.

They only went on to started on the JV team as ride a senior-laden team a freshman. He does a to their first Greater nice job handling the ball, Western Ohio Conference and it’s been a nice, natuNorth Division champi- ral progression for him.”

Starting at the three onship since the 2003-04 season and their second spot will be a senior that consecutive sectional moved to the Troy area from Huber Heights, title.

“The kids stepped up Jalen Nelson.

“He’s a nice, athletic and took us to the next level,” Troy coach Tim player and has a decent Miller said. “They had a feel for the game,” Miller lot of faith in their ability, said.

Also coming up from and they got the job done.”

After the departure of the JV team will be all of those seniors, Connor Super and Luke though — including four Manis — both of whom of the five starters — they have limited varsity expemay be flying under the rience, as well. Adding depth to the roster will be radar again.

Which would suit them a pair of seniors that didn’t come out for the team just fine. last season but made it TROY this year in Seth Perdziola and Devin Gone are the team’s Blakely, as well as Tarrin two leading scorers, Cody Kinnel and T.J. Michaels.

May and Zach Martinez, And returning to Troy as well as starting center after being in the proZack Rohr and guards gram as a freshman but Seth Lucas, Kelley Kirtz moving away last season and Jordan Price. Even will be junior Isiah after a wave of suspen- Sancher.

For the Trojans, the sions struck the team late in the season, Lucas, lack of experience will Kirtz and Price were able easily be the primary conPHOTO COURTESY LEE WOOLERY/SPEEDSHOT PHOTO to help the remaining cern.

Tyler Miller — seen here hitting a runner in Troy’s sectional title game against “It’s just going to have Lebanon at UD Arena — will be looked at as the go-to player as a senior this starters battle through adversity, win a second to be a work in progress season. straight sectional title for us in that regard,” and reach the district title Miller said. “We’ll have to GWOC North title after 2012-13 TROY game for a second learn to grow on the fly, going undefeated through BOYS SCHEDULE but the kids are doing a division play last season, straight year.

“Last year, we had a nice job of picking up they aren’t worried about H/A Opponent Time very veteran team. what we want them to who or what they’ll be up Date against yet — the things Nov. 30 Everyone understood do.”

A Centerville 7:30 p.m. what was expected of And Troy isn’t about to they can control are their Dec. 1 A Tecumseh 7:30 p.m. them and the philosophy use it as an excuse either. primary concern.

Dec. 4 H Springfield 7:30 p.m.

“I’m not sure where we of the team from day one,” “I think this team is Dec. 7 H Lebanon 7:30 p.m.

Miller said. “But the kids going to do everything it fit in this year,” Miller A Fairborn 7:30 p.m. are picking things up well can to compete right said. “We’re just focused Dec. 11 Dec. 14 A Greenville* 7:30 p.m. this year.” away,” Miller said. “The on getting better every Dec. 16 A Wayne (at Butler) 3:30 p.m.

Helping that along is experience isn’t there, and day right now.”

H Butler* 7:30 p.m.

Troy will be thrown Dec. 21 the lone returning starter, that takes time. But I senior Tyler Miller. think we can make up for right into the fire on the Dec. 22 A Spr. Shawnee 7:30 p.m. road on opening night Dec. 27 Two years ago, Miller that in other areas.”

H Tippecanoe 7:30 p.m. averaged close to 10 And while the Trojans against Centerville Nov. Dec. 29 A Beavercreek (at Fairmont) 11 a.m. points a game off the will be defending their 30.

Jan. 4 A Trotwood* 7:30 p.m. bench as a sophomore. He Jan. 8 A Sidney* 7:30 p.m. earned a spot as a starter Jan. 11 A Piqua* 7:30 p.m. last season and was the Jan. 15 H Fairmont 7:30 p.m. team’s third-leading scorJan. 18 H Greenville* 7:30 p.m. er, averaging 11.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per Jan. 25 A Butler* 7:30 p.m. game.

Feb. 1 H Trotwood* 7:30 p.m.

The next step in his Feb. 8 A Sidney* 7:30 p.m. natural progression, of Feb. 9 A Miami East 7:30 p.m. course, is leader.

Feb. 15 H Piqua* 7:30 p.m.

“He’s going to be our Feb. 16 H Minster 7:30 p.m. main go-to guy,” Miller * denotes GWOC North game said. “He was our super sub as a sophomore and was a starter last year. He was first team All-GWOC and All-District.”

Miller’s strengths aren’t limited to shooting or rebounding, though — which will help him greatly in his new leadership role.

“He’s almost an extension of us, another coach on the floor,” Miller said.

Piqua q “He understands the terminology we use and the 215 N. Wayne St. 212 N. Main St. philosophy behind what 615.1042 773.0752 we’re trying to do — and he’s able to help the 1603 Covington Ave. 1300 E. Ash St. WALMART younger guys more with 778.4617 773.9000 those things as a result.”

Also returning is senTroy y ior Dylan Cascaden, who was another key contribu1314 W. Main St. 1801 W. Main St. WALMART tor late last season during 339.6626 332.6820 the team’s toughest times.

“He played quite a bit T ipp pp City City Cit Tipp last year, and he even started some at the two1176 W. Main St. guard,” Miller said. “We’ll 667.4888 be looking for him to step !"#$"% '()* back into that role this season. He’s got some nice Here today. Here ttomorrow. omo orrow. Here for yyou! ou! varsity experience.”

STAFF FILE PHOTO/ANTHONY WEBER UnityNationalBk.com UnityNation alBk.com After that, though, Troy’s Dylan Cascaden returns for his senior season returning varsity experi- after getting some starting experience late last year.

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TROY GIRLS

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

3

Breakout season for Wood?

Troy senior will be counted on more than ever before

BY JOSH BROWN Sports Editor jbrown@tdnpublishing.com As Kristen Wood goes this year, so will the Troy Trojans.

The senior has played the point since her freshman year, and after saying goodbye to a trio of experienced seniors in the offseason — three players that had been mainstays in the Troy lineup since their freshman years, also — Wood will be leaned on to lead more than ever before.

“She’s a four-year starter and was the Greater Western Ohio Conference North Division Player of the Year as a junior,” Troy coach Nathan Kopp said.

“A lot is expected from her, and she does a lot.”

TROY Troy lost senior post players Tori Merrell and Schultz and Shelby shooting guard Chelsey Sakal in the offseason.

Merrell was the Trojans’ most dangerous threat inside, Schultz the alltime leader in games played for Troy and Sakal the team’s leading 3point shooter. All three had played hefty minutes since they were freshmen, with Sakal taking her junior year away from the team but returning for her senior season — a season in which the Trojans won their second straight share of the GWOC North championship.

“Losing those three girls is an area of concern,” Kopp said. “This year’s team will be my youngest and shortest — and also my most athletic.”

But if the Trojans had to have one experienced player back, they would want it in the point guard spot.

And Wood has been in charge since she was a freshman and is more than accustomed to running the offense for Troy.

She led Troy in scoring and assists last season on her way to winning the GWOC North Player of the Year award.

“If we were going to have someone coming back, we’d want the point guard,” Kopp said. “A team’s offense runs through them. Kristen is a dynamic player, and she has aspirations to play in college. Hopefully her senior year will be a breakout year for her.”

One thing Kopp wants to see more out of Wood, though, is leadership by leading instead of leader-

ship by example.

“We’re pushing her to lead more vocally,” Kopp said. “She’s our leader, but sometimes she does it only by example, by doing. We need her to be more vocal. That’s the biggest thing. That’s something she’s continuing to work on and getting better at.”

And Troy has experience coming back in other positions, too.

Senior Todda Norris — the fifth starter on last year’s team — returns to lead the Trojan defense.

“Todda is a lockdown defender, and she can score in transition,” Kopp said. “She dictates a lot of what we do on the defensive end.”

Two more seniors, Taylor and Morgan Mackenzie Schulz, return at the guard position, as well.

“Morgan’s been on varsity since her sophomore year, and she’s a good ballhandler,” Kopp said.

“And Mackenzie can come in and shoot the ball.”

Sophomore Zechariah Bond saw significant time as a freshman last year in the post, and she’ll likely be the team’s primary threat on the inside — even if it isn’t her only strength.

“She’s a 5-foot-9 guard/wing/post, and she can do it all,” Kopp said.

“She’s an athletic kid with a lot of upside.”

Two other sophomores — Courtney Mazzulla and Christina Dennison — and freshmen Maddie Taylor and Sierra Besecker will add depth to the team.

“Courtney is long and athletic, and Christina made the jump from the freshman team to varsity due to how hard she worked,” Kopp said.

“Sierra will play some big minutes as a freshman, and Maddie is a 5-10 wing/post that is real athletic. The first two kids off the bench will likely be freshmen.”

And with that youth movement, the key thing for the Trojans will be getting those young players some experience at the varsity level.

“The challenge is the maturity and different and new expectations and the difference in pace of play at varsity,” Kopp said. “We tried to utilize the summer to cram everything we could in.

Their heads were spinning a little, but it’s been good for us. We also tried to have a tough scrimmage schedule to prepare us for the season.

“We’ve just been trying to find some time to work

STAFF FILE PHOTO/ANTHONY WEBER

Troy point guard Kristen Wood is fouled while shooting during the Trojans’ sectional tournament loss to Beavercreek last season at Xenia High School. Wood — a senior this year — has started at the point since she was a freshman and is looking to lead the Trojans to a third straight GWOC North title. on our skills and set the foundation. Later in the season, once they’ve got all this down, it will be more about gameplanning. Right now it’s more about trying to get them to understand the rotation and get more shots up.”

And if they want to defend the GWOC North title, they’ll also have to deal with being expected to win, too.

“Some would say that it’s ours to lose,” Kopp said of the title. “I think Sidney has got some play-

ers, and they’ll be up this year. They’ve got more athletes than they’ve had in the past. And Butler was supposed to be down last year, but they ended up sharing the title with us, so I’d never count them out. I think we’ll be competitive and have the chance to win it again.”

And Kopp isn’t stopping at the division title, either.

“Our team goals are always the same: win the GWOC North and win the sectional,” he said. “Get to the district final, and

then we’ll reassess and set new goals once we get there.”

The early part of Troy’s schedule will certainly prepare the Trojans, too. After traveling to Wapakoneta for an

opening-weekend tournament, the Trojans open at home against Centerville on Nov. 28 then travel to Miami East, one of the Trojans’ two biggest nonleague inter-county rivals, on Dec. 1.

2012-13 TROY GIRLS SCHEDULE Date Nov. 23 Nov. 24 Nov. 28 Dec. 1 Dec. 5 Dec. 8 Dec. 12 Dec. 16 Dec. 20 Dec. 22 Dec. 28 Dec. 29 Jan. 5 Jan. 9 Jan. 16 Jan. 19 Jan. 23 Jan. 26 Jan. 30 Feb. 2 Feb. 6 Feb. 9 * denotes

H/A Opponent Time A Bellefontaine (at Wapak.) 6 p.m.

A TBA (at Wapakoneta) TBA H Centerville 7:30 p.m.

A Miami East 7:30 p.m.

A Springfield 7:30 p.m.

H Minster 1 p.m.

A Lebanon 7 p.m.

A Wayne (at Butler) 2 p.m.

H Fairborn 7:30 p.m.

H Greenville* 1 p.m.

H Fort Recovery 7:30 p.m.

H Tippecanoe 7:30 p.m.

A Butler* 1 p.m.

A Trotwood* 7:30 p.m.

H Sidney* 7:30 p.m.

H Piqua* 11:30 a.m.

A Greenville* 7:30 p.m.

A West Carrollton 7:30 p.m.

H Butler* 7:30 p.m.

H Trotwood* 7:30 p.m.

A Sidney* 7:30 p.m.

A Piqua* 1 p.m.

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STAFF FILE PHOTO/ANTHONY WEBER

Troy’s Zechariah Bond blows by a Greenville defender last season. After seeing time off the bench as a freshSTAFF FILE PHOTO/ANTHONY WEBER man, Bond will likely start during her sophomore sea- Troy’s Todda Norris lays the ball up after a steal on the defensive end during a game last season. son.

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4

TROY CHRISTIAN

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

TROY DAILY NEWS • WWW.TROYDAILYNEWS.COM

Eagles focused on improving TC seeking 3rd MBC title in a row

BY JOSH BROWN Sports Editor jbrown@tdnpublishing.com

Date Dec. 1 Dec. 7 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 22 Dec. 28 Dec. 29 Jan. 5 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 12 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 26 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 2 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12 Feb. 15 * denotes

After two straight Metro Buckeye Conference championships and a berth in the sectional title game, Troy Christian won’t be surprising anyone this year.

That’s just fine with the Eagles. They have other things on their mind.

“We’re very blessed,” Troy Christian coach Ray Zawadzki said. “We have a lot of good pieces to the puzzle. After two years in

TROY

H/A A A H H A A A A H A H H H A H A H A H H A A MBC

Opponent New Bremen Yellow Springs* Miami Valley* Emmanuel Christian* Middletown Christian* Mississinawa Valley Bradford TBA (at Bradford) Miami East Tri-Village Dayton Christian* Franklin Monroe Xenia Christian* Dayton Christian* Tri-County North Xenia Christian* Lehman Houston Middletown Christian* Yellow Springs* Miami Valley* Emmanuel Christian* game

Time 8 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

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6 p.m.

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ERWIN 2775 SOUTH COUNTY RD 25A WE’RE JUST NORTH OF DAYTON ON I-75 EXIT #69 TROY

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a row as MBC champs, we’ll probably be favored this year. But we’re not focused on that. We’re focused on working hard to get better.”

Four starters return for the Eagles from a team that went 17-6 last season — the most victories in a season by a Troy Christian boys team. Two of them are three-year starters in seniors Christian Salazar and Nathan Kirkpatrick.

Salazar is a 6-foot-6 forward that averaged nine points and nine rebounds per game, while Kirkpatrick is the team’s defensive specialist at the guard position.

“Christian has gotten more athletic, and he’s a better offensive threat this year,” Zawadzki said.

“He’s able to score off of the bounce this year. And Nathan is our emotional leader. He plays harder than any kid I’ve ever coached. He will not let up, and he never takes even one play off. And he’s our defensive stopper, too. Not one kid he guarded last year scored his average against us.”

Also back is sophomore point guard Grant Zawadzki, who started as a freshman last year, and junior shooting guard Spencer Thomas.

“Grant was our leader in scoring, assists and steals last year as a freshman … and we’re

2012-13 TROY CHRISTIAN BOYS SCHEDULE

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Troy Christian’s Grant Zawadzki (left) drives to the basket as teammate Spencer Thomas looks on during a game last season. Both players are back this year. going to ask him to do even more this year,” Zawadzki said. “We’re going to challenge him to become a playmaker, not just a scorer and a passer.

He has the ability to be a gamechanger every night out. He just wants to win.

“Spencer was a nice roleplayer for us last year, and he worked real hard in the offseason. He’s got the potential to score in bunches, and we’re excited to see him come out of his shell this year.”

The Eagles have three other post players that will be vying for time in 6-11 Nathanael Boone, 63 Logan George and 6-3 Scotty Scott.

“Nathanael is one of the top 15 juniors in the

state at the center position,” Zawadzki said.

“He’s starting to become a force inside offensively and defensively. Logan and Scotty were both major contributors and have both made big strides with their games.

They’ll be big assets this year.”

Also joining the team will be Holden Varvel and Aaron Horn, as well as Matthew Coots, Justin Lewis and Travis Sloan.

“Holden is a very intelligent basketball player.”

Zawadzki said. “He’s got great skills and comes from a basketball family.

He knows the game, knows where to be and is savvy with the ball. He’ll be battling Aaron — who

was the best player on the JV team last year — for time on the perimeter.”

For the Eagles, it’s not about who is on the floor or who does what, though — it’s all about the end result. ”We don’t even call it practice anymore. We call it ‘get better,’” Zawadzki said. “And the kids have bought into that philosophy. And the kids are all so close because as good as we can be, no one is worried about who gets the credit. It’s definitely a ‘we’ attitude.

“The kids will know that, at the end of the year, they gave everything that they had to give, wherever that takes Christian Salazar is a senior this season. us.”

Steineman wants progress to continue at TC

BY JOSH BROWN Sports Editor jbrown@tdnpublishing.com Troy Christian has been on the right road, going from a two-win season two years ago to eight last year.

But that progress is tenuous, and the Eagles knew that if they couldn’t bring some consistency and stability to the program, it would all be for naught.

TROY Enter Dick Steineman.

Steineman coached Troy Christian from 200005 and has recently rejoined the program, coaching at the junior high level. But with the high turnover in head varsity coaches over the last few years, he decided to step up and work on the team’s foundation.

“Senior Amanda Slone, I am her fourth coach,” Steineman said. “I’m trying to stabilize the program. I don’t know how many we’ll win this year, but I want to reinforce the whole program and get

OHIO COMMUNITY MEDIA/ LUKE GRONNEBERG

Troy Christian’s Morgan Haddad is back for the Eagles this season. everyone playing good defense.

“The last two years have been a struggle, so we went all the way down to first grade in an effort to build a solid program.”

It’s already paying off.

“Last year, we had seven kids total. This year we have 14 and will be able to have a varsity and junior varsity team,” Steineman said.

But one more challenge

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accompanies Steineman’s return — the fact that most of his players began practice a week before the season’s opening week thanks to a run to the regional final in girls soccer in the fall.

“This is my first year with these girls at the varsity level, so we’re playing catchup,” Steineman said.

“We’ll probably have our first one or two games pushed back.

“I’m putting in new systems for these girls. But I taught gym in the elementary school for the last nine or 10 years, so I know all of these girls. It’ll just be the first time I coached them at the varsity level.

We’re still trying to get to know each other.”

That success in soccer season, though, can only translate into good things on the basketball court.

“We want to kind of breed off of that. Winning is contagious, and we want the basketball team to catch it,” Steineman said.

“That confidence builds up for something good.

“The girls are all soccer players, so they’re in good shape. We want to push the ball and apply defensive pressure. Once we get the systems down, being the athletes and being the good kids they are, I have a lot of hope for them.”

And the Eagles — who were young last season when they went 8-13 — have plenty of talent coming back.

Senior forward Amanda Benjamin returns to lead the team after averaging 11 points per game, Lydia Demmitt is back in the post after averaging 10 points and seven rebounds and Morgan Haddad brings her nine points per game back to the table at the guard position. Also back is point guard Jordanne Varvel and fouryear veteran Slone.

The Eagles only said goodbye to one senior in the offseason in Shawna Honeyman.

“We’ve got a lot of people coming back,” Steineman said. “The key will be getting them touches on the ball and shooting the ball. We’ve got to get a basketball back in their hands right now and slowly transition from soccer to basketball.

“We have three practices and three scrimmages in their first week

back. So they’re jumping right into the fire.”

And while the Metro Buckeye Conference has changed some since the last time Steineman was at the helm, he still sees promise from top to bottom.

“I think Emmanuel Christian is a growing program, and Xenia Christian is going to be a bit tough this year,” he said. “And Miami Valley (the twotime defending champion), year-in and year-out, has been close to the top. They may be the team to beat again this year. They have

a real stable program.”

Which is exactly what Steineman wants to see at Troy Christian.

“We’ve got to be patient,” he said. “We’re trying to stabilize the program from top to bottom. I have a couple of former players that are my junior high coaches. They went on to play in college, moved back to Troy and wanted to get involved. We just want to compete, get the kids playing hard on defense and see where we go.

“I’m really excited about being back at Troy Christian.”

2012-13 TROY CHRISTIAN GIRLS SCHEDULE Date Nov. 27 Nov. 29 Dec. 1 Dec. 3 Dec. 8 Dec. 10 Dec. 17 Dec. 20 Dec. 28 Dec. 29 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 10 Jan. 12 Jan. 14 Jan. 19 Jan. 21 Jan. 24 Jan. 28 Jan. 31 Feb. 4 Feb. 7 * denotes

H/A H A A H H H A H A A A H H A A A H A A H H H MBC

Opponent Newton New Bremen Arcanum Emmanuel Christian* Bethel Miami Valley* Middletown Christian* Ridgemont Bradford TBA (at Bradford) Yellow Springs* Mississinawa Valley Dayton Christian* Temple Christian Emmanuel Christian* Miami Valley* Xenia Christian* Dayton Christian* Xenia Christian* Lehman Middletown Christian* Yellow Springs* game

Time 7 p.m.

7:30 p.m. noon 7 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

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7 p.m. noon 7 p.m.

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TIPPECANOE

TROY DAILY NEWS • WWW.TROYDAILYNEWS.COM

Tipp has talent back Bixler begins first year as head coach

BY COLIN FOSTER Sports Writer cfoster@tdnpublishing.com With fall sports just now coming to a close, the Tippecanoe boys have had little time on the court together. As of Nov. 14, the Red Devils had just three practices and one scrimmage together as a full team.

That will change soon enough.

Date Nov. 30 Dec. 4 Dec. 7 Dec. 8 Dec. 12 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 27 Dec. 28 Jan. 4 Jan. 11 Jan. 12 Jan. 18 Jan. 19 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Feb. 1 Feb. 2 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 15 Feb. 16 * denotes

STAFF PHOTO/MARK DOWD

Tippecanoe senior Nick Fischer returns this season. who saw significant varsity action last season, will add depth for the Red Devils.

Tipp lost its top scorer from last season in Brandon Ervin, who averaged 14.8 points and 9.6 rebounds.

Michael Donahey, Ben Stucke and Michael Landwehr will be expected to pick up the slack in the paint.

“Michael (Landwehr) is a lefty, which causes bit of a problem for people,” Bixler said.

“Offensively, we want to increase the tempo of play.

Whether that be by getting the ball to the rim by the dribble or feeding in to our bigs and attacking insideout, the main thing is we want to increase our tempo.

Our bigs are agile and can run the floor.”

The Red Devils finished 9-13 last season, losing to Graham 43-36 in the second round of tournament.

Although practice time has been scarce so far this year,

H/A Opponent A Butler H Piqua A Stebbins* H Milton-Union H Ben Logan A Tecumseh* A Bellefontaine* A Troy H Sidney H Spr. Shawnee* A Kenton Ridge* A Bellbrook H Stebbins* H Versailles A Indian Lake H Tecumseh* H Bellefontaine* A Springfield H Urbana A Spr. Shawnee* H Kenton Ridge* A Greenon CBC Kenton Trail game

Time 7:30 p.m.

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Piqua q 212 N. Main St. 773.0752

215 N. Wayne St. 615.1042

1603 Covington Ave. 778.4617

1300 E. Ash St. WALMART 773.9000

Troy y 1314 W. Main St. 339.6626

1801 W. Main St. WALMART 332.6820

T ipp pp Cit C ity Tipp City 1176 W. Main St. 667.4888

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Tippecanoe junior Cameron Johnson drives to the basket during a game last year. developing chemistry shouldn’t be an issue, considering most of the same core players are back. One thing Bixler has learned in his short time at Tipp, however, is that depth might be the greatest component of his

team.

“Our biggest asset is our deep bench. We have a lot of depth with 10 guys. I think we have a big advantage there.” Bixler said.

Tipp opens at Butler on Nov. 30.

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There are plenty of reasons to be excited about Tipp basketball. For one, the Red Devils have four players back who were in the starting rotation last season, including a long list of role players who return, as well.

And two, Marcus Bixler — a coach who had success during a two-year stint at Piqua and a three-year gig at Franklin Monroe — takes over as head coach in place of Matt Pond, who is now coaching at Covington.

“It was such a great opportunity when it opened up in late May,” Bixler said.

“It’s a great school system and a great community, plus it worked out well because me and my wife live in Troy.

There’s not too many positions that open up like this.”

Senior point guard Nick Fischer is back after averaging 10.1 points per game as a junior, along with 3.9 assists a game — which ranked fourth in the Central Buckeye Conference.

Fischer, who has started since his sophomore year, had three games of 20 points or more last season. Joining him in the backcourt are Ben Hughes and Cameron Johnson — who was third on the team in 2011 with a scoring average of 9.7 points per contest.

Jacob Hall, a 6-foot-2 junior, also started last season.

As a sophomore, Hall showed that he had the ability to produce on the offensive end, scoring in double figures four times. Austin Hadden, Jared Ervin and Sean Ford, three players

2012-13 TIPPECANOE BOYS SCHEDULE

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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

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Quickness an asset for defending CBC champs

BY COLIN FOSTER Sports Writer There’s no denying the Tippecanoe roster took a big hit due to graduation, losing Ellise Sharpe and Morgan Miller, who combined to

average 33 points a game last season on a Red Devils team that won the Central Buckeye Conference Kenton Trail Division with a 9-1 conference record.

“Losing that much scoring is huge, obviously.”

Tippecanoe coach Aaron Jackson said. “This year we’re going to penetrate more and we’re going to have to out-quick people. We’re going to run a five-out offense and attack with speed. Hopefully we get a lot of our points off defense.”

2012-13 TIPPECANOE GIRLS SCHEDULE Date Nov. 23 Nov. 29 Dec. 3 Dec. 5 Dec. 8 Dec. 10 Dec. 13 Dec. 19 Dec. 22 Dec. 29 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 9 Jan. 12 Jan. 14 Jan. 16 Jan. 19 Jan. 23 Jan. 26 Jan. 31 Feb. 2 Feb. 9 * denotes

H/A Opponent H Butler H Versailles H Stebbins* A Ben Logan A Tecumseh* A Fairborn A Bellefontaine* H Indian Lake A Spr. Shawnee* A Troy A Carroll H Kenton Ridge* H Greenon A Stebbins* A Wayne H Tecumseh* H Miami East A Urbana H Bellefontaine* H Anna H Spr. Shawnee* A Kenton Ridge* CBC Kenton Trail game

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TIPP CITY Out-quicking opponents may not be a problem with entire 4x100 team on the roster.

“The funny thing is, what we are hanging our hat on this year, I have four girls that are part of track 4x100 team,” Jackson explained. “I believe the team challenged for CBC in 4x100.”

The Red Devils also have key offensive threats back in senior four-year starter Erica Comer (10.4 points per game last season) and sophomore Halee Printz (8.3), along with junior Chelsea Clawson, who was first off the bench last season.

“Halee has busted her butt this year in the offseason and improved,” Jackson said. “Last year she was very highly touted. Everybody knew her, she was on everyone’s scouting report. This year we will not hide her.

She’s a much improved play-

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Tippecanoe senior Erica Comer is back for the Red Devils. Comer averaged 10.4 points a game in 2011. er.

“Comer is a basketball girl. She’s been playing AAU, so she knows the game well.

We will count on her this year. Last year, Ellise was • RESTORATIONS • EXTRACTIONS • CROWNS & BRIDGES • ROOT CANALS • PREVENTIVE CARE • DENTURES & PARTIALS • RIGID STERILIZATION • WHITENING • SEALANTS • COSMETIC DENTISTRY • BOTOX & JUVEDERM

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Sophomore Halee Printz is also back this year.

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our leader. This year, we will need Erica to step up and be that leader. She’s a four-year varsity player, so this should be the year where it all pays off.”

Jackson also has a group of girls who were part of a JV team that ran off 18 straight wins last year after losing its first two. All of them are competing for playing time.

“We have seven girls from JV, and all of them have a chance to contribute without a doubt,” Jackson said. “They are all going to get their shot.

“We are very guardheavy, very fast and we’re an

athletic team. We are going to have to play fast, aggressive basketball.”

Senior guard Sarah Janosik, junior McKensie Logan are expected to be key contributors for the Red Devils. In the post will be junior forward Cassie Gingerich (5-foot-10) and junior Ali Muse (5-10).

Lindsey Murray, Tipp’s golfer who has made state two out of the last three years, is expected to the be one of the outside threats for the Red Devils. Freshman Carly Clodfelter — who Jackson referred to as a ‘semi-Halee Printz’ — is also expected to develop and get minutes in her first year.

“She’s going to be a nice little player in a couple of years,” Jackson said. “She’s got a shot at being really good. She thinks the game well. She does everything well. She’s a freshman this year, but she shows a lot of promise, and she works hard.”

The Red Devils begin the season at home against Butler Friday.

MILTON-UNION

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Blue-collar basketball Berner, M-U will go hard to the whistle

BY COLIN FOSTER Sports Writer cfoster@tdnpublishing.com First-year Milton-Union head coach Rusty Berner’s approach to basketball doesn’t stray too far away from the Bulldogs’ approach to football.

It’s a persona most Milton teams have taken on — an I’ll-outwork-you mentality.

It is blue-collar basketball.

WEST MILTON “The football program has had success using that hard-nosed, grab your lunch pail and go to work mentality,” Berner said.

“You can see that when you watch the kids on the football field. The kids aren’t dirty. They just play hard and they play physical and they don’t back down from anybody.

“I think with the new gym, there’s a lot of excitement. The kids have been working extremely hard.

We want to show people that we’re going to be somebody to worry about every night. We want it to be known that we are going to play hard and we are going to play hard for four quarters. It’s kind of like that old mentality certain football teams use; we’re going to hit you hard on every play, and that’s the attitude we have.”

Berner, who played basketball at Milton-Union and went on to play a year at Capital and a year at Edison, served as an assistant coach at Parkway for two years, then was head coach of Cincinnati Hughes for a season and also was an assistant at Lebanon. He takes over in place of former coach Andy Grudich.

And the situation Berner has on his hands right now isn’t exactly ideal for a first-year coach with

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2012-13 MILTON-UNION BOYS SCHEDULE Date Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 8 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 15 Dec. 21 Dec. 28 Jan. 4 Jan. 5 Jan. 8 Jan. 12 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Feb. 1 Feb. 2 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 9 Feb. 12 Feb. 14 * denotes

H/A Opponent H Brookville H Madison* A Tippecanoe A Carlisle* A Preble Shawnee* H Arcanum H Dixie* A Bethel H Waynesville* A Covington A Northridge* A Oakwood H Preble Shawnee* A Dixie* A Waynesville* H Northridge* A Newton A Twin Valley South A Madison* H Franklin Monroe H Miami East H Carlisle* SWBL Buckeye game

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STAFF PHOTO/JIM HOUSER

Milon-Union’s Caleb Poland goes up for a shot against Waynesville last season.

Poland is back at point guard for the Bulldogs this year. the football team making a deep postseason run, reaching the regional final as of this writing and possibly going farther.

“It’s tough right now,” Berner explained. “We’ve got about five or six guys playing football, some of

which we aren’t even 100percent if they are playing.

So we are just waiting to see if they want to play and stuff like that.”

One key returner the Bulldogs do have back, though, is junior point guard Caleb Poland, a

starter last season who possesses the ability to score off the dribble and on the perimeter.

“He’s a basketball-only kid,” Berner said. “He’s in the gym all the time. He had a solid summer from that standpoint. He had a solid

fall. We’re going to rely on him, and we’re really counting on him to step in as an upperclassman to kind of run the show so to speak.

“But he’s great kid and a very hard worker. That’s a good foundation for me as far as coming in for my first year, knowing you’re returning a point guard with varsity experience.”

Seniors Sam Brady (post), Josh Newman (wing) and junior Ben Stelzer (guard) are all in the mix for playing time, as well.

“We’ve got about five kids that really are kind of fighting for time,” Berner said. “That’s pretty much our mix as of now.”

As far as style of play, Berner wants his team to push the basketball on offense while showing maximum effort on both ends of the floor for 32 minutes. It’s

a brand of basketball he’s believed in ever since he was a player.

“We want to play uptempo,” Berner said. “As far as defense, we want to extend the court as much as possible. We want to play a variety of defenses, but it’s kind of based around our man.

“The biggest thing is coming out and playing hard and playing as a group. That’s a huge point for us, and it’s something I’ve always believed in. We want to come in every night and play at a high level.

Expect us to be competitive and put forth the best brand of basketball we are capable of. We’re more focused on us than everything else.”

Milton begins its season at home against Brookville on Nov. 30.

M-U hopes to compete in balanced SWBL

BY COLIN FOSTER Sports Writer The Milton-Union girls program is small in numbers with 16.

The Bulldogs are small in overall size.

Small they may be, but — like all Milton teams do — this group will come to compete every time they step on the floor.

“Small but mighty,” said

Milton-Union coach Richard Cline, who enters his 21st year of coaching varsity basketball, fourth at the school.

The Bulldogs bring back little experience from a 2011 team that went 10-10 in the regular season before losing in the second round of the tournament to eventual regional runnerup Miami East.

“We’re basically a young

2012-13 MILTON-UNION GIRLS SCHEDULE H/A Opponent A Madison* A Carlisle* H Twin Valley South H Preble Shawnee* A Dixie* A Waynesville* H Northridge* H Tri-County North A Bethel A Brookville A Covington A Preble Shawnee* A Oakwood H Dixie* H Waynesville* H Franklin Monroe A Northridge* H Franklin H Madison* A Newton H Carlisle* A Arcanum SWBL Buckeye game

WEST MILTON

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and inexperienced team,” Cline said. “We’re kind of back to where we were three years ago. I don’t think we have anybody back that started. We have a bunch of rookies, but we have a few kids back that got some experience on the varsity level last season and some kids that played well on the JV level.”

The team has two returning girls who played

284 N. Miami St., West Milton • (937) 698-4422

in the regular rotation last season in senior Haley Martens and sophomore Brooke Falb.

Last season, Martens was the first guard off the bench, while Falb, as a freshman, came off the bench and played a significant amount of minutes.

Cline also said he thinks senior April Stine could make a big impact for them at forward.

Other than that, though, Cline expects there to be a lot of competition for playing time elsewhere.

“We have 16 in the program, so we’re going to be swinging some kids back and forth,” Cline said.

Juniors Elizabeth Busse (guard), Kaitlyn Thompson (guard), Stacie Swartz (forward) and 5-foot-9 Britney Courtright are in the running for time on the floor.

Sophomore guard Kaylee Swartztrauber is a player Cline thinks could make an impact for his team as she has shown to be very capable of taking care of the basketball.

“She handles the ball well and she shoots it pretty well,” Cline said.

“Hopefully she can do some things for us.”

Others vying for playing time are Jessica Albaugh

STAFF PHOTO/JIM HOUSER

Milton-Union’s Danielle Vincent (14) shoots during a game last season.

Including Vincent, Milton lost tons of seniors to graduation who started in 2011.

Who will answer the calling for the Bulldogs this season? (guard) and Jordan Pricer (guard), a freshman who Cline said had ‘a nack for putting the ball in the basket’.

In terms of team goals, Cline is hoping his team can compete at a high level on a nightly basis. Cline realizes that he lost a lot to graduation, but that is the case with several teams in

the Southwestern Buckeye League.

“It’s hard to say (what our record will be),” Cline said. “We lost a lot, and that’s going to be hard to replace. But at the same time, a lot of teams lost a lot.

Carlisle and Northridge lost some good players. Carlisle graduated one player that was really

good for them.

“Middletown Madison is a step of above the rest, but other than that, it’s all up for grabs. We want to compete with all of them.”

And Milton-Union gets a chance to see just where it stands on Nov. 29 when it travels to take on Middletown Madison to launch the season.

MIAMI EAST

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Dealing with loss East hit hard by graduation, will lean on three returners

BY JOSH BROWN Sports Editor jbrown@tdnpublishing.com Miami East will spend the early part of the season dealing with loss.

The loss of a talented senior class that had been key to who the Vikings were.

The Vikings graduated five seniors — three of them three-year starters — and lost a lot of ball handling, shooting and scoring in the process, leaving three returning players this season that will be leaned on heavily for their talent and experience.

CASSTOWN

7

2012-13 MIAMI EAST BOYS SCHEDULE Date Nov. 30 Dec. 4 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 22 Dec. 28 Dec. 29 Jan. 4 Jan. 5 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 19 Jan. 25 Jan. 26 Feb. 1 Feb. 2 Feb. 8 Feb. 9 Feb. 12 Feb. 15 * denotes

H/A Opponent A Northwestern A Oakwood A Tri-County North* A National Trail* H Covington* H Lehman A TBA (at Versailles) A TBA (at Versailles) A Bethel* A Troy Christian H Ansonia* A Tri-Village* H Newton* H Twin Valley South* A Mississinawa Valley* H Fairlawn H Franklin Monroe* H Graham A Bradford* H Troy A Milton-Union H Arcanum* CCC game

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• RESTORATIONS • EXTRACTIONS • CROWNS & BRIDGES • ROOT CANALS • PREVENTIVE CARE • DENTURES & PARTIALS • RIGID STERILIZATION • WHITENING • SEALANTS • COSMETIC DENTISTRY • BOTOX & JUVEDERM 2338000

How the Vikings move on without Gunner Shirk — who was the team MVP the past two seasons — point guard Josh Snyder and shooter Bradley Coomes, as well as role-players Colton Bowling and Luke Clark, will define how well they play this season.

“We lost a tremendous senior class, and a lot of guards,” Miami East coach Allen Mack said. “Gunner was our leading scorer and team MVP two years in a row, Josh has been the team’s point guard and Bradley led us in field goal percentage. They led us in a lot of ways.”

And that leadership took the Vikings far, too — they went 21-3 last season, were Cross County Conference champions for the second straight year and reached the district championship game, where they lost to eventual state champion Summit Country Day. “It was our second straight undefeated run through the CCC, and the district final was a strong game for us to close out on,” Mack said. “That was a game that we led at halftime. They were just a little better.”

And while the Vikings said goodbye to most of their

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

STAFF PHOTOS/ANTHONY WEBER

A.J. Hickman returns for his sophomore season. Hickman was a big part of the East team that won the Cross County Conference last year. experienced guards, their returners’ strength is definitely on the inside.

Garrett Mitchell — a 6foot-4 senior — will move out to the wing position and will be looked at to provide a bit of everything — especially veteran leadership — and 63 sophomore A.J. Hickman returns after starting in the post as a freshman. Also

returning is 6-4 junior Luke House, who was the first player off the bench last season.

“We have players to build around,” Mack said. “Garrett will move out to wing and hopefully provide scoring, ballhandling, defense — he’s very versatile, and he’ll have to do it all. He was also the CCC Player of the Year dur-

ing baseball season, so he’s just a great athlete.

“A.J. can stretch a defense and be one of our better outside shooters in addition to his skills inside. Both he and Garrett shot better than 50 percent from the field last season. All three of those guys have capabilities both inside and outside.”

Beyond those three,

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though, it will be an open competition for playing time that is still ongoing.

Seniors Michael Harmon and Kevin Jackson will compete for time in the post, while fellow senior Ross Snodgrass will compete for time at guard. Junior Franco Villella and freshman Brandon Mack will be vying for the point guard position, and sophomores Conner Hellyer, Nick Beard and Zack Ostendorf and freshman Braxton Donaldson will add depth to the roster.

“We have a lot of new faces, so we’ll rely heavily on our veterans, our two returning starters, for leadership, scoring, rebounding … and the other guys will all be looking to compete and contribute,” Mack said.

“Hopefully our experience and having some of our top

guys coming back will help carry us.”

And with the strength of the CCC this season, a three-peat will be a tall order for the Vikings.

“Tri-Village lost to Jackson Center in overtime in the district final last year the night after us, and they only lost one senior,” Mack said. “They’re a team that’s pushing hard to compete at the top of the league. And Covington returns its top eight or nine guys and has a lot of experience, Franklin Monroe returns four of its five starters, Bethel returns its top two scorers and Twin Valley South, we beat them in overtime in the last game of the season, and they’ll be in contention.

“We’re going to have our work cut out for us, that’s for sure.”

Vikings say they have ‘unfinished business’

BY JOSH BROWN Sports Editor jbrown@tdnpublishing.com The day after the Miami East volleyball team won its state championship, the players were told that they could take a few days off before going to basketball practice.

The next day, they were on the practice court.

CASSTOWN “That’s just the type of kids they are,” Miami East girls basketball coach Preston Elifritz said. “They want more.”

After a run to the regional championship game last season, the Vikings have the potential to claim the hardware in another sport. And after losing no seniors off of that team that went 24-2 last season, including a Cross County Conference title, Miami East knows that its goal is within reach.

“That feeling is contagious,” Elifritz said. “They know the potential we have, and they want to be a part of that. They know we’re going to have to work for it this year. We’re going to have to fight tooth and nail for every point we get. We won’t be surprising anyone this year.

“We have a big target on our back, and we’ll have to work hard. So here they are.

They just got done playing 30 volleyball matches, and they showed up Monday ready for a new season.”

But the Vikings have

STAFF PHOTO/ANTHONY WEBER

Ashley Current is just one of the players East has returning from a team that finished as the Division III Regional runner-up last season. become accustomed to this routine now.

“Last year, it (winning a first volleyball state title) was a shock to the whole program. Not a shock that they did so well, but a shock in that we didn’t get them in practice until the middle of November,” Elifritz said. “We were prepared for them to do well again this year, and we had some younger girls in their absence that were able to improve on some things and get some one-on-one coaching time.

“Then come Monday, they were all at practice and ready to go. So it was good to see those two units gel right away.”

But it’s not just the returning volleyball players that are bringing an attitude of success to the court.

“Across the board, we have athletes coming from everywhere that have that mentality,” Elifritz said. “The soccer team went to the regional last year and made it to the sectional title game this year, the cross country

2338003

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team went to the regional level. This entire junior and senior class has had this mentality their entire careers.”

And it all starts with the senior captains, Abby Cash, Madison Linn and Leah Dunivan.

“Abby does a little of everything. She’s smart, talented and consistent,” Elifritz said. “Leah is one of the most raw athletic individuals I’ve had the privilege of coaching. She’s a defensive presence, and she does a lot of little things that may not get noticed. Maddie, we asked her to play point guard last year, a role she had not played before. She a good shooter — shot 37.3 percent from 3-point range, second on the team — and distributes the ball well.”

Juniors Trina and Ashley Current are a force to be reckoned with in the paint, and fellow juniors Angie Mack and Emily Kindell are deadly from the outside.

“Trina averaged roughly 13 points and seven rebounds a game last year, and everyone knows about her now,” Elifritz said. “The challenge for her will be taking what the defense gives her. And Ashley is the same way inside. The both can score around the basket and rebound the ball.

“Angie shot 45.3 percent from 3 last year and is a real threat outside. And Emily averaged 7.3 points per game last year, too. When she’s on, she’s on.”

Junior guard Sam

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Skidmore will add depth to the team, as will seniors Tori Nuss and Hannah Davidson.

The first step for the Vikings to building on last year’s success will be defending their CCC title.

“The league was young last year,” Elifritz said. “TriVillage is going to keep coming at you with athletes.

They may have graduated CCC Player of the Year Kayla Linkous, but she was their only senior. And Covington has a new coach that will carry on their tradition, Bradford has got some athletes and will surprise a lot of people. There are some teams that were battling for second, third, fourth place last year that are ready to step up to the next level and compete.”

The Vikings also will take advantage of the two extra games this season — teams can play a 22-game schedule instead of the traditional 20game one — picking up the

team that knocked them out in the regional title game, Anna.

“The state gave us two extra games, so we’re going to look for games that will make us better,” Elifritz said.

“We’re going to Anna — a hostile environment, a tournament atmosphere. We want to get the girls that kind of experience. We’re also going to Wayne, a Division I school that will throw some bigger girls at you.”

Miami East’s girls expect to win, and when that doesn’t happen, it doesn’t sit well. And they haven’t forgotten what it’s like to win a state title in one sport — or what it’s like to come close in another. “(Losing in the regional final) definitely left a bittersweet taste in our mouth,” Elifritz said. “Tying the second-best record in Miami East history, realizing how close we came … the girls say they have some unfinished business.”

2012-13 MIAMI EAST GIRLS SCHEDULE Date Nov. 24 Nov. 29 Dec. 1 Dec. 6 Dec. 8 Dec. 10 Dec. 13 Dec. 15 Dec. 20 Dec. 22 Dec. 27 Jan. 3 Jan. 7 Jan. 10 Jan. 12 Jan. 16 Jan. 19 Jan. 24 Jan. 26 Jan. 31 Feb. 2 Feb. 7 * denotes

H/A Opponent H Butler A Arcanum* H Troy H Bradford* H Fort Loramie H Greenon A Franklin Monroe* H Mississinawa Valley* A Newton* A Anna H Tri-Village* A Ansonia* H Urbana H Bethel* A Covington* A Graham A Tippecanoe H National Trail* A Wayne H Tri-County North* A Versailles A Twin Valley South* CCC game

Time 7:30 p.m.

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8

BETHEL

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

TROY DAILY NEWS • WWW.TROYDAILYNEWS.COM

2012-13 BETHEL BOYS SCHEDULE Date Nov. 30 Dec. 4 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 28 Jan. 4 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 26 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 9 Feb. 15 Feb. 16 * denotes

H/A Opponent A Bradford* A Emmanuel Christian H Arcanum* A Twin Valley South* H Tri-County North* A National Trail* H Milton-Union H Miami East* A Covington* H Piqua A Ansonia* A Northeastern H Tri-Village* H Northridge A Northwestern A Newton* H Greeneview H Mississinawa Valley* A Lehman H Franklin Monroe A Yellow Springs CCC game

Time 8 p.m.

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Bees back for more New coach Glover excited about potential of team

BY JAMES FREEMAN Sports Intern Bethel is looking to pick up the tempo this season and build on a successful 2011 season under new head coach Eric Glover.

The Bees finished last season 16-6 (8-4 Cross County Conference), and Glover is excited the potential of his team.

“We have such a great group of kids,” Glover said. “The atmosphere is exciting here, the kids are hungry and they want to learn and they want to get better. I’m looking for-

ward to bringing the knowledge I have to these guys and taking them to that next level.”

That next level includes a CCC championship, but they will have to jump a couple to get there.

“Miami East is always going to be tough,” Glover said. “Covington, TriVillage and Twin Valley South are all going to be really tough for us.”

The Bees will be moving forward without two key players from last season. Kyle Hamlin and Joe Zimmerman graduated in the offseason, and their

STAFF PHOTO/BEN ROBINSON

Bethel’s Patrick Bain — who has played varsity since he was a freshman — is back for the Bees this year.

BRANDT senior leadership is something Bethel will need to replace. Bethel lost in the second round of the playoffs last year 48-42 to Greenview.

For Bethel to be successful, they will be looking to four upperclassmen —junior Patrick Bain and seniors Gus Schwieterman, Andrew Hurst and Johnny Wills — to carry the team. Bain and Hurst will both be handling the ball as guards and Schwieterman and Wills

will be playing in the post. “(Bain) slashes to the basket, and it is hard to stop him,” Glover said.

“He has developed a really nice jumpshot, and he is the best defender on the team. (Schwieterman) is able to hurt you inside and outside. He didn’t play a lot with his back to the basket last year, but we are working that in.

He is able to step outside and knock the 12-footer down, or he can also knock the 3 down. He is a really good defender — he moves his feet— and he is a really big asset for us.

“(Wills) played a little varsity last year,” Glover said. “He is going to be a force inside.”

With Glover taking over the team, expect to see the team pick up the tempo on offense.

“Last year’s team played slowed-down basketball,” Glover said.

“They did the same thing as everyone else in the league — really slow and take their time. My team is going to be different.

We are going to pressure the basketball, get after it and push the basketball.”

By implementing a

fast-paced tempo, the team has had to prepare for that new style. Bethel is showing intensity in its drills, having more cardiovascular-focused drills, doing more sprints and adding a weight conditioning program to give them the conditioning to be able to play at Glover’s pace.

Along with the added conditioning, Glover feels that his team’s depth will play a major role in his team’s success. With a deep bench and a fast team, Bethel is looking to sprint towards the top of the CCC.

Youth and quickness Bethel coach Quincel hopes team can utilize strengths

BY JAMES FREEMAN Sports Intern Bethel had its fair share of struggles last season, finishing 2-18 and losing in the first round of the playoffs to Tri-Village — who reached the Division IV State semifinal round — 73-34.

BRANDT Eighth-year coach Ed Quincel will be relying on youth and quickness this season to turn last year’s struggles around.

“We have some girls on the team that have had some time,” Quincel said.

“But I basically only have one girl back.”

That girl — junior Emily Mongaraz — will have to help the young team grow quickly if it hopes to improve upon last year.

“It’s going to be important for (Mongaraz) to be the vocal leader,” Quincel said. “She is going to need to keep the girls focused on the task at hand and not let them get too high or get too low. She has to set the tone for how to play.”

And how the Bees play will have to be fast and inyour-face.

“We are going to have to do a lot of learning very quickly. We are going to have to take advantage of some of the assets we do have. We are a quick team, and we have the opportunity to be a very aggressive team. Not necessarily a physical team, but an aggressive team. I’m hoping

STAFF PHOTOS/ANTHONY WEBER

Bethel graduated Katelyn Koger (45) and Krista Burchett (23). With the loss of several key players, young players will need to step up for the Bees this season. that we can put those qualities together.”

Youth is going to be Bethel’s biggest obstacle this season. The Bees are going to have to overcome losing players like Katelyn Cripps, Krista Burchett, Katelyn Koger and Mandy Shoopman. The team will have to lean on Mongaraz’s experience and learn how to play at the varsity level.

“We only have one junior, five sophomores and eight freshman, so we are looking for somebody to step up and be a leader in that group,” Quincel said. “Each day we hit the floor to practice, each day we hit the floor to have a game, we just want to be a little bit better than we were the last time we were on the floor.”

With such a young team,

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a lot of girls are going to be given an opportunity to play when — at most schools — they normally wouldn’t.

“A lot of girls are being asked to jump from eighth grade to varsity,” Quincel said.

Quincel will be looking to sophomore guard Jill Callahan to be a key player for his team this year. He is also hoping for key contributions from sophomores Breanne Whetstone, Morgan Weinert and Briana Anthony.

And with teams like Miami East and Tri-Village in the Cross County Conference, they are going to need contributions from everyone to be competitive.

“Miami East has got to be the favorite in the CCC

with everybody coming back,” Quincel said. “After them you’re looking at TriVillage and Franklin Monroe as the top three. Covington might even be a sleeper.”

Quincel and his coaches have been very impressed with the effort their young group has been exhibiting in practice, and they hope that will carry over to the court.

“It hasn’t always been the right thing to do, but whatever they are doing, they are doing it hard,” Quincel said. “That’s something we have been lacking the last few years. They don’t know all of the right things to do, but they are pushing it when we are running drills and have been more physical than we are used to.

The few older girls we do have are seeing that and see that they need to step it up, too.”

Brianna Anthony (15) is one of the few returning players for the Bees this year.

2012-13 BETHEL GIRLS SCHEDULE

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Date Nov. 27 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 8 Dec. 13 Dec. 15 Dec. 20 Dec. 28 Jan. 3 Jan. 7 Jan. 10 Jan. 12 Jan. 14 Jan. 17 Jan. 21 Jan. 24 Jan. 26 Jan. 28 Jan. 31 Feb. 7 Feb. 9 * denotes

H/A Opponent Time H Emmanuel Christian 7 p.m.

A Franklin Monroe* 7 p.m.

A Mississinawa Valley* 7 p.m.

A Troy Christian 4:30 p.m.

H Newton* 7 p.m.

A Tri-Village* 12:30 p.m.

H Ansonia* 7 p.m.

H Milton-Union 6 p.m.

H Covington* 7 p.m.

A Southeastern 7:30 p.m.

A Miami East* 7 p.m.

H National Trail* 1:30 p.m.

A Madison Plains 7:30 p.m.

A Tri-County North* 7: p.m.

A Northeastern 7:30 p.m.

H Twin Valley South* 7 p.m.

H Riverside 1:30 p.m.

H Northwestern 7 p.m.

A Arcanum* 7 p.m.

H Bradford* 7 p.m.

A Brookville 1:30 p.m.

CCC game

TROY DAILY NEWS • WWW.TROYDAILYNEWS.COM

NEWTON

All about confidence Fisher wants kids to believe they can win

BY COLIN FOSTER Sports Writer cfoster@tdnpublishing.com Having been around basketball for as long as he has, Newton coach Steve Fisher — who has also coached at Covington and won a Division IV State title at Bethel in 2002 — has learned a thing or two about winning games.

One key aspect that he knows about winning is that it starts with confidence, and that’s something Fisher wants his players to grasp going forward.

PLEASANT HILL

9

2012-13 NEWTON BOYS SCHEDULE Date Dec. 1 Dec. 7 Dec. 8 Dec. 14 Dec. 15 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 22 Dec. 29 Jan. 4 Jan. 5 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 19 Jan. 25 Feb. 1 Feb. 2 Feb. 8 Feb. 9 Feb. 12 Feb. 15 * denotes

H/A Opponent A Houston A Mississinawa Valley* H Lehman A Franklin Monroe* H Fairlawn H Bradford* A Arcanum* A Covington H Dixie H Twin Valley South* A Xenia Christian A Tri-County North* H National Trail* A Miami East* H Stivers H Covington* H Bethel* H Milton-Union A Ansonia* A Bradford* A Russia H Tri-Village CCC game

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“The first thing we need to do is develop confidence,” Fisher said. “I mean we talked about changing the culture at Newton — and I think confidence to win is the first thing we really need to develop.”

And with several seniors back, including threeyear starting point guard Daniel Vance, this may be the group to get Newton in contention again.

Vance has been bothered by a knee injury that he suffered during soccer season. He is expected to be back soon enough, and Fisher hopes he can pick right up where he left off during the summer.

“He had a really, really good summer,” Fisher said.

“I thought he was one of the best players in the area during the summer, and I thought he was the best player at our team camp. I feel he’s really starting to take on the leadership role.

“He was going to be a focal point of offense, but we haven’t had him during preseason. I think he’s really going to be a big boost when he gets back.”

The other key seniors are Bobby Gerodimos, who has started for three years, Cole Adams, who also has starting experience, and David Brauer.

“Those four kids have

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Newton’s Daniel Vance drives to the hole during a game against Covington last season. Vance is one of the Newton’s key returning players this year. really got to step up and play,” Fisher said. “If we’re going to have a good season, which we’re capable of having, these four need to take charge and lead.

“Cole had a really good summer. He was probably the second-best player for us during the summer. He also needs to work on his consistency. Bobby struggled with some knee issues when he was younger. But I think with those two, how good we are really depends on how they develop consistency. They have shown flashes in the last two years, but just need to show consistency.”

The Indians also have a

senior in 6-foot-5 post player Branden Walters.

“He has lots of potential,” Fisher said. “He’s big and he gives us a post presence. I think he will be hard to guard in the post.

He just needs to convince himself he can be a big contributor for us.”

Junior Ryan Hines will start for the Indians and gives the team an element it hasn’t had in a while.

“Ryan finally gives us someone who can spread the floor and make people guard the perimeter. He’s a very, very good shooter on the perimeter.”

While Vance has been out, freshman Brady

McBride and junior Tyler Filbrun have been splitting the duties at point.

The duo has performed well in Vance’s absence, and Fisher thinks they will both be solid contributors this season.

“Brady is a really good shooter and a good ball handler. He’s done a good job filling in, but he’s just a freshman. I think he will be excellent player for us as the year progresses.

Tyler Filbrun has had a very nice preseason. He has been a pleasant surprise for us. He played really well in our first scrimmage.

“But once we get Vance

back, I think those guys can come off bench.”

Fisher thinks this team has more depth than Newton squads in the past. And having more depth this season will allow the Indians to play the style Fisher wants to play.

“We would like to get the ball down the floor faster and be more of an up-tempo team,” Fisher said. “We felt last year that we just kind of banged our heads up against the wall and were forced to play in the half court. We just weren’t good enough to run last year.

“This year we’ll run some zone and a little man-to-man. We would like to pressure certain teams, because now we can go seven or eight deep, and we haven’t been able to do that the last few years.”

The Indians had a seesaw 2011 season, finishing

and losing to 9-12 Springfield Central Catholic in the first round of the tournament.

Although Newton’s success largely hinges on having confidence to close out games this year, there are other areas in the offseason they worked on to prepare.

“We’ve really concentrated on conditioning, execution and making sure we are eliminating all of our mistakes,” Fisher said.

“All of those things are going to help us down the stretch of games.

“There were five games last year when we were leading going into the fourth, and we ended up losing those games by three or four points. So our execution in the final quarter is something we are going to be better at.”

The Indians open the season Dec. 1, traveling to play Houston.

Hans debuts as Newton’s girls head coach Indians want to compete with CCC’s top teams

2012-13 NEWTON GIRLS SCHEDULE Date Nov. 23 Nov. 27 Nov. 29 Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6 Dec. 8 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 22 Dec. 27 Jan. 3 Jan. 8 Jan. 10 Jan. 17 Jan. 19 Jan. 24 Jan. 29 Jan. 31 Feb. 2 Feb. 5 * denotes

It’s Neal Hans’ first year as Newton girls head coach.

But Hans, who served as the school’s head boys coach for five years and has spent the last two seasons as a girls assistant to Ken Ford, is no stranger to Newton basketball.

PLEASANT HILL In his debut as girls coach, he will be coaching a group that has little varsity experience collectively. The nucleus of the team, however, does consist of a few upperclassmen and a bevy of underclassmen with promising potential.

“We’re pretty young,” Hans said. “We’ve got some good girls coming up through the program. If we can keep them all in the program — I mean we’ve got six sophomores and seven freshmen, we only have four girls in the upper two grades — we should be able to compete.”

The Indians’ most experienced player is senior point guard Trista Lavy, while seniors Marissa Kleman and Kasey Thompson also bring experience to the table.

“Trista basically has handled the point since the middle of her freshman year,” Hans said. “So she’s really experienced at the point guard position. She’s a good ball handler.

“We can count on her and Marissa Kleman to be good senior leaders because they have more time on varsity.

Both will provide good lead-

OHIO COMMUNITY MEDIA PHOTO/MIKE ULLERY

Newton’s Trelissa Lavy returns for her sophomore season. ership for the team.”

Still, with a slew of young players, Hans expects playing time to be up for grabs.

Sophomore Trelissa Lavy, who split time between JV and varsity last season, is one of those vying for a spot in the top seven. Hans said sophomore Madison Tebics is expected to be the team’s defensive-stopper.

“She’s a defensive wiz,” Hans said. “She is tough on

defense. She’s not big, she is small — but as quick as can be. She will give people trouble on ‘D.’ “She also can be one of our better offensive players too.”

Those in contention for playing time in the post are Megan Rutledge and Allison Wise. Rounding out the girls who could see time in the rotation are sophomore Laura Burden, who Hans

said ‘could be a good player for us,’ junior guard Halee Mollette and Madison Mollette.

Hans hopes his team can gain experience and winning habits going against the always-competitive Cross County Conference, which includes good teams from top to bottom, including Covington, Tri-Village and Miami East, who finished as Division III Regional run-

H/A Opponent H Bradford A Troy Christian A Tri-Village* A Xenia Christian H Northridge H Ansonia* A Dixie A Bethel* H Miami East* H Covington A National Trail* A Tri-County North* H Stivers A Twin Valley South* H Bradford* H Houston H Franklin* H Arcanum* A Mississinawa Valley* A Covington* A Milton-Union CCC game

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ner-up last year.

“Miami East has got to be the frontrunner,” Hans said.

“They are so big. Tri-Village lost a really good player, but they still have a lot of good girls in the program. Those two are definitely the class of the league.

“I think we can compete with everybody. I think we’re going to win our share. We’ll have to try to get up and

down the floor and put pressure on people. If we aren’t successful at those two things, we probably won’t be performing at the level we’re capable of. I hope we’re in the upper third of our league.”

The Indians get a shot at CCC competition right away, hosting the Bradford Railroaders on Nov. 23 to open the season.

10

COVINGTON

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

TROY DAILY NEWS • WWW.TROYDAILYNEWS.COM

Pond takes over for long-time Bucc coach Covington roster is packed with seniors

BY JOSH BROWN Sports Editor jbrown@tdnpublishing.com For years, Roger Craft has been Covington basketball.

And when he stepped down in the offseason, he wanted to make sure the program maintained the

COVINGTON excellence and integrity it had enjoyed under his tenure.

So he tapped former Tippecanoe coach and longtime Covington resident Matt Pond. “That’s something I want to continue on.

He (Craft) did things the

2012-13 COVINGTON BOYS SCHEDULE Date H/A Opponent Dec. 8 A Versailles Dec. 14 H Tri-County North* Dec. 18 H National Trail* Dec. 21 A Miami East* Dec. 22 H Newton* (No JV) Dec. 28-29 A Piqua Tourney Jan. 5 H Milton-Union Jan. 11 H Bethel* Jan. 12 H New Bremen Jan. 15 A Ansonia* Jan. 18 H Tri Village* Jan. 19 A Houston A Marion Local Jan. 22 Jan. 25 A Newton* Jan. 26 A Twin Valley South* Jan. 29 A Arcanum* Feb. 1 H Mississinawa Valley* H Coldwater Feb. 2 Feb. 8 A Franklin Monroe* Feb. 9 A Anna Feb. 17 H Bradford* * denotes CCC game

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right way, and that’s something I want to build on,” Pond said. “He and I are both good friends, and he really helped make it a smooth transition.

“It’s good to be home. I was at Tipp for around 20 years, and I lived here most of that time. It will be exciting for us.”

And one thing that has made Pond feel right at home in practice leading up to the winter season?

Missing players due to a lengthy football postseason run.

“A little bit,” he said when asked how used to it he was from his time at Tippecanoe — which has a lengthy streak of reaching the playoffs, as well. “The majority of our kids here are in football.

We had to do this some over at Tipp as well, so it’s not shocking. I have a couple of players right now, but very few.”

Pond doesn’t mind, though. He knows that going far in the playoffs will translate to the basketball floor.

“The success we’re having in football right now is only going to help us,” he said. “Those pressure situations these kids get into in football will pay dividends for us come January, February and March.”

And when those players return, Pond will have a very veteran lineup to work with.

Seniors Dylan and Cole Owens, Alex Baskerville, Ryan Craft, Troy Cron, Austin Angle, Gabe Moehler, Cody Adams and Trent Tobias all return for the Buccaneers. Juniors Bobby Alexander, Andre Benedict, Tyler and Seth Clark and Tyler Henry will also compete for playing time.

“It’s a senior-loaded team,

STAFF PHOTOS/BEN ROBINSON

Covington’s Cole Owens returns for his senior season. for sure,” Pond said. “I’ll know more once I get them in the gym. I had them for a while over the summer, too, but it’s been five months.”

But anyone that’s seen a Tippecanoe basketball in the last decade plus will know what to expect from the Buccs this year.

“My style isn’t going to change, just the colors on the uniform,” Pond said. “We’ll have a lot of pressure on defense, and the big kids will fall right into our motion philosophy offensively. We had small, quick teams there, and we had big kids there. The kids here will fit

exactly into what we want to do.

“We’ll do that (transition from defense to offense quickly) as much as possible, but if there’s no good, easy looks, we’ll run our offense until we get what we want.”

And what the Buccs want to do is improve on a 10-11 season that saw them get bounced in the first round of the playoffs by a fellow Cross County Conference rival, Bethel. And while Pond is familiar with the league, he’s been more of an observer — and is excited about the chance to be a part of it.

“I’ve viewed it from the

outside looking in,” he said of the CCC. “I think it’s an excellent basketball league from top to bottom. There’s a lot of great coaches, a lot of great athletes, and it’s exciting to come in and be a part of it.

“Every night is going to be a challenge. We’ll just have to take it one game at a time.”

And while replacing a legend like Craft may be a tall order, the Buccs can rest assured that they’ve found the person that is ready for the challenge.

“It’s good to be home,” Pond said.

New coach Gooding excited about future

BY ROB KISER Ohio Community Media rkiser@dailycall.com For the first time in more than 20 years, the Covington girls basketball team will have new face at the end of the bench leading the team.

Gene Gooding has replaced long-time Bucc coach Chris Besecker, who won 344 games in 23 years.

“Coach Besecker did an outstanding job with this program,” Gooding said. “They have a great tradition. That is one of the things that excited me about the job.”

And in his short time at Covington, it has been everything Gooding expected.

“Everyone has welcomed me and been very positive,” Gooding said. “I can’t say enough about that.”

The Buccs are coming off two district final appearances in the last three years, but gone are much of the offense in double figure scorers Julianna Simon and Shelby Kihm and four

COVINGTON starters.

Combine that with Gooding getting the job in June and it made for a very busy summer.

“They were already in a summer league and we had a week of camp,” Gooding said. “I got to know the girls very quickly.”

And he admits, both for him and the players, that process in still ongoing.

“I will know a lot better in a couple weeks, who is going to be playing where,” Gooding said in a preseason interview. “I think we are getting better every day in practice and I am excited about the season.”

Covington will be a mix of experience and youth.

Along with returning point guard Heidi Snipes, a 5-foot-6 senior, the other seniors include returning lettermen Jessie Shilt, a 5-8 wing, 55 Rachel Carder, 5-5 Kayleigh Cecil, 5-4 Brittanie Flora, 5-4 Jamie Crowell and 5-4

2012-13 COVINGTON GIRLS SCHEDULE Date H/A Opponent Nov. 23 H Houston Nov. 24 A Fairlawn Nov. 29 A Bradford* Dec. 1 H Versailles Dec. 6 H Franklin Monroe* Dec. 13 A Mississinawa Valley* Dec. 15 H Ansonia* Dec. 20 A Tri Village* Dec. 22 H Newton* Dec.28-29 A Piqua Holiday Jan. 3 A Bethel* Jan. 5 A Jackson Center Jan. 7 H Milton-Union Jan. 12 H Miami East* Jan. 17 A National Trail* Jan. 19 A Marion Local Jan. 24 A Tri-County North* Jan. 28 H Russia Jan. 31 H Twin Valley South* Feb. 2 A Newton Feb. 7 H Arcanum* * denotes CCC game

Time 7:30 p.m.

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Ashley Albright.

“We don’t have a lot of experience, but we have great senior leadership,” Gooding said.

The juniors include Jackie Siefring, a 5-10 transfer from Russia; and 5-8 Morgan McReynolds.

“Jackie (Siefring) is a girl that is going to help us a lot,” Gooding said.

“We are excited about what she can do.”

The sophomores are 58 Cassidy Cain, 5-2 Heidi Cron, 5-1 Jessica Dammeyer and 5-5 Ariel Robinson.

Rounding out the roster is 5-3 freshman Jessie Crowell.

Cain started some games for the Buccs last year, before being slowed by an injury.

“Cass (Cassidy Cain) is going to be a good player for us,” Gooding said. “We have some good young talent. Jessie Crowell is a very talented player.”

This will be a different Covington team for a number of reasons.

With two 6-1 players (Shelby Kihm, Caitlyn Crawford) graduating, along with 5-11 Julianna Simon, this Buccs team is very different size-wise.

And because of that it will be a very different style of basketball.

“We will play uptempo,” Gooding said. “We will try and get some easy baskets in transition. We will play mostly man defense.”

And he said the transition has not been as difficult as you might think.

“When we have the Heidis (Heidi Snipes, Heidi Cron) at guard, we are very quick and have been able to get some easy baskets,” he said.

“We graduated a lot of our scoring. That is one thing we have talked with the girls about. Some girls are going to have to step up. And we have some girls that have done that.”

Another change this year is the Buccs will play in the Buckeye

OHIO COMMUNITY MEDIA PHOTO/MIKE ULLERY

Covington will miss the size of post player Shelby Kihm, who graduated, along with the 6-foot-1 Caitlyn Crawford.

Insurance Group Holiday Classic at Piqua, playing the host Indians in the first round.

“I think the kids are excited about it,” Gooding said. “Usually, you don’t get the chance to win a championship until the end of the season and we will have a chance mid-

year. And there is nothing worse than going the holiday break without playing any games. So, that is another good thing.”

Along with a strong conference that includes state semifinalist TriVillage and regional finalist Miami East from last year, the Lady Buccs

will continue to play a strong non-conference schedule.

“We have Versailles early and we play Jackson Center,” Gooding said. “We are definitely going to be tested.”

With a new coach who is very excited about the future of the program.

PIQUA

TROY DAILY NEWS • WWW.TROYDAILYNEWS.COM

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

11

Piqua coach Butler seeing improvement 3 wing Colton Bachman.

“You can see he is advanced (as a freshman),” Butler said. “He has played a lot of basketball and he has good size. Those things are why he is able to be on varsity.”

Butler said Piqua will be a little different style this year.

“We will be more uptempo,” he said. “One of the reasons for that is we match up better and we are pretty athletic and quick.”

Butler said the Greater Western Ohio Conference North Division could be wide open.

“Trotwood-Madison is always going to be there,” he said. “Troy graduated a lot of guys, but Tim (Miller) does a nice job with them. Sidney beat us twice last year and their coach is doing a nice job up there.

Vandalia-Butler

BY ROB KISER Ohio Community Media rkiser@dailycall.com Second-year boys basketball coach Heath Butler knew turning the program around would not happen overnight.

And he also knows there are specific things that have to happen for that improvement to come.

And Butler is already seeing a lot of those signs with this year’s Piqua team.

PIQUA “We have a lot of guys playing a lot of basketball in the offseason,” Butler said. “We have guys playing AAU basketball. I think it helps with me being a football coach and being around some of those guys. It is tough for them to find time in the summer, but you can do it.”

It is not the only reason Butler is optimistic about this year’s teams.

“I think we can match up a lot better with other teams,” he said. “We can put different lineups out there. I feel like we are in a lot better position to do that this year.”

The seniors on the team include three returning letterwinners and one newcomer.

Ryan Hughes, a 6-foot-2 wing, and 6-4 post Josh Holfinger were both starters last year, while 6-1 guard Luke Karn saw a lot of playing time after coming back from an injury.

Joining the team this year is 6-0 guard Dorian Ashe.

Holfinger averaged 6.8 points and 4.1 rebounds, while Hughes scored 6 points and pulled down 4.9 rebounds per game.

“I expect Josh (Holfinger) to give us presence in the post,” Butler

graduated a lot, but they are always going to be good. Greenville has a freshman that is going to be really good. He started at quarterback for them in football, so I expect them to be better.”

Butler hopes Piqua can be right in there.

“Right now, we are focused on the first game with Wapakoneta,” he said.

“Then, we have Tipp, Centerville and then jump right into North play with Butler. We hope to be right in there (in the North). I really think the team that improves the most as the season goes on is the team that is going to win the North.”

One thing Butler is sure of — Piqua is already doing the right things to turn things around — and he expects much improvement on last year’s 4-17 record.

2012-13 PIQUA BOYS SCHEDULE

OHIO COMMUNITY MEDIA PHOTO/MIKE ULLERY

Piqua’s Luke Karn returns this season. said. “We have some more size this year, which will allow us to move Ryan (Hughes) out to his natural position. Luke (Karn) has a lot of experience at the guard position and came back and played well after the injury. Dorian is new to the team this year.”

The juniors include two of the best players off the JV team in 5-9 point guard Xavier Harrison and leading scorer Daniel Monnin, a 6-1 forward. Also moving up are 6-1 guard Jacob

Sowry and 5-11 guard Bailey Lyons.

“Dan (Monnin) has been a very good player on the JV team,” Butler said.

“Xavier (Harrison) can handle the ball and is a very athletic player. His quickness is going to help us. Bailey Lyons is also moving up from the JV team. Jacob (Sowry) has an ACL injury, but we are hoping he is going to be able to play some.”

Butler feels very good about the three youngest

players on the squad.

The sophomores are 6-7 post Erik Vondenhuevel and 5-10 guard Tate Honeycutt.

“Erik gives us another big body inside,” Butler said. “With him and Josh (Holfinger), that is going to allow us to match up with teams better.

Tate (Honeycutt) is the leading scorer off the freshman team. So we have the JV (Daniel Monnin) and freshman leading scorers.”

The lone freshman is 6-

Date Nov. 30 Dec. 4 Dec. 7 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 27 Dec. 28 Dec. 29 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 25 Jan. 26 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 8 Feb. 9 Feb. 15 * denotes

H/A Opponent A Wapakoneta A Tippecanoe H Centerville A Springfield A Butler* H Stebbins H Sidney H Holiday Classic H Holiday Classic H Holiday Classic A Greenville* A Trotwood* H Troy* A Bethel H Butler* A Sidney* A Greeneview H Fairborn H Greenville* H Trotwood* A Lebanon A Troy* GWOC North game

Time 7:30 p.m.

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Indians aim for consistency this year Coach Hoke looks to improve on 6-15 record from last season

BY ROB KISER Ohio Community Media rkiser@dailycall.com As Piqua varsity basketball coach Rory Hoke looks to improve on last year’s 615 record, he uses the “C” word a lot.

Consistency.

“If we can be consistent shooting the ball,” Hoke said.

“If we can be consistent handling pressure. If we can consistently play good defense.

Those things are all going to be key for us.”

The Indians suffered a blow before the season even started when Hannah Mowery — one of just two seniors on the roster — tore her ACL in soccer and will miss the season.

The 5-foot-4 point guard saw action in 19 games a year ago.

“That was a big loss for us,” Hoke said. “Especially, where our ball handling is concerned.”

The Indians feature a

PIQUA good mix of veteran players and newcomers off a very good JV team from a year ago.

“Christy (Graves) has played four years,” Hoke said. “Macy (Yount) and Katie (Allen) are playing for the third year. Janise Hummel would be a threeyear lettermen if it hadn’t been for a knee injury as a freshman. Tasha (Potts) is playing her second and did a lot for us last year (as a freshman).

“The thing we will miss with Maddie (Hilleary), Kelsey (Deal) and Imari (Witten) is the intensity they brought on defense.”

Graves, a four-year starter, is 6-0 and has the versatility to play almost anywhere on the court.

She was second on the team in scoring (6.8) and rebounding (4.6) last year and led the team in blocked shots.

2012-13 PIQUA GIRLS SCHEDULE Date Nov. 23 Nov. 24 Nov. 28 Dec. 1 Dec. 3 Dec. 5 Dec. 8 Dec. 12 Dec. 17 Dec. 19 Dec. 22 Dec. 28 Dec. 29 Jan. 5 Jan. 9 Jan. 16 Jan. 19 Jan. 23 Jan. 30 Feb. 2 Feb. 6 Feb. 9 * denotes

H/A Opponent A Graham A Thurgood Marshall A Fairborn H Urbana A Bethel* H Lebanon H St. Marys Memorial A Centerville A Stebbins H Springfield H Butler* H Holiday Classic H Holiday Classic A Sidney* A Greenville* H Trotwood* A Troy* A Butler* H Sidney* H Greenville* A Trotwood* H Troy* GWOC North game

Time 7:30 p.m.

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“Christy (Graves) can do a lot of different things for us,” Hoke said.

The Indians have a huge junior class.

Three that figure to play prominent roles include 5-5 guard Macy Yount, 5-5 guard Janise Hummel and 5-7 guard Katie Allen.

Yount can be a weapon with her 3-point shooting ability.

“She definitely gives us the ability to score from the perimeter,” Hoke said. “We are expecting a lot from her.”

Hummel looks to have regained the quickness from a knee injury two years ago, while Allen is another player versatile enough to play inside or out at the point.

“If we can keep Janise (Hummel) healthy, she can be a great defensive player,” Hoke said. “She can really created problems and force turnovers. Katie (Allen) is going to help us at the point.

She can do a lot of different things for us.”

Rounding out the juniors are 5-3 Teija Davis, 5-10 Chelsea Hill, 5-7 Heidi Strevell, 5-4 Danajha Clemons, 5-5 Conner Brown and 5-5 Ale Painter.

“Danajha (Clemons) is coming off a knee injury,” Hoke said. “Teija (Davis) gives us a lot of hustle and spark. Chelsea is a strong post player. They all will contribute.”

The sophomores include 5-9 Tasha Potts, coming off a strong freshman season and three key players off the JV team that won the GWOC North last year.

“Tasha (Potts) really did a lot for us last year,” Hoke said. “She is a strong player inside and is going to do a lot for us.”

The other sophomores are 5-9 post Morgan Grunkemeyer, 5-5 guard Hannah Went and 5-5 guard Frannie Haney.

“Morgan (Grunkemeyer) will play mainly in the post,” Hoke said. “She is a good shooter and has good quick-

OHIO COMMUNITY MEDIA PHOTO/MIKE ULLERY

Piqua’s Tasha Potts is back for the Indians this season. ness. Frannie (Haney) is a real good shooter and ballhandler. Hannah (Went) is a girl who is extremely quick and plays aggressive.”

Piqua will be part of the first Buckeye Insurance Group Girls Holiday Tournament this year, played at the same time as the boys in Garbry Gymnasium.

“It is great to have that opportunity,” Hoke said. “We are looking forward to that.

We just have to survive the early schedule and not get our heads down.”

Piqua opens with road games against Graham, Thurgood Marshall and Fairborn.

“Then we come home and play an Urbana team that can really shoot the ball,” Hoke said. “It is a brutal

start to the season. We just have to keep our heads up.”

Hoke expects the GWOC North to be as competitive as ever.

“Sidney has their three big girls back,” he said. “Troy is probably the most confident and they have the Player of the Year back in Kristen Wood. That is always a plus to have a good

point guard. Greenville has the Gallaway girl. Vandalia lost a lot of people, but they are always strong.

“Troy is probably the team everyone looks at. But, I think Vandalia and Sidney can be right in there and hopefully, we can, too. We need to be able to play for four quarters.”

With consistency.

Good Luck!

2338421

I-75 Exit 82 • Piqua • 937-773-1225

12

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

LEHMAN

Living for postseason Lehman hopes to be at its best in March

BY ROB KISER Ohio Community Media rkiser@dailycall.com This season is already a success for the Lehman boys basketball team.

The number 4 uniform is being filled once again

by Connor Richard, who was seriously injured in a car accident last season and was told at the time he might not play again.

SIDNEY “It is just great to see him out here, let alone basketball,” playing Lehman coach Isaiah Williams said. “It is amazing how far he has come.

It is definitely a motivator for the other kids, because they know what he has been through.”

In fact, the 5-foot-9 senior guard who is always a threat from 3point range, has come back so far he is currently in the starting lineup.

“Right now, he is 100 percent,” Williams said. “I think he is just going to get better. He is getting better every day in practice. It is amazing where he is at.”

The Lehman starting lineup will include sophomores Jackson Frantz (62) and Greg Spearman (61), 5-11 junior Drew Westerheide, 6-4 junior James Rego and Richard.

“Those are the five guys we are going with right now,” Williams said.

“But we don’t have a set lineup.”

OHIO COMMUNITY MEDIA PHOTO/MIKE ULLERY

Lehman’s Drew Westerheide will start for the Cavaliers this season.

The remaining seniors include 6-5 post Michael Jacob, 6-0 guard Tharron Goins and 6-1 guard Dylan Long. The juniors off the bench are 6-0 John Husa, 6-2 Josh Smith, 6-7 Nathan Hall and 5-8 Seth

Bensman and rounding the roster is 6-1 sophomore Nick Rourke.

“The thing is we have a lot of varsity experience,” Williams said. “We have a lot of guys returning who have played.”

But the Cavaliers did lose much of their offense, including the dynamic duo of Alex Baker and Solomon King-White, who combined for almost 50 points a game last year.

“We lost a lot of our

TROY DAILY NEWS • WWW.TROYDAILYNEWS.COM

2012-13 LEHMAN BOYS SCHEDULE Date Nov. 30 Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 14 Dec. 15 Dec. 21 Dec. 22 Dec. 28 Dec. 29 Jan. 4 Jan. 5 Jan. 11 Jan. 12 Jan. 19 Jan. 22 Jan. 26 Feb. 1 Feb. 8 Feb. 9 Feb. 12 Feb. 15 Feb. 19

H/A H A A A A H A A A H H A A A H H A H H H A H

Opponent Time Minster 7:30 p.m.

Ridgemont 7:30 p.m.

Newton 7:30 p.m.

Jackson Center 8:15 p.m.

Riverside 7:30 p.m.

Versailles 7:30 p.m.

Miami East 7:30 p.m.

Holiday Classic (at Piqua) TBA Holiday Classic (at Piqua) TBA Franklin Monroe 7:30 p.m.

Catholic Central 7:30 p.m.

Fort Loramie 8 p.m.

Temple Christian 7:30 p.m.

Sidney 7:30 p.m.

Waynesfield-Goshen 7:30 p.m.

Houston 7:30 p.m.

Troy Christian 7:30 p.m.

Anna 7:30 p.m.

Bethel 7:30 p.m.

Tri-Village 7:30 p.m.

Upper Scioto Valley 7:30 p.m.

St. Marys Memorial 7:30 p.m.

scoring,” Williams said. “I expect us to be a very balanced team last year.”

Along with that, KingWhite was the floor leader and it was not unusual for him to record triple-doubles.

“We are going to do point guard by committee,” Williams said. “I think we have a lot of good athletes.”

Lehman will still be an uptempo team.

“We are going to get up and down the floor,” Williams said. “I think we have pretty good depth.”

And once again, pressure defense will be a big part of that.

“We will play defense all the way to the bus in the parking lot after the game,” Williams said with a smile.

While the Cavaliers don’t play in a league, they face a competitive schedule and again play in the B.I.G. Holiday

Classic in Piqua.

“We like having the opportunity to play in that tournament,” Williams said. “We play whoever coach Roll (athletic director Richard Roll) puts on the schedule.

I am sure it will be a strong schedule like it always is.”

Next year, Lehman will become a member of the league the football team played in this year.

“We will be an associate member,” Williams said. “We will be eligible for all-league awards and things like that. The kids are excited about that.”

But for now, the focus is already on the postseason.

“That’s what we are playing for,” Williams said. “We want to be the best team we can be in February and March.”

Most importantly, No. 4 will again be a big part of that.

Miller takes over for Cavaliers

BY ROB KISER Ohio Community Media rkiser@dailycall.com Lehman Catholic firstyear girls basketball coach Kim Miller knows not being hired until the summer has put the program behind.

But she sees progress from the Cavaliers on a daily basis as they prepare for the season.

“We only had a couple open gyms in the summer because of my late hiring,” she said. “But we have already seen tremendous growth from this team. We made a lot of improvement from our first scrimmage and feel like we can have a lot of success.”

Miller admits the first step will be increasing the numbers. Lehman has just 11 girls in the program this year.

“We are playing a varsity only schedule,” she said.

“We have scheduled some other (JV) games for our girls to play.”

Junior guard Julia Harrelson probably brings the most experience to a team that has no seniors.

She saw valuable playing time as a freshman, before starting last year.

The other juniors include Jenna Kronneberg and Jordi Emrick.

“We probably do (expect a lot from Julia Harrelson),” Miller said.

“But really, we feel like all the juniors have given us great leadership. Jenna (Kronneberg) missed last season with an ACL injury.”

The sophomores are Brooke Jones and Ava Schmitz.

“Brooke (Jones) and Ava (Schmitz) both saw a lot of playing time last year,” Miller said. “Along with Julia, they are the girls that saw quite a bit of playing time.”

Rounding out the rosOHIO COMMUNITY MEDIA PHOTO/MIKE ULLERY ter are freshman Kendall Lehman sophomore Ava Schmitz should have an expanded role for the Eck, Taylor Schmidt, Allie Cavaliers this season.

Hall, Emmalae Rego,

SIDNEY Marianne Hissong and Cassie Lee. “With not having a JV team, they are all going to be able to get playing time,” Miller said.

Miller said the Cavaliers have not decided on their style of play just yet.

“We want to do something to play to our strengths,” she said. “We have a lot of quick, athletic girls, so hopefully we can take advanatage of that to get some easy baskets.”

As always, Lehman will

play a very strong schedule.

“We do have a lot of tough teams on there,” Miller said. “But, we feel like these girls are going to be ready for it and be very competitive. Next year, we will have a chance to compete for a league title and we are excited about that.”

Right now, Miller just wants to grow the program.

“We want to continue to build the program and keep getting better,” Miller said.

Something, she has already seen on a daily basis.

Good Luck Teams!

SC

Collectibles

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937-773-0950

2338424

2012-13 LEHMAN GIRLS SCHEDULE Date Nov. 23 Nov. 24 Nov. 29 Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 11 Dec. 15 Dec. 18 Dec. 22 Dec. 28 Dec. 29 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 12 Jan. 15 Jan. 17 Jan. 19 Jan. 26 Jan. 31 Feb. 2 Feb. 5 Feb. 9

H/A H A A A H H H A H A A H H A A H H H A A H H

Opponent Time Riverside 7:30 p.m.

Sidney 7 p.m.

Houston 7:30 p.m.

Minster 2:30 p.m.

Fairlawn 2:30 p.m.

Marion Local 7:30 p.m.

Saint Henry 2:30 p.m.

Upper Scioto Valley 7:30 p.m.

Ridgemont 2:30 p.m.

Holiday Classic (at Piqua) TBA Holiday Classic (at Piqua) TBA Fort Loramie 8 p.m.

St. Marys Memorial 7:30 p.m.

Versailles 1:30 p.m.

Catholic Central 7:30 p.m.

Jackson Center 7:30 p.m.

Anna 2:30 p.m.

New Bremen 2:30 p.m.

Troy Christian 7 p.m.

New Knoxville 2:30 p.m.

Tri-Village 7:30 p.m.

Bradford 12:30 p.m.

TROY DAILY NEWS • WWW.TROYDAILYNEWS.COM

BRADFORD

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

13

Case takes over at Bradford

BY JAMES FREEMAN Sports Intern

2012-13 BRADFORD BOYS SCHEDULE

First-year head coach Jeff Case is a perfect example for his players that hard work really does pay off.

After 14 years of working up the ranks — 11 years at Troy Christian and three years at Newton as a varsity assistant — Case is getting his opportunity at Bradford to be the man in charge.

Consistency is not a luxury that Bradford has enjoyed recently. This is their third coach in as many years — Jerrel Morgan two years ago and Curtis Enis last year. Case is hoping to end that trend and bring a sense of pride to Bradford basketball.

Date Dec. 7 Dec. 8 Dec. 14 Dec. 15 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 22 Dec. 28 Dec. 29 Jan. 5 Jan. 12 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 19 Jan. 25 Jan. 26 Feb. 1 Feb. 2 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 9 Feb. 15 * denotes

BRADFORD

Time 8 p.m.

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Greenville National Bank Bradford Branch 2338617

“We are looking to gain consistency that hasn’t been at Bradford,” Case said. “I’m looking to get the guys into a mindset that we are going to get really good at a few things and do them well and then expand on that.”

It won’t be an easy first year either. Case is taking over a program that lacks any recent tradition, is coming off of a 3-18 season and is losing three key players from last year’s team — Alan Yount, Austin Sell and Travis Knightstep. “(Yount) was a natural creator on the floor,” Case said. “He could create his own shot and he was a playmaker. We are going to miss that. (Knightstep) was a body inside and (Sell) was our best post player. You take away those attributes, and now we have to fills those roles.”

Case will be looking to three-year starter Brandon Wysong and

H/A Opponent H Ansonia* H Xenia Christian A Tri-Village* H Bethel* A Newton H Mississinawa Valley* H Fairlawn H Holiday Tournament H Holiday Tournament A Franklin Monroe* A Houston H Arcanum* A Twin Valley South* A Union City (Ind.) H Tri-County North* H Emmanuel Christian A National Trail* H Cedarville A Mechanicsburg H Miami East* H Newton* A Covington* CCC game

Corner of 721 & U.S. Rt 36 Bradford, Ohio Call Direct 937-448-6300 1-800-759-9476 or 937-548-1114 Serving Miami & Darke Counties Check our rates at www.greenvillenationalbank.com

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Bradford’s Brandon Wysong will need to step up for the team this season. returning starter Eric Swabb to help lead the Josh Railroaders.

Hoelscher, Bryce Arnett and Brandon Wirrig will be filling the roles of the three departing seniors. “(Hoelscher) will need to anchor the middle for

us,” Case said. “We need him to rebound the ball well. (Arnett) is a senior for us, and he is a good shooting guard. (Wirrig) is a utility player, and his physical play will help open things up for the others.”

In the top-heavy Cross County Conference, it will be an uphill challenge for the rookie coach.

“Tri-Village, Miami East and Covington are always at the top of our conference,” Case said.

“We want to be able to

compete at that level. We understand that we have some things to prove, but we are hoping that we can build on the system that we put in place and eventually be able to compete with those elite teams in the league.”

Case is confident that this group of seniors and the knowledge he has can help take the Railroaders to the next level.

“We have a lot of talent, and we are looking to

build a program,” Case said. “I’m looking forward to putting together what I have learned from coaches the last 14 years — putting my own flavor to it — and we have some skilled athletes who fit my system well. We are hoping to turn the program around and make basketball at Bradford relevant again.”

And if anyone knows how working hard to achieve goals can pay off, it’s Case.

Railroaders aiming for .500 mark Bradford seeking its first season with 10 wins since 1995

BY JAMES FREEMAN Sports Intern

BRADFORD

It was only two years ago when Bradford went 3-18 and had only one win in the Cross County Conference.

The Railroaders are now coming off of a season where they won their first-round playoff game over Emmanuel Christian, and under firstyear head coach Patrick McKee, Bradford is hoping to build on that success and take it to the next level.

“One of our focuses is to go .500 this season,” McKee said. “Another one of our goals is to win a sectional championship. That has never been done in school history.”

If Bradford reaches their goal to go .500, it will be the first time the team

has done that since 1995.

Last season the Railroaders had an 8-12 record.

“We are going to go as far as our offense takes us,” McKee said. “We are going to have to play aggressive defense — but not overly aggressive to the point where we are fouling. Smart and teamoriented defense.”

Bradford has not had much continuity in the recent past when it comes to their head coach. This is McKee’s first year coaching the varisty girls after spending some time in the Defiance area coaching and being the Bradford boys reserve coach last season. With a new coach at the helm, expect to see some differences from last year’s team.

2012-13 BRADFORD GIRLS SCHEDULE Date Nov. 23 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 8 Dec. 11 Dec. 13 Dec. 15 Dec. 17 Dec. 20 Dec. 22 Dec. 28 Dec. 29 Jan. 5 Jan. 7 Jan. 10 Jan. 12 Jan. 17 Jan. 24 Jan. 31 Feb. 2 Feb. 7 Feb. 9 * denotes

H/A Opponent Time A Newton 7:30 p.m.

H Covington* 7 p.m.

A Miami East* 7 p.m.

H Xenia Christian 3 p.m.

H Mechanicsburg 7 p.m.

H National Trail* 7 p.m.

A Tri-County North* 1:30 p.m.

A Arcanum* 7 p.m.

H Twin Valley South* 7 p.m.

A St. Henry 1:30 p.m.

H Holiday Tournament TBA H Holiday Tournament TBA H Houston 1:30 p.m.

H Parkway 7 p.m.

H Franklin Monroe* 7 p.m.

A Mississinawa Valley* 12:30 p.m.

H Newton* 7 p.m.

H Tri-Village* 7 p.m.

A Ansonia* 7 p.m.

A Fairlawn noon A Bethel* 7 p.m.

H Lehman noon CCC game

“We are going to be a little more aggressive with the ball this year,” McKee said. “We are hoping that they will make smarter decisions offensively, being patient and waiting for plays to develop.”

McKee will have to build on a team that is losing five seniors. Alisha Patty, Chelsea Broughman, Katie and Courtney Miller and Peyton Shuff all graduated, opening the door for a group of talented juniors.

Haley Patty and Michayla Barga are junior guards hoping to help the Railroaders reach their goals. Small forward Brooke Dunlevy and post player Bree Bates are both juniors and also going to be key to Bradford’s success. McKee is also hoping to get contributions from junior guard Ciara Broughman and sophomore centers Mindy Brewer and Brooke Brower.

The team will get their first test the second game of the season when they take on Cross County Conference rival Covington.

“We are looking forward to Covington with that being our rivalry game,” McKee said. “We are also looking forward to Tri-Village. That is our senior night, but we are also hosting a Coaches vs.

Cancer game that night.”

McKee feels as if his team is up to the challenge and can take Bradford to levels they have not been.

“It’s going to take a lot of focus,” McKee said. “No matter what we are doing, from stretching to drills to being in our positions. A STAFF PHOTO/BEN RONBINSON lot of hard work when the Junior Bree Bates is expected to be a big contributor for Bradford this season. doors are closed.”

14

2011-12 YEAR IN REVIEW

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

TROY DAILY NEWS • WWW.TROYDAILYNEWS.COM

STAFF PHOTO/ANTHONY WEBER

Miami East’s Madison Linn dribbles during a game last season. East made it all the way to the Division III Regional final before falling to Anna.

STAFF PHOTO/ANTHONY WEBER STAFF PHOTO/ANTHONY WEBER

Miami East’s Garrett Mitchell goes up for a shot during a Division III District final. The Vikings lost to Cincinnati Summit Country Day, who went on to win the Division III State title.

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Troy’s Cody May — the Greater Western Ohio Conference North Division Player of the Year — helped guide the Trojans to the Division I District final last season.

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UVMC Center for Sports Medicine

Serving the Needs of Your Active Lifestyle Whether you’re a competing athlete -- or just pursuing your own personal fitness challenge -- the UVMC Center for Sports Medicine can help you reach your goals.

UVMC’s experienced team of professionals works together to help you with comprehensive injury care and conditioning aimed at safe, rapid return to activity.

Please call 667-2614 or 440-7152 to learn more about the Center’s specialized programs.

UVMC sports medicine physicians and other sports medicine professionals are available for consultation, evaluation and treatment.

Q Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy Q Athletic Training Services

Mark Zunkiewicz, MD Sports Medicine Orthopaedic Surgeon

Q Brace/Orthotic Fitting

Jeff Rayborn, MD Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician

Q Certified Strength & Conditioning Consultation Q Sports Physicals Q Physician Evaluation for Athletic Injury Q ESP and ESP Jr. Sports Enhancement

Programs

Q IMPACT Concussion Management Q Sportsmetrics™ Knee Injury Reduction Program Q Bike Fit

and Performance Program

2338440

Q Athletic Walk-In Clinic / Saturdays, 9-11 a.m.

(Fall season only)

Center for Sports Medicine 450 N. Hyatt St., Tipp City, Ohio 45371

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