Ohio High March 2008 by Eric Frantz

few weeks ago I posted a thread on JJHuddle.com about a picture of Shay Selby dunking a basketball. I thought the shot of the South Euclid Regina senior and Duke basketball recruit was something you don’t see everyday and wanted others to view. The response the thread garnered wasn’t what I was expecting. Some 58 replies and 3,000 views later, the thread had become a private versus public school debate. That’s something that’s not new in the Buckeye State. For years people have been gripping about private schools having an unfair advantage when it comes to sports because of their ability more or less to “attract” athletes. When I was in high school, I felt the same way. But that’s because my basketball teammates and I were excused from the state basketball tournament – twice in the district finals and once in the regionals – by Cincinnati McNicholas. I have since moved on and others should, too. My question is why would someone want to be known as a public school champion instead of a true state champion? I ran some quick numbers and consider: Eric Frantz Over the past three years in three of Ohio’s most marquee sports – football, boys basketball and girls basketball – there have been 42 titles handed out between all divisions. Of those, public schools have won 29 championships, while private schools have won 13. At the same time, 54 public schools have played in the state title games, while 30 private schools have done so. How about head-to-head? In that category, public schools hold a 13-9 edge. Makes you wonder who really has an advantage – if there is one at all.

Volume 5

Issue 5

Editor in Chief Steve Helwagen Managing Editor Eric Frantz Assistant Editor Matt Natali Recruiting Editor Duane Long Staff Writers Kirk Larrabee, Jeff Rapp, Dave Biddle Contributors

Paul Boggs, Tony Maluso, Tom Jenkins, Robb Hemmelgarn, Doug Donnelly, Todd Stumpf

Photography

Gary Housteau, Nick Falzerano, Mike Ullery, Stephanie Porter, John Ritter, Brad Morris, Alice Carter, Johanna Kremer

Printing Miami Valley Sports Magazine (MVP) miamivalleysports.com

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Ohio High Magazine is published bi-monthly, six times a year. Ohio High is an independent source of news and features relating to Ohio high school sports. Ohio High strives to report information based on fact, but assumes no responsability for any inaccuracies that may appear within the pages. Ohio High is not authorized, sponsored or sanctioned by any university, athletic conference or athletic governing body. Subscriptions are available for $29.95 and may be purchased online at jjhuddle.com. Single copy price is $6.95 each. c Copyright 2008, Ohio High Magazine and MVP Magazine, LLC. All rights reserved. COVER PHOTOS: John Ritter (MND), Brad Morris (BJM)

ADVANTAGE READER As far as immediate advantages go, readers of this issue of Ohio High Magazine will have a leg up on the competition. This is the deepest, most informative issue yet. Included in the 22 articles inside are: * Complete coverage of the high school football signing day, including where Ohio’s top 100 and ESPN.com’s top 150 seniors signed * A look ahead to the top football players in the classes of 2009 and 2010 * Complete state tournament previews for boys and girls basketball * A feature on St. Paris Graham’s wrestling team reaching No. 1 in the national poll * And a look at Canal Winchester senior and Ohio State recruit B.J. Mullens, who is making a strong push for Ohio’s Mr. Basketball award. Other articles include pieces on Sidney Lehman girls basketball players Sarah Freytag and Jessica Slagle, Richfield Revere girls cager Casey Nance, Beavercreek girls basketball head coach Ed Zink, Canfield center and Pittsburgh recruit Kate Popovec, Cardinal Mooney super junior and Buckeye football recruit John Simon, Beavercreek senior gridder Zach Domicone, Moeller’s newly named head football coach John Rodenberg, Westerville Central’s All-American kicker Ben Buchanan, Toledo Bowsher boys basketball coach John Rice and Waynesfield-Goshen’s super athlete Gray Horn. And since we’re talking about it, public schools claimed the story-count championship in this issue of Ohio High. The score was 11-3. That wasn’t by design, unlike our unparalleled statewide coverage of Ohio high school athletics. Enjoy. Eric Frantz Managing Editor

Upcoming Issues

Going forward, here are general topics that will be covered in each edition of Ohio High: * May (Due out April 15) – Recap of winter sports state tournaments and first top 100 football recruit bios for class of 2009 * July (Due out June 15) – H.S. football preview, spring sports recap * September (Due out Aug. 15) – Top 100 senior prospect bios updated * November (Due out Oct. 15) – Basketball preview issue, football playoff preview * January (Due out Dec. 15) – Fall sports and football reecap, Top 100 seniors bios updated Check out JJHuddle.com every day for season previews and daily coverage of Ohio high school athletics. For subscription information on Ohio High, check the Internet at www.jjhuddle.com

Football Signing Day Recap

A look at where Ohio’s top H.S. football recruits committed Where the Class of 2008 Top 100 is going

9 12 15 18

ESPN’s National Top 150

Duane Long’s Top Players in the Class of 2009

Photo by Nick Falzerano

Duane Long’s Top Players in the Class of 2010

Boys Basketball Tourney Preview

Canal Winchester’s B.J. Mullens

A division-by-division breakdown of teams that should challenge for trips to Columbus and state hardware OSU recruit making bid for Mr. Basketball award

44 Girls Basketball Tourney Preview

40 Photo by Todd Stumpf

Ohio continues to be a hotbed for girls basketball players and teams; This year’s state tournament offers plenty of talent

St. Paris Graham Wrestling

Falcons earn nation’s No. 1 ranking, wins over St. Edward

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Also...

20 22 26 28 30 40 42 48 50 52 54 62

John Rodenberg takes over at Cincinnati Moeller

Cardinal Mooney junior John Simon commits to Ohio State

Beavercreek’s Zach Domicone headed to Ohio State

Westerville Central’s Ben Buchanan caps steller kicking career

Photo by Brian Swartz

Waverly’s Rusty Wright has Tigers headed in right direction

Malvern’s boys basketball team has three 1,000-point scorers Ohio native John Rice resurfaces at Toledo Bowsher

Beavercreek’s Ed Zink wins 600th girls basketball game

Canfield’s Kate Popovec one of state’s best post players Sidney Lehman duo reaches 1,000-point milestone

Revere’s Casey Nance follows in father Larry’s footsteps

Waynesfield-Goshen’s Gray Horn earns scholarship to Florida

62 Photo by Alice Carter

National Signing Day

STORY BY DUANE LONG

Photo by Nick Falzerano

t was another bumper crop of football talent in Ohio in 2008. That has become expected. Ohio has always been one of the five most heavily recruited states in the country along with Florida, Texas, California and Georgia. But over the last five or six years, Ohio has taken it up another notch. The Class of 2008 has a strong argument for the best in recent years because of its depth. It had as many elite players as any recent class, but what makes it stand out is the fact that at one time I had more than 120 players that I thought belonged in the top 100. Most years I get down to the high 60s’ or low 70’s and think that I could really cut it off right there. That is where what I call the best in Ohio usually finds its bottom. This year, I did not have a single one-star player in the Ohio High top 100. Columbus Brookhaven’s Rodney Stewart was No. 84 in the final rankings, but ended up at Colorado. Likewise, Cincinnati St. Xavier’s Darius Ashley was No. 90, but he signed with Louisville. Translation: It was very easy to do my job

JJ H u d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

Trotwood-Madison head coach Maurice Douglass (left) poses with the Ram trio of Roy Roundtree, Brandon Moore and Michael Shaw. All three are headed to Michigan.

this past year. I did not have to dig to find talent. Ohio State always cleans up in-state. This year was no different. The Buckeyes only lost five recruiting battles over instate players. The big one was wide receiver/defensive back Cordale Scott choosing Illinois over Ohio State. It marks the first time Jim Tressel has lost a Cleveland Glenville player that the Buckeyes have offered. Notre Dame received an early verbal from top-rated Cincinnati Elder tight end Kyle Rudolph and he stuck with that verbal. Family connections played a big role in the battles the Buckeyes lost. Athlete Danny McCarthy from Youngstown Mooney chose Notre Dame. His brother is a defensive back with the Fighting Irish. Kevin Koger came down to the last minute before deciding on Michigan over Ohio State. The athletic defensive end/tight end from Toledo Whitmer had a family connection to Michigan. Youngtown Mooney linebacker/fullback Mike Zordich chose Penn State, the alma mater of his father and his mother. His dad played linebacker for Joe Paterno. But nobody should feel too bad for the

Buckeyes. After all, they ended up with the nation’s seventh-best recruiting class, according to ESPN.com. That class has nine Ohio prospects, including four top-10 prospects and the state’s top three overall prospects. OSU’s top-10 Ohio signees included Dublin Coffman offensive lineman Mike Adams (No. 1 overall), Cincinnati LaSalle wide receiver DeVier Posey (No. 2), Coffman wide receiver Jake Stoneburner (No. 3) and Washington C.H. Miami Trace defensive end/linebacker (No. 7). Adams had an outstanding senior year and solidified himself as the number one player in the class. You will notice I used the word receiver with Stoneburner instead of wide receiver or tight end. I don’t think anyone knows where he is going to end up. He is getting bigger, but seems to be just as fast. No matter where he lines up he is going to be a match-up problem. Posey was as impressive as any receiver I saw in the country this year, and in my opinion it was a great year nationally for receivers. As deep as the Buckeyes are at receiver I think he is a player that can force

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National Signing Day himself into the lineup next fall. He is that good. Williams, I think, is going to be a big surprise to Buckeye fans. He could develop into an impact defensive end as his college career continues, perhaps in the Mike Kudla mold. Ohio State had an early verbal commitment from running back DeVoe Torrence, who rushed for over 1,000 yards as a senior at Massillon Washington after transferring from Canton South. But Torrence, rated as the state’s No. 5 overall prospect (and a former co-No. 1 with Adams), did not sign with OSU or any other school on national signing day due to off-the-field issues. Illinois did a great job in the state of Ohio again this year. No staff is being more aggressive in the state than the Illini staff. Glenville’s Scott was the big prize, but coach Ron Zook added several players that the Buckeyes looked at but decided not to offer. Whitney Mercilius from Akron Garfield, Justin Staples from Lakewood St. Edward and Ashante Williams from Mayfield bring a couple of things to the table that stand out. They bring speed and athleticism. That is something that I have seen from Zook since he took over at Illinois. He is bringing speed and athleticism to a roster that had little of either. Iowa has developed a relationship with Cleveland Glenville and coach Ted Ginn Sr. This year, Kirk Ferentz brought in cornerback William Lowe. He also landed a couple of players who were running under the radar in Cleveland St. Ignatius linebacker Stephen Bigach, and Mentor Lake Catholic defensive end Joe Gaglione. After the season I had a couple of Ohio coaches tell me that they wondered why Gaglione had not received more recruiting attention. He comes from a school that Iowa has recruited successfully before. Michigan renewed its presence in Ohio in a big way this year. I think there is a correlation between the misfortunes of the program since the Wolverines won the 1997 national championship and the fact that the hauls from Ohio had gone down. This year, they only won one recruiting battle with the Buckeyes in Ohio, but the state was so well stocked that Michigan harvested their best recruiting crop in recent memory. Trotwood-Madison sent three players to Ann Arbor. Tight end Brandon Moore pledged last summer. He was joined on signing day by teammates Roy Roundtree, originally pledged to Purdue, and Michael Shaw, originally committed to Penn State. Another player who changed his commitment to Michigan was Youngstown Mooney linebacker Taylor Hill. He was originally verballed to Oklahoma, but as time went on he

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became increasingly uncomfortable going that far away from home. When the offer from Michigan came, he accepted. Another top-15 player in Ohio High that chose Michigan is Waseon offensive lineman Elliott Mealer. He is one of the top offensive linemen in the Midwest. Ohio is key to Big Ten recruiting. This is the kind of crop from Ohio that Michigan needs. New head coach Rich Rodriguez knows that. His first two assistant hires have Ohio roots. No coach in the Big Ten knows Ohio better than former Buckeye assistant Mark Dantonio. The Spartans took six Ohio players. Akron Buchtel playmaker Johnny Adams leads the Ohio contingent. Southwest Ohio was very good to Michigan State. Athletic

Who is Going Where?

For a look at where Ohio’s top football players are headed, visit JJHuddle.com and enter the following link:

http://www.jjhuddle.com/pages/?pg=2008FootballCommits

linebacker Jamiihr Williams from TrotwoodMadison was a good get. Defensive tackle Jerel Worthy from Huber Heights Wayne is from that part of the state, as is Piqua’s David Rolf. He is just a fine athlete that could play any skill position but quarterback and running back. He could grow into a defensive end. Drew Stevens from Lewis Center Olentangy is a player that was running under the radar, but Dantonio came in early on him. That usually means a staff thinks they have stolen one. Penn State had a small recruiting class. The Nittany Lions ended up getting only two Ohioans, Zordich and his Youngstown Mooney teammate Brandon Beachum. Beachum lost some of his recruiting momentum over the summer when everyone, including myself, had him locked in at linebacker. When everyone remembered that he was a running back, and quite a good one with over 1,000 yards in his team’s 14-1 run to the Division I state title game, his stock went back up. Indiana, Wisconsin and Northwestern had been doing a great job recently in Ohio. This year, they only managed to sign one Ohio High top 100 player each. Wisconsin landed underrated offensive lineman Jake Current from Troy, while Northwestern received a letter-of-intent from athlete Jeremy Ebert from Hilliard Darby. I saw him play several times this year. If I gave out regional honors, Ebert would have been the central Ohio player of the year. He is likely going to be a slot receiver for the Wildcats. Larry Black was a

standout lineman for Cincinnati Wyoming. He is the lone recruit from Ohio for Indiana this year, but he is a fine get for that program. I have always said that recruiting, like politics, is local. Most players are going to stay in-state and the vast majority are going to stay in region. Some do leave. Clayton Northmont offensive tackle Zebrie Sanders always seemed to be looking south. Sanders looked at Georgia and Florida, but signed with Florida State. Dublin Coffman receiver Trey Fairchild pledged Syracuse early and signed with the Orangemen. St. Xavier linebacker Fred Craig signed with Stanford. Another TrotwoodMadison player, linebacker Doug Rippy surprised everyone by originally verbaling to Nebraska. But after coach Bill Callahan’s departure, Rippy signed with Colorado. He is a diamond in the rough and a great get for the Buffaloes. Another top linebacker is Hilliard Darby’s B.J. Machen. He signed with Georgia Tech. Both Machen and Rippy are top-30 players so those are great gets for those programs. Maybe the biggest surprise was Hunting Valley University School’s Jake Stoller who looked to be headed to Wisconsin, got a look from Ohio State, but signed with Yale of the Ivy League. Glenville’s Donnie Fletcher became a hot commodity over the summer after looking really good on the Ted Ginn bus tour. He chose Boston College. Cincinnati did a spectacular job in Ohio. Dantonio and his staff laid the groundwork and new coach Brian Kelly did not miss a beat. The Midwest’s Big Four, Ohio State, Michigan, Notre Dame and Penn State, are going to take their pick in the state of Ohio. Since Dantonio took over at UC in 2004, Cincinnati has battled the other Big Ten teams for the sizable pool of talent that is left. Coach Brian Kelly has picked up that strategy. One time Nebraska and West Virginia verbal D.J. Woods from Strongsville is a Bearcat. Nick Truesdell, a wide receiver from Cincinnati Anderson that got a look from Ohio State late, signed with Cincinnati. I thought Travis Kelce, a super athlete from Cleveland Heights, would be a Big Ten player. He is a Bearcat. One of the players that I think has as good an upside as any player in the class, Walt Stewart from Ashville Teays Valley, signed with Cincinnati. The Big East is going to have to take notice of the Cincinnati Bearcats. Brian Kelly is bringing Big Ten talent to the Queen City. The graphic with this story looks at where the state’s top 100 prospects ended up. We will reveal the first top 100 – complete with bios – of the Class of 2009 in the May 2008 edition, due out in mid-April. — OH

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National Signing Day

Class of 2008 Top 100: Where They Signed Rank 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47.

Name Mike Adams DeVier Posey Jake Stoneburner Cordale Scott DeVoe Torrence Kyle Rudolph Nathan Williams Brandon Moore Dan McCarthy Kevin Koger Zebrie Sanders Isaiah Pead Elliott Mealer Greg Scruggs Brandon Beachum Nick Truesdell Anthony Allen Shawntel Rowell Salvador Battles Phillip Barnett Nic DiLillo Taylor Hill Michael Zordich Kenny Stafford Roy Roundtree Whitley Mercilus Domonick Britt Johnny Adams B.J. Machen Douglas Rippy Michael Shaw Fred Craig Jamiihr Williams Joe Pachuta Zac Dysert Aaron Van Kuiken Trevor Walls Justin Staples Jeremy Ebert Donnie Fletcher Jake Current Jake Stoller Walt Stewart Dawawn Whitner D.J. Woods Darius Reeves Juandez Brown

Ht. 6-8 6-3 6-6 6-4 6-2 6-7 6-4 6-6 6-1 6-4 6-6 5-11 6-6 6-5 5-11 6-7 6-1 6-4 5-11 6-2 6-5 6-2 6-1 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-5 5-11 6-1 6-2 5-11 6-2 6-2½ 6-7 6-4 6-7 6-6 6-3 6-0 6-0 6-3 6-4 6-5 6-2 6-0 5-11 6-3

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Wt. 305 180 223 200 215 220 235 230 190 235 273 175 280 225 220 215 185 320 205 180 220 200 210 175 170 225 190 170 210 215 185 210 230 285 190 285 225 220 170 170 270 250 210 245 175 185 190

Pos. OL WR TE/WR ATH RB TE DE/LB TE S DE/TE OL ATH OL DE LB/RB WR/TE RB DT ATH WR TE DE/LB LB WR WR DE QB CB/WR LB OLB Ath LB LB OL QB OL QB/TE LB ATH CB OL DT DE DT WR CB QB

School/Verbal Dublin Coffman/Ohio State Cincinnati LaSalle/Ohio State Dublin Coffman/Ohio State Cleveland Glenville/Illinois Massillon Washington/Unsigned Cincinnati Elder/Notre Dame WCH Miami Trace/Ohio State Trotwood-Madison/Michigan Youngstown Mooney/Notre Dame Toledo Whitmer/Michigan Clayton Northmont/Florida State Cols. Eastmoor Acad./Cincinnati Wauseon/Michigan Cincinnati St. Xavier/Louisville Youngstown Mooney/Penn State Cincinnati Anderson/Cincinnati Toledo Whitmer/Unsigned Cleveland Glenville/Ohio State Youngstown East/Kent State Middletown/Toledo Madison/Ohio State Youngstown Mooney/Michigan Youngstown Mooney/Penn State Columbus DeSales/Toledo Trotwood-Madison/Michigan Akron Garfield/Illinois Trotwood-Madison/Jackson State Akron Buchtel/Michigan State Hilliard Darby/Georgia Tech Trotwood-Madison/Colorado Trotwood-Madison/Michigan Cincinnati St. Xavier/Stanford Trotwood-Madison/Michigan State New Concord John Glenn/Akron Ada/Miami (Ohio) Cincinnati Turpin/Virginia Waverly/New Mexico State Lakewood St. Edward/Illinois Hilliard Darby/Northwestern Cleveland Glenville/Boston College Troy/Wisconsin Hunting Vall. Univ. School/Yale Ashville Teays Valley/Cincinnati Cleveland Glenville/Unsigned Strongsville/Cincinnati Gahanna Lincoln/Toledo Cincinnati Withrow/Eastern Michigan

Sub

Mike Adams

Jake Stoneburner

Kyle Rudolph

DeVier Posey

Cordale Scott

Nathan Williams

Brandon Moore

Zebrie Sanders

Kevin Koger

Isaiah Pead

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National Signing Day 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93. 94. 95. 96. 97. 98. 99. 100.

Ashante Williams Derek Wolfe Evan Klepac Bakari Bussey Steve Greer Casey Williams Jerel Worthy Andrew Radakovich Bruce Parker Zack Stoudt Demicus Brown Kenny Annunike Steve Yoak Kenny Veal Trey Fairchild Steve Gardiner Adam Bice Blaec Walker Lamonte Lattimore Joe Madsen Chad Hounshell Patrick Omameh Chip Robinson Will Fleming Nate Schuler Justin Brown T.J. White Nate Wilburn-Ogletree Phillip Manley Joshua Smith Travis Kelce Jordan Bright Brad Bednar Ben Buchanan Rodney Stewart Da'Jouir Cornnielies Jordan Graham Sean Egler Tyler Wilson Andy Cruse Darius Ashley Doug Reynolds Hank Keighley Isaac Washington Branden Williams Bart Tanski Nathan Cope Chandler Burden Briggs Orsbon Luther Nicholas Chris Brown

10 J J H U D D L E . C O M

5-11 6-5 6-4 6-3 6-1 5-11 6-2 6-6 6-3 6-4 6-5 6-5 6-2 5-11 5-11 6-1 6-4 6-4 5-11 6-4 6-6 6-4 6-7 6-4 6-1 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-5 6-6 6-5 6-0 5-7 5-10 6-1 5-10 5-10 6-4 5-9 6-2 6-4 6-2 5-10 6-2 5-11 6-6 6-1 6-0 6-3

200 260 245 190 220 175 290 280 230 200 320 215 210 175 175 210 270 290 190 270 300 250 340 205 208 255 265 190 305 170 230 225 230 197 170 220 250 185 210 210 170 190 215 270 175 190 185 272 185 200 285

ATH DL DE WR LB WR DT OL DE QB OL ATH LB CB WR LB OL/DT OL CB OL OL OL OL ATH ATH DT/OL ATH WR OL ATH QB DE OL K ATH LB DL/OL RB LB WR TB S/QB LB/DE DE/DT CB QB S/RB OL/DL ATH RB DT

Mayfield/Illinois Lisbon Beaver Local/Cincinnati Youngstown Boardman/Miami (Ohio) West Chester Lakota West/Ohio U. Solon/Virginia Waverly/Unsigned Huber Heights Wayne/Michigan State Steubenville/Unsigned Sandusky/Unsigned Dublin Coffman/Louisville Hamilton/Fort Scott (Kan.) JUCO Lewis Center Olentangy/Duke Akron Hoban/Robert Morris Hamilton/Toledo Dublin Coffman/Syracuse Dublin Coffman/Michigan State Dresden Tri-Valley/Akron Middletown/Bowling Green Cincinnati Winton Woods/Charleston Chardon/West Virginia Mentor Lake Catholic/Central Florida Columbus DeSales/Michigan Middletown/Bowling Green Akron Hoban/Akron New Middletown Springfield/Akron Youngstown Ursuline/Unsigned Troy/Wofford Clayton Northmont/Unsigned Hamilton/Toledo Cincinnati Withrow/Ball State Cleveland Heights/Cincinnati Cincinnati Wyoming/Indiana State Mentor/Miami (Ohio) Westerville Central/Ohio State Cols. Brookhaven/Colorado Middletown/Campbellsville (Ky.) Canfield/Unsigned Bellefontaine/Findlay W.Milton Milton-Union/Unsigned Cincinnati Turpin/Miami (Ohio) Cincinnati St. Xavier/Louisville Colerain/Eastern Illinois Kettering Alter/Toledo Trotwood-Madison/Kent State Lakewood St. Edward/Edinboro Mentor/Bolwing Green (Preferred Walk-On) Warren Howland/Unsigned Cincinnati LaSalle/Kentucky Conroy Crestview/Ball State Columbus Independence/Unsigned Canal Winchester/Unsigned

Nic DiLillo

Elliott Mealer

Michael Zordich

Trevor Walls

Justin Staples

Jerel Worthy

Greg Scruggs

Nick Truesdell

Brandon Beachum

NFH

Jake Current

JJ Hu ddleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; s O h io Hi gh

ESPN National Top 150

Jeanette (Pa.) quarterback Terrelle Pryor (left) is the lone unsigned player in ESPN’s Top 50.

Photos by Gary Housteau

12 J J H U D D L E . C O M

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ESPN National Top 150

STORY BY STEVE HELWAGEN

n examining the final ESPN.com football recruiting class ratings for 2008, it was apparent that schools that needed a big class to reverse their fortunes were rewarded. At Miami (Fla.), Randy Shannon endured a rough first season as the ‘Canes head coach. But on signing day, Shannon and Miami came up big. Miami ended up with ESPN.com’s No. 1ranked recruiting class. The ‘Canes bagged 12 ESPN.com national top-150 prospects. Miami bagged a pair of blue chip linebackers in Kansas’ Arthur Brown (No. 6 overall) and Florida’s Sean Spence (No. 21). On signing day, Miami also brought home Florida cornerback Brandon Harris (No. 28) and they got Florida linebacker Ramon Buchanan (No. 53) to switch his commitment from Florida to Miami. Next on ESPN.com’s list of top classes was Clemson as embattled coach Tommy Bowden closed big down the stretch. The Tigers signed 10 national top-150 prospects, led by the nation’s top overall prospect in South Carolina defensive end DaQuan Bowers. Clemson also got three top-150 prospects to choose the Tigers on signing day, including Florida running back Jamie Harper (No. 12 overall), Alabama offensive tackle Antoine McClain (No. 78) and North Carolina tight end Dwayne Allen (No. 83). Allen switched his commitment from Georgia to Clemson on signing day. Alabama signed seven top-150 prospects in coach Nick Saban’s first full year on the job with the Crimson Tide. Saban’s haul included the nation’s No. 2 overall prospect in Alabama running back Julio Jones. The Tide also scored nicely with in-state athlete prospect Burton Scott (No. 19). Rounding out the rest of the ESPN.com top 10 were Florida (11 top-150 signees), Georgia (seven top-150), USC (eight top-150), Ohio State (seven top-150), Oklahoma (eight top-150), Notre Dame (10 top-150) and Texas (nine top-150). As of press time, Ohio State was one of several schools that were still holding out hope they could sign Pennsylvania quarterback Terrelle Pryor (No. 4 overall). Pryor had visited OSU and Michigan prior to signing day. But, because he had not had a chance to visit Penn State or Oregon, he was delaying his decision. OSU’s seven national top-150 prospects included Florida linebacker Etienne Sabino (No. 18), Florida offensive lineman Michael Brewster (No. 41), Pennsylvania linebacker Andrew Sweat (No. 48), Texas offensive lineman J.B. Shugarts (No. 56), Ohio offensive tackle Mike Adams (No. 88), Ohio wide receiver Jake Stoneburner (No. 107) and Florida cornerback Travis Howard (No. 133). Schools in this region that also fared well included Michigan (13th), Illinois (16th), Pittsburgh (21st) and Minnesota (23rd). It was also notable that ESPN.com rated Cincinnati’s class as the fourthbest in the Big East for coach Brian Kelly. That UC class includes, among others, Ohio wide receiver D.J. Woods and New Jersey wide receiver Lynell Payne. Within Ohio, five players were deemed as national top-150 picks. Leading that contingent was Massillon Washington running back DeVoe Torrence (No. 64). Torrence committed to Ohio State last summer, but he did not sign with the Buckeyes due to off-the-field concerns. Other Ohio top-150 prospects include Dublin Coffman’s Adams (No. 88), Cincinnati Elder tight end Kyle Rudolph (No. 105, Notre Dame signee), Dublin Coffman’s Stoneburner (No. 107) and Trotwood-Madison tight end Brandon Moore (No. 114, Michigan). The list over these pages shows where ESPN.com’s national top 150 prospects signed on national signing day Feb. 6. — OH

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Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

Name Pos. DaQuan Bowers DE Julio Jones WR Will Hill S Terrelle Pryor QB A.J. Green WR Arthur Brown OLB Jermie Calhoun RB Patrick Johnson CB Darrell Scott RB Dee Finley S R.J. Washington DE Jamie Harper RB Josh Jarboe WR Chancey Aghayere DE Brice Butler WR D.J. Grant WR Dan Buckner WR Etienne Sabino ILB Burton Scott ATH Blake Ayles TE Sean Spence OLB Dayne Crist QB Deandre Brown WR T.J. Bryant CB Jonathan Baldwin WR Ryan Williams RB Marcus Forston DT Brandon Harris CB Mike Floyd WR Courtney Upshaw DE Janoris Jenkins CB Mike Glennon QB Tyler Love OT Kyle Parker QB Richard Samuel RB Terrance Parks CB Omar Hunter DT Blaine Gabbert QB Brandon Thompson DT Spencer Adams S Michael Brewster OT Joe Adams ATH William Green DE Andre Ellington RB Deangelo Tyson DT Aundre Dean RB Jermaine Thomas ATH Andrew Sweat ILB T.J. Lawrence WR Carlton Thomas RB

State SC AL NJ PA SC KS TX FL CA AL TX FL GA TX GA TX TX FL AL CA FL CA MS FL PA VA FL FL MN AL FL VA AL FL GA GA GA MO GA NC FL AR AL SC GA TX FL PA FL FL

Grade 95 95 94 93 91 90 90 90 89 88 87 86 86 86 86 85 85 85 84 84 84 84 84 83 83 83 83 83 83 83 83 83 83 83 83 83 83 83 83 83 83 83 83 83 83 83 83 83 82 82

Verbal Clemson Alabama Florida None Georgia Miami (FL) Oklahoma LSU Colorado Florida Oklahoma Clemson Oklahoma LSU USC Texas Texas Ohio State Alabama USC Miami (FL) Notre Dame Southern Miss USC Pittsburgh Virginia Tech Miami (FL) Miami (FL) Notre Dame Alabama Florida N.C. State Alabama Clemson Georgia Florida State Florida Missouri Clemson Clemson Ohio State Arkansas Florida Clemson Georgia UCLA Florida State Ohio State Florida Georgia

Nos. 51-150 on next page (NOTE: Ohio players in Red)

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ESPN National Top 150 51

Chris Tolliver

LSU

Ramon Buchanan OLB

Miami (FL)

52 54

55 56

57 58 59

60 61 62

E.J. Manuel

Charles Whitlock CB Jeff Demps

J.B. Shugarts

ATH OT

70 71 72 73 74

79 80

82 83

84 85

82 82

USC

Nigel Bradham Andrew Luck

ILB QB

Kavario Middleton TE

82 82 82

Penn State

Davon Johnson

Dann O'Neill

Karnell Hatcher Darryl Stonum

Jameel Owens Matt Kalil

Nigel Carr

WR WR OT

OLB

OK CA FL

82 82

82 82 82 82

Texas

Miami (FL) USC

Michigan LSU

Michigan

Oklahoma USC

Florida State

Antoine Hicks

ATH

Texas

Jordan Futch

OLB

Miami (FL)

David Snow

Tyler Wilson

Dwayne Allen

De'Anthony Curtis RB

Antoine McClain OT

AR AL

Arkansas

Clemson Texas

Lerentee McCray OLB

Florida

Ethan Johnson

Notre Dame

Stephen Good

NC TX

82 82

Arkansas

Clemson

Oklahoma

Brandon Barnes ATH

Rod Wilks

Tennessee

Jonas Gray

Notre Dame

88 90

91 92

95 96 97

98 99

100

Jamoris Slaughter S

Mike Adams

Marcus Robinson OLB Derrick Hall

Daniel Franklin

ATH ILB

Charles Mitchell ATH Darius Fleming

Uona Kaveinga

ILB

DeSean Hales Chris Harper Jon Major

Jerrell Harris

WR ATH ILB

OLB

Emmanuel Acho OLB

14 J J H U D D L E . C O M

OH FL

MS IL

CA KS

CO AL

82 82

82 81

81 81

81 81 81

Notre Dame

107

108

109

Jake Stoneburner TE Taylor Cook

N.C. State

Notre Dame Ohio State Miami (FL)

111

113 115 116

117 118

119

120

121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135

136 137

138 139 140

Oregon

Colorado Alabama Texas

145 146

147 148

149 150

Ohio State

Miami (FL)

UCLA

Nolan Brewster

OLB

Steve Filer

ILB

Kendall Wright

ATH

Kye Staley

Baker Steinkuhler OT

Gerell Robinson ATH Matthew Patchan OT

CO OH IL

OK TX

NE AZ FL

81 81 81 81

81 81

USC

Texas

Michigan

Notre Dame

Oklahoma St. Baylor

Nebraska

Arizona State Florida

Luke Nix

Pittsburgh

Braxston Cave

Notre Dame

Justin Johnson Tyron Smith

Patrick Nixon

OT CB

Keanon Cooper OLB Toby Jackson

Brendan Beal

ILB

A.J. Harmon Kenny Tate

Travis Howard

OG WR CB

Neiko Lipscomb CB Anthony Dye

Tyler Edwards

CB TE

Dravannti Johnson OLB

TX CA FL

GA GA PA

MD FL

GA CA LA

North Carolina

Kyle Long

Landry Jones

81 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 81

80 80

Oklahoma

FSU (Baseball)

Oklahoma USC

Illinois

Minnesota Georgia Georgia Florida

Maryland

Ohio State Auburn UCLA LSU

Texas

Kerry Boykins

Maryland

J.B. Fitzgerald

OLB

Michigan

Rodrick Davis

Texas A&M

Benjamin Jones OC

Chris Jackson

USC

None

Nick Crissman

143

Texas

Pittsburgh

Miss. State

144

Miami (FL)

Jeremy Brown

Notre Dame

UCLA

141

Oklahoma

Texas A&M

142

Chris Burns

None

Clemson

Brandon Moore TE

Kyle Rudolph

114

105

Matt Meyer

Notre Dame

112

Xavier Brewer

Khaled Holmes

Washington

Miami (FL)

Christian Wilson OLB

110

Stanford

Deion Walker

Florida State

Aldarius Johnson WR

Pittsburgh

Jordan Fields

106

ATH

Ohio State

Florida

D.J. Shoemate

ILB

E.J. Woods C.J. Holton

Texas A&M

Michael Mauti

103

Shayne Hale

104

Jarvis Humphrey DT

102

South Carolina

Florida State

DeVoe Torrence ATH

Cyrus Gray

64 65

101

ATH

Travis Benjamin WR Tavarres King

Tyler Westphal

Eric Smith

GA FL

80 80 80 80

80 80

Georgia

Florida

Alabama

Miami (FL) Georgia Auburn

Wisconsin

Ricky Barnum

Florida

Lynn Katoa

OLB

Colorado

Tarik Rollins

OLB

Clemson

JJ H u ddle â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s O h io Hi gh

STORY BY DUANE LONG

Photo by Stephanie Porter

Massillon Washington junior Justin Turner is one of Ohio’s top athletes in the class of 2009.

Duane Long’s Top Juniors

he run of outstanding recruiting classes continues in Ohio with the Class of 2009. What I really like about this class is the diversity. The last two classes have been outstanding but they have been narrowly focused on a few positions. This class only has a couple of positions where there are no elite players, and even at those positions, there are possible elite players. At tight end, one of the elite athletes in the state is Cincinnati Winton Woods’ Anthony Tolbert. The question is, is he better at tight end or defensive end? Speaking of athlete, there are so many in this class that I decided to add an “athlete” category for this year. I may not do that again in the future, as I have always maintained that “athlete” is not a position on the football field, but this class has a number of players that I cannot absolutely say they are better at one position or another. For those players I have listed what I believe are their best positions, in order. That list is led by outstanding Massillon athlete Justin Turner. He did not play much running back this year with DeVoe Torrence coming over from Canton South, but I still believe that I would give him a shot at running back first. That seems to be a minority position as most are recruiting him as a safety or even cornerback. Turner is one of those can’t-miss super athletes. He had several early MAC offers, but Ohio State, Illinois and Michigan were all interested. The other that stands out to me is Cincinnati Princeton’s Patrick Tucker. He is a legit 6-4 and 200 pounds and can he run. Everyone wants to find bigger safeties so I am sure he will get a shot as a safety first but his body may take him to linebacker. Another strong athlete prospect is Cincinnati Sycamore’s Bud Golden (6-0, 190), who had early offers from Cincinnati, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio State, among others. The one position that is looking a little short is defensive end. One unquestioned superstar is Melvin Fellows from Garfield Heights, who may be the best overall prospect in the class. Fellows (6-4, 245) made an early commitment to Illinois, but Michigan and Ohio State were definitely involved as well. Besides Fellows, it is a class still looking for those edge players that are so coveted. There are several players who could improve the position in the state as there are some outstanding and underrated high school Continued on Page 17

JJ Hu d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

J J H U D D L E . C O M 15

Duane Long’s Top Juniors

Other Juniors To Watch Quarterbacks

Devontae Payne Jack Dawson Ryan OʼRourke Terrence Owens Austin Boucher Mike Clark Bo Cordell Kurt Hess Andrew Holland Micah Hyde Jon Mason Patrick Nicely

(6-6, (6-2, (6-2, (6-2, (6-1, (6-1, (6-1, (6-3, (6-1, (6-0, (6-4, (6-3,

220, 200, 190, 160, 190, 180, 185, 225, 190, 160, 200, 200,

QB; Cleveland South) QB; South Range) QB; Avon) QB; Clev. Glenville) QB; Kettering Alter) QB; Massillon Washington) QB; Cin. Indian Hills) QB; Dayton Chaminade-Julienne) QB; Cleveland St. Ignatius) QB; Fostoria) QB; West Milton Milton-Union) QB; Willoughby South)

Running Backs

Darrell Mason Bud Golden Sylvestry Gibbs Adam Homan Fitzgerald Toussiant Dante Marsch Zach Boren Mike Marrow Marquel Smith Dan Banna Delion Freeman Nicholas Gramke Dominic Goodwin Marquis Harrell Kevin Ringer Harvey Tuck

(6-1, 210, RB; Youngstown Ursuline) (6-0, 190, RB; Cincinnati Sycamore) (6-0, 170, RB; Austintown-Fitch) (6-3, 233, FB; Coldwater) (5-10, 175, RB; Youngstown Liberty) (5-11, 185, RB, Warren Howland) (6-0, 240, FB; Pickerington Central) (6-2, 230, FB; New Albany) (5-9, 205, RB; Youngstown Chaney) (5-11, 215, FB; Canfield) (5-9, 190, RB; Alliance) (5-11, 185, RB; Cincinnati Elder) (5-9, 180, RB/CB; Lakewood St. Edward) (6-0, 200, RB; Avon) (5-10, 185, FB; Clayton Northmont) (5-11, 250, FB; Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary)

Wide Receivers

Chris Fields Lamar Passmore Perez Ashford Jeff Walker Josh Jones Jamil Jarvey Deron Brown Zack Burks Jeff Duckworth Tyler Dummermuth Jordan Hopgood Desmar Jackson David Lee Logan McCormick Joey Parris Josh Richardson Connor Ryan

(6-0, 180, WR/CB; Painesville Harvey) (6-4, 190, WR; Cincinnati Sycamore) (5-11, 175, WR; Shaker Heights) (6-4, 190, WR; Akron Coventry) (6-3, 200, WR; Cincinnati Elder) (5-9, 160, WR; Painesville Harvey) (6-3, 180, WR; Akron Garfield) (6-3, 175, ATH; Springfield South) (6-1, 170, WR; Cincinnati Princeton) (6-2, 190, WR; New Philadelphia) (6-0, 170, WR; Cincinnati Princeton) (6-3, 185, WR; Warren Harding) (5-10, 170, WR; Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary) (6-2, 180, WR/DB; Clarksville Clinton-Massie) (6-1, 175, WR; Cleveland St. Ignatius) (6-4, 180, WR; Dublin Scioto) (6-0, 165, WR; Cleveland St. Ignatius)

Tight Ends

Anthony Tolbert Brian Slack Brian Wozniak

Athletes

Justin Turner Patrick Tucker Jamie Wood D.J. Hunter Aunre Davis Ben Moody Justin Kollie

(6-5, 220, TE/DE; Cincinnati Winton Woods) (6-5, 215, TE; Akron Hoban) (6-5, 225, TE/LB; Cincinnati Loveland) (6-3, 190, RB/S/CB; Massillon Washington) (6-4, 200, DB/LB, Cincinnati Princeton) (6-1, 190, DB/WR; Pickerington Central) (5-11, 190, DB; Middletown) (6-0, 180, WR/CB; Warren Harding) (6-2, 175, WR/DB; Lakeview) (6-0, 190, DB/LB; Cleveland Benedictine)

Offensive Lineman

Marcus Hall Ricky Harris Ryan Spiker Nate Cadogan Chris Freeman Jack Mewhort Corey Linsley Jake Feldmeyer Nate Klatt Henry Conway Dannell Smith John Taylor Sam Longo

(6-5, 280, OL; Cleveland Glenville) (6-4, 280, OL; Westerville South) (6-3, 265, OG; Dresden Tri-Valley) (6-6, 265, DE/OL; Portsmouth) (6-8, 285, OL; Trotwood-Madison) (6-5, 275, C; Toledo St. Johnʼs) (6-4, 275, OG; Youngstown Boardman) (6-2, 260, OL; Centerville) (6-4, 270, C; Canal Fulton Northwest) (6-6, 300, OL; Shaker Heights) (6-4, 290, OT; Newark) (6-5, 260, Ath; North Olmsted) (6-5 260, OL/DT; Bellbrook)

16 J J H U D D L E . C O M

John Anevski Pat McShane Matt Cash Clay Cooper Jeremy Johnson Zack Laird Allen Matthews Rob Yakimow

(6-4, 280, OT; Cincinnati Elder) 6-5, 285, OL; Cuy. Falls Walsh Jesuit) (6-1, 300, OL; Warren Howland) (6-2, 260, OL; Warren Howland) (6-4, 300, OL; Springfield South) (6-4, 270, OL; Olmstead Falls) (6-4, 280, OL; Xenia) (6-5, 280, OT; Cincinnati LaSalle)

Defensive Ends

Melvin Fellows Victor Rodriguez Julius Ferrell Cornelius Carradine DeJuan Hill Vince German Xavier Hines

(6-4, (6-2, (6-1, (6-5, (6-5, (6-2, (6-3,

245, 220, 245, 215, 210, 230, 240,

Storm Klein, Licking Valley

DE/DT; Garfield Heights) DE; Cols. Eastmoor Academy) LB/DE; Youngstown Liberty) DE; Cincinnati Taft) DE; Cleveland Benedictine) DE; Newark Licking Valley) DE; Cleveland Glenville)

Defensive Tackles

John Simon Adam Bellamy Pat Muldoon Cody Pettit Zac Costlow Trae Tiller Ben Birch Chauncey Clemons Theo Traczyk

(6-2, 250, DT; Youngstown Mooney) (6-4, 270, DT/OT; Aurora) (6-4, 240, DT; Cincinnati St. Xavier) (6-4, 230, DL/OL; Patrick Henry) (6-3, 235, DE/DT; Steubenville Cent. Cath.) (6-2, 235, DE/DT; Canal Win. Harvest Prep) (6-4, 250, DT; Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary) (6-4, 275, DT; Akron Garfield) (6-3, 255, DT; Strongsville)

Linebackers

Storm Klein Will Studlien Branko Busik Tyler Scott Chris Snook Dwayne Woods Dillon Voss Roman Lawson Jacob Green Danny Gress Maalik Bomar Rhys Edwards Dan Fox Tyler Houska Rob McEvoy Mike McKinney

(6-3, 225, LB; Newark Licking Valley) (6-2, 220, LB; Big Walnut) (6-1, 210, LB; Steubenville) (6-3, 230, LB; Warren Howland) (6-2, 215, LB; Medina Highland) (6-0, 200, LB; Cincinnati Princeton) (6-1, 220, LB; Garfield Heights) (6-0, 215, LB; Shaker Heights) (6-3, 225, LB; Cincinnati Wyoming) (6-0, 205, LB; Clayton Northmont) (6-2, 185, LB; Cincinnati Winton Woods) (6-2, 189, LB/TE; Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary) (6-1, 205, DE/TE; Cleveland St. Ignatius) (6-3, 210, LB; Medina Highland) (6-1, 225, LB; Cleveland St. Ignatius) (6-0, 210, LB; Canton South)

Marcus Hall, Glenville

Cornerbacks

C.J. Barnett Patrick White Derrell Peterman Rickey Steele Stephen Houston Travis Freeman Victor Graham DeShawn Harris Mark Mays Willie Seawright

Safeties

Denicos Allen Isaiah Bell RonCarlos Hilton Jamon Wagner Steve Hull Storm Timson Michael Robinson Justin Austin Paris Bruner Gannon Hulea Doug McCowan Dominic Rich Kyle Stadelmeyer Anthony Urbania Trent Vallinger Chris Williams

(6-1, 175, CB; Clayton Northmont) (6-0, 175, CB/WR; Pickerington Central) (5-11, 175, CB/WR; Youngstown Ursuline) (5-11, 175, CB; Cincinnati LaSalle) (5-11, 170, CB; West Chester Lakota West) (5-11, 185, DB; Cleveland Glenville) (5-10, 155, CB; Columbus Africentric) (5-11, 165, DB; Cincinnati Wyoming) (5-10, 170, CB; Clayton Northmont) (5-10, 160, CB; Lakewood St. Edward)

(6-0, 185, S; Hamilton) (6-0, 200, S; Youngstown Liberty) (5-11, 185, SS; Youngstown East) (6-2, 190, S; Youngstown Liberty) (6-1, 190, S; Cincinnati Sycamore) (5-9, 175, S; Pataskala Licking Heights) (6-0, 170, S; Cincinnati Princeton) (5-11, 180, S; Youngstown Ursuline) (5-11,180, Athlete; Warren Harding) (6-1, 190, S; Poland Seminary) (5-10, 195, SS; Springfield South) (5-11, 185, DB; Canfield) (6-0, 200, ATH; Girard) (6-0, 195, S; Cleveland Benedictine) (5-11, 185, ATH; Poland) (5-11, 175, DB; Cincinnati Winton Woods)

Andrew Holland, St. Ignatius

Photos by Stephanie Porter

JJ H u ddle ’s O h io Hi gh

Duane Long’s Top Juniors defensive ends that I project moving down to tackle. Aurora’s Adam Bellamy, Patrick Henry’s Cody Petit, Cincinnati Xavier’s Pat Muldoon, Steubenville Central Catholic’s Zac Costlow and Canal Winchester Harvest Prep’s Trae Tiller could show the speed this summer that could keep them at defensive end. Everyone wants to be bigger at defensive end if they do not have to sacrifice speed. Again, the word athlete comes into play at running back. I think Youngstown Ursuline’s Darrell Mason can be a special running back, but there are people whose opinion I respect still think he is a better defensive player. I think we all need to wait until the knee injury that he played through as a junior heals, and we see him on the field fully healthy before we can say for sure. But for now, in my mind, he is the kind of big back that every Big Ten team can build an offense around. At quarterback it all revolves around Cleveland South’s Devontae Payne. He has been an invitee to Ohio State and Notre Dame. He is the best quarterback prospect I have seen in Ohio since Justin Zwick and Troy Smith came out. Bowling Green was the first known to offer the 6-6, 220-pound Payne.

JJ Hu d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

At the linebacker position, Ohio State already had verbals from Newark Licking Valley’s Storm Klein and Coldwater’s Adam Homan, although Homan could end up at fullback. Will Studlien, who helped lead Sunbury Big Walnut to the Division III state title, had early offers from Illinois and Cincinnati. Ohio State was also interested. Cornerback is another strong position with Clayton Northmont’s C.J. Barnett following in the footsteps of a former Northmont alum, Kurt Coleman, by committing to Ohio State before his senior year starts. Another elite cornerback is Pickerington North’s Patrick White, who can claim an Ohio State connection himself as his father, Terry, played for the Buckeyes in the mid-1980s. He could be a receiver, too. He has great speed and shows tremendous hands but he has a defensive player’s mind-set. As receivers go I see one elite player in Painesville Harvey’s Chris Fields. He is a top10 player in this class. Fields boasted early offers from Akron, Illinois and Iowa, but he verbaled to Ohio State on Feb. 19. His teammate, Jamil Jarvey is another speed player in this class. If some of the big receivers in this class show speed it can be a special class as

Sycamore’s Lamar Passmore, Akron Coventry’s Jeff Walker and Cincinnati Elder’s Josh Jones have great size, athleticism and hands. The offensive line has some stellar performers and could be a strength of the class again this year. Marcus Hall from Glenville is a likely top-10 national offensive lineman. He had early offers from Ohio State, Illinois and Iowa. Ohio State has already received a verbal commitment from Toledo St. John’s center Jack Mewhort. He has the frame of a tackle but natural centers are hard to find. One more offensive lineman to watch is Trotwood-Madison’s Chris Freeman (6-8, 285), who had early offers from Kentucky, Nebraska and Penn State. Another key name is Westerville South’s Ricky Harris, who boasted an early Illinois offer. We will unveil our first top 100 list and bios with the May edition of Ohio High, due out in mid-April. In this edition, we have a list of key prospects at each position. The first list of names under each position group are players currently considered for the top 50 overall list. — OH

J J H U D D L E . C O M 17

Duane Long’s Top Sophomores 3. Jordan Hicks (6-2, 200, LB; West Chester Lakota West) Already has an offer from Cincinnati and will be a guest of Ohio State.

4. Matt James (6-7, 260, OT; Cincinnati St. Xavier) A regular at St. X as a sophomore says it all. Ideal feet and frame.

5. Andrew Norwell (6-6, 255, OT/DT; Cincinnati Anderson) Caught my attention in the state championship game. Looks a lot like Alex Boone.

6. John Ballard (6-3, 200, QB; Austintown-Fitch) Good arm and a fine athlete. Could be a receiver if he doesn’t pan out at quarterback. 7. Taylor Miller (6-5, 285, OL; Trenton Edgewood) Already an invitee to Ohio State games.

8. Nick Galvin (6-0, 200, LB; Cincinnati Moeller) Such great instincts. Made plays all over the field when I saw him.

he read option is the hot offense sweeping across college football. Any coach that is thinking about running that offense needs to get to Ohio and take a look at the Class of 2010 quarterbacks. There are a number of undersized signal callers in Ohio that do not fit the tradition pro-set offense but are perfect for the read option. They have arm strength but do not have the size most schools are looking for. Instead they have speed and athleticism. Dwight Macon at Steubenville and Spencer Ware at Cincinnati Princeton top the list, and there are several others. The good news about offering athletes like these is that if they do not fit at quarterback, they will fit at other positions. The 2010 class is looking like a really good offensive line class again with three players showing early. Offensive linemen stepping up this early in their development is a good sign. Offensive linemen usually mature later. As intriguing as the quarterbacks are, the players at the top of the list are a pair of edge players, Youngstown Ursuline’s Jamel Turner and Warren Harding’s O’Neal Brown. Turner looks like a young Lawrence Taylor. He is such an athlete and has a non-stop motor. Whether he is a linebacker or grows into a defensive end is the only question about him. Brown is a sure defensive end, but he is athletic enough to cover slot receivers right now. I don’t like to get out this early with rankings but there are some players I have seen enough of to put a top 20 together. This list is likely to change a lot over the next two years as players mature and others will show that they have peaked. I am sure there are players that I simply have not seen yet, so this list could change by the time we put out the next issue. It is looking like another strong class in Ohio for 2010.

1. Jamel Turner (6-3, 215, LB/DE; Youngstown Ursuline) If I could take any player in Ohio regardless of class it would be Turner.

2. O’Neal Brown (6-6, 210, DE/LB; Warren Harding) If Jamel Turner is not the next great defensive end from Ohio then Brown certainly is.

18 J J H U D D L E . C O M

9. Mark Myers (6-6, 200, QB; Cleveland St. Ignatius) Replaced an injured Andrew Holland, a D-1 recruit himself. I like Myers better. 10. D.J. Williamson (6-1; 180, WR/CB; Warren Harding) Looks like the best receiver from Harding since Mario Manningham. Speed to spare.

11. Dwight Macon (5-11,180, QB/ATH; Steubenville) With the read option coming into vogue maybe Macon stays at quarterback. 12. J.T. Moore (6-3, 230, DL; Youngstown Boardman) A physical specimen that cannot be ignored.

13. Spencer Ware (5-10, 200, QB/ATH; Cincinnati Princeton) Another undersized quarterback with tremendous skills that might get a shot at QB first.

14. DeAndre Harris (5-11, 185, CB; Youngstown Ursuline) A tough, hard-nosed corner with ball skills. Worth a scholarship as a return man. 15. Desmond McCown (6-3, 230, DT/DE; Springfield South) DE now but will grown into a DT. Work ethic is second to none.

16. Deron Brown (6-3,185,WR; Akron Garfield) Coach Bob Sax says he is going to be special. He would know. He coached Chris Wells.

17. Ray Vinopal (5-11, 175, Ath; Youngstown Mooney) One of the best athletes in the class. Hard nosed defensive player despite his size. 18. Christian Bryant (5-10, 170, WR; Cleveland Glenville) Looking like the next Glenville great one until injuries took a toll.

19. Antonio Banks (5-10, 200, TB; Middletown) At this early stage he is looking like the best back in the class. 20. Allen Edwards (6-1, 185; LB/SS; Austintown Fitch) Fast, physical high-motor playmaker.

JJ Hu ddle’ s O h io Hi gh

STORY BY DUANE LONG

Duane Long’s Top Sophomores

Youngstown Ursuline sophomore Jamel Turner (left) helped the Irish make the Division V state championship game where they lost Maria Stein Marion Local 20-14.

Photo by Nick Falzerano

JJ Hu d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

J J H U D D L E . C O M 19

Cincinnati Moeller’s John Rodenberg

The coaches all respect each other and being familiar with it is going to give me a little bit of a step in the right direction. I am looking forward to going up against these guys and it will be a great experience.” Rodenberg brings an 84-70 career record to Moeller and likens the opportunity to his stint at Covington Catholic and is aiming for the same success – a state championship. “When you go into a program like (Covington Catholic), the kids have an expectation to win. It is something that is created through years and years tradition building,” he said. “I think CovCath and Moeller are similar in their expectations to win and willing to put the work in to win. hen John Rodenberg was announced as Cincinnati CovCath is a great school and I had a great experience there. The state Archbishop Moeller’s fifth football coach in school history championship is something that will help me prepare for Moeller. I think in December, he was introduced at a press conference by there are a lot of similarities in the pursuit of excellence both schools former Crusaders baseball coach Mike Cameron – a leghave.” end in the Moeller community. Rodenberg has also drawn guidance from his close friend and former And if Rodenberg is even half as successful as Moeller head coach Steve Klonne. Klonne coached the Crusaders from Cameron at Moeller, who won four state titles in his 391982-2000 compiling a 168-48 record and state and national titles in year career, the football Crusaders could be in store for a 1982 and 1985. Klonne was an assistant under Rodenberg at return to glory days from the 1970s and 1980s. McNicholas. Moeller won seven state titles and two USA Today national titles in “Certainly, when the chance for the Moeller job opened, I spoke with that span. (Klonne) and had the opportunity to speak with (former Moeller head “It has certainly been a goal of mine to coach in the (Greater Catholic coach Gerry Faust) and he has been very gracious getting me up to League) South and to be at a place like Moeller is a great honor,” speed on things he did as a Moeller coach,” Rodenberg said. Rodenberg said. “I am certainly aware of the tradition. I played against “Coach Klonne has been great. We’re great friends and certainly talk Moeller and coached against Moeller but I think the big thing is I can’t more than just the Moeller job but that certainly comes up. He’s been get caught up in that. I’ve got to coach the way that I coach. there, he’s been successful there and he is a great resource. Between “I think the biggest thing I told the players is we need to keep the traCoach Faust and Coach Klonne, I understand the program better and I dition going. Instead of reverting to the past and am excited about taking over.” living in the past, they need to go forward and Rodenberg will finish the school year teachcreate something new that will add to the tradiing at Roger Bacon, but has already assemMoeller Football Coaching tion.” bled a coaching staff and is working with the Through The Years A Cincinnati LaSalle alumnus, Rodenberg was players in an off-season workout program. the defensive coordinator for the Lancers before “The first thing is I have been getting over to taking the head coaching job at Cincinnati John Rodenberg becomes Moeller’s fifth the weight room four days a week,” he said. McNicholas where he was at the helm for 11 “We’ve got our weight program implemented head football coach in the Crusaders’ rich, years. In 2005, Rodenberg took over traditional and we hired a staff that included a strength 46-year history. Expectations are high for Kentucky power Covington Catholic, winning the coach. Rodenberg as the men before him set the Class AAA state championship in 2006. Last “My goal was to blend the Moeller staff. I bar high establishing a winning tradition. season, Rodenberg coached St. Bernard Roger thought Moeller has been well-coached last Bacon to a 2-8 record before being hired at couple years and the guys that wanted to stay Moeller. 1963-1980: Gerry Faust (174-17-2); State and really had a passion for Moeller I decided Familiar with the landscape of Cincinnati area to keep and to blend them in with some of the Championships: 1975-1977, 1979, 1980; football, particularly the strength of the GCL, guys I coached with. So, I brought some guys National Championships: 1976-1977, 1979-1980 Rodenberg is looking forward to facing top comin and left some in place based on what they 1981: Ted Bacigalupo (12-1) petition week in and week out. wanted to do and their goals.” 1982-2000: Steve Klonne (169-48); State “I have been on the field coaching against Rodenberg is working hard to become as Championships: 1982, 1985; National (those teams), I was on the field as a player and familiar with the players, program and tradition Championships: 1982, 1985 I certainly know all the coaches in the league – of Moeller before taking the field next fall. they’re all great guys,” he said. “They are fun to “It is a lot bigger program (than what I am 2001-2007: Bob Crable (48-30) coach with and fun to talk to and I think that is used to) so getting to know names is difficult 2008: John Rodenberg (Career record: 84-70) what creates the great atmosphere in the GCL. because I am only there four days a week in

Rodenberg takes reins at famed Cincinnati Moeller High School

20 J J H U D D L E . C O M

JJ Hu ddle’ s O h io Hi gh

STORY BY MATT NATALI John Rodenberg addresses the media at a press conference where he was announced the new football coach at Cincinnati Moeller. Rodenberg has also coached at McNicholas, Covington Catholic (Ky.) and Roger Bacon.

the afternoon,” he explained. “But I am watching (the players) lift and I am real impressed with their dedication and hard work and great attitudes. “From day one when I came in, they just got after it. You tell them to line up and they are ready to go and get something accomplished. They don’t want to waste any time, they want to get bigger, they want to get stronger and they want to make 2008 a great season.” And Rodenberg wants to make 2008 a great season as well both on the field and off. “The one thing I told the parents and players was that when you walk out of Moeller after your four years, did you love your experience? If I can add to those guys loving their experience both as a student and an athlete, then I think we’ve succeed,” he said. “The wins will come and when you do things right and doing things on a high, intense level with a lot of spirit the wins will kick in.” With his coaching philosophy in place, Rodenberg is aiming for a rebirth of the Moeller program.

JJ H u d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

Cincinnati Moeller’s John Rodenberg Photo by Johanna Kremer

“The outline I follow is that you have to work as a team. I know it is said a lot and I know it is a cliché but I noticed when we won the state championship in Kentucky that all the players really bonded well,” he said. “They had a passion for winning but also had a passion for doing things as a team. “The one thing I noticed about the state championship team in Kentucky is that we didn’t have any players that were out there seeking to be superstars. We had players that were very good but they were players that wanted to win it for each other. When you look at winning and you look at the great teams, I think that is what ends up happening – everybody sacrifices for one common goal. If I can get that across to the players at Moeller, I think we can be successful.” Moeller finished 7-4 last season under seventh-year head coach Bob Crable, but his contract was not renewed after the season. Moeller’s best season under Crable was in 2004 as the Crusaders finished 10-3. In Crable’s tenure, Moeller had a 3-5 playoff record. — OH

J J H U D D L E . C O M 21

Cardinal Mooney’s John Simon Photo by Gary Housteau

n making their fourth state championship appearance in four consecutive years, one that resulted in a losing effort to Coldwater this past season, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney was loaded with top-end talent led by the “Big Four” and Johnny Simon. The “Big Four” consisted of seniors Danny McCarthy, who verbally committed to Notre Dame; Michael Zordich and Brandon Beachum, who verbally committed to Penn State; and Taylor Hill, who initially gave a verbal commitment to Oklahoma before he changed his mind and committed to Michigan. But it just might be Simon, the lone junior of the “Fab Five,” who is arguably the most coveted recruiting prize of them all. And on Dec. 26, Simon gave Ohio State a huge belated Christmas present when he verbally committed to Jim Heacock and Jim Tressel and became the first player from Mooney, during their impressive fouryear state championship run, to state his official allegiance to the Buckeyes. “When I went to Ohio State’s bowl practice, I was really impressed with how they trained, how they got into it at practice and how intense they were,” said Simon, who attended a Saturday workout session at the WHAC with his father on Dec. 15. “And I was also really impressed with all of the history and tradition that goes on there.”

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Simon knew, right then and there, that Ohio State was the best place for him. “I was really going to wait until after signing day for the seniors but once I left there I really knew that’s where I was comfortable,” he said. “I didn’t want to waste any more coaches’ time where they could be recruiting other kids so I thought it was fair to everyone that I commit.” But even then, Simon wanted to make sure he was making the right decision before he actually committed. “I wanted to make sure so I waited about a week,” Simon said. “My family and I discussed it and we waited about a week just to make sure the feeling wouldn’t change and it didn’t change at all. So I thought after Christmas I would give Coach Heacock a call and he was real excited.” Simon became the third junior, at the time, to verbally commit to the Ohio State recruiting class of 2009. “Coach Heacock welcomed me into the family and he handed the phone over to Coach Tressel and Coach Tressel was real excited,” Simon said. “It was just great.” That December trip to Columbus wasn’t the first time that Simon was ever on OSU’s campus. “I was there for the one-day senior camp (in June) which I was really impressed with. There was great competition there,” said Simon

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STORY BY GARY HOUSTEAU

Cardinal Mooney’s John Simon

who was informed that he would be getting a Sept. 1 offer from Ohio Cardinals going into the 2007 season after claiming their school’s State at that camp. “And I was down there for the Ohio State-Akron sixth state championship in 2006, Simon’s sophomore campaign. game and I went to the spring game also.” Mooney went 14-0 in Simon’s first year as a starter on the defensive Simon thinks he’ll fit in perfectly at Ohio State. line that season, and they seemingly had a great chance to not only “I see an extremely hard-working group of guys there, both the go 15-0 but also win back-to-back state championships. Both accomplayers and coaching staff,” he said. “They’re always working, they’re plishments would have been firsts in the illustrious history of their always thinking and they’re real intense which is perfect for me. And school. the facilities are state of the art and there’s nowhere else where you “It was very disappointing actually to come up short at the end, can get better training and the coaching staff is there completely to especially when we had the lead,” Simon said. “It was a tough loss help you.” but that’s just motivation for us this year to come back and win a state Ohio State was actually an easy decision for Simon to make when title.” it came right down to it. As a junior, Simon was named to the ONN/Ohio High All-Ohio team. “I always knew, right off the bat, that He amassed 87 tackles, 16-1/2 tacklesOhio State was one of my top teams,” he for-loss and seven sacks. Following the said. “So it was a great relief and I had a season, he was rated as Ohio’s No. 3 great time doing it, committing to Ohio overall prospect for 2009. He is also conIn addition to Simon, Ohio State has also received State, and it really let me start to focus sidered an early candidate for national verbal commitments from the following athletes: on the off-season and training with my top-100 prospect lists for 2009. teammates.” Simon’s determined to make another Adam Homan, RB/LB, Coldwater, 6-2, 230 His sister Brittany is already a run at a state championship appearance Storm Klein, RB/LB, Newark Licking Valley, 6-2, 225 Buckeye. She’s currently a freshman at next season. Jack Mewhort, OL, Toledo St. John’s, 6-6, 283 Ohio State. “People might think that we’re the Jordan Whiting, LB, Louisville (Ky.) Trinity, 6-1, 226 “She was real good about it. We get underdogs right now but we know we’re C.J. Barnett, DB, Clayton Northmont, 6-1, 175 along real well but she wanted me to go working hard and we’re going to do any where I was most comfortable,” Simon little possible extra thing we can and then Chris Fields, WR, Painesville Harvey, 6-0, 180 said. “But I think she’s glad now. She some to be champions again,” he said. wanted me to be a Buckeye.” “We’re definitely working hard this year And life’s been good for Simon since “I try to work myself as hard as I can and try already and we’re not going to let anyhe gave his verbal commitment to Ohio thing stop us.” to push myself to the limit and expend all of my State and unofficially became a Buckeye. Individually, Simon had another stellar “Everything’s been great,” Simon said. season after starting his year out under a energy to make myself better. I don’t want to “I’ve been wearing a little bit more red or cloud of uncertainty. Simon suffered a cheat myself or my team from anything that we lower vertebrae injury during the preseascarlet and gray, I should say, and I can come out and say that I’m a Buckeye son and he wasn’t certain, at one point, if could have done where it was my fault.” now. But it really let me start being with he’d even be able to play at all in his junmy teammates more and focus on the ior season. Cardinal Mooney junior and Ohio State commit off-season.” “The injury wasn’t serious at all and it’s John Simon Simon apparently hasn’t let any of the fully healed,” said Simon who was extra attention or limelight that comes cleared by the doctors in time to play in with being a top recruit and an Ohio the season-opening win over Mentor. “I State commit effect him adversely in any went through the season with no probway. lems and I’m fine now. Everything is great “I still think people look at me as the and I’m working hard with my team for same old John Simon, which I’m glad next season. We’re having a lot of fun.” about,” Simon said. “I don’t want to be The fun actually starts for Mooney at 6 known as anyone different. I just want to a.m. with team workouts four times a be myself. It’s a great honor to be in the week. position that I am but I owe it to my team“It’s just a blast and it builds camamates now to get ready for next season. raderie,” Simon said. “You get really They’re great guys and they’ll do anyclose with your teammates and it’s a thing for me and I’ll do anything for them. great thing. I wish it was seven days a We’ve still got one more year of high week.” school.” It’s that kind of attitude along with an That one-point loss to Coldwater in the incredible work ethic that helps make Division IV state championship game still Simon really special. hasn’t set very well with Simon. “I try to work myself as hard as I can “I don’t know if I’ve really recovered and try to push myself to the limit and from it yet,” Simon said. “It’s just been expend all of my energy to make myself fuel to my fire. I’ve been training as hard better,” Simon said. “I don’t want to cheat as I can and myself and my teammates myself or my team from anything that we are ready to go. We have a lot of leadcould have done where it was my fault.” ers this year and we’re pumped up.” He strictly follows a vigorous yearThe expectations were sky high for the round workout regimen to complement Photo by Gary Housteau

Ohio State’s 2009 Commitments

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J J H U D D L E . C O M 23

Cardinal Mooney’s John Simon anything else that he does with the team. “I have heavy days and light days in the weight room so we keep it mixed up and keep it fresh so I can stay really enthusiastic about it,” said Simon, who repped 225 pounds 38 times last winter. “And I do lots of cardio. I’m big on running hills and running steps. I go up to Fitch High School a lot and run the steps and do a lot of sprints. And I attend Jump Stretch (workouts) for injury prevention and flexibility. It’s a lot of fun. I enjoy it a lot.” And with a scholarship to Ohio State already secured, Simon just wants his team to have another monster season. “What’s really important to me now is being with my teammates and working hard. We really want to get back to the state title game again,” Simon said. “We’re full-out serious about it. We’re going to do everything we can to go the extra mile and go out of the way to do anything that will make us better.” And along the way, Simon will do his small part in helping to make his recruiting class better as well. “I don’t like to recruit players like some of the guys do,” Simon said. “I just like to let the guys be comfortable and keep their space. I just like to talk to them and get comfortable with them and just be good friends and hang out.” His friendship with Storm Klein, an OSU 2009 verbal from Newark (Ohio) Licking Valley, sort of started out that way and has evolved since then. “I probably talk to him once a week. We’re both Steeler fans so we usually talk at halftime of the Steeler games,” Simon said. “I don’t even know what we talk about really, we’re so comfortable talking to each other, we just talk. But I talk to Storm the most and I’ve talked to (Adam) Homan a couple of times.”

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Adam Homan was a member of that Coldwater team that came back from a 21-7 fourth-quarter deficit to knock off Mooney in the Division IV state championship game is Massillon, 28-27. That loss left an indelible impression on Simon and it’s not something he wants to experience again. “I want to accomplish (winning) a state championship in my last year as a senior at Cardinal Mooney,” Simon said. “After looking at the faces of the seniors last year I really just want to do anything that I can to improve myself.” First things first for Simon who has no intention of enrolling early at Ohio State so he can enjoy his entire senior season. “I’m really looking forward to college but I want to enjoy high school,” said Simon, who turned 17 on Oct. 14. “I’m just going to take it a day at a time right now with my training to get ready for another year of high school football.” It sounds like a pretty simple world for my Simon right now who still manages to sport a 3.7 GPA in the classroom. “It’s all football and lifting. I’m stronger than ever and in the best shape of my life but I want to keep training and improving myself,” he said. “I just like training and being with my teammates.” And he likes being a Buckeye. His commitment to Ohio State couldn’t be any firmer. “It’s 100 percent Ohio State,” Simon said. “No exceptions. I’m definitely a Buckeye and nothing else. And I couldn’t be any happier about it.” — OH

This story was reprinted with permission from the February edition of Bucknuts The Magazine.

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Beavercreek’s Zach Domicone

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Photo by Nick Falzerano

or a football player from Beavercreek, Ohio, being a scholarship member of a Mid-American Conference team would be quite an accomplishment. And that’s exactly the path Zach Domicone – who eventually signed with his dream school Ohio State – expected to take once his senior season ended in 2007. Domicone (6-3, 215, 4.47) was a three-year starter at quarterback and led Beavercreek to its first winning season in 16 years in 2007 with a 6-4 record. Despite missing two games with an injury as a senior, he had 1,111 rushing yards, 600 passing yards and 14 total touchdowns (nine rushing, five passing). He really came on strong at the end of the season and piled up over 200 rushing yards in each of the Beavers’ final three games. At the conclusion of the season, Domicone had offers from the U.S. Air Force Academy and Ohio University who each wanted him as a safety. He was intrigued with the idea of being an officer and serving his country, but decided he would likely attend OU and play for head coach Frank Solich. He liked the idea of playing close to home and thought the MAC was a solid conference. However, then a wild recruiting ride started – one unlike any we have seen in our time covering recruiting at Ohio High. “A couple days before Christmas, Zach got an offer from Connecticut,” Beavercreek head coach Scott Clodfelter said. “We went from the MAC to the Big East in the span of a few days. Akron also offered around that time. “Then, right after Christmas, absolutely out of nowhere from our perspective at the time, Nebraska came into the picture and offered Zach a scholarship. We were flabbergasted. It was really exciting that a big-time program like that wanted him and we were pretty sure he was going to commit to Nebraska. (New head coach) Bo Pelini called me and we set up a visit for (Jan.) 17th.” After thinking about it for a while, Clodfelter realized the offer from the Huskers didn’t exactly come out of the blue. “What I think happened, Carl Pelini was the D-line coach at (Ohio University) and he left for Nebraska when his brother took the head coaching job at Nebraska. So, I think Carl told him about Zach, they saw some film and offered him. I’m not exactly sure that’s what happened, but I sent film to every Division I school in the country on Zach. But we didn’t hear from Nebraska until the coaching change.” However, the roller coaster ride was just beginning for Domicone and Clodfelter. Suddenly, another Big 12 school was interested. And it was a program that would get anyone’s attention. “(Oklahoma head coach) Bob Stoops calls me out of nowhere on Jan. 9 and says, ‘We love Zach’s film and we want him to come here for a visit,’ ” Clodfelter said. “And they wanted him to come right away for a visit – the next day. They wanted him there before he could go to Nebraska to try and kind of steal him from Nebraska. That’s just my opinion, not what they said. We told them he couldn’t come tomorrow, but he could make a visit on Saturday (Jan. 12). The whole thing was amazing.” At this point, Ohio State was still not in the picture for Domicone. In fact, the Buckeyes weren’t even in the same album. But all of a sudden, on Fri., Jan. 11, everything changed.

JJ Hu ddle’ s O h io Hi gh

Beavercreek’s Zach Domicone

STORY BY DAVE BIDDLE “(On Jan. 10), I called the football office at Ohio State to ask about the coaching clinic,” Clodfelter recalled. “And then I said, ‘You know what, I’m going to call (OSU recruiting coordinator/tight ends coach) John Peterson one more time to let them know about the Nebraska offer and that Oklahoma was also interested.’ “I know they don’t like seeing Ohio kids go to big-time schools outside of the state. So, I called Coach Peterson Thursday night and left a message for him. “Friday morning (Jan. 11) around 10 o’clock he returned my call and told me they had interest in Zach. That was the first time we had ever heard from Ohio State. I told him Nebraska had already offered and Oklahoma was probably about to and he said, ‘What?’ At that point, people only knew he had offers from Ohio U., Air Force, Akron and Connecticut. “Coach Peterson told me that (OSU head coach Jim) Tressel would be back in town Saturday morning from a convention and that he was aware of the situation and they would get back to me. But they didn’t want him to go to Oklahoma – because I know they have a reputation of being very pushy with recruits on visits – and Coach Peterson called back about an hour later and said, ‘What can we do?’ “I said, ‘Offer him a scholarship. He wants to be a Buckeye and has always wanted to be a Buckeye.’ Like most Ohio kids who play football, that was always Zach’s dream and we were up front to Ohio State’s coaches about that. So, we got off the phone and Coach Peterson told me to expect a call later that day. “At 3:30 on Friday, Coach Tressel called me and said, ‘I’d like you to be the first to know that we’re offering Zach Domicone a full scholarship.’ I said, ‘You gotta be kidding me.’ And the funny thing was that we were in the weight room and the cell reception was really bad. But finally Zach got on the phone with Coach Tressel and of course accepted. It was a pretty incredible experience. At 10 on Friday morning was our first contact with Ohio State and five-and-a-half hours later at 3:30 in the afternoon he had been offered and accepted a scholarship. “And, honestly, I think Nebraska pushed the whole thing.” Domicone admitted he was shocked at first that OSU stepped up with a scholarship offer. The entire ordeal felt surreal to him. However, once the dust started to settle, he simply felt like he landed where he belonged. “At first it was kind of crazy and hard to believe, but it started to sink in pretty fast,” Domicone told Ohio High on national signing day (Feb. 6). “I think I deserve it and I think I have the ability to play at that level. Today,

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though, to finally sign those papers felt good.”

Sticking It Out

A standout football player throughout his early years, Domicone nearly transferred to a school better known for football prior to the beginning of his high school career. There are programs with a bad history in football and then there’s Beavercreek. The Beavers have long been a doormat for the big-school suburban powers in the Dayton area like Centerville and Huber Heights Wayne. “Yeah, before my freshman year I thought about transferring,” Domicone said. “But we got a coaching change and my dad and I met with Coach Clodfelter and we liked what he was talking about doing and what he was doing during the off-season, so we decided to stay. Our first two years weren’t real successful, but it was nice to help turn around the program and I ended up where I wanted to be.

“It was a pretty incredible experience. At 10 a.m. on Friday morning was our first contact with Ohio State and five-and-a-half hours later at 3:30 in the afternoon he had been offered and accepted a scholarship.” Beavercreek Football Coach Scott Clodfelter So, I think that was a good move.” Domicone was able to win the starting quarterback job as a sophomore in 2005, never an easy accomplishment at the Division I level, no matter the school. However, his season abruptly ended with an injury in the first regular season game of the season. “I had a battle all off-season with a quarterback who was a year ahead of me,” Domicone said. “And I ended up winning it after our first scrimmage. And then going into our second scrimmage, I took all the snaps, and about midway through the second quarter, I tore my meniscus. So, I rehabbed it, got it ready for our first game against a big rival, against Carroll. And then I went out, it was right before halftime, and I was running out of bounds to stop the clock, it was a wet, rainy day and the field was wet and I went to stop after running out of bounds and I just twisted my knee a little bit and ended up tearing my ACL and that was it from there.”

As a junior in 2006, Domicone and the Beavers started slow, but showed a sign of things to come in the latter portion of the season. “My junior year, I only played quarterback – I didn’t play any defensive back. It was my first year back from my knee injury and it took me a few games to get acclimated to playing again and the speed of everything. But I came on strong and our team came on strong and we ended up winning our last five (to finish 55). And just to get back out there to show people what I could do and my knee was fine and it was strong again was a good feeling. I was playing fast and I was real happy with my junior year.” In 2007, Domicone enjoyed an outstanding senior campaign, despite missing two games due to an injury. Not only did he achieve his personal goals and earn scholarship offers, he helped turn around a program that had long been in hibernation. Tressel mentioned on signing day that “several coaches in the Dayton area told me he was a one-man wrecking crew at Beavercreek.” “I was definitely excited to come into my senior year,” Domicone said. “We were trying to raise up Beavercreek and get a winning record on the board and I was excited to show people what I could do. I really felt like it was my first year back at full strength the whole season. We started off slow as an offense – we had some offensive line things that we needed to work out and move people around a little bit. And then I got hurt and missed two games. “But after that we came on strong. I think I finished my last three games with 200-plus rushing in each game. And defensively at the beginning of the year I played almost every snap. Didn’t see much action on my side, they kind of stayed away – I was out playing corner. But at the end of the year, I just played in passing situations. “But I was very happy with my year and the way I performed. Obviously it’s getting me to where I want to be. And I was very happy for our team and what we were able to accomplish together.” Domicone is a humble young man, but has a quiet confidence about him. Although he didn’t play safety in high school – and just a little bit of cornerback – he thinks he will do just fine at Ohio State. “I’m pretty confident I’ll be able to make that jump,” Domicone said. “I played safety in seventh, eighth and ninth grade. And in camps all last summer, I played safety. I actually went to 10 different camps over the summer and played safety. I worked every day in practice with the safeties during our defensive time. So, I’m pretty confident I can make that transition.” — OH

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Westerville Centralâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ben Buchanan Photo by Gary Housteau

Ben Buchanan set a state record this season with five field goals (57, 46, 44, 41 and 29 yards) in one game.

en Buchanan will leave Westerville Central as one of the most prolific kicker/punter combinations in the history of Ohio high school football. Buchanan (6-0, 195) was a three-time All-Ohio selection for the Warhawks and was a complete football player who also lined up at defensive back and wide receiver. However, it was as a specialist where he made his long-lasting mark.

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During his four-year varsity career, Buchanan was 32 of 45 in field goals, including a long of 57 yards. He never had an extra point blocked (68 of 70 career PATs) and was known for always getting good lift on his kicks. As a punter, Buchanan averaged just around 40 yards per boot during his career, including a 41.2-yard average as a senior. Many of his punts were of the directional

variety where he pinned the opposition down inside their 20-yard line. Already regarded as one of the best kickers/punters in the nation entering his final prep season, Buchanan certainly went out with a bang. As a senior in 2007, he turned in arguably the best year for a kicker in state history. He was a perfect 13-of-13 on field goals inside the 50-yard line and was 14-of-19 overall in field goals. His five miss-

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STORY BY DAVE BIDDLE es came from 63, 60, 60, 53 and 50 yards. Buchanan was 9 of 9 between 40 and 50 yards. NFL kickers should be so fortunate to have a season like that. Buchanan also set a state record with five made field goals in one game. Those came from 57, 46, 44, 41 and 29 yards. He also consistently boomed the ball near the goal line or into or out of the end zone on his kickoffs. On more than one occasion, Buchanan sent kickoffs through the uprights. “I was blessed during my high school career to play on good teams, win an OCC championship as a senior and set some personal records,” Buchanan said. When it came time to pick a college, Buchanan didn’t need long to decide. Several of the top SEC schools were after him early in the process, but he became the first member of Ohio State’s 2008 recruiting class with a verbal commitment in March 2007. He made it official on Feb. 6, when he signed his National Letter of Intent during a ceremony at Westerville Central. “Signing with Ohio State is amazing and I’m really excited to spend the next four or five years there,” Buchanan said. “It is the culmination of a lot of hard work and to be able to share this with my family, friends and teammates makes it even extra special.” Buchanan will likely redshirt for Ohio State in 2008. The Buckeyes return their starting kicker (Ryan Pretorius) and starting punter (A.J. Trapasso) who will each be seniors. Backup kicker Aaron Pettrey, a junior in 2008, also returns. “That’s what the plan is right now,” Buchanan said of redshirting. “I am going to come in ready to contribute if they need me, but I’m excited to learn from A.J. and Ryan. I feel like I will be learning under some of the best.” When asked if he feels like he’s a better kicker or punter at this stage of his career, Buchanan said: “I really don’t know. I’ve always done all three (including kickoffs) and I hope to continue doing all three at Ohio State and do as well as I can. I just want to be the best in each area that I can be for the Buckeyes.” Ohio State has developed an impressive lineage of standout kickers in recent seasons with former All-American Mike Nugent at the top of the list. But Buchanan says he doesn’t feel any pressure in terms of living up to the high expectations that Buckeye fans now have when it comes to OSU’s specialists. “No, I look at pressure as a privilege,” Buchanan said. “To be able to play at a place like Ohio State is a blessing and it’s a pretty tight-knit group of kickers and punters there. I’ve kicked with Nuge and Dan Stultz and punted with (Andy) Groom. It’s great that

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Westerville Central’s Ben Buchanan Ohio State has a fraternity like that with its kickers and punters. We’re all a family.” On signing day, Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel gushed about what Buchanan will be able to bring to the Buckeyes. You won’t find a college coach who works harder on special teams. Tressel has often said that the punt is the “most important play in foot-

“I want to do all three: kick field goals and extra points, punt and kickoff. I can maybe help save a scholarship for (Ohio State) that way.” Westerville Central Senior Ben Buchanan ball” due to the amount of yardage exchanged. “We talk a lot about special units,” Tressel said. “We’re lucky to have an outstanding young guy in Ben Buchanan, great field goal, extra point man, great punter. You can see the ball get up there in a hurry (showing a highlight video). That was a 60-yard punt and he can really hit the ball. And Ben is an outstanding student (3.7 GPA). He never had a PAT blocked and does a great job getting the ball up in the air. He’s an outstanding kicker and punter.” Even more good news for the Buckeyes is that Buchanan might be able to save them a scholarship down the line. Tressel enjoys carrying up to five kickers/punters on full rides – which is a rarity in the era of 85 scholarships – but Buchanan can fill several roles. “I want to do all three: kick field goals and extra points, punt and kickoff,” Buchanan said. “I can maybe help save a scholarship for them that way.” Currently, the Buckeyes have two scholarship kickers (Pretorius and Pettrey), two scholarship punters (Trapasso and Jon Thoma) and several walk-ons. Tressel was asked point-blank on signing day if Buchanan will allow OSU to carry one less specialist on scholarship in future seasons. “We’re always going to have multiple scholarships out on specialists because they’re critical,” Tressel said. “We’re going to have multiple kickers. So, if a guy can do two things, instead of having five guys on scholarship we’ll have four, that kind of thing. Ben is an unusual guy that did both so well so consistently, but he’s really a focused guy. He works at it and he’ll come in and he’ll com-

pete, and I think that will make everyone else better and we’ll see if he can step in and take over or step up and push and that type of thing, but just an outstanding guy, and unusual. “I had one, Jeff Wilkins (at Youngstown State), who I had 14 years ago and he’s still playing in the NFL and only doing one of them there (kicking). But he did both, and he was extraordinary. But it is unusual.” Following his senior season, Buchanan was named to the ONN/Ohio High All-Ohio team. He was also selected as the first-team All-USA punter by USA Today and was selected to play in the Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio. Buchanan suffered a stress fracture in his left foot (plant foot) just before arriving in San Antonio and was unable to kick. He was limited to just punting duties. However, he said he is fully healthy now. “My foot is fine,” he said. “I injured my left foot before the Army All-American Bowl, but it’s all healed up now and I’ve already started kicking again. They just wanted me to rest it for a little bit.” Buchanan will wear the No. 17 at Ohio State and will enroll early this summer. A diehard Buckeye fan for as long as he can remember, Buchanan explained what immediately comes to mind when he thinks of OSU. “I think of an unbelievable winning tradition,” he said. “Script Ohio also comes to mind. Mike Nugent’s 55 yard game winner against Marshall (in 2004) and especially the 2002 national championship game (when OSU beat Miami 31-24 in double overtime). I went to the game with my father (Tim) and cousin Dan.” Buchanan is a talented all-around athlete who might have had a chance to play college baseball if he didn’t take the football path. But entering his college career, he explained what he believes are his strengths and weaknesses as a kicker/punter. “My strengths are my focus, technique, consistency and power,” he said. “As a baseball pitcher, I learned early on how to stay cool and focus under pressure with the game on the line. “I still need work on improving my technique as a punter and a kicker and I still need to get as strong and fast as I can.” Buchanan is a religious young man and never goes very far in an interview without mentioning his Christian background. “When I am done playing football, I hope that I will be remembered as a great person and a Godly man, a leader and a friend,” Buchanan said. “I hope to be someone who made a difference in many people’s lives and was always there to help.” — OH

J J H U D D L E . C O M 29

Waverly’s Rusty Wright

he Waverly High School football program is headed in the kind in school history. right direction. The senior class, spearheaded by first-team all-Ohio quarterback In part, because the “Wright” man is in charge. Trevor Walls, were freshmen when Wright took over. Waverly graduAnd, although head coach Rusty Wright is reluctant to ated 21 seniors this past season. accept the credit, the Waverly Tigers — in such a short “The goal of every program is to get to the state playoffs,” said amount of time — have emerged as one of the top football Wright. “To make it to the first round of the playoffs is the biggest programs in all of southeast Ohio. achievement I think, because only 32 of you in each division of six In the past two seasons, the Tigers have combined for a record of get to do it. Every Friday night is essentially a playoff game. Your 21-3, and have enjoyed back-to-back berths in the state football playweek two game is just as important as your week 10 game.” offs. The Tigers are getting used to playing more than 10 games. And, While Wright has been the head coach for the past four seasons, Wright said his Tigers have succeeded because “they sacrifice indithe longtime assistant to the legendary Ed vidual glory.” Bolin is quick to credit his coaching staff and Whether it was a fullback switching to the community of Waverly. offensive guard, or an offensive stalwart mov“When we put our staff in place, it was like the ing to defense, “our guys do what needs to After all, the saying in Waverly is indeed “Tiger Pride runs citywide.” be done to help the team.” Blues Brothers getting back together. I don’t “We’ve had tremendous support the past “We stress the team first here,” Wright said. few years,” Wright said. “Both fan support know of another staff that has the experience “I can’t tell you of how many examples where and parental support have made us what we we had players do whatever was necessary level or knowledge of the game like they do. to help the team win. For example, they are. Waverly football is a community product. Our practices are open. People come to came to us and asked to switch positions. We We’re all friends and we’re friends first, then watch us practice. Every Friday night in the didn’t go to them and ask them.” fall, the town of Waverly shuts down for a There are individual stars, however. we’re a coaching staff.” high school football game. We’re pushing Wright, a disciple of the late Bolin, prefers crowds of 4,000, 5,000 or even 6,000 people to throw the football, operating out of the IWaverly Football Coach every Friday night. It’s special and I’m proud formation with a blend of the option as well. Rusty Wright to be a part of something like it. There is a lot “Coach Bolin was legendary with his offenof excitement.” sive mind, and what we do on offense is what Wright admits that Waverly wasn’t always a Ed Bolin put in place here,” said Wright. “Ed football town. Bolin was throwing the football before people began to throw the footHe spent 20 years as an assistant at the school before being hired ball.” on Feb. 11, 2004. Wright’s quarterback for the past three seasons, Walls, is a two“It used to be mainly a basketball town, and football was just some- time first-team All-Southeast District signal-caller. He was Special thing that you played 10 games and that was it,” said Wright. Mention all-district as a sophomore. Walls, as a senior, was named The Tigers qualified for the Region 15 playoffs in 2002, but went co-Offensive Player of the Year in the district. That landed him firstjust 1-9 the following season. team all-Ohio honors. Wright then took over the head coaching job, and spoke highly of In his senior season, Walls threw for an estimated 2,500 yards, on the freshmen and junior high classes at that time. top of the 2,300 yards as a junior and 1,482 as a 10th-grader. He After 5-5 and 6-4 seasons in his first two years, the Tigers have also completed 62-percent of his career passes, 67 of which went for reaped the benefits of those classes the past two campaigns. touchdowns. Two years ago, the Tigers experienced an undefeated regular seaOn Feb. 6, Walls signed a national letter-of-intent to play college son for the first time in 36 years, and captured their first Southern football at New Mexico State University. The Aggies are a member of Ohio Conference championship since 1988. the Western Athletic Conference. The Orange and Black ended that season at 11-1, and hosted their “There is a lot of pressure being the quarterback at Waverly, but first ever playoff game before losing to Columbus DeSales in the Trevor (Walls) was outstanding under that pressure,” said Wright. “In Division III regional semifinals. our scheme, the quarterback has to make reads, has to be able to Last season, the Tigers followed with a 10-2 mark, and once again set down and throw the ball and put it where it needs to be. Trevor advanced to the second round of the state playoffs. They fell to has tremendous work ethic and he’s a very coachable kid.” Westfall in the Division IV regional semifinals. Wright also praised Walls’ work with Mike Roback and D.R. The back-to-back quarterfinal triumphs are the only two of their Robinson, two Waverly assistants who were Division I-A college quar-

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JJ H u dd le’s O h io High

STORY BY PAUL BOGGS

Waverly’s Rusty Wright Waverly coach Rusty Wright has led the Tigers to back-to-back first round playoff wins.

Submitted Photo

terbacks. Both Roback and Robinson played for Bolin, who Wright credits as building the quarterback position and legacy at Waverly. Wright also said his coaching staff “makes his job as the head coach much easier.” Among his assistants are Robinson, offensive coordinator Roback, defensive coordinator Chris Crabtee, John Knight and D.J. Owens. “When we put our staff in place, it was like the Blues Brothers getting back together,” said Wright. “I don’t know of another staff that has the experience level or knowledge of the game like they do. We’re all friends and we’re friends first, then we’re a coaching staff.” While Wright quickly credits his assistants and players, he also described the role of the youth programs in Waverly. “Every year, more and more kids are coming out for football in Waverly,” he said. “Our numbers are up in the junior high levels, and our numbers are up at the lower levels.” Waverly has a flourishing flag football program, which allows children to begin the game in the third grade. There is also a city youth football league.

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“The numbers keep growing at the youth level,” said Wright. “At noon on a Saturday, there will be 160 kids or so.” Those high numbers have carried over to the high school program. “For all four years I’ve been the head coach, our numbers have stayed at 60 or just above,” said Wright. “And a lot of kids who didn’t play football before now come out. Every year, more and more people want to be a part of this.” With highly-touted younger classes and increasing numbers, Wright only sees a bright future for Waverly football. “I’m very excited about the future here,” he said. “We’ve got great people and things in place from the top down, from our assistant coaches to our youth programs and our younger classes coming.” And, Wright hopes to be the “Wright” man in charge, overseeing a program that is headed in the right direction. “You always dream of being the person who gets to lead a program and take it in the direction you want,” he said. “You remember what other coaches taught you, and you want to take that program in a direction that is good for the program and great for the kids.” — OH

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Boys Basketball State Tournament Preview

Chillicothe senior Anthony Hitchens and the Cavaliers are one of many teams with plans on taking home the Division II state championship.

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Photo by Brad Morris

JJ H u dd leâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s O h io High

STORY BY STEVE HELWAGEN & JEFF RAPP

Boys Basketball State Tournament Preview

2008 BOYS BASKETBALL STATE TOURNAMENT PREVIEW

hile analysts agree that the talent level for boys basketball in Ohio remains on the upswing and the state is loaded with formidable teams, the postseason that already is upon us promises to be rife with fantastic match-ups and unforgettable moments of drama. That’s nothing new in the Buckeye State, where the excitement from the gridiron simply carries over to the hardwood and some of the fiercest rivalries in the Midwest are at play. What is a bit different is the absence of some of the most recognizable programs from the championship discussion, leading to the possible dawn of a new era. Yes, traditional powers such as Cincinnati Moeller, Cincinnati St. Xavier, Dayton Dunbar, Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph and Wheelersburg all entered their brackets poised to make yet another run to the state final four. Plus, several teams that splashed onto the scene last year and returned much of the roster maintained their lofty status – outfits like Cincinnati Withrow, Columbus Northland, Chillicothe, Garfield Heights, Columbus DeSales, Sugarcreek Garaway and Canal Winchester World Harvest Prep.

However, it’s been tougher sledding for other prep superpowers such as Lakewood St. Edward, which in one swift blow went from the Division I frontrunner to a possible pretender with the loss of star forward Delvon Roe, who adorned the Ohio High cover prior to the season. Other programs of high repute such as Canton McKinley, Solon, Upper Sandusky, Canton GlenOak and Trotwood-Madison have struggled to grasp their past dominance after sending standout players to major colleges in recent years. But that’s the way the ball bounces in the ever-increasing competitiveness of prep basketball. Plus, some of the state’s most successful combatants of recent years seem to be enjoying their new position just below the radar – teams such as Mansfield Senior, Toledo St. John’s and Cincinnati North College Hill. And then there are always the Little Engines That Could, schools such as tiny Ada, which has not made an appearance in the state tournament since 1923 but just might be on a mission to advance to Columbus in Division IV after a 16-2 regular season.

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At time of print, the postseason was in its opening stages and the teams to beat, at least according to the final regular-season state poll, were Moeller in Division I, Poland Seminary in Division II, Findlay LibertyBenton in Division III and New Knoxville in Division IV. Will any or all them prove the chalk right and advance to the state tournament March 13-15 at Ohio State’s Value City Arena? We shall see. The following is a division-by-division look at some of the contenders for the state championship this season in Ohio high school basketball:

Division I

All discussion here has to begin with Cincinnati Moeller since the Crusaders are the defending state champions and they have carried their elite status into the 200708 season. The big question regarding Moeller heading into the tournament was the status of leading scorer Quinn McDowell, a 6-5 wing who was shelved in January because of a stress fracture in his right foot. Moeller won

its last eight regular-season games without McDowell, who had a team-leading scoring average of 15.1 points per game, but coach Carl Kremer was hoping to get him back after doctors conducted an MRI in midFebruary. Kremer, of course, knows what it takes to move a team through high waters – he not only has multiple state titles under his belt, he also led Moeller to a perfect run through the brutal Greater Catholic League. That was clinched when the Crusaders, who posted a 19-1 record in the regular season, knocked off rival St. Xavier for the second time Feb. 8 in a classic low-scoring GCL war, 41-32. St. X, though, should not be slighted simply because both of its losses were to Moeller as they headed into the postseason 18-2. X features one of the state’s best veteran duos in guard Brad Loesing and forward Walt Gibler, a 6-6 warrior who was averaging right around 17 points and seven rebounds per game. Loesing was just under 14 ppg. They could carry their team all the way back to the state final, where X lost to Moeller last year. Plus, Moeller has one very prominent potential obstacle after choosing once again to try to navigate its way to the states via the Columbus regional. Also in that bracket and maybe the scariest team in the state at time of print was Columbus Northland, which destroyed Columbus Eastmoor Academy in the City League championship game to move to 19-0. Northland has one of the state’s top inside players in 6-8 sophomore Jared Sullinger, who is already committed to Ohio State, one of the best scoring and distributing guards in 6-4 senior Devon Moore, and one of the most exciting young talents around in sophomore J.D. Weatherspoon, a 6-6 high riser. Satch Sullinger’s team also is blessed with outside shooters such as 5-10 guard Ian Nixson and hard-nosed defenders such a 65 forward Javon Cornley. Sullinger averaged 20.5 points and 12.4 rebounds during the regular season. Moeller was expected to cruise to a district title but was staring at possible regional semifinal opponents such as Zanesville, Newark and Gahanna Lincoln. Zanesville, owner of 19 regular-season wins, is led by 64 senior wing forward Logan Aronholt. Newark also has a star senior in 6-3 guard Greg Avery. Gahanna features 20-point scorer Rob Taylor and his brother, Stevie, one of the state’s top freshmen. A Moeller-Northland battle is worth mark-

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Boys Basketball State Tournament Preview ing the calendar. If that regional final takes place it will be March 8 at the Fairgrounds Coliseum in Columbus with the winner headed down the street to Ohio State. Northland already played at VCA this season and routed neighborhood rival Columbus DeSales, one of the top Division II teams in the state. The Cincinnati regional has the potential to produce St. Xavier and fellow area schools Withrow, Princeton and Elder as district champions. Elder, another rough-andtumble GCL squad, is led by 6-6 power forward Kyle Rudolph, who wants to do some more damage on the basketball court before playing tight end at Notre Dame. Rudolph entered the second week of February with averages of 14.8 ppg and 8.6 rpg. Princeton was no lock to emerge from the Dayton 2 district with experienced Centerville and Cincinnati Aiken also on board. Aiken was getting big-time production from 6-7 freshman forward Chane Behanan (right on 20 ppg) as well as 6-4 junior wing Darren Goodson (19 ppg). And St. X knows that Withrow is gunning for revenge should those teams rematch in the regional final March 8 at Xavier University. Gibler’s press-beating pass that led to a layup cinched a 51-48 win in last year’s match-up with a ticket to the state final four on the line. Withrow, like Northland, is loaded with talent up and down the roster and has a prominent big man in 6-9 power forward Yancy Gates, who is signed to play at the University of Cincinnati next season. Gates was producing about 21 points and 11 rebounds per game and point guard Anthony McBride was among the area leaders in assists with more than six per contest. The Akron and Cleveland regionals are not as power heavy as in years past but still are the home of hopeful teams. In the Akron regional, for example, which now includes teams from the Toledo area, Perrysburg, 190 going into the postseason, was on course to face Mansfield Senior in the Bowling Green district championship. Meanwhile, Toledo St. John’s Jesuit was the on-paper favorite in the Toledo district while the Copley district looked like a grab bag. The always competitive Canton district featured teams of past glory such as McKinley and GlenOak as well as Canton Timken and Massillon Perry, which is led by 7-0 center Kenny Frease, a Xavier signee. Timken appears to be ahead of schedule. Young but talented, Timken won its first 18 games and is getting better-than-expected production from players like Johnie Davis, who was averaging a team-high 18.6 ppg. The Cleveland regional has a new frontrunner now in the form of Garfield Heights,

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2008 BOYS BASKETBALL STATE TOURNAMENT Thursday, March 13 - Semifinals 10:45 a.m. - Division II Game #1 2:00 p.m. - Division II Game #2 5:15 p.m. - Division IV Game #1 8:30 p.m. - Division IV Game #2 Friday, March 14 - Semifinals 10:45 a.m. - Division III Game #1 2:00 p.m. - Division III Game #2 5:15 p.m. - Division I Game #1 8:30 p.m. - Division I Game #2 Saturday, March 15 - Finals 10:45 a.m. - Division II 2:00 p.m. - Division IV 5:15 p.m. - Division III 8:30 p.m. - Division I which started 17-0 and has one of the most balanced rosters in the state. The backcourt is experienced and athletic with 6-5 Robert Wilson, a Wisconsin signee, and 5-11 Carl Jones, who can go off at any time. The front line features 6-5 Paul McQueen. Heights, though, is in the same district as Warren Harding, which was ranked sixth in the final regular-season state poll with a record of 17-1. Harding boasts the junior backcourt duo of 6-2 shooting guard Sheldon Brogdon and 64 point guard Desmar Jackson, the topranked 2009 prospect in the state. Brogdon was among the area leaders in scoring (19.5 ppg) and three-point percentage (43.0). The front line is big and imposing, led by 6-7 senior Damian Eargle, who was among the area leaders in scoring (14.5 ppg), rebounds (11.9) and field-goal percentage (65.0). You want a sleeper pick from the Cleveland area? Look no farther than Cleveland Glenville. The uptempo Tarblooders are rife with scoring with 6-4 guard Rayshawn Goins popping for about 26 ppg and Kendall Holt and Maurice Catney right around 17 ppg. Goins also was second in the area at 13.6 rpg while Holt topped it with 7.6 assists per game. Also Keep An Eye On: Columbus Brookhaven, Akron Firestone, Elyria, Cincinnati Winton Woods, Dublin Scioto. State Championship Pick: Cincinnati Moeller over Cincinnati St. Xavier in a

rematch of last year.

Division II

The power teams in Division II lived up to billing and the potential showdowns at the back end of the bracket could be as exciting and well played as any of the four divisions. Prior to the season, Ohio High highlighted five “Teams To Watch” and all five of them – Canal Winchester, Chillicothe, Columbus DeSales, Dayton Dunbar and Toledo Libbey – looked every bit as capable entering the postseason as they did on paper before the ball even went up in the air. They are joined in the top 10 of the final regular-season state poll by a couple teams that put together undefeated regular seasons – Poland Seminary (18-0) and surprising St. Paris Graham (20-0) – as well as Fostoria (18-1), Eastmoor Academy (17-2) and Dover (18-2). While the possibilities for entertaining games along the way seem endless, it’s difficult not to fantasize about a state semifinal scenario where Libbey is facing either Dunbar or Canal Winchester and Chillicothe is matched against either Poland Seminary or Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary. A Libbey-Canal semi would pair arguably the top two players in the state and two future Ohio State teammates on their college floor – 6-5 senior guard/forward William Buford of Libbey and 7-1 senior center B.J. Mullens of Canal Winchester. If they can lead their teams to the states they would face each other March 13 at Value City Arena. The day prior, The Associated Press is expected to announce the winner of the coveted “Mr. Basketball” award, which figures to go to either Buford or Mullens – unless Gates or someone else emerges as the winner. Mullens, who had a 62-point game recently, put together a regular season in which he averaged 26.2 ppg and led central Ohio with 14.6 rpg and a field-goal percentage of 70.2. More important, he led the Indians to an 182 record and belief that they, with the guiding hand of longtime coach Kent Riggs, can make a run at a state championship. Mullens is surrounded by solid ball handlers and shooters, most notably guard Remon Nelson. CW should cruise to the district title but has a tough draw thereafter, especially with Dunbar lurking on the other side of the Fairborn regional bracket. The two-time defending state champs in Division II, the Wolverines posted an 18-2 regular season despite a fierce schedule and have a top big man in their own right in 6-10 center Josh Benson, who is signed to play at the University of Dayton next year.

JJ Hu ddle’ s O h io High

Boys Basketball State Tournament Preview Benson started his season with a 48-point outburst and has been dominating ever since. Benson gets help inside from 6-6 power forward Derion Brandon and battletested guards Keith Rakestraw and Harvey Stewart. Libbey looks to have an easier path but could have to face Columbus DeSales or Eastmoor Academy in the Bowling Green regional semis and possibly Fostoria in the regional final. Senior guard Antonio Bumpus turned in a terrific senior season with 21.7 ppg and 8.7 rpg Center Raymond Woods, a 6-3 widebody, pulled down 11.7 rpg. DeSales, which advanced all the way to the state finals last season, centers its attack around 6-2 sophomore point guard Nick Kellogg, 6-3 junior wing Nick Goff and 7-1 senior center Sean Hobbs. Kellogg doubled his scoring output of a year ago to average 22.1 ppg during the Stallions’ 17-3 regular season. He also averaged 4.9 assists per outing. Hobbs made 62.5 percent of his field-goal attempts. Still, Libbey is the pick here, especially with the regional tournament at Bowling Green State University. Buford not only scores about 23 ppg, he also sees the floor well, finds teammates and makes clutch baskets and grabs key rebounds. He’s got help in the form of classmates Julius Wells, a 6-5 forward, and 6-3 guard Brad Sandridge, who desperately want to lead the Cowboys over the hump and to the state tourney. The Athens regional appears to be Chillicothe’s for the taking. Behind 5-10 point guard Anthony Hitchens and 6-7 center Ray Chambers, who does yeoman work inside, Chilly is the class of the area. The Cavaliers lost their season opener to Columbus Brookhaven but won 18 of their next 19 including a 59-58 survival against Division I power Zanesville and a 104-40 drumming of Jackson late in the campaign to head into the postseason with supreme confidence. The Canton regional is filled with possibility, although Seminary should be able to win the Youngstown district and SVSM, which was trying to shake off some late-season injuries, appears to be the class of the Canton district. A team to watch is Cleveland Benedictine, which was written off as a pretender early in the season but, at time or print, appeared to have a favorable draw in the Stow district. Benedictine is led by the young and dynamic backcourt of Derek Jackson (16.7 ppg) and Cameron Wright, an explosive 6-5 sophomore who averaged 18.0 ppg during the regular season after committing to Ohio State. Also Keep An Eye On: Cincinnati Taft, Parma Holy Name, Kettering Alter, Painesville Harvey, West Muskingum.

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State Championship Pick: Dayton Dunbar over Chillicothe, giving the Wolverines a three-peat.

Photo by Steve Helwagen

Division III

A year ago, Findlay Liberty Benton won its first 26 games before falling to North College Hill 50-45 in the Division III state championship game. Once again this year, Liberty Benton was unbeaten at press time. The Eagles won their first 19 games of the season. Sophomore Eric Craft, a 6-0 guard, was the only returning starter from that state runnerup squad. It will be interesting to see if Liberty Benton, the division’s only unbeaten and the No. 1-ranked team, can again make a prolonged tournament run and make it back to Columbus. It looked to be a rough road to the state final four for Liberty Benton, which was ticketed for the Bowling Green regional and the Elida district. Just within the district, such tough competition as St. Henry, OttawaGlandorf and Maria Stein Marion Local loomed. In the Athens regional, the top candidate could be Chillicothe Huntington, which ended the regular season 18-2. Huntington was led by 6-1 senior guard Josh Kellough, who went over the 1,200-point mark to set the school’s career scoring record late in the season. Wheelersburg is also a contender in the southeast portion of the state. The Pirates advanced to the state final four last year before losing to North College Hill in overtime in a state semifinal game. Wheelersburg had two starters back in 6-5 senior Drew Spradlin and 5-8 senior Matt Jenkins. South Point was also in the running in the Athens regional. Sophomore Todd Mayo, the brother of former North College Hill and current USC star O.J. Mayo, was averaging 24 points per game for the Pointers. Another team to watch in the Athens regional is Sugarcreek Garaway, led by 5-9 senior guard Tyler Gerber and 6-8 freshman power forward Paul Honigford. Garaway ended the regular season 17-3. Perhaps the top team in the Canton regional was longtime state fixture Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph, the 2006 state runner-up. VASJ was back in the hunt behind the play of 5-9 senior guard Nate Barnes and 6-7 senior center Klein Harper. Barnes was averaging over 15 points and four assists a game, while Harper was averaging nearly a double-double in scoring and rebounding. Another team to watch in northeast Ohio is

Toledo Libbey senior and Ohio State recruit William Buford will try to lead the Cowboys to a Division II state title.

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Boys Basketball State Tournament Preview Photo by Nick Falzerano

Andover Pymatuning Valley, led by the high scoring senior duo of Steve Savel (averaging 25 points per game) and Corey Shontz (20 points per game). Looking at top teams in the Fairborn regional, Anna won 17 of its first 18 games during the regular season. The Rockets boast a balanced attack, led by 6-2 sophomore Wesley Hunsucker (11 points per game) and 6-0 senior Joel Naseman (12 points per game). Cincinnati Deer Park posted an 18-2 regular season mark. Deer Park is led by one of the division’s top players in 6-4 senior forward Ori Harrison, who averaged 20.7 points and 12.5 rebounds per game in the regular season. Ethan Carey, a 5-11 senior, adds 13 points per game for Deer Park. It would be foolish to count out North College Hill. The Trojans, 13-7 in the regular season, have won three straight state titles. But they lack some of the star power from their past state title runs. Still, senior guard Damon Butler (averaging 21 points and nearly eight assists per game) will try and make his fourth straight trip to Columbus. Columbus Academy is led by 5-11 senior guard Jake Beatley, who is averaging over 21 points per game. Also Keep an Eye On: London Madison Plains, New Lebanon Dixie, Cardington, Archbold, Mansfield Ontario, Bucyrus Wynford, Ottawa-Glandorf, St. Henry. State Championship Pick: Findlay Liberty-Benton over Cleveland Villa AngelaSt. Joseph.

Division IV

Centerville junior Matt Kavanaugh and the Elks will try to survive the rugged D-I Cincinnati regional.

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A year ago, Georgetown went 28-0 and claimed the Division IV state title with a 7566 win over Canal Winchester World Harvest Prep. The G-Men brought back two starters from that squad and had posted a 17-2 mark, as of press time. The two losses were to Ripley (40-36) in the season opener and to conference rival Clermont Northeastern (54-40). Georgetown is led by 6-3 sophomore forward Jess Chadwell (17.7 points per game), 5-8 senior guard Marc Gray (11.5 ppg) and 6-4 senior forward Dylan Kattine (11.1 ppg). The G-Men will be challenged, though, in their quest to get out of the tough Dayton regional. Cincinnati Seven Hills loomed as a district-level opponent for the defending state champions. Seven Hills was 19-1 during the regular season with wins over D-III contender Cincinnati Deer Park and fellow D-IV power Lockland (54-40). Seven Hills’ lone loss was in the season opener to defending D-III state champion North College Hill (89-71).

Seven Hills is led by 6-3 senior guard Drew Kohn (21.5 ppg) and 6-4 sophomore forward Jake Davis (18.7 ppg, 11.2 rebounds per game). As noted, Lockland is another team to watch in the Dayton regional. Lockland was 19-1 at the end of the regular season. New Knoxville, coming out of the Wapakoneta district in the Dayton regional, earned the No. 1 ranking in the final Associated Press poll as it was 19-0 in the regular season. New Knoxville went 20-0 last year in the regular season before falling to Georgetown 60-57 in a regional final. Four Rangers are averaging double digit scoring, led by 6-7 junior Brad Piehl, who is averaging for nearly 13 points per game. Tony Meyer, a 5-11 senior guard, is averaging in 12 points and six assists, while hitting nearly 59 percent of his three-point attempts. One of the top teams in the Bowling Green regional figures to be Toledo Christian, which had won 16 of its first 17 games. Kyle Whitlow (14 ppg) and Grant Sims (11 ppg) lead Toledo Christian. There are several teams to watch in the Columbus regional, led by Worthington Christian. WC was 19-1 in the regular season and was led by Brian Hecker (22 ppg) and Brady Beals (12 ppg, 10 rpg). Canal Winchester World Harvest Prep again figures to be in the running from central Ohio. Harvest Prep was 19-1 as well during the regular season. The Warriors have excelled behind three returnees from last year’s state runner-up team. They are led by 6-2 senior guard Dane Givner, 6-1 senior guard Quintin Aden and 6-0 junior swingman Nehemiah Trotter. Givner is averaging 14 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists, Aden 11.3 points and Trotter 10.6 points and 3.4 rebounds. Two top teams in the Canton regional could square off in the Byesville district with Malvern (20-0 regular season) and Wellsville (18-1). Malvern is led by three 1,000-point career scorers in junior Tyler Tucci and seniors Zak Kapron and Trever Halter. This year, Kapron leads the way at 20.1 points per game, while Halter is averaging 18.2 and Tucci is at 17.5. Kapron also averages 10.9 rebounds per game, while Tucci and Halter each average over six boards per contest. Also Keep an Eye On: Ada, Defiance Ayersville, Holgate, Pandora-Gilboa, Haviland Wayne-Trace, Tiffin Calvert, Sandusky St. Mary, Oak Hill, Lancaster Fisher Catholic, Columbus Tree of Life. State Championship Pick: Malvern over Georgetown — OH

JJ Hu ddle’ s O h io Hi gh

STORY BY STEVE HELWAGEN

Canal Winchester senior B.J. Mullens has had a successful senior season. An Ohio State recruit, Mullens had back-to-back games of 46 and 62 points in January.

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Canal Winchester’s B.J. Mullens

Photo by Nick Falzerano

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Canal Winchester’s B.J. Mullens

ith his full ride to Ohio State assured before he ever played a varsity high school basketball game, B.J. Mullens certainly could have coasted. The 7-1 Mullens was picked out of the crowd by newly hired Ohio State head coach Thad Matta at a basketball camp in the summer of 2004. Matta, it would seem, was impressed with the skill level of the tall youngster. He was surprised to learn that Mullens was just enrolling that fall as a high school freshman. He was even more surprised to learn he was from Canal Winchester, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus. Things moved quickly – very quickly – after that as Matta and his staff decided to offer Mullens a scholarship. In the weeks before his varsity debut at World Harvest Prep, Mullens accepted that offer. It would be three years later before Mullens – now rated as one of the country’s top 15 seniors (No. 12 overall) by ESPN.com/Scouts Inc. – would sign his letter-of-intent to play college basketball at OSU.

“Since I first committed to Ohio State three years ago, I have always been a Buckeye,” Mullens said. “Now that I have signed, I am proud to be a Buckeye.” Mullens spent two seasons at World Harvest Prep before transferring to nearby Canal Winchester High School in the spring of 2006. He made his varsity debut at World Harvest Prep in 2004-05, averaging 11.3 points per game as a freshman. He then averaged 17.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 6.0 blocked shots per game as a sophomore before making the move to Canal Winchester. Longtime Canal Winchester coach Kent Riggs was initially concerned about how Mullens would fit in at the school. After all, Mullens’ GPA hovered in the 2.0 range at the time and he needed work – both on the court and off – to realize his full potential. “The good part of it is when he came here, we told him he would not be treated any differently than anybody else,” Riggs said. “We have great staff and faculty who are willing to work with students. But they have to meet us halfway. He’s been great with that. “He did not walk in here and think he was going to get special treatment. If you asked the staff members who have had him as a student, they would be proud of him today for what he has worked on and accomplished.” Mullens heeded Riggs’ advice and made big strides on the court and in the classroom. His grades have improved dramatically and, as a junior, he averaged 26.4 points, 14.1 rebounds and 4.4 blocked shots a game. Among all players in Ohio in Division II, Mullens’ scoring average was second only to Ohio career scoring leader Jon Diebler. But Mullens was somehow left off the All-Ohio Division II first team. Still, Mullens spent his spring and summer on the AAU and camp circuit. He participated in events with the adidas Nation program as well. One web site declared that Mullens, because of his size and skill, was the early favorite to be

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the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft. But through it all, Riggs has been glad to see that Mullens has kept the acclaim in perspective. “You always worry about kids when everybody in the public tells them how good they are and what’s ahead of them,” Riggs said. “We have tried to stress with him that ‘You’ve got to do these things first. If you don’t do these things, then the things in the future won’t come to you.’ “We have not had to fight that battle at all, which is good. That was the battle I thought we might have to fight. It has not been like that. “What I have tried to stress to him is he has a lot of ability and a lot of potential just in the type of athlete he is. A lot of times those ratings are based on potential. Your performance is what you will be gauged on. Some doors will be

“Since I first committed to Ohio State three years ago, I have always been a Buckeye. Now that I have signed, I am proud to be a Buckeye.” Canal Winchester Senior B.J. Mullens opened up because of the potential you have. But you have to be able to perform, and I think he understands that.” As his senior year was winding down, Mullens was making a push to be Ohio’s top prospect and the Mr. Basketball award winner. Prior to the season, Chris Johnson of HoopScoopOnline.com declared that Mullens and Toledo Libbey standout William Buford, also an Ohio State recruit, were tied as the

state’s top prospects. Mullens helped Canal Winchester post an 18-2 mark during the regular season. He averaged 26.2 points and 14.6 rebounds and hit 70.2 percent of his shots from the floor. As a result, Mullens has been chosen to play in the McDonald’s All-American Game March 26 at Milwaukee’s Bradley Center. He will be joined there by fellow OSU signee Buford. “He has worked hard. He wants to be a good player,” Riggs said. “With his ability and his size at the high school level, a guy could have a tendency to take things easy. But he works hard on his game. He has improved.” The Indians’ two losses were to Newark and Cincinnati Withrow. Mullens scratched the surface of his ability when he matched the school record of 46 points in a Jan. 19 win over MidState League rival Lancaster Fairfield Union. But that was just a warm-up for what came on Jan. 22. Playing against Centereach (N.Y.) Our Savior New American at the Flyin’ to the Hoop event in Kettering, Ohio, Mullens broke loose for 62 points and 21 rebounds in a 79-69 win. He had 36 of his team’s 38 points in the first half. He ended up 28 of 34 from the floor (82 percent). “The kids are looking at him more because of his size and he is so good down low,” Riggs said following that game. “He is real quick and agile for a big boy," Riggs said. "He is just so athletic for a big kid.” Just days earlier, Mullens missed a game due to dizziness. He made up for lost time against Fairfield Union and Our Savior. “I had to miss a game not long ago with a health problem and I don’t like basketball getting taken at anytime and I think that has put a little flame in me,” Mullens said. The 58-57 loss to Withrow was a tough one to swallow as Withrow, led by 6-9 Cincinnati signee Yancy Gates, scored the winning basket at the buzzer. That game was played at OSU’s Value City Arena, the site of the state champi-

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Canal Winchester’s B.J. Mullens Mullens commited to Ohio State prior to his freshman year at World Harvest Prep. He transferred to Canal Winchester before his junior season.

Photo by Nick Falzerano

onships in March. A year ago, Canal Winchester’s dreams were dashed with a district final game loss to Columbus Beechcroft. “We'll definitely be here back in March,” Mullens said after the Withrow loss. “I'll make sure of that. I'll make my teammates better. I'm used to playing out here every summer. I come down here every once in a while every time I get the chance to. “For us, it was important for us to come together this year as a family. I am pretty sure everyone on my team wants to win that state championship.” Mullens talked about areas where he needs

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to continue to improve. “I know I need to work on my strength and conditioning,” he said. “I have been playing against college guys ever since I committed. I have a good feel for their strength and they are strong. That is the next level. “I think I am ready for the college level. I know Coach Matta will get me in shape for what he wants me to do.” Mullens said it was an easy decision to commit early to Ohio State, his hometown team. “Coach Matta and his staff are great,” he said. “I love them. I have been a part of the family with them for the last three years. We

talk every week. I go up there and talk to them. It has been good to get to know them before I go up there and play.” During the early signing period, Mullens was joined by Buford as well as guards Anthony Crater and Walter Offutt in signing with the Buckeyes. All have been considered national top-100 prospects during their respective prep careers. Nevada standout Luke Babbitt initially committed as well before opting to stay home and play at Nevada. “I think we fit in good,” Mullens said. “We have a lot of guards in this class and I am the only big man. We have two seniors leaving inside. I think I have a chance to go in and fit in well. “The class is real good. We will miss Luke. I support him all the way. I understand he wants to stay home and be close to his family. But the rest – Walter, William and Anthony Crater – we have had a few chances to play together. We were roommates at a camp in Virginia. It’s going to be a good class.” Mullens has the potential to play alongside 70 center Kosta Koufos, currently a freshman for the Buckeyes. “To actually sign a letter of intent to be a Buckeye, it felt good,” Mullens said. “I know the supporting cast that is coming in with me. Knowing the players that have been there, I have big shoes to fill with guys like Greg Oden and Kosta Koufos. Hopefully, Kosta and I will get to play together next year. It’s great that Ohio State fans are supporting me already.” While other schools tried to sway Mullens, he stayed true to his commitment all the way through his high school career. “When you give your word to the school, you have to stay with that commitment,” he said. “I liked Coach Matta and I loved the school. I don’t have to move away. I can stay near my family. “It’s going to be good. To play in front of 18,000 in the home games, it will be great. It’s just going to feel good. Going on the road, the Big Ten is one of the toughest conferences.” Mullens spends time lecturing youngsters in central Ohio. Because of his experiences, he has plenty of good advice. “The first thing that is important in high school is your grades,” he said. “No matter how many sports you want to play, if your grades aren’t right you aren’t going to play. You have to be committed and work out every day if you want to get better.” And, with his high school career running down, Mullens talked about the areas that have clicked for him as a senior. “I'd say timing on my game, you know, letting the game come to me,” he said. “Just boxing out, getting offensive rebounds, getting rebounds. I'd say that’s the most improved.” — OH

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Malvern Boys Basketball Photo by Todd Stumpf

here’s a town like Malvern in every county in Ohio. A traffic light, a McDonald’s, a mom-and-pop grocery store and a miniscule population of people who all know each other’s name and who are kind to visitors they’ve never seen before nor will again. Located on the border of Stark and Carroll Counties, 15 miles southeast of Canton, Malvern has a population of 1,200, fewer than 100 of whom are boys at Malvern High School. Based on those numbers, an already bizarre statistical anomaly takes on an even more unusual twist. In the span of ten January days, three members of Malvern’s boys basketball team surpassed the 1,000 mark in career points. Some schools have never had a 1,000-point scorer. The Hornets having three at the same time is, well, unreal. “It didn’t hit me until after all of us did it,” said senior Trevor Halter, the second of the trio to reach the milestone. “I was like, ‘Wow, not a lot of teams have probably accomplished that.’ It’s pretty special to be part of this.” Not a lot is a championship-level understatement. Nobody’s certain if a boys team ever had three 1,000-point scorers simultaneously. Everybody, however, is certain it’s rare, if it’s happened at all. Factor in the added oddity of the proximity of the trio reaching the mark, and it becomes sublime. The first to reach four figures is the youngest of the three. Tyler Tucci, son of Malvern coach Dennis Tucci, hit 1,000 on Jan. 15 against Berlin Hiland. Five days later, Halter reached a grand against Campbell Memorial. Senior Zak Kapron made it a trio in a Jan. 25 game against Garaway.

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Malvern junior Tyler Tucci (left) and seniors Zak Kapron (middle) and Trevor Halter (right) helped the Hornets to an undefeated regular season.

The timing shouldn’t be surprising. The trio has played three years of varsity basketball together as teammates. Halter and Kapron played a year of junior varsity ball; Tucci started as a freshman. After 21 games this season and 66 career games overall, the three were within 95 career points of one another. Tucci led with 1,210, followed by Halter’s 1145 and Kapron’s 1,115. Each has been the team’s leading scorer once. Halter led the way in 2005-06; Tucci the following year. Kapron led the team in scoring this year. “They seriously and sincerely don’t care who gets the points,” Dennis Tucci said. “If they turn down shots, then I get mad. Everybody says it, but these kids live it. They really don’t care. They just want to win.” They have won, too, a bit more each year. The Hornets were 9-11 two years ago, then 17-3 last season. This year they ran the regular-season table and earned a No. 2 ranking in the Associated Press Poll. It was the kind of thing you didn’t hear much about in Malvern basketball lore. The banner on the gymnasium wall lists the years teams have won InterValley Conference championships. Neither the boys nor girls team had ever won one before this season. “Our main goal this year was to get a banner up on the wall. It’s our first title ever,” Kapron said. The trio grew up together, but for a couple years looked like they might not wind up playing together. When Dennis Tucci took the coaching job at Marlington High in Alliance, Tyler went with him. The teammates, who played youth basketball together, were separated for the first time. Dennis Tucci got the Malvern job before his son’s freshman year and they moved back. The band was reunited. “You’re sad to leave,” Tyler Tucci said. “But it was good to come back here too because I knew we were going to be good.”

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Malvern Boys Basketball

STORY BY TODD STUMPF

He was right. But nobody could foresee still managed to average 5.4 points. He how good. Certainly nobody looked at the can knock down a shot or two when called trio three years ago and saw 3,500 points, upon. an eventual unbeaten season or a team “Once in a while they’ll be our leading capable of one day winning a state chamscorers when teams are trying to stop us Trevor Halter pionship. But the three grew – literally, three,” Halter said. “They can hit a lot of 2005-06: 346 points and as players. threes and they both pass really well.” Kapron has always been tall, but his All of the Hornets’ big three are multi2006-07: 407 skills needed to catch up to his 6-foot-6 sport athletes. They don’t have the luxury 2007-08: 392 frame. As recently as a year ago he was of working on basketball year round. Tucci shooting 47 percent from the foul line. and Kapron play football and baseball in Zak Kapron This season that mark was near 70 peraddition to basketball. Halter plays golf and 2005-06: 278 cent. Always athletic, he was never comhas dabbled in track in the past. fortable with his back to the basket, but “You’ve got to share them,” Dennis Tucci 2006-07: 402 countless hours working on his post said. “And we’re happy to.” 2007-08: 425 moves made him the player who shot betBut their future seems to be in basketter than 61 percent from the field this ball. Perhaps because they play in Division Tyler Tucci year. IV for a team that until this year was largely “It’s like he got a tattoo on his arm and unknown, neither Kapron nor Halter had 2005-06: 344 became a man,” Dennis Tucci said. gotten a ton of looks. Dennis Tucci believes 2006-07: 477 Halter’s change from two years ago is the pair can play at least in Division II. 2007-08: 359 frightening. A 6-foot-5 swingman, he used “Somebody’s going to get a steal,” he to camp on the perimeter. As a sophosaid. “Once Zak concentrates on one sport, *2007-08 totals through 21 games more he made 76 3-pointers. He made 59 he’s going to take a giant leap. Trevor’s got more as a junior. He once made 10 a great ceiling because he’s just now threes in one game. This year, it took him half a season to make that becoming a basketball player. His whole life he’s been just a shooter. many. And Tyler? I know some guys that have gone Division I that he’s better Halter learned there were easier ways to score. Taking his game than. But we’ll see.” inside, he shot 58 percent from the field this year. More importantly, he Until those decisions are made, the trio will enjoy their time in got to the foul line about four times again. As a junior he shot 47 free Malvern, hanging out at McDonalds and rehashing memories, still fresh, throws in 24 games. Simply put, he found that lay-ups and free throws but which will linger in this little town long after Kapron, Halter and Tucci were worth more than missed 3-pointers, no matter how much fun have left for bigger, if not better, places. bombing away might have been. He also found the weight room. They can recall the time Tucci scored 37 points as a freshman against “We begged him as a sophomore to get in the weight room,” Dennis Mogadore. Or maybe Kapron’s 35 against Hiland. They’ll remember Tucci said. “He got in there, but didn’t do much. Then finally last year dreams as little boys of going to a state tournament as more than specabout halfway through the season it kicked in. We can say it all we want, tators. Townsfolk, meanwhile, will not likely forget the magnificent trio but until he believes it …” which accomplished something few in any town have seen. The weight work paid dividends on both ends. As a junior Halter averDennis Tucci has coached a quarter-century and he’s not seen anyaged just 4.5 rebounds – “and those were ones that just fell to him,” thing like it. The closest he’s come was as a girls coach long ago, when Dennis Tucci says. This year that number increased by nearly two per he had a 2,000-point scorer and another player with more than 1,000. game. “They were incredible, obviously,” the Hornets coach said. “But they Then there’s Tucci, the quintessential coach’s son. He does a little bit were just two kids. This is three. It is crazy.” of everything. Offensively, he runs the show, averaging more than seven With that pair of prolific players, Tucci coached his way to a state assists a game to go with his 17 points per night. Defensively, he pulls championship, something for which his current stars would sacrifice all down nearly eight rebounds – from a guard spot – and nets about three 3,500 of its points. The Hornets seemed well on their way last year steals per contest. When Dennis Tucci raves, it’s as much as a coach as before the most stunning of losses derailed them. A shot from mid-court a Dad. by Hiland’s Joel Gause as time expired gave the Hawks the Byesville “He just does it all for us,” the proud papa said. “If you see us play, Division IV District championship and the Hornets a year-long case of he’s the engine. He plays at a whole different level out on the floor. If the what-ifs. Hiland rolled through the Canton Regional with ease, then there’s a loose ball it’s his, no question. He goes after the ball like lost in the state semifinals to eventual champ Georgetown – by a single nobody I’ve ever coached.” point. The productivity of the threesome involves a good bit of unselfish“That could have been us,” Kapron said. “I think we could have hanness, not only from themselves, but the other players on the Malvern dled regionals and probably even the team Hiland played (Georgetown) squad. Fellow starters Adam Wackerly and Jamar Stephens do a lot of at state.” dirty work and get far fewer headlines. Both are quality players in their To a man, the three players say they and their Malvern teammates own right. have been motivated by the loss to Hiland ever since Gause’s shot setWackerly averaged seven points and four assists this season. He shot tled through the net last March 10. And why not? Once-in-a-lifetime 42 percent from behind the arc, making him the team’s best outside teams are called that for a reason. The Hornets had one a year ago. threat. In a situation where a team didn’t have two skilled big men, he’d This year, it just happens, the three principles from that squad returned. have gotten many more touches and the numbers that go with them. “I’m still ticked off about it,” Dennis Tucci said of the loss, nearly a Just a sophomore, he’ll get that chance. year after the fact. “But I hear the kids talk about that. We don’t want to The Hornets’ stopper, Stephens’ job was simple: lock onto other let another season end like last year. They haven’t lost since. They’re teams’ top offensive player. Despite his limited offensive role, the senior taking it pretty seriously.” — OH

Sharp Shooters

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J J H U D D L E . C O M 41

Toledo Bowsher’s John Rice

Photo by Doug Donnelly

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ohn Rice likes to have his basketball team practice. It might be Sundays. It might be snow days. Whatever the occasion, during basketball season, if there is no game, chances are Rice will be in the gymnasium anyway. For more than three decades, he decided when his team would practice. Coaching at Whiteford in Ottawa Lake, Michigan, Rice had a key to the school and if school was canceled he’d call his players and they’d practice anyway, say, around noon. These days, life is slightly different for the 62-year-old Ohio native. Instead of coaching in one of the smallest schools in southeast Michigan, he’s the head coach at Toledo Bowsher. It’s a Division I school in the Toledo City League, a loop that boasts some of the most talented high school basketball in the state and the Midwest.

After 33 seasons coaching high school basketball in Michigan, Ohio native John Rice returned to the Buckeye State this winter to take over at Toledo Bowsher.

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Toledo Bowsher’s John Rice

STORY BY DOUG DONNELLY “I wanted to have practice, but the janitors are only there until noon,” Rice said about a recent day when Toledo Public Schools canceled classes due to snow. “The janitors came in for a while to turn the heat on in the building. When they leave, we had to be out.” Yes, life is different for Rice, but he’s not complaining. He’s still living his dream. Rice is a native of Bladensburg, Ohio, where he was an honorable mention choice on the 1961 Ohio Associated Press All-Ohio team. He became a head basketball coach at age 23 at Danville High School, where he led two teams to winning records. When he decided to go back to college to get his master’s degree, he got the job at Mount Vernon Bible College. He would coach during the week, then carpool with other coaches to Xavier University in Cincinnati on Saturdays for class. He left Mount Vernon after two years to become head coach at Whiteford, just across the Michigan state line on U.S. Route 23. His Bobcats won their first district crown in his third season, their first-ever Tri-County Conference title in his seventh season and he was named the Michigan Class D Associated Press Coach of the Year in 1982, his ninth season at Whiteford. His Bobcat teams won 410 games, reached one regional final and had 24 winning seasons. More than of dozen of his players achieved some sort of all-state honors, including five firstteamers. “When I arrived at Whiteford, someone told me this was a football school,” Rice said. It wasn’t for long. He built the program from the ground up, taking a team with only a handful of winning seasons in its history and turning it into a team that regularly received state recognition in the 1980s and 1990s. He’s the second-winningest coach in the history of Michigan’s Monroe County. With all of his success at Whiteford, he occasionally had thoughts of moving elsewhere. He applied for a few other jobs over the years and says he had opportunities to leave Whiteford. He decided to stay each time and continued building his resume. “I had several opportunities,” he said. “I applied for a couple of jobs, but, financially, I couldn’t make the move. Plus, Whiteford was a good place to be.” His final season with Whiteford, 2002-03, was his best. The Bobcats won the first 23 games of the season and were ranked No. 7 in the state before the curtain came down. His star player that season was a 5-6 wizard named Anthony Miracola. Miracola had come to Whiteford after two seasons of mostly uneventful basketball in

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John Rice career snapshot Danville (Ohio) Seasons: 2 Record: 27-12 Best: 15-5 Whiteford (Ottawa Lake, MI) Seasons: 30 Record: 410-247 Best: 23-1 Ann Arbor Richard (Ann Arbor, MI) Seasons: 2 Record: 13-28 Flat Rock (Michigan) Seasons: 1 Record: 4-17 Bowsher (Toledo) Seasons: 1 Record: 4-13 (through Feb. 8) Career record: 458-317 (.591) the Toledo City League. At Whiteford, he blossomed into a superstar, averaging 23 points and six assists a game and dominating the TCC with his ball handling skills. Miracola wasn’t the first Rice-coached player to have a connection to the City League. In the 1970s, two players transferred to Whiteford – Jerome Pierce and Ron Nowak – and helped the Bobcats set a school record for wins. Pierce returned to Toledo Scott the next year while Nowak stayed at Whiteford. In 1984, Rice was on the other end of a transfer when 1,000-point scorer Gary Carter left Michigan for Scott and was a starter his senior season when the Bulldogs made the Class AAA semifinals. The taste of City League basketball was always itching at Rice. “It was always an ambition of mine to coach in the City League,” he said. It’s been a trying first season at Bowsher – which won only four of its first 17 games – but Rice is optimistic. He’s always been somewhat of an optimist about the future and a pessimist about the present.

Since his first days of practice taking over this Rebel team, Rice has been looking forward to next season. He kept a freshman and a couple sophomores on the varsity to help bridge the gap to the future. It’s an old, tried-and-true method he used at Whiteford, Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard and Flat Rock, the other coaching stops in his career. “You have to create an atmosphere that the kids feel comfortable in. I think we’ve done that,” Rice said about his first few months on the job. Now that he’s coaching in one of the biggest conferences in Ohio, he’s adjusting to the players, the coaching styles and everything else that comes with running a large-school program. The game is faster and the players are quicker, he said. “In the City League, I’m playing against players 6-8, 6-9, 6-6 every night,” Rice said. “In my games, there’s an average of four or five dunks a game. At Whiteford, I could count the number of players I had dunk in 30 years on one hand. “The game in the City League is played at the rim. The rebounds are taken off the rim. It’s a better caliber of athletes.” Still, Rice said, basketball is basketball. “Now that I’m doing it, I have found there is no difference in coaching in the Tri-County Conference or the City League,” he said. “You still have the same discipline problems, the same challenges. The athletes might be better, but it’s still the same issues. “The X’s and O’s are still the same. The biggest difference is in the athletes.” Bowsher is best known for players like Terry McLean (Tulane), Dennis Hopson (Ohio State and the NBA) and Keith Triplett (Toledo). The school had most of its success under Dick Crowell but still has had only a handful of winning seasons in recent years. Rice is hoping to change that and build a new tradition with the Rebels. One big difference that Rice is adjusting to is the choices players have. Sometimes players will move from one school to another in the city – something that was rare at a rural school like Whiteford. The key to making a school like Bowsher successful in the future, the coach says, is to keep his players home. That hasn’t always been the case with the Rebels, but, Rice says, he’s hoping to change the attitude and get commitment from his current crop of players to build a bright basketball future. “You’ve got to keep them at home,” Rice said. “In order to install a program, you must start keeping the athletes you have together,” he said. “If we can do that, we’ll build the program. It’s not going to happen overnight though.” — OH

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Girls Basketball State Tournament Preview

Tennessee recruit and West Chester Lakota West senior Amber Gray has the Firebirds eyeing a trip to the Division I state tournament.

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Photo by John Ritter

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STORY BY TOM JENKINS

Girls Basketball State Tournament Preview

2008 GIRLS BASKETBALL STATE TOURNAMENT PREVIEW

he 33rd annual Ohio High School state tournament has it all. It has the sure fire “lead pipe locks”, it has many “pick ‘ems”, and it has the “one game on any given day” teams. With the postseason tournament under way, we take a look at how the next few weeks could play out and what teams you should/could expect to see in Columbus. The state championships are set for March 6-8 at Ohio State’s Value

City Arena. By the way weren’t the New England Patriots a sure fire “lead pipe lock” in Super Bowl XLII? Division I

If the OHSAA re-seeded after the district tournaments, there would be three teams from southwest Ohio in the final four. It is just that strong. It has been five years since the state champion has come from a region other than the southwest. It was in 2002 when North Canton Hoover from northeast Ohio went the distance. With West Chester Lakota West and Dayton Chaminade-Julienne opting to go in the Harrison 5 bracket (and then through the Westerville regional), defending state champion Cincinnati Mount Notre Dame and its five NCAA Division I college prospects is the clear favorite to come out of the Fairborn regional. Mount Notre Dame, led by second-year head coach Dante Harlan, has been to the title game four consecutive years with three state titles in that span. Mount Notre Dame is led by seniors Channing Hillman (UTEP, 12.4 points per game) and Tia McBride (Georgetown, 15. 4 ppg) and juniors Ashley Fowler, Kendall Hackney (11.4 ppg) and Gabby Smith (11.8 ppg). Cincinnati Winton Woods, with the best three-guard combination in the state in Courtney Lumpkin (Morehead State, 10.6 ppg), junior Dayeesha Hollins (11.5 ppg) and junior Jasmine Shaw (13.1 ppg), is a favorite to fill another of the four slots in the southwest (Fairborn) regional. Beavercreek, Cincinnati Oak Hills or Cincinnati Princeton and Kettering Fairmont, Springboro or Vandalia Butler all have a legit shot at rounding out the field for the Fairborn regional. In the central Ohio at the Westerville regional, the winner of the Harrison 5 District (likely Lakota West or Chaminade-Julienne) will be the favorite to advance. No team in the country has a one-two punch the caliber of Lakota West with

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Tennessee-bound and WBCA All-American Amber Gray (17.7 ppg, 7.7 rebounds per game) and Alexis Rogers (11.7 ppg). Most teams lack the inside/outside depth of the Firebirds either. No team in central Ohio puts five D-I college prospects on the floor like C-J does as well. The Eagles starting five of Rachel Chandler (Central Connecticut State), Tiera Stephen (Louisville), India Warfield (St. Louis), junior Shene Fleming and sophomore Samarie Walker is talented. Dublin Coffman finished undefeated through the regular season and was the Associated Press state poll champion. But that is the very reason the AP has only had 15 out of a possible 80 AP champions who actually won state championships. Every central Ohio team that has stepped outside of its boundaries and played a team from southwest Ohio this year has come up on the short end, including Pickerington Central (losing to Mount Notre Dame), Pickerington North (falling to Lakota West) and Reynoldsburg (losing to Winton Woods). Pickerington Central was a state final four team last year. Led by Northwestern-bound Brittany Orban and Akron-bound Kyle Baumgartner, North Canton Hoover is eyeing a return trip to Columbus. The Vikings haven’t been to the state final four since winning it all in 2002. Youngstown Boardman, led by Michigan State-bound Courtney Schiffauer and Darryce Moore, and Canton McKinley also led by a future Michigan State Spartan, Porshe Poole, are the biggest obstacles for Hoover in winning its district. However, Hoover derailed Boardman in the Federal League Championship by 20-plus points. Everyone else in the northeast has just beaten up on each other all year long particularly in the Suburban League with Green, Copley and Wadsworth. The sleeper in the Canton regional

is Twinsburg but as good a year as it is having, is still a year away. Stow, which advanced to the state title game a year ago, was also in the running. There are many exceptional players in the Norwalk regional this year. However, in this day and age it takes three “go-to” impact players to win a “big school” state championship. Marion Harding has senior Jessica Jenkins (19.5 ppg) and sophomore Shawnta Dyer (16.7 pgg); Anthony Wayne has Allison Papafuss; North Royalton has junior Jessie Tamerlano (17.5 ppg); Solon has senior Erin Wisner (Miami, Ohio; 16.4 ppg, 9.6 rpg), Toledo Waite has sophomore Natasha Howard; Toledo Bowsher has sophomore Tiffani Blackman; Westlake has freshman Kalpana Beach (16.0 ppg); Sylvania Northview has freshman Katelyn McCoy; and Toledo Start has freshman Maleeka Kynard. Findlay reached the state final four out of that regional a year ago and also bears watching. Who’s missing? Toledo Central Catholic The Lady Irish returned all five starters including Oakland-bound Sharise Calhoun and junior Brianna Jones from last year’s regional finalist team. They are the slight favorites this year to come out of the Norwalk regional. Toledo Central may be the favorite to come out of the Norwalk regional but they dropped two to southwest Ohio teams at this year’s Classic in the Country (Lakota West and Princeton). Mark my word here and now, next year Toledo Start will be the clear cut favorite out of this region.

Division II

Division II is the most spread out, balanced division in the state this year. Each region has a couple of “pick ‘em” teams to get to the Final Four in Columbus. However, the Ontario regional in the northwest and the Barberton regional in the northeast are the favorites to produce this division’s state champion. In the Barberton regional, Canfield and Shaker Heights Hathaway Brown are the “pick ‘ems.” Canfield led by Pitt-bound Kate Popovec and the Halfhill sisters (Bryanne and Jillian) are the slight favorites having beat down Princetonbound Angela Groves and Hathaway Brown by 16 back in December. But super sophomore Amy Scullion and Salem got Canfield by five and Hathaway Brown got a quality win over Division IV northeast favorite Lutheran East. Hathaway Brown fell to Warsaw River View in last year’s state title game. Then there is Ravenna Southeast lurking in the shadows. Take your pick or pick your poison.

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Girls Basketball State Tournament Preview In the Ontario regiona, Sandusky Perkins sports the big three of 6-5 Florida State-bound and WBCA All-American Cierra Bravard, Bucknell-bound Trisha Krewson and junior Bethany Caudill have to be everyone’s No. 1 choice. Right on their heels to choose from are the Mauk twins (Stephanie and Rachel) and Lima Bath, Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit led by Brianna Segerson (Yale) and Revere led by Casey Nance (Dayton) and Khadijah Young. The Vandalia regional in southwest Ohio mirrors the Barberton regional in that there are two frontrunners and several others who have a legit shot at getting to Columbus. Dayton Carroll, led by Iowa-bound Shante Jones and Brogan Berry (Harvard) and Kettering Alter are slight favorites. But you cannot discount Sakara House (St. Peter’s, NJ) and Kenton Ridge nor Columbus Eastmoor with WBCA All-American and LSU-bound Ayana “YaYa” Dunning (18.3 ppg, 12.4 rpg). While the Barberton and Vandalia regionals mirror each other, so do the Ontario and Zanesville regionals. The only difference is the Zanesville regional has no No. 1 choice like Sandusky Perkins. Pick one, pick five … somebody has to win the lottery. Two-time defending state champion Warsaw River View is the surprise in Division II this year, with two of the three Daugherty’s back (head coach Caroline and junior daughter Kari), and could challenge for yet another trip to Columbus. Coach Troy Taylor’s Columbus Mifflin Punchers are a threat in the Zanesville region as is West Holmes with sophomore Noelle Yoder and junior Sarah Hammond. The Knights handed River View its only defeat this year. Cambridge with Wright State-bound Tamikka Snoody and West Muskingum with longtime coach Jack Van Reeth are also teams to watch.

Versailles senior Justine Raterman helped the the Tigers record a perfect 20-0 regular season and gain the No. 1 ranking in the final Division III state poll. Versailles won 18 of 20 regular season games by double-digits.

Division III

Photo by Nick Falzerano

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Just like Tiger Woods, it is South Euclid Regina and the field. Only five teams in the state can start five Division I college prospects and Regina is one of those five. The other four are Africentric, Chaminade-Julienne, Mount Notre Dame and Lakota West. The complimenting backcourt of Duke-bound and WBCA All-American Shay Selby (24.3 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 7.1 assists per game) and sophomore Tay’ler Mingo (4.8 apg) may be the best backcourt in the state. The Royals have good size and talent inside with 6-1 senior Mercedes Mitchell (12.5 ppg, 11.4 rpg) and 6-2 freshman Therany Dunnigan. Regina figures to dominate play in the Cuyahoga Falls regional. Regina coach Pat Diulus led the Royals to an unprecedented four straight state titles from 2000-03 and they last won the state title in 2005. Other contenders in the Cuyahoga Falls

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Girls Basketball State Tournament Preview regional include Cortland Maplewood, Columbiana and Canton Central Catholic. Looking across the state, only Justine Raterman (Dayton) and Versailles out of the Vandalia regional has a shot in a “one game on one day” scenario against Regina. It is one game on one day -- it is not two out of three, not three out of five and not four out of seven. It is one game on any given day. Versailles was a state final four team a year ago. Also in the Vandalia regional, keep an eye on Casstown Miami East and Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy. Three teams to watch in the Lexington regional include Marion Pleasant, Fredericktown and Bloomdale Elmwood. Pleasant is led by 6-1 sophomore wing Amy Daniels (16.7 ppg). Fredericktown is paced by 6-0 senior wing Whitney Levering (15.5 ppg). Two teams to watch in the Lancaster regional are Sugarcreek Garaway and Albany Alexander, which reached the state final four last year.

Division IV

As in Division III, it is defending state champion Columbus Africentric and everyone else. As stated above, Africentric is one of five teams that can put five D-I prospects on the floor and they do in their skilled and athletic starting line-up of Alesia Howard (Massachusetts), Tyeasha Moss (Xavier), junior Ashar Harris, junior Shardai Fountain and freshman Raven Ferguson. Once Africentric gets by South Webster and Waterford in the Pickerington regional, only two teams have a shot against them in one game

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2008 GIRLS BASKETBALL STATE TOURNAMENT Thursday, March 6 - Semifinals 1:00 p.m. - Division II Game #1 3:00 p.m. - Division II Game #2 6:00 p.m. - Division IV Game #1 8:00 p.m. - Division IV Game #2 Friday, March 7 - Semifinals 1:00 p.m. - Division III Game #1 3:00 p.m. - Division III Game #2 6:00 p.m. - Division I Game #1 8:00 p.m. - Division I Game #2 Saturday, March 8 - Finals 10:45 a.m. - Division II 2:00 p.m. - Division IV 5:15 p.m. - Division III 8:30 p.m. - Division I on any given day. Both of those teams are in the Massillon regional this year in Cleveland Heights Lutheran East and the Jen Stutzman (Kent State)-led Lady Hawks of Berlin Hiland. But both of those challengers have to get by perennial Division IV powers East Canton and Bedford Chanel, which

advanced to the state final four a year ago. McDonald and Bellaire St. John were also in the mix in the Massillon regional. Lutheran East with sophomore Latisha Walker and junior Destiny Sims can match up athletically with Africentric. But in one game on any given day if anybody in the state can be prepared to beat Africentric give me Berlin Hiland. Hoosiers anyone? The Elida regional was wide open with various contenders, including Mansfield St. Peter’s, Fostoria St. Wendelin and Stryker. The Vandalia regional also figured to be anybody’s race, although the Van Wert district winner – possibly Delphos St. John’s or Ottoville (a state final four team last year) – figured to be the favorite. New Knoxville, the runner-up to Africentric last year, was also in the Van Wert district race. — OH

About the Author: Tom Jenkins has over 40 years of coaching and evaluating experience associated with the game of girls basketball. He is devoted solely to the promotion of the game of Ohio girls basketball through his publication, Ohio Girls Basketball Report and the promotion of the players of the game through his services. Ohio Girls Basketball Report started 10 years ago has been voted for the last 7 years the No. 1 single-state scouting service in America by NCAA D-I Head Coaches. Currently there are 198 colleges across America that subscribe to Ohio Girls Basketball Report and rely on the information provided by Jenkins in evaluating players from Ohio.

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Beavercreek’s Ed Zink

Beavercreek girls basketball coach Ed Zink nets win No. 600; Coach has three state titles in 33 years

he element of success for the Beavercreek girls basketball team over the last three decades has been Zink. Head coach Ed Zink, that is. In his 33rd season at the helm of the Beavers, Zink notched his 600th career win in late December with a 54-29 decision over Fairfield. Zink ranks second alltime in Ohio High School Athletic Association history for most career wins by a girls basketball coach. “It’s got as much to do with longevity than anything. When you do something long enough you’re going to hit some milestones,” Zink said. “Starting back in the mid-1970’s I never thought I would be doing this for this long.” Following a 65-48 win over Piqua in late January for win No. 608, Zink was surprised with a ceremony in which the Beavercreek Fieldhouse was dedicated in his honor and renamed as the Ed Zink Fieldhouse. “At the time, I was kind of embarrassed and I am very appreciative of it,” Zink said humbly. “At the same time, I don’t think it honestly needed to be done. I appreciate it and it was a humbling experience. But it all comes back to the kids you have coached over the years and the time and effort they have put in and the parents and administration. I think this is a great place to work and I think it is the best job in the state.” Zink, who is the current Beavercreek athletic director, began his career with the Beavers as a student-athlete graduating in 1970. He went on to letter three seasons at the University of Dayton as a running back for the football Flyers and was captain his senior season in 1974. After college, Zink was right back at Beavercreek where it all started. “When I graduated from (Dayton) I came back

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to Beavercreek and my goal was to become the head football coach,” he recalled. “That first year, I was an assistant (football coach) and midway through the season the sophomore boys basketball job opened and the girls basketball job

Photo by Nick Falzerano

Junior forward Mikaela Ruef (right) is the latest in a long line of big-time college prospects under Zink. Ruef has an offer from Ohio State among others.

“Every kid we have had here has meant the world to me as a coach and I think that is why you get into coaching – for the kids.”

Beavercreek Coach Ed Zink

opened. I applied for both because I played basketball in high school and really liked the game. I really enjoyed basketball but football was my love at the time.” Rex Warner, Beavercreek’s athletic director at the time, approached Zink about taking the girls coaching job. Zink said he preferred the boys job but it had already been filled. “I said I would take the girls and I figured I would do it for a year or two. I started doing it and I started to enjoy it. We weren’t winning a lot but we had some neat kids,” Zink said. Beavercreek struggled in Zink’s first three seasons with a combined 11-37 record, including a dismal 1-19 mark in his third season. “After going 1-19, I wasn’t so sure I wanted to keep doing this,” he said. “But we had a bunch of sophomore kids that year and they were neat kids. They wanted to learn and worked hard. I didn’t want to let those kids down so I came back and we went 12-7 the next year and then we went 17-6 and it took off from there.” Zink righted the ship at Beavercreek by staying on course with his philosophy. “You can’t come in and just turn something around in a year. But if you’re doing what you believe in and what you think is right then you keep doing it,” he said. “If we had another year or two like (the 1-19 season) I probably wouldn’t be here.” Beavercreek reached the state tournament for the first time in 1991 falling in the state semifinals and three straight years between 1994 and 1996 claiming the first of three Division I state titles in 1995. The Beavers also won state championships in 2001 and 2003. “Obviously, the years that you win the state title really stick out. We’ve had some great runs,” Zink reminisced. “The first time we got there in 1991 – as a coach that is what you dream about. And to get there three years in a row was a pretty neat experience. You’ve also got to be lucky. You’re going to play a bad game or two along the road there and you just hope you can survive.” The 2003 team, which featured star center and current WNBA player Alison Bales, finished the season a perfect 28-0 and ranked No. 1 in the country in several national polls. “We shouldn’t have even got there,” Zink said about the 2003 championship team. “We won the regional semifinals in overtime. So, we were good but we were lucky, too. Sometimes the best doesn’t always win it all.” Beavercreek is in the hunt for a its first state tournament appearance since the 2002-03 season and, according to Zink, it is much harder returning to the show than getting there the

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Beavercreek’s Ed Zink

STORY BY MATT NATALI first time. “Basketball – girls basketball in general – has gotten better over the years and it has gotten more competitive and more balanced than 20 years ago,” he said. “Game-in and game-out you better be ready to play. So, it makes it harder to get back there but that is what makes it fun.” The Beavers finished the regular season 19-1 and Greater Western Ohio Conference Central Division champions. Led by senior guard Jaclyn Klaus and junior center Mikaela Ruef, Beavercreek is aiming to get out of region that includes traditional power and two-time defending state champion Cincinnati Mount Notre Dame. “I think we’re very good. I am not so sure we’re there yet but I would like to think were getting close again,” said Zink. “You’ve got to be good but you’ve got to be lucky and that is what makes it neat about the tournament. Everybody gets in and it is one-anddone. Hopefully you survive in the dance and you move on.” But win or lose, Zink has kept his coaching career in perspective and has taken more from his three-plus decades at Beavercreek than just trophies, championships, awards and accolades. “You do it for the kids. If we didn’t have the kids and you didn’t enjoy being around them and their great parents, you couldn’t do it for 30 years,” he said. “Sometimes the kids may not understand how much they mean to you but they mean the world. Every kid we have had here has meant the world to me as a coach and I think that is why you get into coaching – for the kids.” And Zink recognized the sacrifices he and his family have made over the years for his dedication to the Beavercreek program. “Sometimes you feel bad for your family because you might spend more time with these kids than maybe your own,” he said. “I have to give credit to my wife because when I was here coaching she was raising our four kids and that is not easy to do. She did it so I could do what I enjoy and sometimes you don’t thank your family enough. “But it has been a great 30 some years,” he added, “and it all comes back to the kids that you coach and how much they mean to you because you spend so much time with them.” What the future holds for Beavercreek this season remains to be determined, but what is for certain is Zink is a coaching legend in Beavercreek and has put his imprint on Ohio girls basketball. Another guarantee, after 33 years, is Zink cannot coach forever. “Now, I am just taking it year-by-year but there aren’t too many years left, trust me on that,” he laughed. “I think 30 some years is probably plenty. There won’t be too many more years but I will look at it a year at a time and see what happens.” — OH

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Photo by Nick Falzerano

Zink led the Beavers to state titles in 1995, 2001 and 2003. His 2003 club also finished 28-0 and was ranked No. 1 nationally by several publications.

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Canfield’s Kate Popovec

Popovec is Canfield’s career leader in rebounds and blocks.

he is already one of the top girls basketball players in the state, but on a cold February afternoon Kate Popovec was at Canfield High School working on her game hours before practice on a day when bad weather cancelled school. “I am just working on keeping fresh and keeping in shape. I am working on keeping my level of game up to where it can be at its best,” Popovec said. According to Canfield head coach Pat Pavlansky, this is not out of the ordinary for the senior. “I think she is still improving as a player,” Pavlansky said. “She

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works so hard and just improves everyday she is on the court. Her best basketball days are ahead of her. That is because she works so hard at her craft. She loves the game and loves preparing to do well.” The 6-4 standout has made an impact since her freshman season at Canfield. In addition to averaging 15.7 points per game for her career, Popovec is the Canfield career leader in rebounds, rebounds per game (12.1), career blocked shots and blocked shots per game (4). In four years, she has recorded over 1,000 points and pulled down over 1,000 rebounds. Photo by Stephanie Porter

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Canfield’s Kate Popovec

STORY BY MATT NATALI

Photo by Stephanie Porter

Popovec was named a Sporting News “In any other class in Ohio, Kate would be the Honorable Mention All-American prior to her No. 1 center,” said Jenkins. “However, this year senior season and is a three-time All-Ohio Ohio also produces 6-foot-5 Cierra Bravard selection. She is a four-time All-Metro Athletic (Sandusky Perkins/Florida State) and Ayana Conference first team honoree and a threeDunning (Columbus Eastmoor Academy/LSU). time MAC Player of the Year “She is big, strong and has great hands, which “I never thought I would accomplish that is a starting point for any high major center. As many things,” she said. “I just really worked hard as she plays and as hard as she competes, hard and I focused on doing the little things Kate will be the anchor on both ends of the floor and getting things done.” for Pittsburgh for years to come.” And as far back as she can remember Popovec committed to the Panthers in Popovec wanted to suit up for the Cardinals. November of her junior year and stood strong by “The reason I became interested in baskether decision despite making her pledge so early ball was my older sister (Michelle),” she in the recruiting process. recounted. “She is 10 years older than me “Pitt was the only school where I took a visit,” and she played basketball. I remember going Popovec said. “I just walked on campus and you to her games and thinking that I wanted to be know when you are on the right campus and her and I wanted to go out there and I wantyou’re in the right place. They just expressed a ed to play basketball for Canfield. That was lot of interest in me early and told me I was one always my goal since I was sitting in the of their top recruits and they really wanted me to Popovec committed to Pitt during stands watching her play.” be part of their program. November of her junior year. This season A McDonalds All-American nominee as “I committed and I was strong with my commitshe helped the Cardinals finish No. 6 in well, Popovec obviously achieved and ment just because I knew Pitt was the place I exceeded that goal. was going to be happiest. I never second the final D-II state poll. “My goal as a freshman was to eventually guessed where I was going because I was play varsity basketball. I just came in focusstrong and determined about where I was going ing on that and once I got that I raised the “She works so hard and just improves every- and I was excited about my decision. bar a little bit,” she said. “But I never focused “It wasn’t always just about the basketball, on my statistics. I just tried to do what I needeither. Obviously, it is a great basketball program, day she is on the court. Her best basketball ed to do to make my team better to get some but it is really important for me to be close to my days are ahead of her. That is because she family and it is a great staff, great group of girls wins. So, by scoring and getting rebounds that is the way my team is going to get betand great education. That is what I was looking works so hard at her craft.” ter.” for.” And the Cardinals have gotten better, The feeling appears to be mutual. Canfield Coach claiming four straight MAC titles “We are so excited about signing Kate,” Pat Pavlansky “We have been very successful throughout Pittsburgh head coach Angus Berenato told Kate’s career and this whole senior class’s cstv.com on signing day last November. “She is a career,” Pavlansky said. “When you have great student-athlete as well as a presence in the anybody like that, obviously your team is paint. She knows the game and has done very going to have a lot of chances for success.” well competing in a strong basketball environment against some of the Finishing the season No. 6 in the final Division II Associated Press top teams in the nation. We are thrilled to sign our first Ohio recruit in a state poll, Popovec has reveled in Canfield’s success this season. basketball-rich area.” “We’ve been really focused this year,” she said. “We’ve had a couple Popovec is looking forward to donning the Blue and Gold once the of downs with a couple losses but we are mentally persevering through final whistle has blown on her high school career. And much like she those everyday to get better in hopes of achieving our goals in the approached her high school career, Popovec has some lofty goals set postseason.” forth for her college career. Pavlansky points to Popovec’s leadership on and off the court for the “Once I get to Pitt, I want to just try and make an impact on the team success the Cardinals have had this season. whether it is coming off the bench or being a starter – I am not sure “With her vocal leadership, it is not so much on the court as it is off where I will stand,” she said. “But I just want to be able to help them on the court with encouragement,” he explained. “She encourages them to the floor and give them quality minutes when I get there. be better players and to me that is just a great, positive leadership that “I am really excited about it and am looking forward to it but right she has – more so than a ‘rah, rah’ type of person.” now I’m focused still on my high school season.” Said Popovec, “I always focus on leading by example, first and foreAnd according to Jenkins, Canfield could very well be the team to most, just because if there isn’t merit on the court to what you’re saybeat coming out of the northeast region in the Division II tournament. ing, the girls aren’t going to respect you as a player. But I am very forBut whether a state title is in the cards for Canfield or not this season, tunate to have three other great seniors along with me that are all vocal Popovec has not only left her mark on the program’s record book but and lead by example. It makes your job a whole lot easier when you also the Canfield community. have great teammates to back you up and you have players that “Her play speaks for itself. If you get 1,000 points and 1,000 respect you and respect the people that surround you. I am just really rebounds in your career, you definitely gain a lot of respect,” said lucky to be surrounded by a great team and a great group of girls.” Pavlansky. “Both on and off the court I think she has tons of respect From an X’s and O’s standpoint, Popovec is mentioned in the same from her teammates and the adults on the faculty because she is such breath with the top centers in Ohio this year, according to Tom Jenkins a fine representation of our school. She is a wonderful, young lady.” — of the Ohio Girls Basketball Report. OH

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J J H U D D L E . C O M 51

Lehman Catholic Girls Basketball

Photos by Mike Ullery/Piqua Daily Call

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Lehman Catholic seniors Jessica Slagle and Sarah Freytag both reached the 1,000-point plateau against Botkins in November.

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STORY BY ROBB HEMMELGARN

Lehman Catholic Girls Basketball

idney Lehman girls basketball coach Greg Noftz just can’t 1,000th point of her career. help but smile a little more these days. Later in the contest, Slagle still roamed the floor, and much to the The veteran coach of nearly 30 years, who physically dismay of the Botkins coaching staff, was still scoring. Her 27th point resembles more of an Army drill sergeant than a molder of of the night also gave her 1,000 for her career, allowing both girls to teenage girls, is eagerly looking forward to his Lady capture the milestone on the same night. Cavaliers taking the Division IV tournament by storm. “We discussed it with the opposing coaches prior to the game,” Most casual fans across the state though likely haven’t even heard defended Noftz. “We knew both of them were getting close and we of Sidney Lehman this season despite their posting a 17-3 record and wanted them to both hit it on the same night in front of the home averaging nearly 60 points per game. For whatever reason, the crowd.” Associated Press voters gave Noftz and his crew the Rodney Controversy aside, the Cavaliers continued to roll with their two AllDangerfield treatment all season long. Ohioans leading the charge. During the course of their rigorous schedule, the Cavaliers suf“I’ve coached 26 seasons at both the boys and girls levels of basfered setbacks to Versailles (20-0, Division III poll champions), Lima ketball and these two girls are hands-down the best I have ever Bath (19-1, No. 4 in Division II) and Troy Christian (17-3). coached. They are both unique in their own way and they make our Lehman boasts a superb record as well as one of the most danger- team that much better,” said Noftz. “When I arrived here, these girls ous one-two punches around in Sarah Freytag and Jessica Slagle. were very young. You could just see the potential, and it is hard to Their season-long snub in the polls makes about as much sense as believe they are seniors already. Hopefully, the younger girls see the trigonometry. Surprisingly however, that is all example that they have set in all aspects and just fine with Noftz and Co. this senior class can be looked at as one who “It really doesn’t bother us too much that really helped turned the basketball program “I’ve coached 26 seasons at both the we aren’t ranked,” assured Freytag, who around here.” ended the regular season averaging just over In a 73-38 victory over county rival boys and girls levels of basketball and 20 points and eight rebounds per contest. Jackson Center in the second-to-last game of “Actually we sort of prefer it that way, these two girls are hands-down the best I the regular season, Freytag situated herself because then in tournament if we play teams on the top of the heap as Sidney Lehman’s have ever coached. They are both unique all-time leading scorer for both boys and girls. from farther away, they tend to take us a little lighter because we of the fact that we aren’t In the process, she bypassed arguably her in their own way and they make our ranked.” biggest fan – her dad, John. Her running mate and the other side of “Everyone in my family was very excited team that much better.” Lehman’s double-edged sword, Slagle, couldabout the scoring record,” the younger n’t agree more. Freytag explained. “Especially my dad, but Lehman Girls Basketball Coach “We know how good we can be, so we he is always quick to remind me that he Greg Noftz really don’t need rankings to remind us,” scored his all of his points before there was Slagle said. “We just have to go out and win such thing as a three-point line. That’s sort of games. Really the only thing that matters is funny in itself though, because I rarely shoot how we finish the season, not where we were ranked before tournathree-pointers anyway. ment. We played a very tough schedule this season, and the teams “Seriously, dad and the rest of my family have always been outwe lost to were very solid. We feel that this will only help us come standing supporters for my entire career and I owe them a lot for tournament time to prepare for whatever opponents and whatever siteverything.” uations lie ahead.” Following high school the two girls will move on to college, where How their campaign concludes likely rests on the shoulders of one of them is certain to play basketball, while the other is still workFreytag and Slagle, who have shared a basketball court in one way ing on the fine details to do the same. Slagle plans to major in educaor another since the fourth grade. While the duo are fierce and notion at Bowling Green, where she also hopes to make an immediate nonsense competitors from tip off to the final buzzer, they’re allimpact on the court for coach Curt Miller’s team as a freshman. smiles and carefree outside the gym doors. Freytag, who scored a 31 on her ACT, is undecided between Ohio “Back when we were little kids, my mom and Sarah’s dad began a State, Case Western Reserve and Johns Hopkins, but plans to major league for us and we played for them until the sixth grade when we in pre-medicine at whichever school she chooses to attend. joined the same AAU team,” said Slagle said, who averaged just over While she is uncertain on whether her hoops career will continue, 16 points and six assists per game this season and will attend Coach Noftz is still lobbying for her to different coaches and proBowling Green State University on a basketball scholarship next wingrams. ter. “Sarah is what college coaches refer to as a ‘tweener’,” he pointed “A lot has definitely changed since then though, because back then out. “She is too small to play down low, but she isn’t quite fast Sarah was actually the taller one. Over the years, we have just gotten enough to play a one or two. That being said, she would make a so used to one another, and that makes it much easier. Playing with wonderful addition to a school and can definitely play at that level. I someone like Sarah will definitely help me at the next level because think what I am most disappointed in is that some of the small, local she is an outstanding player and she does so many things right on colleges aren’t expressing the interest – she will be a real steal for the floor.” someone.” Earlier this year, the Cavaliers entertained the Botkins Trojans and While the future will be bright for both girls no matter what path quickly sent them packing with a 76-37 defeat. Lehman’s triumph they choose over the next few years, they are busy enjoying flourishdidn’t come without a little excitement though – both good and not so ing in the present moment. For now, the rest of Division IV will have good. Midway through the third period of the foreseen blowout, to brace for the fury the Cavaliers plan to unleash in the next couple Freytag took a feed from her freshman sister, Christie, and banked it of weeks. And all those left in their wake will have no one to blame through the hoop for her 18th point of the game – it was also her but the poll voters. — OH

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J J H U D D L E . C O M 53

Richfield Revere’s Casey Nance

54 J J H U D D L E . C O M

Photo by justphotos.biz

he Richfield Revere girls basketball team experienced success in the 2007-08 season that the program has not seen in quite a while. Only six years ago, Revere realized the worst of struggles going 1-19. Now, Revere is back to being mentioned among the better girls basketball programs in Northeast Ohio. Revere finished the regular season with a 16-4 record. They were in contention for a Suburban League title on the season’s final day, a feat previously unimaginable for a program that hasn’t won a league title since 1978. This season is the culmination of a rebuilding effort that began when Kory Malkus took over as head coach five years ago, and the swan song for a talented group of five seniors, headlined by 6-4 center Casey Nance, who is the daughter of former Cleveland Cavalier Larry Nance. To perform this type of turnaround, it takes a special group of determined players with special team leader, one that can lead by example on and off the floor. This is a role that Nance perfectly fills. Although Nance is the centerpiece of this team, like all great team leaders, she cares about more then pure individual numbers, but rather the performance of the team. Nance thrives on doing everything she can to elevate her teammates. “She’s a tremendous leader and has a great work ethic,” said Malkus. “She’s so unselfish and I think that’s where she stands out. She’s not just the focal point and she knows that. She’d rather give up the ball then shoot.” Nance is not only a gifted scorer, but she leads the team in multiple stat categories. Her unselfishness on the court also has her as one of the team assist leaders. “We battle at times cause sometimes I want her to shoot a little bit more,” said Malkus. “She wants to block shots and rebound more then she wants to score. She’s really stepped up though from her junior to senior year knowing that she has to score, but if she’s double or triple teamed she looks to pass and is happy helping her teammates score.”

JJ H u ddle’ s O h io Hi gh

STORY BY TONY MALUSO

Richfield Revere’s Casey Nance

Photo by justphotos.biz

As she closes out her senior year at Revere, Nance’s enhanced Having a former NBA star living in-house, can only help a player’s scoring ability has helped her further etch her place in the Revere development. Larry Nance has been instrumental in the growth of history books. On Jan. 24, Nance reached one of the top individual his daughter. milestones in high school basketball when she scored her 1,000th “He’s really had a lot to do with my development ever since I decidpoint. ed to start playing,” Nance said of her father, who was a college star Nance came into a home game against Medina Highland 33 points at Clemson before playing 13 years in the NBA in stints with Phoenix shy of reaching the milestone. With a road game next on the schedand Cleveland. “Ever since then he’s been helping me. We work hard ule, Nance wanted to make sure she got the mark in front of the in the summer, he’s at practice every once in a while to help out. home crowd. It took nearly the entire game but finally with under a He’s definitely had a huge share in my success and I’m glad to share minute to play in the game, Nance hit two free throws to put her at it with him.” exactly 1,000 points at game’s end. Casey hasn’t been the only one that’s benefited from Larry’s vast Although reaching the milestone is special, Nance feels there are experience. Larry is a frequent visitor to Revere’s practices and has greater things to come for both her and Revere. worked with Malkus in making the entire team better. “It was a big accomplishment for me personally, but I much rather “He’s definitely in the background, but he loves to be in the gym have our team accomplish more,” said Nance. “I think our team is so and be a part of it and wants to help the team out,” Malkus said. “I special, we have the opportunity to do something really great. I’d look at that as a tremendous resource. I’m always trying to pick his rather have a team accomplishment over individual accomplishment.” brain about different things we can do to improve. He comes into my It takes a special player to reach classroom and we’ll write plays up.” 1,000 career points, but only a select “He calls her on the phone and they’ll few get to accomplish the feat during a be working on plays and showing her dream season. Without the help of the stuff,” said Casey of the relationship four other seniors on Revere, Kelly between her coach and her father. Rohrich, Michelle McCauley, Allie “They’re really close and they really Knorzer, and Allison McDaniel, the work well together.” moment and the journey wouldn’t mean The same description can also be as much to Nance. used when it comes to both father and “I definitely couldn’t have done it withdaughter. out my teammates and if we weren’t “Every day he tells me how proud he doing so hot, then it really wouldn’t is of me and how I’ve improved,” says have been a big deal cause the team Casey. “I really do appreciate it, comes first,” said Nance. “The success because it’s been a lot of hard work but of the team is really more important we’ve come a really long way.” then that. It has taken an entire team effort “We’ve all been together for a really from the players, the coach staff, and long time. We’ve worked the hardest, the parents to bring Revere to the level put in a lot of time. We know each they are currently at, and everyone other’s tendencies. On and off the shares in the pride of what they are court we’re best friends, it’s just a great doing for the Revere program. senior class.” “It’s awesome,” Malkus said. “I’m a The journey to Nance’s 1,000th point, Revere alum, so to come home and and Revere’s dream season didn’t bring the team back, I believe in Revere come as naturally as you might think for Richfield Revere senior Casey Nance scored 33 points and it’s so great. They’ve worked hard, in a win over Medina Highland on Jan. 24 to reach the daughter of a local basketball legI’ve worked hard, and it’s nice to be end. More of a soccer star in her able to have the rewards now.” 1,000 career points. younger years, Nance didn’t begin play“We’re really proud of our accoming basketball until eighth grade. plishment and we’re really glad we’re leading the team to the best Although her father served as in inspiration to finally pick up the record we’ve had ever,” says Casey. basketball, the elder Nance let her daughter choose for herself but The accomplishment’s and pride that Nance, Malkus and the rest the influences were everywhere for Casey. of the Revere girls basketball team have made and brought to the “Everyone was saying, ‘Casey you should play basketball’ so I said school and community to this point have been great, but the program ‘OK, fine,’ ” said Nance. “I pretty much gave into peer pressure and has only just begun their climb back to the top. that’s why I started, but now I realize I really have a natural gift from This year, Revere fell one game shy of a league title, but the promy dad so I might as well take advantage of it.” gram is in good hands for the future. Although next year, Nance will When Nance began playing in eighth grade, Malkus, then in her be off playing basketball for the University of Dayton, she and her felfirst year on the job, noticed a very raw talent. To help turn Nance low seniors have put Revere on the right track towards ending their into the player she has become today, it took more then just relying title drought. on genetics. They are making sure the underclassmen that will be taking their “When she started playing she was so raw, and roots help, but also place are ready to step up. Over the course of the year, Nance has hard work,” Malkus said. “She’s worked so hard and every year been making sure to work with the underclassmen to get them ready she’s just improved tremendously.” for when they get their moments. As a junior, Nance averaged 15 points, 14 rebounds and four Although she won’t be with the team anymore, Casey Nance’s blocked shots per game. Her team finished 15-7 and she earned work ethic and spirit will continue to remain a part of the Revere prohonorable mention All-Ohio honors. gram. — OH

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J J H U D D L E . C O M 55

St. Paris Graham Wrestling

he argument can be made that the 2007-08 St. Paris Graham High School wrestling team is one of the greatest teams, regardless of sport, in the history of Ohio high school athletics. At the very least, the Falcons are the best team in the country this season. Ranked No. 1 in the nation by the Amateur Wrestling News, Graham enters the Division II state tournament looking for its eighth straight state title and 10th overall, which would move it into a second place tie with Maple Heights for the most ever. A victory would also likely lock up the school’s first national championship. As for the “greatest” tag, that can be reinforced by a standout performance at the state tournament where Graham is a serious threat to qualify in all 14 weight classes and shatter the all divisional points record of 229 set by Lakewood St. Edward last year. The Falcons also have the potential to break one of the most hallowed records in state tournament history – Cleveland West’s six individual state titles in 1951. According to the famed Brakeman Report, 12 of 14 Graham wrestlers are ranked in the top four of their respective weight classes heading into the postseason. Five are projected winners. Last year, the Falcons had seven guys in the finals. Doubters can’t question Graham’s validity as the best team in the state regardless of division this season either. St. Ed, arguably the most storied wrestling program in the country, may very well win its record 12th straight state title in D-I and 24th overall. But the Eagles will take a back seat to the Falcons – finally. Graham beat St. Ed the first week of the season at the fabled Walsh Ironman

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Invitational in Cuyahoga Falls and followed that with a victory on the Eagles home floor in the finals of the Super Eight Duals a week later. That loss was the first suffered by the Eagles to an Ohio team since a defeat to Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit in 1997. One other ghost was conquered at the Ironman when Graham also beat New Jersey prep power Blair Academy. “It’s always been our goal to make a run at the mythical national championship and to do that we knew we had to beat St. Ed and Blair Academy and we did that the first week of the season,” Graham coach Jeff Jordan said. “The second week, we beat St. Ed again in a dual meet. This team has accomplished what no other team in Graham history has accomplished. And right now, unless we have some major mishap we should be

“It’s always been our goal to make a run at the mythical national championship and to do that we knew we had to beat St. Ed and Blair Academy and we did that the first week of the season. The second week, we beat St. Ed again in a dual meet. This team has accomplished what no other team in Graham history has accomplished. And right now, unless we have some major mishap we should be getting that national title.”

Graham Wrestling Coach Jeff Jordan

getting that national title.” After the first seven days of the season, Graham was a solid No. 1 in the national rankings. It hasn’t budged since.

Starting Out Strong

The high school wrestling season in Ohio is comparable to NASCAR in regards to having a marquee event at the beginning of the year. The season-opening Walsh Ironman wrestling invitational is the Daytona 500 for those who wear a singlet. The tournament is one of the nation’s top high school wrestling events and often referred to as it’s toughest. Never in the 13-year history of the tournament had a public school won the title and no one other than St. Ed or Blair had won it for 12 years. Graham changed that. “That to me is the best tournament any team from Graham has ever wrestled,” Jordan said. “What made it special is we had 12 of 14 guys place. I didn’t know if we were going to make a run at winning it or get fourth or fifth or sixth, but after day one this team said, ‘We can do it.’ “We won so many tight matches and we won like five overtime matches. When you win an overtime match, that’s just heart and guts.” Only one Graham wrestler won a title, but in doing so junior David Taylor (112 pounds) positioned himself for another first. A threetime Ironman winner now, Taylor, regarded as one of the best overall wrestlers in the country regardless of weight, has the chance to become the first four-time champ in Ironman history next season. He beat St. Ed’s Jamie Clark in the final 11-10. “The difference is our team actually believes we can compete with the best teams in the country,” Taylor said. “In the past, we’ve always had good teams but we’ve come up a little short when we’re

JJ H u dd le’ s O h io High

STORY BY ERIC FRANTZ

St. Paris Graham Wrestling With another Division II state title this season, head coach Jeff Jordan will move into a fourth place tie with Bill Barger on the all-time state title list with eight championships.

Photo by Nick Falzerano

JJ H u d d l e â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s O h i o H i g h

J J H U D D L E . C O M 57

St. Paris Graham Wrestling wrestling the best. This year, we put it all together. Not only did we beat St. Ed, but we beat Blair. We’d never beaten Blair before, either.” That fact didn’t go unnoticed by Blair coach Jeff Buxton whose team finished sec-

ond with 207.5 points. Graham scored 249.5 “Was there a difference? Absolutely,” said Buxton in an interview with WINMagazine.com. “(Graham) won all the close matches. When they were in matches where you’d

pick the other guy to win, they came through with one-point wins. They have one of those teams that is very technically sound. But the thing they’ve added is that they’re really mentally tough and they haven’t come through before in those kinds of situations.

Falcons record first undefeated season

GRAHAM BOYS BASKETBALL

Graham captures CBC Mad River title, D-II Troy sectional No. 1 seed and No. 5 state ranking

dmittedly, head coach Brook Cupps doesn’t expect his St. Paris Graham High School boys basketball team to generate fear in opponents. Not like the school's powerful wrestling program has. At first glance, the Falcons – from rural Champaign County – may even produce a chuckle. “If you look at our team picture we don’t really look like were very good, and sometimes we’re not,” Cupps said. “We’re not big. And that’s the knock on us. That’s our weakness.” Graham is proof looks can be deceiving. Get over the un-daunting team photo and the Falcons other credentials are scary. With a sweep of Benjamin Logan and Dayton Stebbins on the final weekend of the regular season, Graham recorded the first undefeated season in school history (20-0) and won the Central Buckeye Conference Mad River Division title. Ranked No. 5 in the AP state poll, the Falcons climbed as high as third earlier this season. That is the highest mark ever achieved by the program. Graham earned the No. 1 seed in the Division II Troy sectional tournament. “You never know,” Cupps said. “I don’t know if you ever expect to go 20-0, but coming in I thought we’d be competitive with everyone.” In 2006, the Falcons went 15-9 with two freshman starters. Last year they were even younger en route to a 14-9 finish. “Our best two players were sophomores,” Cupps said. “By end of last year we were playing four freshman and two sophomores most of the time. We took some hits, but guys started figuring out how to play.” That education was accelerated over the summer and preseason. Playing “70-80” summer league games according to Cupps, the Falcons warmed up for this season against some of the state’s top talent. Scrimmages against Cincinnati St. Xavier, TrotwoodMadison, Dayton Dunbar, Huber Heights Wayne and New Knoxville were primers that helped the Falcons prosper. “We scrimmaged all those teams in the preseason and played with them and I think that more than anything convinced our kids they can compete with those kind of teams,” Cupps said. “The scrimmage at Dunbar this year was a great experience in particular for our guys. We go out to play and we got like nine guys and we’re

58 J J H U D D L E . C O M

by Eric Frantz

just shooting lay-ups. Dunbar has like 18 guys and they’re all dunking. But to our kids credit they believed they could play and we went out and they beat us by two. We played a half.” Graham has showed up for all four quarters more often than not. The Falcons won 14 of their 20 regular season games by doubledigits and showed a penchant for winning close contests when it mattered with key wins over Tecumseh (73-67), Piqua (50-45) and Northwestern (58-54). The turning point came early on with a victory at Tippecanoe on Dec. 1. The Red Devils were riding a 42-game regular season win streak before falling to the Falcons at home 60-48. Tipp ended Graham’s season each of the past two years in the sectional tournament. “It was a big win, especially early,” Cupps said. “They hadn’t been beaten at their place for a long time. It was good for our kids to go in there and win and solidify that they can play with that caliber of club. Tipp’s not the team it has been the last couple years but it’s still Tipp and a lot of teams still lose to them because of who Tipp was. It was good for our kids and the fact that it was there was even better for us.” The play of Josh Schuler has been good for the Falcons as well. A starter since his freshman season, Schuler is a 6-2 junior guard and one of the Miami Valley’s top frontcourt players. Schuler averages a team-high 20 points per game. “He sees just about everything,” Cupps said. “His biggest advantage is his understanding of the game. He has played so much that he understands more than the usual player. We play him wherever we need him.” Schuler’s big games this season have come against Springfield Shawnee (32 points), Urbana (30), Springfield Kenton Ridge (29), Vandalia-Butler (29) and Tecumseh (27). He hit six threes against Urbana and Enon Greenon. Sophomore post Ethan Ward is the team’s second leading scorer (10.5 ppg) and its tallest player (6-4). Junior guard Austin Jones, a three-year starter, averages 10 ppg, while junior point guard Ben Rosenberger adds 7.5 and a team-high 5.5 assists. Senior Travis Crooks and sophomore Casey Crable make significant contributions as well. “We play seven or eight guys and we have two seniors in our top eight,” Cupps said. “Our junior and sophomore classes are pretty much where the majority of our players are. Next year we’ll have five of our top six scorers back.” This year, Graham’s road to Columbus is lined with potential match-ups against Canal Winchester (regional semifinals) and Dunbar (regional final). A trip to the state final four seems difficult. But then again, so was an undefeated season in November. “We can’t play like Dunbar or Wayne,” Cupps said. “We have to play a certain way. If we play the way we can, we’re capable of competing with anyone. Whether or not we win I don’t know. “But our kids now believe.” – OH

JJ Hu ddle’s O h io H igh

St. Paris Graham Wrestling They wrestled with a lot of tenacity. They wrestled with a lot of toughness. Some people have thought before that they were going to win the Ironman or that they were going to handle St. Edward in a dual meet or they were going to do well against Blair in a dual meet and they always came up short. “I think they have made a big step mentally in showing they’re worthy of being one of the best teams in the country. They’ve got the horses up and down the line, but they reacted well to the pressure, and stood up to it and they did a great job.” Added Lombard (Ill.) Montini coach Mike Bukovsky, whose team finished ninth: “I think they have been building to this level for a few years, and all of those ‘little things’ are starting to make the difference.” Graham separated themselves even farther six days later by winning the Super Eight Duals at St. Ed. The turning point was registered by Graham freshman Matt Stephens who rallied from an 8-3 deficit entering the third period to beat senior Neil Birt in overtime. The victory sparked the Falcons to six straight wins and ultimately led to a 47-13 victory. “This team actually believed we could beat St. Ed,” Jordan said. “That’s the hardest thing. Winning state titles is hard enough, but trying to be the best team in Ohio is harder. Trying to beat that ‘Green Monster’ as I call it is difficult. They’ve won 11 straight state titles and like eight national titles and I just think previous teams here didn’t think we could conquer that monster. This year, the team said they could do it, and not only did we win, we kicked their butt. That has been the toughest thing for any Graham team. “We had to go up there and look around and see all their state and national champion banners and their wrestling room is four times bigger than ours. They have a running track above it and they have like 15 bikes. They have every state champ’s wall bracket and picture. You go up there and see that and it’s intimidating. But our little hillbilly school from St. Paris, Ohio, here in the cornfields, went up there and beat them.” Said Taylor: “We beat those teams up (at the Super Eight), including St. Ed, which has always been a personal and team goal for a long time. And beating them at home and in a dual meet was better (than at the Ironman) because we’ve never beaten them in a dual. St. Ed’s is a very hostile environment and it felt good to come out of there on top. A dual meet has a lot more emotion involved and we got on a roll.” Senior Ben Jordan, Jeff’s nephew and a two-time state champion, agreed: “I’ve been looking forward to beating St. Ed since my

JJ Hu d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

freshman year. We’ve been hammered by them in the past.” St. Ed has since earned itself a No. 5 ranking nationally. The Eagles are No. 1 in D-I in Ohio. “It was pretty rough out there,” St. Edward coach Greg Urbas told the Plain Dealer following the loss to Graham. “They have a really great team and they proved it again tonight.”

Domination Continues

Since the convincing win over St. Ed on Dec. 15, Graham has continued its onslaught. At the Greater Miami Valley Wrestling Association Holiday Tournament (Dec. 2829), the Falcons won their third straight title and outdistanced second place Miamisburg 404.5-166. Graham had 10 champions and two runners-up. At the Division II Duals on Jan. 6, Graham won the title with wins over Columbus DeSales (59-12), University School (54-10) and Oak Harbor (54-18). The Falcons captured the team title at the 41-team Top Gun tournament in Alliance on Jan. 18-19 with 316 points. University School was second with 151.5. Graham also won its own Best of the Southwest tournament on Feb.2 with 329.5 points to Troy Christian’s 229. Lakota West and Pickerington were third and fourth. In dual meets the Falcons have beaten Cincinnati Moeller, Mason, Troy Christian, Marion Pleasant and Miamisburg. Heading into the postseason, Graham turned is final tune up into another milestone. At the Central Buckeye Conference meet on Feb. 9, the Falcons won all 14 weight classes and scored 439 points. Their championship roster read two freshman, three sophomores, six juniors and three seniors. “To make a run at the national title, you have to have no holes in your line-up and next year we’ll have six seniors,” Jordan said. “Next year, we’ll be really tough, too, and then after that we might take a step back. I don’t know. I think we’re going to be making runs at state titles for a lot of years. And as long as we’re doing that we’re going to be a power to reckon with.”

Plenty Of Depth

Graham has been strong for a long time and producing state champions since 1979 when Jim Jordan – Jeff’s brother and current U.S. Congressman – won the first of his four titles. Jeff followed with four of his own starting a year later. In all, Graham has had at least one state champion 12 of the last 15 years (since

GRAHAM INDIVIDUAL STATE WRESTLING CHAMPIONS 1979 1980 1980 1981 1981 1982 1982 1983 1993 1995 1996 1996 1998 1998 1999 2001 2001 2002 2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2005 2005 2005 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006 2007 2007 2007

Jim Jordan Jeff Jordan Jim Jordan Jeff Jordan Jim Jordan Jeff Jordan Jim Jordan Jeff Jordan Brett Henderson Dan Bair Ty Morgan Avery Zerkle Doug Hess Ty Morgan Josh Wooton Kyle Ott Josh Wooton Dustin Schlatter C.P. Schlatter Bryce Markley Cameron Doggett Dustin Schlatter C.P. Schlatter Aaron Hart Canneron Doggettt Jacob Frerichs David Erwin Joe Dennis Ben Jordan Cameron Doggett David Erwin Jason Marshall David Taylor Aaron Hart Ben Jordan Jake Kyle David Taylor Cordell Longstreath Coby Boyd

98 lbs 98 lbs 105 lbs 105 lbs 119 lbs 112 lbs 126 lbs 126 lbs 140 lbs 189 lbs 135 lbs 189 lbs 130 lbs 140 lbs 103 lbs 119 lbs 125 lbs 112 lbs 135 lbs 145 lbs 119 lbs 125 lbs 152 lbs 103 lbs 125 lbs 145 lbs 160 lbs 215 lbs 119 lbs 125 lbs 160 lbs 215 lbs 103 lbs 119 lbs 125 lbs 140 lbs 103 lbs 119 lbs 145 lbs

GRAHAM TEAM STATE WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS Class AA State Team Champions Division II State Team Champions Division II State Team Champions Division II State Team Champions Division II State Team Champions Division II State Team Champions Division II State Team Champions Division II State Team Champions Division II State Team Champions

1982 1998 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

* Graham has also won the Ohio Duals D-II championship in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2008

Source: www.customliningsofohio.com/grahampage.htm

J J H U D D L E . C O M 59

St. Paris Graham Wrestling 2007-08 GRAHAM WRESTLING ROSTER Kyle Ryan Matt Stephens Nick Brascetta Mark Meyer Jonathan Bouffioux Devin McKeever Cole Bovey Tucker Armstrong Lucas Williams Max Thommusseit Josh Rowe Bryce Faulk Joe Martinez Logan White Shelden Kegley Adam Walls

160 135-140 103 135-140 152 112 112 125 215 160-189 130-135 103 140 215 112 HWT

(9) (9) (9) (9) (9) (9) (9) (10) (10) (10) (10) (10) (10) (10) (10) (11)

Zach Niebert James Mannier Dylan Bair Jacob Welty David Taylor

119 160-189 140 189 112

(11) (11) (11) (11) (11)

Jordan Bair Brandon Diel Brian Stephens Alan Marrs Coby Boyd

125 HWT 130 HWT 152

(11) (11) (11) (11) (12)

Ben Jordan

145

(12)

Zac Thommusseit 171 Cameron McKinley 160 Dalton Schantz 119

(12) (12) (12)

*starters in bold

2 Time Jr. High State Champion Jr. High State Champion Jr. High State Placer

2006 Jr. High State Champion 2007 State Qualifier 2006 Jr. High State Placer 2007 Division II 7th Place 2006 Jr. High Qualifier 2006 2006 2006 2005 2006 2007 2006 2006

Jr. High State Champion Jr. High State Placer 2007 District Qualifier Jr. High State Placer Jr. High State Champion @ 230 lbs. Ohio Division II 6th @ 285 lbs. Ohio Division II 4th @ 285 lbs. Division II 6th. 2007 Division II 2nd. State Qualifier 2007 State Qualifier

2005 2005 2006 2006 2007 2007 2007

Cadet Nationals Champion @91 lbs. FS Cadet National 2nd @ 91 lbs. GR Division II State Champion @ 103 lbs. Cadet Nationals Champion @ 103 lbs. Division II State Champion @ 103 lbs. Junior National Champion @ 105 lbs. FILA World All-American @ 110 lbs.

2006 Ohio Division I 6th @ 125 lbs. 2007 Division II 3rd. 2005 2006 2006 2007 2005 2006 2007 2005

Ohio Division II 6th @ 130 Cadet Nationals Champion @ 127.5 lbs. Ohio Division II 3rd @ 130 lbs. Ohio Division II Champion @ 130 lbs. Ohio Division II Champion @ 119 lbs. Ohio Division II Champion @ 125 lbs. Ohio State Division II 2nd @ 125 lbs. Division II 6th. 2007 Division II 4th.

2007-08 GRAHAM LINE UP & RECORD (heading into the postseason) Wght 103 112 119 125 130 135 140 145 152 160 171 189 215 285

Name Nick Brascetta David Taylor Zach Neibert Tucker Armstrong Brian Stephens Dylan Bair Matt Stephens Ben Jordan Coby Boyd James Mannier Zac Thomusseit Max Thomusseit Logan White Adam Walls

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

Record 29- 7 33- 0 33- 2 27- 6 32- 4 8- 3 29- 7 28- 2 22- 2 32- 5 30- 1 27- 7 26- 9 27- 4

Brakeman Forecast Ranking No. 4 Champion No. 2 No. 2 Champion No. 11 (shares spot with Mark Meyer) No. 3 Champion (Headed to Wisconsin) Champion (Headed to Michigan) No. 2 Champion No. 4 No. 10 No. 2

Source: www.customliningsofohio.com/grahampage.htm

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1993). That success and Jordan, himself, are big draws for the program. Jordan has referred to this year’s team as his deepest and most talented ever. “Our JV team goes to varsity tournaments and they are a threat to win them,” Jordan said. “They are just that tough. I have five guys on the JV squad that have placed at the state tournament. And a lot of guys say ‘Man that’s a great problem to have,’ but to be honest with you I hate having that problem. It’s great that if someone goes down we’d have a good fill-in, but it’s almost tragic that that next guy in line could go right next door (to another school) and place at the state tournament.” The Graham “Black” team (reserve) competed in four varsity events this winter and finished first at the West Liberty-Salem Invitational. The Black team also placed fourth at the Troy and Miami Trace invites and fifth at the Best of the Southwest, finishing ahead of varsity teams from Cleveland St. Ignatius, Tecumseh, West Carrollton, Bluffton and Mechanicsburg. How tough is Graham’s wrestling room? At the Best of the Southwest, Graham Black wrestler Kyle Ryan, a two-time junior high state champ, beat Graham’s varsity wrestler, James Mannier, in the 160 final. Mannier, a junior, is a two-time state placer. Ryan is a freshman. “That depth has helped us get better throughout the year,” Taylor said. “Not only do we have our varsity guys to go against, but we have JV guys that are as good as the varsity guys we wrestle in meets.” “I think it’s all because they just want to be a part of that something special,” Jordan said. “They just want to be a part of that national championship or that state championship team. Wrestling is a different sport like that. It’s often about the unsung heroes and we have a lot of those. “We have a lot of wrestlers who have wrestled for me for four years who have been just a cat-whisker away from making the team. The difference sometimes is so small on whether or not they are or they aren’t going to make the team. And that can be the difference between getting a scholarship and not getting a scholarship. But that’s just the way life is sometimes.” Graham athletic director and boys basketball coach Brook Cupps has his own take. “I think a lot of kids come out because they want to be a part of something that successful,” Cupps said. “And people can say what they want, but no one outworks those kids. I mean nobody does. “And we’ve tried to carry that work ethic into our (boys basketball) program as well and make that one of our cornerstones. We

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St. Paris Graham Wrestling

Going to Work

It’s somewhat humorous that Graham trains in a small, old, ugly building behind the school, because for the most part the Falcons take opponents out behind the woodshed. That being said, there’s nothing funny about what happens inside those walls. Many observers have commented on the ferocity and speed with which Jordan conducts practice and his athletes train. Words don’t do the routine justice. Perhaps the only proper reflection of how tough a Graham practice is is the shine from the state medals it produces. “There is no room like this,” Ben Jordan said. “The intensity in here is better than most college rooms. And it’s very competitive like that all year long.” Said Taylor: “I’ve been to a lot of places and there aren’t as many that are as intense. You walk into those doors and you better be ready to have a good practice or you might have a bad day. You might get beat up. “You walk in that room and I don’t know if it’s the air or what, but once you put your shoes on you better be ready to wrestle. There’s no joking around. Just get in there and get the job done.” Jordan takes pride in his practice scheme as he should. It gets results. “I had a college guy who came back at Christmas and was wrestling for a Big Ten team and said our practices were harder than theirs,” Jordan said. “We just work hard. There is no magical ingredient besides what we’re doing out there. “We just come in and go to war.” This year that fight has led to the ultimate honor. And a potential place in history. “We finally got over the edge,” Taylor said. “We’ve always been second, third and now we’re on top. Everyone’s trying to beat us now. Everyone is trying to catch us. “That’s motivation.” As if Graham needed any more. — OH

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Photos by Brian Swartz

(Top to Bottom): Senior Ben Jordan (145), junior David Taylor (112), junior Adam Walls (285) and senior Zac Thomusseit (171) are all threats to win state titles in their respective weight classes. Taylor and Jordan are both two-time state champs, while Walls and Thomusseit are two-time state placers.

want to make the amount of work we put in and our effort something we’re proud of as well.” This year the Graham boys basketball team has done a good job of shadowing the wrestlers. The Falcons finished their first regular season in school history (20-0) and were ranked No. 5 in the final D-II state poll heading into the Tippecanoe sectional where they were the No. 1 seed (see story, page 58). “I’ve tried to use the wrestling program as a positive,” Cupps said. “I mean that’s the level everyone is trying to get to.”

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Waynesfield-Goshenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gray Horn Photo by Alice Carter

Despite coming from a small school district with 675 total people (including faculty, staff and students) in grades K-12, Horn scored a scholarship to Florida after also considering Ohio State, Louisville, Penn State, Wisconsin and Auburn.

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JJ H u dd leâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s O h io High

Waynesfield-Goshen’s Gray Horn

STORY BY ERIC FRANTZ

“He’s a special kid and a special athlete. You always knew his talents were going to take him somewhere and you knew early too that track was a good sport for him to pursue. Waynesfield-Goshen football coach Gary Spencer

ray Horn recently stole the bragging rights in his family. And anyone in tiny Waynesfield or rural Auglaize County knows that’s quite a feat. Consider: * Horn’s father Jon set the Air Force Academy indoor high jump record with a leap of 6-10 in 1985. * Horn’s mother Kitt still owns the Waynesfield-Goshen High School high jump record with a mark of 5-4 set in 1983. * Horn’s younger twin sisters – Morgan and Ivy – already own the W-G junior high records in the high jump and 100- and 200-meter dashes, respectively. The duo is in eighth-grade. * And then there is Horn’s grandfather Joe R. Horn, who carries a lengthy resume. The eldest Horn was an All-American Photo by Alice Carter in football and lacrosse at Waynesfield-Goshen senior Gray Horn signs his letter of intent to attend Oberlin College and was recently the University of Forida on a track scholarship. Horn is flanked by his family and track coach Jim Epperly (far left). honored for over 40-plus years of coaching by the Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches. Horn, who received the Fred Dafler Career Coaching Award, started instructing track at W-G in 1960. On Feb 6, Grandpa Horn’s prized pupil moved to the head of the class.

ntroduced to the sport by his grandfather at age 10, Gray Horn has established a new standard at W-G by earning a track scholarship to the University of Florida. When he heads to Gainesville this summer, Horn will become

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just the third W-G athlete to compete at the NCAA Division I level since his father starred at Air Force. He is the first W-G athlete to head to the SEC. The 6-4, 195-pound Horn will compete in the decathlon and pole vault.

“I think it’s a feather in the cap of the entire community,” W-G track coach Jim Epperly said. “As a community, as a school and as a family as a whole it’s something that everyone can be proud of. Everyone around him has had a part in this.”

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Waynesfield-Goshen’s Gray Horn Horn agreed. “Everything that I’ve done is based on a system of people,” Horn said. “You can’t do it alone.” Most would think one couldn’t do it at all coming from Waynesfield. An unlikely place for a Southeastern Conference school to recruit a track athlete, let alone a decathlete, Waynesfield has one school building that houses all 12 grades. Including the faculty and staff, there are 675 people in the entire complex. Graduating classes often hover around 30. That’s also about the amount of points a team needs to win the state track title, which is something W-G did in 2006. That spring was also the turning point for Horn. Making the Division III state meet in four events, Horn helped the Tigers to the school’s first state track title. Individually Horn won the pole vault (15-3) and teamed with cousin Joe Horn, Kellen Fetter and Jesse Norris to set a meet record in winning the 800 relay (1:29.62). Horn also finished eighth in the long jump and competed in the 110 hurdles. “I’d always been a football player and football was my thing, but then I started thriving in track,” Horn said. “The more I got into it the harder I worked and that’s when I fell in love with it. “To be honest I didn’t know what track was when I was 10 years old. I thought you ran in circles. Football was always my thing. I watched the NFL.” Horn is still pretty good on the gridiron. A four year starter at defensive end and tight end, Horn helped the Tigers earn a Division VI playoff berth this season. W-G lost its regional quarterfinal game to Springfield Central Catholic 28-6. The Tigers also made the postseason in 2005. Horn earned AllOhio recognition as a receiver. “He was such a threat on the football field and teams paid so much attention to him,” W-G football coach Gary Spencer said. “Because of his physical nature people were worried about him and rightfully so. With his size and speed he’s a tremendous athlete. “You set your offense up according to the personnel you have and I’ll be doing something different with the tight ends next year. They’ll be blocking.” Horn has no plans on pursuing football at Florida. “You know I could walk on and be third team on the scout team and get pounded every day,” Horn said. “I think that I’ll stick with track. I think I have a chance for greatness there and hopefully my dreams can come true.” One already has. Perhaps the most important criteria for

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“You know I could walk on and be third team on the scout team and get pounded every day. I think that I’ll stick with track. I think I have a chance for greatness there and hopefully my dreams can come true.” Waynesfield-Goshen senior Gray Horn

Horn in selecting a school was coaching, and that more than anything may have lead him to Florida. Although he says he was sold when he saw palm trees lining the backstretch of the Gators practice facility, Horn was also swayed by assistant coach Rana Reider. Reider is a renowned field events coach with collegiate and international experience and currently instructs 2005 World Champ and 2004 Olympic silver medalist Brian Clay. Clay is moving to Florida and will be training at UF with the Gator track team. Horn calls Clay his “hero.” “I’ll get to train with him every day,” Horn said. “That made the decision a little easier, too.” Horn was hounded with interest. On the first day recruiters were allowed to make contact, Horn received letters from Ohio State, Wisconsin, Auburn, Kent State and Penn State. Six days later, the letter came from Florida. Horn also strongly considered Louisville but said when assistant coach Mellanee Welty left there for Florida that sealed the deal. Well, that and the palm trees. “I would say that’s when it hit me and I said, ‘That’s it, this is where I want to go,’ ” Horn joked. “But the guys on the team had great personalities, too. They have fun but they also win and that’s my attitude.” Horn has been winning since his start in track and field. Once his grandfather got him going, Horn

“As a community, as a school and as a family as a whole it’s something that everyone can be proud of. Everyone around him has had a part in this.”

Waynesfield-Goshen Track Coach Jim Epperly

took off. He says he remembers winning the high jump at “like 3-feet or something” at youth events in Lima and enjoying the rush. As an eighth-grader he cleared 13-3 in the pole vault, which at the time was the W-G varsity record. At the 2004 state meet, Horn finished third in the pole vault as a freshman (14-6). “He’s a special kid and a special athlete,” Spencer said. “You always knew his talents were going to take him somewhere and you knew early too that track was a good sport for him to pursue. I’m sure if he didn’t go somewhere for track, though, he could have gone in a couple other sports if he would have put his mind to it. That’s the kind of kid he is.” Epperly added other laurels. “He’s a very good young man and he works very hard fostering relationships,” Epperly said. “I have gotten lots of positive feedback from people who have encountered him. People who he would have no reason to treat well he treats well. A hall of fame guy – Pat Wagner at Liberty-Benton – said to me last week ‘The thing I like about (Gray) is he’s there at the vault and he’s a 15-foot vaulter, and he’s high-fiving kids who clear 96.’ To root on other competitors is pretty classy.” So is being gracious in defeat, which is something Horn was at last year’s state meet. Despite his two state titles as a sophomore, Horn was shut out in 2007. In fact, he finished second in three different events: the 110 hurdles, high jump and pole vault. Those finishes add to the drive. “Last year, he fell short of some goals he had and this year he has some very definite goals he wants to accomplish this spring,” Epperly said. “He had a target on his back last year and I think it might actually be less this year because of the three seconds.” Said Horn: “This is my last chance to go out in front of my home state and show them what I can accomplish. I’m going to put it all out on the line.” Horn’s stiffest competition is expected to come from Columbus Grove senior Heath Nickles, an Ohio State signee. Nickles beat Horn in the pole vault last year and also won the 300-meter hurdles. “I’ve been a Buckeye fan my whole life,” Horn said. “I remember how disappointed I was when Ohio State lost to Florida, but I don’t know how disappointed I’d be right now. I’ve been to two Florida football games this season and watched nearly all of them on TV. You can’t beat the level of competition down there.” Or here in rural Ohio, among the Horn family. — OH

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Waynesfield-Goshenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gray Horn Waynesfield-Goshen senior Gray Horn will graduate with four varsity letters in each football and track and field. He helped the Tigers reach the Division VI football playoffs in 2005 and 2007 and was a big reason W-G won the 2006 DIII state track title.

Photo by Alice Carter

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