Ohio High November 2006 by Eric Frantz

Editor in Chief Lee Schear Managing Editor Steve Helwagen Recruiting Editor Duane Long Assistant Editor Matt Natali Staff Writers Dave Biddle, Gary Housteau, Kirk Larrabee, Kyle Lamb Contributors Paul Boggs, Larry Phillips, Eric Frantz, Bill Greene

Photography Gary Housteau, Nick Falzerano, Stephanie Porter, Jeff Brehm

Printing/Design Miami Valley Sports Magazine (MVP) Eric Frantz/Nick Falzerano

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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 resposability 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 2006, Ohio High Magazine and MVP Magazine, LLC. All rights reserved. COVER PHOTOS: Gary Housteau and Terry Gilliam

Welcome to the 15th edition of Ohio High magazine! We wrapped up this issue in early October, just as the high school football season was at the midway point. With this issue of Ohio High, we take a division-by-division look at the key state championship contenders in football. Plus, we also have our preseason boys and girls basketball preview in this edition as well. Our football playoff preview begins on page 4. We look at each region within each of the state’s six divisions. We examine which teams had positioned themselves with early season victories and which late-season games could decide playoff positioning. The playoffs begin over the weekend of Nov. 3-4. The six OHSAA state championship games will be contested over the weekend of Dec. 2-3 in Canton and Massillon. Recruiting editor Duane Long also provides a report on the state’s top senior football prospects. He looks at which players have improved their stock in the first half of the regular season. That report begins on page 18. He also has a report on the state’s top junior prospects, beginning on page 22. Matt Natali, the webmaster of our popular JJHuddle.com web site, has a look at contenders for this year’s Mr. Football and ONN/Ohio High player of the year awards. Check that out on page 24. Gary Housteau has a look at the program at Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, which is pushing for a return to the Division IV state title game (page 26). We have complete coverage of the second annual Kirk Herbstreit Ohio vs. USA Challenge, which featured nine games over two days in September. Ohio teams won four of the series’ nine games (page 30). Our boys basketball preview with a look at the top teams in each division begins on page 34. Our cover story on Upper Sandusky standout Jon Diebler begins on page 41. Bill Greene has a look at Canton McKinley coach Dave Hoover, whose Bulldogs have won back-to-back Division I state titles (page 44). Our girls preview begins on page 47 with a preview on top senior standout Lauren Prochaska of defending Division III state champion Plain City Jonathan Alder on page 53. Matt Natali also examines the program at Warsaw River View, the defending Division II girls champions. That begins on page 56. Kirk Larrabee previews the season ahead in Ohio high school wrestling, beginning on page 58. Finally, correspondent Paul Boggs files a story on Vincent Warren head boys basketball coach Blaine Maddox (page 60). One exciting aspect about Ohio High is the fact we are able to “bundle” it with subscriptions to our popular JJHuddle.com web site. The best deal on the board is purchasing a one-year premium subscription to the JJHuddle.com web site for $59.95. That subscription comes with a free one-year subscription to Ohio High. However, for a limited time, we are allowing new subscribers to purchase one-year (six-issue) subscriptions for just the magazine for the old five-issue price of $29.95. All told, that one-year subscription for the package of JJHuddle.com and Ohio High magazine represents a savings over the course of a year of over $50 from the monthly JJHuddle.com subscription charge ($6.95 per month) and a separate charge for Ohio High. Nobody has ever attempted to produce a magazine that contains coverage of Ohio high school athletics and recruiting. We’re pretty proud of how this magazine has grown over the past couple of years and we look forward to the year ahead. Going forward, here are general topics that will be covered in each edition of Ohio High magazine: * January (Due out Dec. 15) – Fall sports recap including the football playoffs, updating the full top 100 senior football prospects, update on basketball recruit rankings. * March (Due out Feb. 15) – Basketball and wrestling tournament previews. * May (Due out April 15) – Football signing day recap, basketball and wrestling tournament recaps, new top 100 for the seniors-to-be unveiled. * July (Due out June 15) – Football preview issue, spring sports recap. * September (Due out Aug. 15) – Top 100 senior prospect 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 or www.bucknuts.com Thanks again for your patronage of Ohio High magazine! Steve Helwagen Managing Editor Ohio High

2006 Football Playoff Preview

Divisional previews and predictions

Senior Football Players Update

Junior Football Players Update

Youngstown Mooney Cardinals

Herbstreit Challenge Recap

Boys Basketball Preview

Upper Sandusky’s Jon Diebler

Five Ohio players among nation’s Top 100

Class of 2008 picking up momentum

Cardinal Mooney looks primed for third straight state title trip Second annual event doesn’t dissapoint

Divisional breakdowns of top players and teams

Diebler has chance at Jay Burson’s career scoring mark

Boys Basketball Recruits

Girls Basketball Preview

Girls Basketball Recruits

The state’s top seniors, juniors, sophomores and freshman Divisional breakdowns of top players and teams

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The state’s top seniors and juniors

60 Wrestling Preview

The usual suspects appear teams to beat for state titles Also...

24 MR. FOOTBALL WATCH LIST 44 CANTON MCKINLEY’S DAVE HOOVER 53 JONATHAN ALDER’S LAUREN PROCHASKA 56 RIVER VIEW GIRLS BASKETBALL 63 WARREN VINCENT’S BLANE MADDOX

Football Playoff Preview

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Football Playoff Preview

DIVISION II

DIVISION III

Region 1 Lakewood St. Edward

Region 5 Macedonia Nordonia

Region 9 Cuy. Falls Walsh Jesuit

Region 3 Westerville South

Region 7 Canfield

Region 11 Steubenville

DIVISION I Projected Winners

Region 2 Canton McKinley

Projected Winners

Region 6 Piqua

Region 4 Cincinnati Colerain

Region 8 Cincinnati Winton Woods

Projected Winners

Region 10 Kettering Alter

Region 12 Columbus DeSales

St. Edward over Colerain

State Championship

Macedonia Nordonia over Piqua

State Championship

DIVISION IV

DIVISION V

DIVISION VI

Projected Winners

Region 14 Coldwater

Region 17 N. Lima South Range

Projected Winners

Region 18 Bedford St. Peter Chanel

Bascom Hopewell-Loudon

Region 16 Jonathan Alder

Region 20 Marion Pleasant

Region 24 Dola Hardin Northern

Chanel over Marion Pleasant

DHN over Hopewell-Loudon

State Championship

Region 13 Ygs. Cardinal Mooney Projected Winners

Region 15 Bellaire

State Championship

Mooney over Coldwater

Region 19 Amanda-Clearcreek

State Championship

Steubenville over Alter

Region 21 Columbiana Region 22

Region 23 Lancaster Fisher Catholic

State Championship

CINCINNATI STRANGLEHOLD

Last year Cincinnati St. Xavier won the Division I state football championship with a victory over Massillon Washington at Fawcett Stadium in Canton. The Bombers win marked the fourth straight season the big school trophy went back to Cincinnati. Cincinnati Elder won back-to-back titles in 2002-03 and Colerain won in 2004. Photo by Gary Housteau

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Football Playoff Preview

DIVISION I

an somebody – anybody – break the Cincinnati stranglehold on the Division I state football championship? That will be the question this year as the OHSAA playoffs begin over the weekend of Nov. 4 and will continue through the state championships in Canton and Massillon Dec. 1-2. Cincinnati Elder won back-to-back Division I titles in 2002-03, followed by Cincinnati Colerain in 2004 and Cincinnati St. Xavier last year. But a handful of schools – including one old standby from Cleveland - seemed to be in position to try and wrest the coveted state title away from the southwest corner of the state. At midseason, defending state champion St. Xavier was unbeaten against Ohio competition. But the Bombers saw their 18-game winning streak snapped by Lakeland, Fla., on a 25-22 overtime decision in the Kirk Herbstreit Ohio vs. USA Challenge. Two powerhouse programs that remained unbeaten were Canton McKinley and Cincinnati Colerain. Here is a region-by-region look at the key contenders in Division I.

Region 1

After an unsatisfying 5-5 season in 2005, St. Ignatius was back on the front page in 2006. The Wildcats, behind a smothering defense, had taken early season wins over the likes of Mentor, Mishawaka (Ind.) Penn and Massillon Washington. The stretch run included back-to-back losses to Warren Harding and rival Lakewood St. Edward with Cincinnati St. Xavier on the schedule in week 9.. Still, St. Ignatius seemed assured of an amazing 19th straight playoff appearance. With that win over Ignatius, St. Edward seemed certain to host a first-round playoff game and could even gain the region’s top seed. St. Ed, led by running back Frank Edmonds and defensive backs Nate Oliver and Diauntae Morrow, dropped a tough 10-7 decision to Cincinnati St. Xavier at a special event at Cincinnati’s Paul Brown Stadium early in the season. The Eagles boasted wins over Springdale, Ark., in the Herbstreit event and nationally ranked Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna. St. Ed reached the state semifinals last year. Mentor opened strong with wins over Cleveland Glenville, Strongsville and Solon. A loss to St. Ignatius stemmed the run, but Mentor bounced back with impressive wins over Massillon Washington and Maple Heights. A strong finish would assure Mentor of an opening round home game. Cleveland Glenville was once again regarded as the region’s most athletic team, led by quarterback/linebacker Jermale Hines and wide receiver Kyle Jefferson. The Tarblooders rebounded from the loss to Mentor with wins over Warren Harding and Strongsville before moving into Senate League play. Glenville, if it reaches 9-1, would have to be considered a

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playoff shoe-in. Solon was strong in the running to get a top-four seed and a home playoff game. It boasted wins over Strongsville and Hudson. Warren Harding was also hopeful of gaining a playoff berth. The Raiders, led by running back Daniel “Boom” Herron, had early losses to Cleveland Glenville and Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, but knocked off SVC foe Youngstown Ursuline, Ignatius and Massillon Washington in three consecutive weeks heading into the home stretch.. Other contenders in Region 1 included Brecksville-Broadview Heights, Euclid, Cleveland South and Eastlake North. Projected regional champion: Lakewood St. Edward

Region 2

As always, a lot of the focus in this region is on Canton McKinley and its Stark County rival, Massillon Washington. At midseason, McKinley, led by running back Morgan Williams, was unbeaten. Massillon Washington dropped early season games to Cincinnati Moeller, Mentor and Cleveland St. Ignatius. The Tigers needed a big finish to cement their playoff status. A win over Canton McKinley – that game was set for Oct. 28 at Massillon – would almost certainly do it. The teams met twice last year with McKinley winning 38-8, but Massillon rebounded with a 21-3 regional final win last year. Fremont Ross was among the region front runners with wins over Tiffin Columbian, Cleveland Benedictine and Napoleon. Brunswick and Massillon Perry were also in contention to host a first-round game. Brunswick’s best win was a 35-34 nail-biter over Elyria. Massillon Perry faced a tough stretch run with Canton McKinley, Massillon Jackson and North Canton Hoover. Toledo St. John’s Jesuit was one of the top teams in the Toledo area, but an Oct. 27 showdown with unbeaten and defending Division II state champion Toledo Central Catholic loomed. Other playoff hopefuls here included Elyria, Massillon Jackson, Medina, Hudson and Perrysburg. Projected regional champion: Canton McKinley

Region 3

After years of being absent from the state title game, the central Ohio area had some powerful teams that could give the winner of Region 4 a real run this time around. The four power teams appeared to be Westerville South, Hilliard Davidson, Lancaster and Dublin Coffman. Westerville South, led by do-it-all quarterback/defensive back Rocko Pentello, before Pentello suffered a season ending ankle injury in a 36-17 loss to Lewis Center Olentangy, had wins over Columbus Watterson and Newark. A late season match-up with Pickerington Central loomed. Hilliard Davidson, paced by the hard running of Bo Delande,

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Football Playoff Preview had moved ahead with wins over Philadelphia St. Joseph’s Prep in the Herbstreit Challenge and also over Upper Arlington and Dublin Coffman. The Wildcats had already clinched a playoff spot after eight games. Lancaster, led by running back Georgie Carpenter (son of coach Rob Carpenter), had impressive wins over Logan, Grove City and Pickerington Central. But the Golden Gales had a tough stretch run with games against Newark, Gahanna Lincoln and Galloway Westland. Dublin Coffman, behind quarterback Zak Kristan, rebounded from an opening loss at Troy to take wins over Gahanna Lincoln, rival Dublin Scioto and Grove City. But key losses to Upper Arlington and Hilliard Davidson late in the season would likely decide whether the Rocks would host an opening round playoff game. Upper Arlington was also in the discussion. The Golden Bears boasted tight wins over Westland, Thomas Worthington and Hilliard Darby. Other schools hoping for playoff bids in the region included Westland, Fairborn, Newark, Hilliard Darby, Logan, Marion Harding and Gahanna Lincoln. Projected regional champion: Westerville South

Region 4

Cincinnati Colerain and Cincinnati St. Xavier seemed to be the teams to beat. The teams met last year in the regional semifinals with St. X taking a dramatic 12-9 overtime victory. Colerain, led by wide receiver/defensive back Eugene Clifford, was unbeaten at midseason with wins over Columbus Brookhaven, West Chester Lakota West and Philadelphia Cardinal O’Hara in the Herbstreit Challenge. The Cardinals still faced challenges from Cincinnati Princeton and surprise unbeaten Sycamore for the Greater Miami Conference title.

St. Xavier, keyed by junior running back Darius Ashley, won arguably the state’s biggest regular season game with its win over Lakewood St. Edward. St. X also had wins over Indianapolis Cathedral, Covington (Ky.) Catholic and Greater Catholic League rival Cincinnati Elder. Late-season showdowns remained with Cleveland St. Ignatius and Cincinnati Moeller. Sycamore boasts wins over Cincinnati Withrow, Harrison and Lakota West, but Colerain loomed. Cincinnati Glen Este was pushing toward another strong year, but tough challenges with Harrison and Winton Woods remained. The Trojans suffered a shocking 42-6 loss to FAVC foe Anderson in week 7. Clayton Northmont opened the year 4-0, but suffered a pair of midseason losses after losing quarterback Clay Belton to an injury. Belton’s return would be key as Northmont faced late-season showdowns with Troy, Trotwood-Madison and Piqua. Huber Heights Wayne shrugged off its opening loss to St. X and a game missed due to a teacher’s strike to get into playoff contention. The Warriors may need a strong finish, though, against the likes of Kettering Fairmont and Troy after losing to rival Centerville 21-13. Lakota West took a dramatic 13-12 win over Cincinnati Moeller in Week 1. A win over Winton Woods followed. The Firebirds had a late season 27-24 overtime loss to Sycamore and rival Liberty Twp. Lakota East loomed. Other schools in contention included Cincinnati Elder, Troy, Kettering Fairmont, Cincinnati Withrow and Cincinnati Moeller Projected regional champion: Cincinnati Colerain

State Championship Game Projection

Lakewood St. Edward over Cincinnati Colerain

By Steve Helwagen

DIVISION II

oledo Central Catholic captured the 2005 Division II state championship and as of press time this year the Fighting Irish were undefeated and trying to position themselves for a rare repeat. The road won’t be easy as there are several outstanding teams in D-II that have been impressive this season and have state title aspirations of their own. Here is a region-by-region look at the top contenders in Division II.

Region 5

Macedonia Nordonia was expected to have a very good team this season and the Knights have lived up to the expectations and then some. Led by senior tailback/defensive back Jordan Mabin, Nordonia is in position to secure the No. 1 seed in Region 5. Mabin, who verbally committed to Northwestern in early October, has rushed for over 1,000 yards all four years of his high school career. Quarterback Zach Boedicker and OL/DL Kevin Kowalski are also enjoying big years for the Knights. Their most impressive victory during the regular sea-

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LUCK OF THE IRISH

Toledo Central Catholic won its first Division II state title last year with a 31-29 decision over Canfield.TCC has been to the playoffs seven times.

Photo by Gary Housteau

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Football Playoff Preview son might have been in week 6 over previously undefeated Mayfield (17-13). The Wildcats played Nordonia tough and they are another team to keep an eye on in Region 5. Kent Roosevelt, East Cleveland Shaw and Olmsted Falls each breezed through the first seven weeks of the season undefeated and will be a factor when the playoffs roll around. Roosevelt won each of its first eight games by a touchdown or more. Shaw’s most impressive win was a 21-20 triumph over Euclid in week 5. Olmsted Falls knocked off Avon Lake in week 6, 21-14. Other teams to watch in Region 5 include Maple Heights, Tallmadge, Chardon, Parma Padua Franciscan, Willoughby South, West Geauga, Westlake, Parma Normandy and Ravenna. All of them had a winning record and were ranked in the top 14 at press time. Tallmadge won the region last year, but the Blue Devils had just three returning starters this year. However, they are still in the thick of things. Projected regional champion: Macedonia Nordonia

Region 6

Led by Toledo Central Catholic, Region 6 is packed with legitimate state title contenders. The Fighting Irish were expected to take a small step back this year with just seven returning starters, but players like senior WR/DB Dane Sanzenbacher would have none of it. The Ohio State verbal commitment led Central Catholic to tight wins over Detroit (Mich.) Central Catholic, Hilliard Darby, Whitehouse Anthony Wayne and Toledo Rogers and the Irish were undefeated through eight weeks and in position to host a first-round playoff tilt. Ashland is another team that was impressive through the first eight weeks of the season. It’s closest game was a 28-27 overtime win over Mansfield in week 8. Both teams from the Olentangy school district – Lewis Center Olentangy and Powell Olentangy Liberty – were undefeated and in position to host first-round games through week 6. Olentangy’s biggest win was a three-overtime thriller over previously undefeated Sunbury Big Walnut, 28-21. Liberty will likely make the playoffs for the third year in a row - not bad for a school that has only been in existence four years. The Patriots’ biggest win might have been in week 6 over New Albany (7-3). And no, the two Olentangy schools will not play each other in the regular season. It would take a playoff match-up for the two schools to face off. Perhaps the most battle-tested team in Region 6 is Piqua. The Indians were 7-1 and ranked seventh in Region 5 at press time, but five of their six games were against Division I foes. Their best win was a 35-28 thriller over TrotwoodMadison. Piqua is led by one of the state’s top running back, Ohio State commitment Brandon Saine, who had over 1,000 yards in the first six weeks. Other teams to keep a close eye on in Region 5 are, in order, Wapakoneta, Tiffin Columbian, Sylvania Southview, Whitehouse Anthony Wayne, Avon Lake, Mansfield Madison, Grafton Midview, Toledo DeSales and North Ridgeville.

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Projected regional champion: Piqua

Region 7

Canfield was the champion of Region 7 last year and was the state runner-up to TCC. This year, the Cardinals are enjoying another strong year and will likely host a first-round playoff game. Canfield is led by RB/LB Sean Baker, TE/DE Pat Bellish and OL/DL Matt Glove - all seniors. The Cardinals best win was probably the opener over Youngstown Rayen (23-8). Their lone loss through the first six weeks came at the hands of Canton South in week 2, 27-17, before losing to Niles McKinley in week 8. New Philadelphia had big early-season wins over Carrollton, Marietta and Claymont and will likely host a first-round playoff game despite a lopsided 43-7 loss to Cambridge in week 8. Columbus Bishop Watterson is looking to wrap up its seventh straight playoff berth and the Eagles could be in position to host a first-round game. They beat D-I North Olmsted and Pickerington North the first two weeks of the season, and then lost to D-I Westerville South in week 3. Chillicothe played a very tough schedule in the first half of the regular season and the Cavaliers were ranked No. 2 in Region 7 at press time. Their most impressive victories were over Columbus Brookhaven, Logan and Gallia Academy. Pickerington Central is another team that is in position to make noise in the playoffs. Despite facing a schedule of mostly Division I foes, Pick Central had just one loss at press time – to D-I Lancaster. Other teams to watch are Columbus Marion-Franklin, Alliance, Columbus St. Charles, Uniontown Lake, Youngstown Rayen, Dublin Scioto and Pataskala Watkins Memorial. All of those teams had a winning record and were ranked in the top 12 in the Region 7 computer poll at press time. Projected regional champion: Canfield

Region 8

Dayton Carroll was the 2005 Region 8 champion and the beat goes on for the Patriots. At press time, Carroll was undefeated and in position to host a first-round playoff game. Carroll’s toughest game of the regular season was in the opener against cross-town rival Beavercreek before facing undefeated Greater Catholic League foe Kettering Alter in week 9. Carroll usually has its way with the Beavers, but the Patriots escaped with a 21-20 victory this year. Their most impressive victories came over Dayton Dunbar and Dayton Chaminade-Julienne. Two teams from the Cincinnati area – Harrison and Winton Woods – were also near the top of the Region 8 standings at press time. Harrison’s most impressive win came over Kings Mills Kings. Winton Woods, led by one of the state’s top running backs in senior Hosea Simpson, scored big early-season wins over Tallmadge, Dayton Colonel White and Cincinnati Anderson. Winton Woods then knocked of Harrison 21-14 in week 7. Trenton Edgewood is another team that has been impressive in Region 8 and it actually knocked off Winton Woods 28-

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Football Playoff Preview 21 in week 5. Edgewood’s lone loss at press time was at the hands of Trotwood-Madison. Speaking of the Rams, they were ranked No. 8 in the region as of press time but thanks to their tough schedule they should receive enough playoff points to quality for the postseason if they finish strong. Their closest win came against Beavercreek in week 5, 1110. Other teams to keep a close eye on are New Carlisle

Tecumseh, Dayton Colonel White, Kings Mills Kings, Cincinnati Turpin, Mount Orab Western Brown, Dayton Dunbar and Hamilton Ross. Projected regional champion: Cincinnati Winton Woods

State Championship Game Projection Macedonia Nordonia over Piqua

DIVISION III

By David Biddle

teubenville rolled to the 2005 Division III state championship and the Big Red could be on their way to a repeat. There are several top programs that will contend for the title, but Steubenville, led by quarterback Zach Collaros (the 2005 state championship game MVP), is going to be a tough out. Columbus DeSales was the state runner-up in 2005 and the Stallions will look to get over the hump this year. Here is a region-by-region breakdown of the top contenders in Division III.

Region 9

Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit was extremely impressive through the first eight weeks of the season and sat at No. 4 in the computer poll in Region 9. Walsh, led by the state’s top offensive lineman Nick Schepis – a Boston College verbal – lost its season opener against Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, but got on a roll after that before falling to Akron SVSM 41-34 four-overtime thriller in week 7. Running back Mark Wooldridge is the offensive playmaker on the team with a 401-yard game to his credit early this season. Rocky River is another team that suffered an early-season loss (16-15 to Garfield Heights Trinity) but rebounded with big wins over Westlake, Avon and Midview. Aurora recorded a big week 6 win over West Geauga and is another team fighting to host a first-round playoff game. Chagrin Falls’ lone loss of the first six weeks came at the hands of Division I Lyndhurst Brush. The Tigers then loss two games in a row to Aurora and Kenston and needed a strong push at the end of the season to qualify for the postseason. Hubbard lost the season opener to Maple Heights, but won its next seven games to put itself in a position to possibly host a first-round playoff game. Its most impressive early-season win was over Poland Seminary in week two, 29-24. Other teams to watch in Region 9 include Niles McKinley, Youngstown Liberty, Mantua Crestwood, Mentor Lake Catholic, Akron Coventry, Richfield Revere, Pepper Pike Orange, Akron East and Akron Buchtel. Almost unbelievably, traditional power Cleveland Benedictine was 1-7 and ranked dead last in Region 9 at press time. Projected regional champion: Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit

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STAMPEDE

Steubenville claimed its first state title since 1984 with a 28-7 win over Columbus St. Francis DeSales. The Big Red were state runners-up in 1987 and 1988.

Photo by Gary Housteau

Region 10

Kettering Alter looked like the most impressive team in Region 10 through the first eight weeks of the season. The Knights, led by senior running back Chris Roark and senior quarterback Steve O’Donnell, had key early-season wins over Kettering Fairmont, Bellbrook, Beechwood (Ky.) and Hamilton Badin. A late season match-up with GCL foe Dayton Carroll would decide the North Division champion. Sunbury Big Walnut is another team that has taken Region 10 by storm this year. Big Walnut cracked the likes of Springfield Shawnee, Chillicothe, and Watkins Memorial – all of which had winning records through week 8. The Urbana Hillclimbers were 7-1 through week 8 and were looking to secure a first-round home playoff game. Urbana had tight wins over St. Paris Graham, Northeastern and Greenville to open the season. Lima Shawnee handed Wapakoneta its first loss of the season in week 6 to put Lima Shawnee very much in the playoff picture. Shawnee’s lone loss was against Big Walnut before losing 10-0 to St. Marys Memorial in week 7. With big wins over Oxford Talawanda, Brookville and Dayton Oakwood, Eaton was in the playoff hunt after six weeks. Eaton suffered its first loss of the season in week 6

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Football Playoff Preview against Milton-Union (32-20). Other teams to watch in Region 10 are Tipp City Tippecanoe, Napoleon, Bellevue, Sandusky Perkins, Defiance, St. Marys Memorial, Kenton, Clyde and Dayton ChaminadeJulienne. Projected regional champion: Kettering Alter

Region 11

At this point, it looks like it’s going to take a major upset to knock Steubenville from the unbeaten ranks, or out of the playoffs. The Big Red were not challenged in the state playoffs last year and cruised to a 28-7 win over Columbus DeSales in the state championship game. Led by Collaros, Steubenville has taken no prisoners this year. The Big Red defeated Akron Buchtel, Gonzaga (D.C.), Edison, Youngstown Ursuline, St. Joseph’s (N.Y.) and Akron St. Vincent-St.Mary. Buchtel gave them their best game, falling 22-6. Cambridge has also been extremely impressive and its 4135 win over previously undefeated Dover and 43-7 slashing of then-undefeated New Philadelphia were without question its biggest wins of the season. Cambridge is in good position to host a first-round playoff game. Running back Stephen Ford carried 66 times for 412 yards and two touchdowns in that win over Dover. Despite the loss to Cambridge, Dover, led by quarterback Perci Garner and wide receiver Dan Ifft, is still in the hunt to host a first-round game. Dover’s most impressive game was a 21-19 win over Canton South in week 1. Newark Licking Valley is a team that might have a realistic chance at upsetting Steubenville if the teams meet again in the postseason. Led by sophomore running back Storm Klein, Licking Valley has an explosive offense and it’s lone loss of the season came against D-IV power Plain City Jonathan Alder. Licking Valley’s best win was a 41-17 romp over previously undefeated Bexley. Canton South, led by OSU verbal Devon Torrence and younger brother Devoe Torrence, should clinch a playoff berth. Canton South beat Canfield in week 2, 27-17. Other teams to keep and eye on from Region 10 are Beloit

Region 12

Columbus DeSales is the defending state runner-up and the Stallions are once again the favorites to win the Region 12 bracket. They scored big early-season victories over Toledo St. John’s Jesuit, New Albany, Highlands (Ky.), Columbus St. Charles and rival Bishop Watterson clinching a playoff spot. Quarterback Jimmy Vihalik is a first-year starter but has done a very good job for the Stallions. Despite losing quarterback Mike Scherpenberg to graduation, Cincinnati Indian Hill has not missed a beat this season. Indian Hill had crucial regular season wins over Hamilton Ross, Bellevue (Ky.), Cincinnati Wyoming and Cincinnati Finneytown. A first-round playoff game at home is certain. Waverly is the third and final team from Region 12 that began the season with a 8-0 record. The Tigers played a somewhat weak schedule, but their 28-21 win over Jackson in week 2 was impressive. Lancaster Fairfield Union and Circleville were each in contention and battling to host a first-round playoff game at press time. Their big week 10 matchup might decide who wins the Mid-State League Buckeye Division and who gets to stay home for the first round. Fairfield Union has beaten four teams with a winning record, including New Lexington, Liberty Union, Nelsonville-York and Amanda-Clearcreek. Circleville had not beaten a team with a winning record at press time. Other teams to watch in Region 12 are Jackson, Cincinnati Taft, Bexley, Gallipolis Gallia Academy, Goshen, New Albany, Cincinnati McNicholas and Cincinnati Roger Bacon. Projected regional champion: Columbus DeSales

State Championship Game Projection Steubenville over Kettering Alter

DIVISION IV

oungstown Cardinal Mooney has reached the state championship game each of the last two years, claiming the title in 2004 and finishing runner-up last year to Coldwater. Neither Mooney nor Coldwater have fallen off the pace in 2006 and both could make a serious bid for a return trip to Canton. Bellaire is another team that has had postseason success the past few years and could make another deep run this year despite losing some key players from the state semifinal team of a year ago. Who are some of the other teams looking to knock off these perennial playoff powers? Here is a look at the Division IV playoff landscape.

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West Branch, New Concord John Glenn, Millersburg West Holmes, Poland Seminary, Libson Beaver Local, Dresden TriValley, Medina Buckeye, Shelby and Wintersville Indian Creek. Projected regional champion: Steubenville

By David Biddle

Region 13

After coming off a state runner-up finish last season, Cardinal Mooney has rolled through the 2006 season and is the toast of Region 13. The Cardinals have a talented quarterback, a huge offensive line and a stout defense that could carry them all the way Canton for the third consecutive year. With big wins over Walsh Jesuit, Warren Harding and Mentor Lake Catholic among others, Cardinal Mooney has made a serious case for being the best team not only in the region but in Division IV. Garfield Heights Trinity has had success this season with wins over Rocky River, Elyria Catholic and Cleveland Central Catholic and could pose a threat as the postseason gets underway. However, if Trinity has one area of concern it is

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Football Playoff Preview they have allowed two to three touchdowns per game this season, a pattern which could be dangerous in the postseason. Perry’s defense has carried the Pirates through the season, which will be important come playoff time. Orrville has played well behind quarterback Kyle Simmons but the strength of the regular season schedule could hurt the Red Raiders in the playoffs. Other playoff hopefuls in the region include Massillon Tuslaw, Tuscarawas Valley, Canton Central Catholic, Akron Manchester and Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary. Projected regional champion: Youngstown Cardinal Mooney

Region 14

Despite losing key players like Ross Homan and Brady Geier, defending state champion Coldwater came back strong in 2006 tearing through the formidable Midwest Athletic Conference. The Cavaliers, who won an early season showdown with rival St. Henry, could once again be the team to beat in the region. Led by quarterback Mitchell Evans, a top 20 player in Ohio’s class of 2007, West Milton Milton-Union has come on strong after finishing 8-3 last year. The Bulldogs could be a dangerous playoff team with Mitchell running the offense and a tough defense. Oak Harbor has been a welcome addition to the top teams in the region following a dismal 4-6 season. The Rockets have fielded a stout defense that has been the difference this season. Tontogany Otsego has made some noise in Division IV in recent years and 2006 is no different. Even though the Knights have allowed a lot of points this year, the offense has been productive ringing up the scoreboard. Bellville Clear Fork has done well against an average schedule but the Colts could win some playoffs games after finishing 8-4 last year. Sparta Highland, Lorain Clearview, Huron and Elyria Catholic could all make a good push in the postseason as well. Projected regional champion: Coldwater

Region 15

Bellaire lost some key players off last year’s state semifinal team, namely quarterback Nate Davis (now starring at Ball State). But the Big Reds came on strong again this season, clinching a playoff spot after week seven. Bellaire is poised for another deep playoff run with a high-powered offense. Williamsport Westfall played in two playoff games last year, finishing 9-3. The Mustangs have built off that success to become a dangerous playoff threat this season. Westfall could very well advance even further this postseason. With a strong offense and stingy defense, New Lexington has been at the top of the region all season and is poised for a playoff run following an 8-3 campaign last year. Martin’s Ferry, too, boasts a high scoring offense and stifling defense following a dismal 3-7 season last year. The Purple

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DOMINATION

After finishing runner-up two times, Midwest Athletic Conference member Coldwater won its first state title last year, beating defending champion Youngstown Cardinal Mooney 33-9.

Photo by Nick Falzerano

Raiders toughest part of the schedule was in the last three weeks and prepared them well for the playoffs. After a mediocre 5-5 season last year, Wellston controlled its own playoff destiny going into the last three games of the season. The Rockets could be a sleeper in the region. Ironton has responded well this year under first-year head coach Merrill Triplett following the departure of longtime head coach Bob Lutz. The Fighting Tigers could upset some teams in the postseason should they make a push in the final weeks of the regular season. Other teams in Region 15 that have high playoff hopes include St. Clairsville, Rock Hill and Columbus Eastmoor Academy. Projected regional champion: Bellaire

Region 16

Plain City Jonathan Alder finished third in the region last season at 9-1 before falling to Monroe Lemon-Monroe in the regional semifinals. The Pioneers are tough again this season getting big wins over Newark Licking Valley and Columbus Bishop Ready. Alder has hung its hat on a strong defense and the offense has come together nicely to put up some respectable numbers. With a lot of speed on offense and defense, Clarksville Clinton-Massie had good wins over Waynesville and Greenfield McClain this season. The Falcons have been a tough team in recent years and will be tough in this year’s playoffs. Blanchester made the playoffs last year ultimately finishing 8-3 after finishing 4-6 in 2004. The Wildcats could take the next step this season after flexing its muscles in the regular season. With an offense that has scored a lot of points and defense that has held opponents down, Blanchester could turn some heads in the postseason. Even with the loss of quarterback Tad Kilburn, Monroe Lemon-

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Football Playoff Preview Monroe hasn’t skipped a beat following a state semifinal finish last year. With star running back Josh Herron, the Hornets have played well as one of the newest members of the Southwest Buckeye League. Monroe will be another team to be reckoned with in the postseason this year. Other teams in the region vying for postseason glory include Cincinnati Deer Park, Cincinnati North College Hill,

As usual, Smithville is right at the top of the regional rankings as the regular season winds down. The Smithies have shown they can put a lot of points on the board this season and the first string defense has been tough on opponents. Smithville reached the state semifinals two years ago and could make another run to the state tournament. Barnesville is another team that has experienced success this season coming off an 8-3 campaign last year. The Shamrocks were ousted in the first round of the playoffs last year by West Salem Northwestern but they have the tools to advance further this season. Barnesville has also shown its ability to score big but its defense will have to tighten up a bit come playoff time. Warren JFK is back on the winning track again after experiencing a 10-2 season last year. The Eagles defense is one of the best in the Division posting four shutouts and allowing only 28 points through its first eight games. A mainstay in the playoffs under head coach Dan Yeagley, North Lima South range is poised for another deep postseason run. The Raiders are the defending regional champs and look to make another run at the title. Columbiana Crestview has performed well against a tough schedule again this season and will be a team to look out for in the postseason. Other teams looking strong in the region are West Salem Northwestern, Louisville St. Thomas Aquinas, West Lafayette Ridgewood and Apple Creek Waynedale. Projected regional champion: North Lima South Range

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State Championship Game Projection

Youngstown Cardinal Mooney over Coldwater

By Matt Natali

DIVISION V

ome traditional Division V powers have emerged this season as the top teams again. Defending state champion Hamler Patrick Henry hasn’t dominated like it did last season, but the Patriots have played well despite some key losses to graduation. Marion Pleasant, Bedford St. Peter Chanel, St. Henry and Amanda-Clearcreek have all won state championships in recent years and could all make serious runs at the trophy again. Smithville, North Lima South Range and Warren JFK among other perennial playoff teams - are all in the mix as well again. Let’s take a look at how the Division V postseason is shaping up.

Region 17

Dayton Oakwood, Cincinnati Finneytown and Cincinnati Wyoming. Projected regional champion: Plain City Jonathan Alder

PATRIOT MISSLES

In its eighth playoff appearance, Hamler Patrick Henry won its first state title last year with a 42-30 win over Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy.

Region 18

Photo by Gary Housteau

Despite losing offensive playmakers Zach George and Mark Kraus to graduation, Hamler Patrick Henry has done well coming off the 2005 state championship. The Patriots lost to Metamora Evergreen early in the season, but they have had enough playoff experience in recent years to help them through the postseason. Bedford St. Peter Chanel won the state championship in 2001 and has a legitimate chance to return to Canton this season. The Firebirds also have an incredible defense, posting five shutouts in their first eight games. Defense wins championships and St. Peter Chanel has the defense to just that. Sherwood Fairview finished 8-2 last year but missed the playoffs. The Apaches have played balanced football this season both on offense and defense picking up solid wins over Wauseon, Woodmore and Wayne Trace. Fairview could end its five-year playoff drought this year and win some postseason games. Bucyrus Wynford returned a lot of talent from last year’s 121 team. Wynford got off to a slow start losing to Division VI Sycamore Mohawk in week 2, but got back on track. The Royals put up 56 points on a tough Lucas team in week 7.

J J H U D D L E . C O M 13

Football Playoff Preview Defiance Ayersville, Metamora Evergreen, Defiance Tinora, Delta, Findlay Liberty-Benton and Collins Western Reserve all have the potential to be tough playoff teams as well. Projected regional champion: Bedford St. Peter Chanel

Region 19

After an atypical season last year finishing 4-6, AmandaClearcreek is back in the mix as one of the top teams in Division V. While the Aces fell to Division III Fairfield Union and needed overtime to beat Newark Catholic and Circleville, Amanda-Clearcreek is looking to return to the state title game after finishing as the state runner-up in 2004. Look for the Aces to be a tough playoff team. West Jefferson finished 4-5 last season but has ridden a suffocating defense through this season to become one of the top teams in the region. Through the first eight games of the season, the Rough Riders hadn’t allowed more than 14 points in any single game and had already clinched a home playoff game. The offense has shown well, too, putting up a lot of points on the scoreboard. Columbus Bishop Ready’s only loss through eight weeks was to Division IV Plain City Jonathan Alder. Prior to that, the Silver Knights had allowed just over a touchdown per game. After finishing atop the Region 19 computer rankings last season, Ready has built on that success this year to become one of the top teams in the Division. Led by four-year starting quarterback Jay Edwards, Nelsonville-York is in the mix of top teams in the region against a tough schedule. The defense posted two shutouts through eight games and experienced its only misstep in week 3, allowing 35 points to Division III Fairfield Union. Other teams looking to make some waves in the Region 19 playoffs this season include Johnstown-Monroe, Woodsfield Monroe Central, Lucasville Valley and Stewart Federal Hocking. Projected regional champion: Amanda-Clearcreek

Region 20

On paper, 2005 state runner-up Cincinnati Hills Christian

State Championship Game Projection

Bedford St. Peter Chanel over Marion Pleasant

DIVISION VI

his year’s Division VI race appears to be set to come down to a select few teams, but it would not be out of the question for any of those teams to come home with the trophy. Defending state champion Delphos St. John’s will likely be right in the thick of the title mix, as will 2004 champion Dola Hardin Northern. Out of northeast Ohio, teams to watch will include Columbiana, Mogadore, and Cuyahoga Heights. In northwest Ohio, Bascom Hopewell-Loudon and Sycamore Mohawk are catching attention, while in central Ohio, Lancaster Fisher Catholic put together an impressive start. Then in the western and southwestern region of the state, Delphos St. John’s and Hardin Northern could be on a collision course.

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Academy looked like it could make another run at the state title. But injuries to key players left the Eagles reeling this season. Since winning the state title in 2002, Marion Pleasant has been bounced from the postseason in the first or second round of the playoffs each of the last three years. But the Spartans could make a deep run this season with a defense that has gotten on track in the second half of the season. Look for Marion Pleasant to be dangerous in the playoffs. Lafayette Allen East was nowhere close to making the playoffs last year finishing 4-6, but the Mustangs have fielded both a solid offense and defense this year to make a bid as one of the top teams in region. They had good wins early in the season over Columbus Grove, Spencerville, Delphos Jefferson and Bluffton. St. Henry became the first team to win a state title as an eight seed in the playoffs in 2004, but missed the postseason last year after finishing 5-5 following heavy losses to graduation. The Redskins are one of the top teams in the tough Midwest Athletic Conference and the region once again this season with a defense that didn’t allow more than 14 points in any of the first eight games. After some rough seasons on the gridiron, Lima Central Catholic has established itself as one of the top teams in Division V since welcoming head coach Jerry Cooper. Cooper coached Columbus Grove to a state title. The Thunderbirds have been able to put a lot of points on the board against a tough schedule, which included early season wins over Delphos Jefferson, Spencerville and Cardinal Stritch. Other teams in the Region 20 to keep an eye on include Reading, Galion Northmor, West Liberty-Salem, Waynesville and Tipp City Bethel. Projected regional champion: Marion Pleasant

By Matt Natali

Region 21

At the top of Region 21 is likely Columbiana and Cuyahoga Heights. Both teams will be tough to defeat, but perhaps Columbiana has the early nod as the favorite. The Clippers, an experienced team that fell short in the regional finals last season, played well against a challenging schedule, including lopsided wins over Mineral Ridge and Lisbon David Anderson and a narrow overtime loss to highly-ranked Division V power North Lima South Range. Cuyahoga Heights started off the season with a loss due to forfeit but then proceeded to go on a roll. The Redskins will be a tough out in this year’s playoffs. Also in the picture is traditional power Mogadore. The Wildcats opened the year with a lopsided defeat at South

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Football Playoff Preview Range, but then proceeded to rack up some solid victories, including an overtime win over Newark Catholic. Others competing for a playoff spot were McDonald, Thompson Ledgemont, Leetonia, Lucas, Mineral Ridge, Windham, Salineville Southern, and Berlin Center Western Reserve. Last year’s Region 21 champion and Division VI runner-up, Steubenville Catholic Central was struggling to make a playoff spot and will likely not be a factor this year. Projected regional champion: Columbiana

Region 22

In Region 22, Bascom Hopewell-Loudon and Sycamore Mohawk could be in for not one, but two showdowns in the waning weeks of the season. The two teams appear to be tops in the region and will meet in a week 10 game before heading into the playoffs. The winner of that game will likely be recognized as the clear favorite in this region. After winning Region 22 handily in 2005, Hopewell-Loudon came into the season with high expectations. H-L delivered on preseason promise, blowing out competition throughout their regular season, including an impressive 49-6 win at Fremont St. Joseph Central Catholic. Mohawk got eliminated in the first round of the 2005 playoffs, but they showed early on they would be a team to be reckoned with by winning two tough out-of-conference games to start the season against Division V playoff contenders Findlay Liberty-Benton and Bucyrus Wynford. Monroeville also appears to be a team to watch. Despite losing two of its first five games, the Eagles proved their potency by mashing a solid Norwalk St. Paul team 34-14. McComb is another team that will be hoping to make some noise in the postseason, although a 42-0 loss to Dola Hardin Northern suggests the Panthers might not be a contender to advance too far. Other playoff contenders include Toledo Christian and Oregon Cardinal Stritch. The two teams met in week 6, with Cardinal Stritch notching a 14-7 win. Also hoping to squeeze in to the playoffs were Columbus Grove, Norwalk St. Paul, Fremont St. Joseph Central Catholic, and Pandora-Gilboa. Projected regional champion: Bascom HopewellLoudon

Region 23

The clear favorite of this region seems to be Lancaster Fisher Catholic. The Irish, who fell in round two of last year’s playoffs, stormed out of the gate, blowing out their first seven opponents before falling to Division V West Jefferson in week 8.. The team the Irish fell to in 2005, regional champion Newark Catholic, should also be a factor – if they make the playoffs. Three overtime losses in their first seven games put Newark Catholic in a come-from-behind position. Next in line could be Danville, Shadyside and Beallsville. After advancing to the regional finals in 2005, Shadyside had high expectations coming into the season and could be a tough draw. Beallsville fell hard to Fisher Catholic in the first

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FOUR SCORE

Midwest Athletic Conference member Delphos St. John’s won its fourth state title and first since 1999 with a convincing 28-0 victory over Steubenville Central Catholic.

Photo by Gary Housteau

round of 2005’s playoffs but came out of the gate strong by winning its first eight games and clinching a playoff spot. Danville missed the playoffs with a 3-7 record in 2005 but appears well on its way this year and could win a game or two in the postseason. Others vying to make the playoffs included Crown City South Gallia, Columbus Harvest Prep, Bridgeport, Sugar Grove Berne Union, and Racine Southern. Projected regional champion: Fisher Catholic

Region 24

As is often the case in this portion of the state, perhaps the strongest collection of teams from top to bottom can be found in Region 24. The region boasts last two Division VI state champions – Delphos St. John’s and Dola Hardin Northern – but St. John’s, who captured the title in 2006, was still fighting to secure a spot as of press time. St. John’s, always battle-tested from their rugged Midwestern Athletic Conference schedule, posted an impressive early season win by jumping up to Division I and defeating Columbus-area team Worthington Kilbourne on the road. The Blue Jays then fell to St. Henry, perhaps the top team in Division V, before beginning to pile up the wins in their conference schedule, including a 52-6 blowout over traditional power Versailles. But late-season losses to Anna and Maria Stein Marion Local left the Blue Jays fighting an uphill battle. Hardin Northern, another postseason-tested team, spent much of the year as the state’s No. 1 ranked team, and their results showed why. The Polar Bears opened with a 67-38 win on the road against a quality Ada team and continued the lopsided wins throughout the bulk of their schedule. Yet another team to watch in this region is Mechanicsburg. The Indians posted a one-sided win against another playoff contender from Region 24, Springfield Catholic Central, and also blew out Division V playoff hopeful West Liberty-Salem.

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

Football Playoff Preview Catholic Central posted some impressive wins themselves, including wins over playoff contenders Danville, West LibertySalem and North Lewisburg Triad, and could be a handful in the postseason. Other contenders in this region include Maria Stein Marion Local, Covington, Ada, Sidney Lehman Catholic, Fort Loramie, and North Lewisburg Triad. Marion Local, who comes from the same conference as DSJ and has two state titles in the past six years to their credit, is never a team to overlook.

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

However, the favorites in this region appear to be Hardin Northern and Mechanicsburg. Although this region is filled with quality teams, the early nod goes to Hardin Northern. Projected regional champion: Dola Hardin Northern

State Championship Game Projection

Dola Hardin Northern over Bascom Hopewell-Loudon

By Kirk Larrabee

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

STORY BY DUANE LONG

Photo by Gary Housteau

Senior Football Players Update

Cincinnati LaSalle’s Ben Martin

he class of 2007 in Ohio is a very good one. I have come around to the thinking of my associate at Scout.com, Bob Lichtenfels, that there are not as many top end players as there was in last year’s class. I think this is a deeper class. I have never had so much turnover from the spring issue to the kickoff issue as I have with this class. Now with the season well under way the turnover has become stagnant. So many players made moves into the top 100 during the “athletic phase” of the recruiting season with good performances at camps and combines around the country. I just assumed that we might see the same thing with the seniors on the field this year. We are more than halfway through the year, but we are not seeing the kinds of performances that would put some of these seniors in position to get the top schools interested. Grades are having a huge impact on this class. There are at least four top-20 talents that are non-issues because of grades. Massillon Washington athlete Brian Gamble, Canton McKinley running back Morgan Williams, Fairfield linebacker Dewey Elliott and Cincinnati Winton Woods running back Hosea Simpson are all Big Ten caliber football players, but – at least to date - they do not have the academics to warrant offers. Ohio State and other schools from what I call the “Big Four” in the Midwest, which also includes Michigan, Notre Dame and Penn State, have shown interest in these four elite players but they cannot offer scholarships based on their current grade situations. At the top of the top 100 there is no change. Cincinnati LaSalle’s Ben Martin (above) is still the top player in the state. Coach Tom Grippa moved Martin to linebacker to give his best player the opportunity to roam sideline to sideline and make plays thus putting him in position to make blockers have to come and find him. The experiment

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

has met with fair to middling results. It has not impacted Martin’s recruitment in the least. Florida and Tennessee are making a hard push, but this is going to be an Ohio StateNotre Dame battle. The smart money is on the Buckeyes, but this is too close to call. Cincinnati Colerain’s Eugene Clifford is still a solid No. 2. He is playing very well at both safety and receiver. Now that fans know about him they are going out to see him. The fans that contact me always comment on how physical he is. In a game during the Kirk Herbstreit Ohio vs. USA Challenge, Clifford made a catch as a receiver that makes me once again say he is the best receiver in Ohio. It was a play few players can make. The next week he went to the Ohio StatePenn State game and committed to the Buckeyes. Piqua’s Brandon Saine is still No. 3. If I were making the call on player of the year right now, Saine would get the nod. He was nearly unstoppable early in the year, amassing 19 touchdowns in his team’s first five games. He excels as a runner, catching the ball out of the backfield and as a kick returner, despite being targeted by every team he has gone up against. Canton South’s Devon Torrence did not have a great first half, but he is still a rare athlete with size that really impressed in coverage drills at Ohio State camp. He put an end to his recruitment in mid-September giving a verbal to the Buckeyes. Clayton Northmont quarterback Clay Belton was having a really good year until an injury took him out of action for about three games at midseason. I think Belton has as much

Note We will update the top 100 prospects in the class of 2007 – with bios for each player -- for the final time in our next issue, the January edition. That issue will be out in mid-December.

upside as any player in the class. West Chester Lakota West defensive end Solomon Thomas received an offer from Ohio State in August. He took an unofficial visit and soon after said Ohio State was his solid leader. He took the ACT again and the odds are quite good he will have verballed to Ohio State by the time this issue hits the newsstands. Cleveland Glenville’s Jermale Hines has had a great season. He is playing safety and quarterback. I have always thought he was going to be a linebacker, but he does not look much bigger. He is playing very well at both positions. He has a strong arm but will not be a college quarterback. He is playing so well he could end up in the top five by seasons end. Hilliard Darby defensive lineman Antonio Jeremiah is still looking for an offer from Ohio State. He has not had the senior year expected of him, but his raw potential is enormous. He is not going to have to worry about getting his college education paid for by some top-20 program. Copley’s David Arnold committed to Northwestern in late July after being convinced to take a visit there by first-year head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who is taking over the reins of the program after the tragic death of coach Randy Walker. Fitzgerald also convinced Lisbon David Anderson big athlete Vincent Browne to pledge to the Wildcats. Browne was a candidate for player of the year coming off his first few games where he was a man among boys, but a knee injury ended his season early. Outside of the top 10 there are a number of players showing well. Lakewood St. Edward receiver Kyle Hubbard slimmed down and is showing very well as a wide receiver. Everyone saw him as a future tight end but the change in his body has many thinking he could be that big receiver every school covets. He is getting renewed attention from

JJ H u ddle ’s O h io Hi gh

Senior Football Players Update the very least. He is as skilled as Ohio State, Wisconsin and Northmont any player in Ohio. Iowa recently, and has an quarterback Mabin seemed to be a lock for offer from Pitt. Clay Belton Pitt with his cousin Dorin Hubbard’s teammate Dickerson on the Panthers rosNate Oliver, an Ohio State ter, but Mabin issued a verbal commit, lost some prestige commitment to Northwestern in with a poor showing in the early October. 40 in the off-season. Now One player that surely will that the season has started push back into the top 100 is he is showing what earned Westerville South him that offer in the beginquarterback/defensive back ning. Oliver is a football Rocko Pentello despite suffering player. He won the MVP a season ending ankle injury in honor in the St. Ed game in week 7. He would be the Central the Herbstreit Challenge. District player of the year if I preDiauntae Morrow, anothsented such distinctions. He er defensive back standout does everything but sell popcorn at St. Ed, has gone about for his team. He is as football his business quietly being smart and instinctive as any one of the most underrated player in Ohio. He may not be a players in Ohio picking up college quarterback, but he has quite a good number of outstanding measurables and he offers. At the last report, does play safety in high school. Iowa and Indiana were on Someone has to take a chance top. on Pentello. Chillicothe athlete Chris Pentello’s teammates, receiver Givens is having a potential B.J. Cunningham and center Zac player of the year season, Crum, are definitively going to leading his team to some stay in the top 100. impressive, unexpected Cunningham is one of the real wins. He has been the difenigmas in the state this year. ference each time. Over the He has measurables and he is a summer this outstanding productive football player. I am student-athlete committed surprised the big schools in the to Miami (Ohio). region have not noticed him yet. Massillon linebacker/safeCrum does not have the body ty Andrew Dailey committed most are looking for but he sureto Penn State in August. ly is outplaying those that do The schedule the Tigers are have the bodies everyone covgoing through is just a meat ets. grinder. He will be a better Top junior Mike Adams from player because of it. Photo by Nick Falzerano Dublin Coffman is the only lineI have been very high on man in central Ohio that is playMiddletown quarterback ing better than Crum. Skylar Jones. He impressed so much over the D’Andrea. With interest picking up recently I think he can add weight and move down. He We are not seeing a good number of playsummer on the camp and combine circuit as has played defensive tackle and played it well. ers step up but a couple have caught my eye. an athlete. This is a solid 6-0 athlete that runs Linebacker George Tabron made big news We know about Steve Matas and Brady under 4.4 and is a member of the powerlifting moving over from Canton Central Catholic to DeMell from Mentor but the one player that team. I have always believed he could be a Canton McKinley. With the off-season trouble caught my eye was defensive lineman Fred quarterback and so did Wake Forest. He was behind him, the move gives him the visibility Hale. He has a great looking body with plenty offered as a quarterback and accepted. I think he needs to get himself back on the recruiting of room for growth. He runs very well. I have that is a great pickup for coach Jim Grobe, radar. I think this is a big-time player and once seen Mentor play twice this year and both who is making his Ohio connections work for schools realize the off-season trouble was times left thinking I need to call coach Steve him. That Middletown program under Ron Trivisonno about Hale. Johnson is going to be putting out some talent much ado about nothing I think we see some big offers come Tabron’s way. The other is Aeric Clay from Toledo in the next few years. Macedonia Nordonia athlete Jordan Mabin Bowsher. He has not played football since One player that I would say is the most continues to impress on the football field. He eighth grade but was talked into coming out underrated player in Ohio is Upper Arlington had over 1,000 yards rushing in Nordonia’s this year. He ran for a Toledo city record 377 defensive lineman Joey D’Andrea. He does yards in his first game back. What makes him not have ideal size, but he is such a disruptive first five games, although defense could be his calling card at the college level. If he were so intriguing is he is 6-0, 210 pounds and has force and a playmaker. Penn State is one of a little bigger, he would be a top 20 player at run under 10.5 seconds in the 100. — OH the schools that seems to get it with

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

National Top 100 Prospects

STORY BY STEVE HELWAGEN

The Top 100 Players

n mid-October, the recruiting experts at Scout.com updated their national top 100 list for senior football prospects. The latest list includes five Ohio prospects. They are: * No. 38 Ben Martin, a defensive end/linebacker from Cincinnati. Martin is considering Ohio State, Notre Dame and Florida. * No. 50 Eugene Clifford, a defensive back from Cincinnati Colerain. Clifford committed to Ohio State in September. * No. 77 Nate Oliver, a defensive back from Lakewood St. Edward. Oliver committed to OSU last spring. * No. 81 Devon Torrence, a defensive back from Canton South. Torrence committed to OSU in September. * No. 92 Brandon Saine, a running back from Piqua. Saine committed to OSU in the spring. Defensive tackle Marvin Austin (Washington D.C.) still claims the top spot in the land, holding a slight edge over running back Noel Devine (Fort Meyers, Fla.) and quarterback Jimmy Clausen (Westlake Village, Calif.). Devine and Clausen come in at No. 2 and No. 3 respectively. Offensive tackle Josh Oglesby (Milwaukee, Wi.), defensive end Everson Griffen (Avondale, Az.), defensive tackle Torrey Davis (Seffner, Fla.), running back Marc Tyler (Westlake Village, Calif.), wide receiver Arrelious Benn, running back Caleb King (Norcross, Ga.) and running back Joe McKnight (River Ridge, La.) round out the Scout.com top 10. Clifford and Torrence were among newcomers to the top 100 list with this update. One Ohio prospect, Trotwood-Madison defensive back C.J. Peake, dropped out of the top 100 with this update. Fifty-one of the nation's top 100 prospects had made commitments by mid-October. Texas led with eight commitments from the top 100, followed by USC (6), Notre Dame (5), Michigan (4) and Ohio State (4). Following is the national top 100 list, according to Scout.com. — OH Pos. DT RB QB OL DE DT RB WR RB RB OL CB OL LB WR CB RB QB QB WR TE DT DT QB DE OL RB DE S DE OL

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

Player Marvin Austin Noel Devine Jimmy Clausen Josh Oglesby Everson Griffen Torrey Davis Marc Tyler Arrelious Benn Caleb King Joe McKnight Anthony Davis Eric Berry Tray Allen Chris Galippo John Chiles Ronald Johnson John Clay Ryan Mallett John Brantley Terrance Toliver Aaron Hernandez D'Angelo McCray John Brown Willy Korn Allen Bailey Ryan Miller Broderick Green Martez Wilson Austin Box Richetti Jones Lee Ziemba

School Washington (D.C.) Ballou North Fort Myers, Fla. Westlake Vill. (Cal.) Oaks Chr. Saint Francis, Wis. Avondale (Ariz.) AF Union Seffner (Fla.) Armwood Westlake Vill. (Cal.) Oaks Chr. Washington (D.C.) Dunbar Norcross (Ga.) GACS River Ridge (La.) John Curtis Piscataway (N.J.) Township Fairburn (Ga.) Creekside Grand Prairie (Texas) SGP Anaheim (Calif.) Servite Arlington (Tex.) Mansfield Sum. Muskegon, Mich. Racine (Wis.) Park Texarkana (Texas) Texas Ocala (Fla.) Trinity Catholic Hempstead, Texas Bristol (Conn.) Central Jacksonville (Fla.) An.Jackson Lakeland (Fla.) Senior Duncan (S.C.) Byrnes Darren (Ga.) McIntosh Acad. Littleton (Colo.) Columbine Little Rock (Ark.) Pulaski Acad. Chicago Simeon Vocational Enid, Okla. Dallas Lincoln Rogers, Ark.

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Ht./Wt./40 6-3/300/4.90 5-8/170/4.35 6-3/195 6-8/312/5.30 6-4/265/4.55 6-4/285/4.90 6-0/215/4.55 6-2/205/4.50 5-11/196/4.46 5-11/185/4.40 6-5.5/330/5.30 6-0/194/4.35 6-4.5/290/5.35 6-2/230 6-1/192/4.39 6-0/185/4.40 6-1/220/4.45 6-6/220/5.13 6-2/180 6-4.5/190/4.50 6-4/235/4.57 6-3/280/4.85 6-1/285/4.90 6-2/200/4.62 6-3/260/4.80 6-8/280/5.10 6-1/230/4.60 6-4/228/4.50 6-3/215/4.60 6-3/225/4.85 6-7/295/5.20

Verbal Notre Dame Wisconsin Florida USC

Texas USC Texas Michigan Texas Florida

Clemson USC

Oklahoma Oklahoma State

Across the U.S. LB OL DE DE QB DT DE WR CB OL WR QB DT DT LB S OL QB S

RB CB OL DE LB WR RB TE CB DT WR TE LB WR S S WR QB RB TE DT

CB QB DT OL WR S LB RB DE S S DE WR LB WR RB WR QB LB WR RB LB RB CB S WR S LB RB

32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 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

Chris Donald Martin Coleman Justin Trattou Luther Davis Tyrod Taylor Andre Jones Ben Martin Ahmad Paige Curtis Brown Kristofer O'Dowd Deonte Thompson Kodi Burns Da'John Harris Brian Price J'Courtney Williams Mark Barnes James Wilson Pat Bostick Eugene Clifford

Gerald Jones Donovan Warren John Elliott Ryan VanBergen Lorenzo Edwards Ron Brooks Robert Elliott Rob Gronkowski Dionte Allen Simi Fili Toney Clemons Chris Izbicki Chris Strong Malcolm Williams Stefoin Francois Nick Sukay Anthony Boyles Aaron Corp Robert Hughes Mike Ragone Josh Brent

Gary Gray Josh Nesbitt Myles Wade Chris Little Lansford Watson Nate Oliver Greg Little Lennon Creer Russell Carter Devon Torrence Jerimy Finch Christian Ballard Markques Simas Derrick Stephens Duval Kamara Armando Allen Martell Webb Mike Paulus Josh Bynes Chris Rainey Brandon Saine Manny Abreu Antwain Easterling Ben Wells Michael McNeil Niles Paul Chad Jones Tyler Nielsen Jonathan Dwyer

Huntingdon, Tenn. Huntington Bch (Cal.) Edison Ramsey (N.J.) Don Bosco West Monroe, La. Hampton, Va. El Paso (Texas) Andress Cincinnati La Salle Sterlington, La. Gilmer, Texas Tucson (Ariz.) Salpointe Cath. Belle Glade (Fla.) Glades Cen. Fort Smith (Ark.) Northside Gardena (Calif.) Junipero Serra Los Angeles Crenshaw Christchurch, Va. Columbia (S.C.) Richland NE St. Augustine (Fla.) Nease Lancaster (Pa.) Manheim Twp. Cincinnati Colerain

Oklahoma City Millwood Long Beach (Calif.) Poly East Meadow, N.Y. Whitehall, Mich. Orlando (Fla.) Edgewater Irving (Texas) MacArthur Okolona, Miss. Pittsburgh Woodland Hills Orchard Lake (Mich.) St. Mary Slt Lke City (Utah) Cottonwood New Kensington (Pa.) Valley Kirkland (Wash.) Lake Wash. Batesville (Miss.) South Panola Garland, Texas Reserve (La.) East Saint John Greensburg (Pa.) Central Cath. Gardena (Calif.) Junipero Serra Orange (Calif.) Lutheran Chicago Hubbard Cherry Hill (N.J.) Camden Cath. Bloomington (Ill.) Central Cath.

Columbia (S.C.) Richland NE Greensboro (Ga.) Greene Co. Portland (Ore.) Central Cath. Jeffersonville (Ga.) Twiggs Co. Brooklyn (N.Y.) Lincoln Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward Durham (N.C.) Hillside Tatum, Texas Houston Westbury Canton (Ohio) South Indianapolis Warren Central Lawrence (Kan.) Free State San Diego Mira Mesa Houston Cypress Falls Hoboken, N.J. Hialeah (Fla.) Miami Lakes Pontiac (Mich.) Northern Syracuse (N.Y.) CB Academy Laud.Lakes (Fla.) Anderson Lakeland, Fla. Piqua, Ohio Union Hill, N.J. Miami Northwestern Beaumont (Texas) Ozen Mobile (Ala.) Davidson Omaha (Neb.) North Baton Rouge (La.) S.Univ.Lab Humboldt, Iowa Marietta (Ga.) Kell

6-3/220/4.50 6-6/290 6-4/250/4.70 6-4/255/4.78 6-2/185/4.55 6-4/305/5.37 6-5/225/4.65 6-2/165/4.40 6-0/175/4.40 6-4/312/5.00 5-11.5/186/4.28 6-2/190 6-4/260/4.85 6-3/270 6-3/220/4.68 6-3/190/4.45 6-5/305/4.90 6-3.5/220/4.80 6-2/190/4.45

6-1/190/4.49 6-1/176/4.40 6-5/290/5.20 6-5/250/4.90 6-2/221/4.72 6-0/170/4.50 6-1/187/4.47 6-6/250/4.65 6-0/170/4.40 6-4/315/5.80 6-3/195/4.45 6-4/240/4.70 6-3/260/4.65 6-2/198/4.50 6-0/190/4.50 6-3/205/4.49 6-3/185/4.50 6-4/185/4.65 5-11/228/4.60 6-5/230/4.45 6-3/300/5.00

5-11/165/4.49 6-1/200/4.55 6-2/305/4.98 6-5/320 6-4/215/4.60 6-0/195/4.55 6-3/205/4.50 6-1/190/4.50 6-3/230/4.60 6-1/190/4.40 6-2/200/4.60 6-4/275/4.76 6-2/200/4.48 6-3/209 6-3/190 5-10/185/4.35 6-5/210/4.70 6-5/208/4.80 6-3/228/4.70 5-9/156/4.37 6-1/205 6-4/235 5-11/185/4.53 6-0/175/4.45 6-2/197/4.50 6-1/200/4.40 6-3/232/4.46 6-3.5/215/4.50 6-0/205/4.59

USC Notre Dame

Virginia Tech Texas

Florida State Texas

UCLA Virginia

USC Pittsburgh Ohio State

Michigan Mississippi

Florida State Washington Mississippi Texas Penn State

USC

Notre Dame

Notre Dame Georgia Tech Oregon Maryland Ohio State

Texas Ohio State Michigan Iowa Notre Dame

Michigan North Carolina

Florida Ohio State Texas

Nebraska

Iowa Georgia Tech

JJ Hu ddle’ s O h io Hi gh

Photo by Nick Falzerano

Junior Football Players Update

think I need to apologize to the class of 2007. I have been so distracted by the class of 2008, I have not given the class of 2007 enough attention. All I can say about the class of 2008 is, “wow!” I know. I have been saying “wow” for the last few classes, but I have more tape of the juniors than I had in any previous class. I have plenty of game tape to go along with those highlight tapes. I like to work with both. A highlight tape lets me know if I want to put the game tape on the top of the pile. A highlight tape alone can be misleading, so I like to have both. Most coaches now put a highlight tape on the front of the game tape. This is not looking like a deep class. That “wow” is about the top end kids. There is plenty of time for me to change that opinion. We are only halfway through their junior year. There are three juniors that have already earned offers from Ohio State. The first is Dublin Coffman junior offensive lineman Mike Adams. He is already looking like the best offensive lineman from Ohio since Orlando Pace. He is better than Alex Boone (St. Edward, Ohio State) was at the same time in his development.

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

STORY BY DUANE LONG

TrotwoodMadison junior quarterback Domonique Britt Some would say Korey Stringer was better. I say Pace is the only player in his class. He received an Ohio State offer on the first day that juniors are allowed to be offered, Sept. 1. He is a heavy Buckeye lean, although he did attend the Michigan-Notre Dame game in South Bend. Defensive back Dan McCarthy from Youngstown Cardinal Mooney was the next to receive an offer. His brother Kyle is currently at Notre Dame. The most recent offer is tight end Kyle Rudolph from Cincinnati Elder. He received his offer late in September. He is one of the two elite tight ends in the class, the other being Trotwood-Madison’s Brandon Moore, an outstanding student who has offers from Georgia and Stanford already. Right now we are looking at several positions of strength, especially at linebacker. Canton South’s Devon Torrence is a top five player in the class of 2007 but his younger brother DeVoe is likely to be an even higher rated player. He is taking his grades seriously and has been a man amongst boys on the field. Youngstown Mooney’s Mike Zordich, the son of former Penn

JJ Hu ddle’ s O h io Hi gh

State linebacker Michael Zordich, is likely to be a more highly recruited player than his father. Teammate Brandon Beachum already has offers from a number of programs including Oklahoma. He is having a tough year dealing with nagging injuries but he is an elite prospect, too. Nathan Williams from Washington Court House Miami Trace is being projected as a defensive end, but I have seen him on tape and I would leave him right where he is at middle linebacker. He had 31 tackles in his first two games this season. Another player that could be a defensive end or a linebacker is Lima Senior’s Jamiihr Williams. He has been very impressive in camps all summer and looks great on tape. Michigan had him up for a junior day. Lakewood St. Edward has two top linebacker prospects in Mike Spooner and Justin Staples. Spooner is probably the better player at this time, but Staples has the better upside. Both are likely Big Ten players. The one to watch is Akron Hoban’s Steve Yoak. He ran under 4.5 seconds in the 40 at 220 pounds last year at Ohio State camp. That is just the cream of the crop. There are several other top kids out there, and there are a couple I am still waiting on tape of. It is a special position next year in Ohio. The other elite position in Ohio next year is offensive line. No, it is not as deep as it was two years ago, but that class did not have a Zebrie Sanders let alone a Mike Adams. Sanders, a standout at Clayton Northmont, is likely a top-20 national offensive lineman in his own right. But, because of the presence of Adams, he is not getting the attention he deserves. There are a number of top guard/center prospects in Ohio next year. Zach Brown does not come from a high profile program in Canal Winchester but he is going to have the recruiters beating a path to his house next year. He was hurt early in the year but over the summer he racked up outstanding lineman awards at Ohio State and Notre Dame. Massillon Washington’s Reggie Comeaux is looking like he will be a guard in college. I think he needs to take note of his weight. Getting it down would really help his stock. Speaking of weight there is no player that needs to get his training table habits under control more than Glenville’s Shawtel “Shaq” Rowell. He is a real force in the middle of the offensive line for Glenville. Coach Ted Ginn, Sr. does not mess around with the weight issue. He will not let him play defense until he gets his weight down. Despite being way too heavy, Rowell is so good and still so mobile that he is a pancake machine. In shape, he is a

JJ H u d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

Zebrie Sanders

Nathan Williams

Steve Yoak

Mike Adams

Salvadore Battles

Michael Zordich

Junior Football Players Update

defensive tackle and a likely top-five player next year. If not, he is still a scholarship player. Which level his offers come from is entirely up to him. All Troy’s Jake Current does is quietly go about being very good wherever he steps on a football field. He earned his second successive best lineman award at Ohio State. His teammate T.J. White played defensive tackle this year. That is a good move for him. He is likely to make his mark at defensive tackle in college. The sooner he starts learning the position the better. He could find himself on the offensive line in college, too. Eric Simmons is a hard working mobile offensive lineman for Glenville that I will be keeping my eye on. Sandusky powerhouse Isaac Anderson is another best lineman award winner at Ohio State camp. He is a high school tackle that will find a home in college at guard or center. There is a lot to draw recruiters from all over the country to Ohio next year in the trenches.

Now For The Downside

I am not seeing a great skill position class yet. Quarterbacks take time to develop, but I like what I see out of TrotwoodMadison quarterback Domonique Britt. He is a good passer and an even better athlete, but he still needs work. I will be looking forward to seeing his junior tape. He picked up his first offer in early October to Kent State. The other quarterback I really like is Hubbard’s Mark Kanetsky. His size, right about 6-0, is going to scare away a lot of schools but he is smart, mobile and has a gun for an arm. He is playing in an area where the competition is second to none. If he is 6-3, he is likely to have offers already. Youngstown Rayen’s Salvadore Battles is a high school quarterback and despite having great arm strength I think he is a running back in college. He had 410 rushing yards and five touchdowns in his first four games this season. His teammate Gary Thornton makes it easy to keep Battles at quarterback. This fireplug had 600 yards on only 74 carries and seven touchdowns through four games. He is short, not small, and has the quickest feet. We are still waiting on the receivers to find their game. Nobody has really stepped into the spotlight. We could be seeing the next really great high school kicker in Dublin Coffman’s Ben Buchanan. He may not be the athlete Mike Nugent (Centerville, Ohio State, New York Jets) was, but he is showing as strong a leg, if not stronger. — OH

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

M r. F o o t b a l l W a t c h L i s t

STORY BY MATT NATALI

Past Mr. Football Winners 1987 Ronald “Buster” Howe, Zanesville 1988-89 Robert Smith, Euclid 1990 Bobby Hoying, St. Henry 1991 Derrick Kidwell, Fostoria 1992 Marc Edwards, Norwood 1993 Curtis Enis, Mississinawa Valley 1994 Charles Woodson, Fremont Ross 1995 Andy Katzenmoyer, Westerville South 1996 Derek Combs, Grove City 1997 Tony Fisher, Euclid 1998 Ryan Brewer, Troy 1999 Brandon “Bam” Childress, Bedford Chanel 2000 Jeff Backes, Upper Arlington 2001 Maurice Clarett, Warren G. Harding 2002 Ben Mauk, Kenton 2003 Ray Williams, Cleveland Benedictine 2004 Tyrell Sutton, Akron Hoban 2005 Delone Carter, Copley

he 2006 football regular season is winding down and we now look ahead to the postseason and some of the players emerging as the contenders for the prestigious Mr. Football award. For the fourth year in a row, the Ohio News Network and Ohio High magazine will also present its own player of the year award in football. Cleveland Glenville's Ted Ginn, Jr. claimed the inaugural award in 2003, Akron Hoban's Tyrell Sutton in 2004 and Coldwater’s Ross Homan earned the honors last year.

Photo by Gary Housteau

Past ONN/Ohio High Player Of The Year Award Winners

Top players making bids for Ohio’s Mr. Football award

Piqua senior Brandon Saine

2003 Ted Ginn Jr., Clev. Glenville 2004 Tyrell Sutton, Akron Garfield 2005 Ross Homan, Coldwater 24 J J H U D D L E . C O M

JJ Hu ddle’ s O h io Hi gh

M r. F o o t b a l l W a t c h L i s t Last year, Homan had 1,042 yards rushing, 312 yards receiving, 20 touchdowns, 141 tackles and four sacks as Coldwater went undefeated in the formidable Midwest Athletic Conference for the second year in a row. During the five-game run to the Division IV state title, Homan accumulated 390 yards rushing and 10 more touchdowns, giving him 1,432 yards and 30 scores on the year. The race was tight last year coming down to Homan and Akron Garfield’s Chris Wells, now teammates at Ohio State. For Ohio’s Mr. Football, Copley’s Delone Carter raced to the award with 2,788 yards on 302 carries with 47 rushing touchdowns and two receiving. Now at Syracuse, Carter finished his career with 5,344 yards and 77 touchdowns in 25 games. No player has overwhelmingly separated himself from the pack as postseason approaches but there is a definite group of players putting up player of the year type numbers. Let's take a look at some of the top candidates for Ohio high school football's top honors and where they stand in the running. Piqua running back Brandon Saine could be considered the early favorite to take home the coveted Mr. Football award. Coming off a 2004 season in which he rushed for over 1,300 yards and 21 touchdowns, the Ohio State recruit had matched his junior year touchdown total by week 7 and eclipsed his total yards by week 8. Saine is ranked No. 98 among the nation’s top seniors by Scout.com, which many will contest is too low, and he is ranked No. 3 by Ohio High magazine amongst the state’s top seniors. Should Piqua make a deep run in the Division II postseason, the award could be a lock for Saine. As a freshman, Macedonia Nordonia running back Jordan Mabin rushed for 1,067 yards, 1,775 yards as a sophomore and finished with 1,495 yards last year as a junior. He surpassed the 1,000-yard mark by week 6 this season and is on the heels of Saine in the running for Mr. Football. He committed to Northwestern in early October over Pittsburgh. While a talented running back in high school, most schools that recruited him liked Mabin as defensive back. Regardless, Mabin could go down as one of the best football players in Ohio high school history when all is said and done. Dover quarterback Perci Garner put up over 3,500 yards passing last year on 208-of-313 passing. At the surface, these numbers appear to be a lock for the Mr. Football award, but in Dover’s spread offense his numbers are more inflated than a quarterback’s numbers in a typical offense. Regardless, Garner is a talented signal caller and is putting up similar numbers this year as he leads Dover toward the postseason. Canton McKinley running back Morgan Williams has been the go-to player for McKinley after putting up over 2,400 yards and 27 touchdowns last year leading the Bulldogs to an undefeated regular season. While his numbers this season are not nearly as close to the astronomical ones he put up last year, Williams has still registered one of the best seasons in the state this year. One reason his numbers are lower is he has split the ball-toting duties with teammate Will Sheeler. Massillon Washington running back Brian Gamble led Massillon to a state runner up finish in 2005 with 1,512 yards on 248 carries and 17 touchdowns. He has put up similar numbers in 2006 but has fallen off the pace with Massillon struggling against a tough schedule. But despite how Massillon ultimately finishes, Gamble has put together a respectable season. Cincinnati Winton Woods running back Hosea Simpson has put up similar numbers to Williams and Gamble this season for a Winton Woods team that could make a serious run in the postseason. Last year, Simpson registered 1,675 yards and 25 touchdowns as a junior. While he will probably not reach that same mark this year, he will

JJ H u d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

still have a nice year under his belt. Smithville running back Kevin Biechler could be a small-school-sleeper in the Mr. Football race. Through six games this season, Biechler had over 1,100 yards rushing and 23 touchdowns. Although not impossible, it is rare for a small school player to win the award and Biechler's season is worth mentioning. Cincinnati St. Xavier junior running back Darius Ashley is one of Ohio’s top players in the class of 2008 after rushing for 1,653 yards and 26 touchdowns leading the Bombers to a Division I state championship. With the regular season winding down, Ashley is on pace to match or even surpass the numbers he recorded last year. Another underclassman putting up incredible numbers is Newark Licking Valley sophomore Storm Klein. After rushing for over 1,000 yards as a freshman, Klein tallied over 1,200 yards through the first 7 games with over 20 TDs. While it is rare for an underclassman to claim the Mr. Football award (Euclid’s Robert Smith is the only player to win the award as a junior), both Ashley and Klein have put up Mr. Football-worthy numbers and could be early favorites for next year. Westerville South quarterback Rocco Pentello was in the running with 1,186 yards passing and 994 yards on the ground with before suffering a broken ankle in week 7 ending his season and high school career. Other players in contention for the awards include Orville QB Kevin Simmons, Colerain ATH Eugene Clifford, Cleveland Glenville ATH Jermale Hines, Warren G. Harding RB Daniel “Boom” Herron, Cambridge RB Stephen Ford, Lakewood St. Edward S/RB Nate Oliver, West Milton Milton-Union QB Mitchell Evans, Xenia ATH Zach Furlong, Middletown QB Skylar Jones, Toledo Central Catholic WR Dane Sanzenbacher, Dover WR Dan Ifft and Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit RB Mark Wooldridge. — OH

Archie Griffin

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*Introduced by Hartland Collectibles, LLC in Cleveland, June 2006, at International Show. Unautographed statuettes available upon request.

J J H U D D L E . C O M 25

STORY BY GARY HOUSTEAU

Photo by Gary Housteau

Cardinal Mooney Football

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

JJ Hu ddle’ s O h io Hi gh

Cardinal Mooney Football Ohio State head football coach Jim Tressel shares a word with Mooney head coach P.J. Fecko at a camp last summer.

ntering the final stretch of the regular season undefeated, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney was certainly playing up to its expectations as the Cardinals prepared to make a run at the playoffs for a chance to win the school’s sixth state title. “I think we’ve done a good job of going out and competing every week,” said head coach P.J. Fecko at the start of the week in preparation for their his 7 encounter with Cleveland Benedictine, which Mooney subsequently defeated for the first time in five meetings 52-14. “I think, week-in and week-out, we’ve played some very physical teams and some teams that were ready to play us, and I think our guys did a really good job of coming ready to play. Obviously, we’re happy and fortunate to be where we are. But I think the way that we’ve played has been more important.” Despite having such a solid cast of individual performers, some being more well known than others, Fecko talked about his team in terms of the sum being even greater than the parts. “One of the strengths that we have is that our guys play so well as a team. There’s nobody out for themselves,” Fecko said. “I think that they’re very, very focused and committed as a group, to go out and compete every week and try to put themselves in a position to win.” But Fecko said that his team has been far from perfect in winning every game during the first half of the regular season. “A weakness at this point is that we’ve been turning the ball over way too much,” he said. “It’s been something that, to this point, we’ve been able to come out OK with. But, boy, we’ve got to stop that. It’s going to bite us and it’s just something that’s not very good.” Mooney has obviously been able to overcome all of turnover problems in the first half of the season, as the perfect record down

JJ H u d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

the stretch indicated, due in large part to the fact that the offense has been able to have success moving the ball not only on the ground but through the air as well. “I think the defenses dictate that,” said Fecko, who like his predecessor, the legendary Don Bucci, has had an affinity to run the ball a great deal in past years. “We’re getting a lot of teams that put a whole bunch of folks in the box and leave man coverage on the edges, and we’ve been fortunate enough to throw the ball and make them pay for it. We’re going to continue to work on those things and try to take what defenses are going to give us, whether it’s running the ball or throwing the ball.” And, according to Fecko, the success of the offensive unit starts with the big guys up front. “Probably the biggest reason that we’ve been successful offensively is our people up front,” he said. “I think that group is a very dedicated group and are guys that have a lot of experience with Mike Madsen at tackle and Ishmaa’ily Kitchen at the other tackle, with Zak Dietz and Demetrius Fambro up there along with Jack Zizzo at tight end. “I think those guys are doing a great job of communicating and the pleasing part is that it’s not necessarily all verbal communication. They kind of all know where everybody is at and they’ve done a great job of doing a lot of adjustments on their own.” But without question, the straw that stirs the Mooney offensive juggernaut is Danny McCarthy, whose brother Kyle quarterbacked Mooney to a state championship in the 2004 season before he signed with Notre Dame. “Danny has been coming along just fine and he’s been getting better every week,” Fecko said. “He had no experience at quarterback coming into this year and I think that each week he’s gaining more and more experience and each week he’s making better decisions.”

J J H U D D L E . C O M 27

Cardinal Mooney Football At 6-1 and almost 200 pounds, McCarthy, who is also a fleet-footed member of the school’s track team and a stellar hoopster for the Mooney basketball squad, took over the reins at quarterback from Derrell Johnson last year, who has since gone on to play for Iowa. “I think he’s been a great asset for us thus far,” Fecko said. “With his running ability and throwing ability he’s really been an asset for us and he’s really committed to winning and he’s really committed to going out there and giving 100 percent.” McCarthy’s successful transition to quarterback this year has allowed Tony Brunetti, the player who quarterbacked Mooney in the state championship game and during the regular season last year when Johnson was hurt, to move out to wide receiver. Also, having a solid running option with Michael Zordich (6-1, 224) directly behind him at fullback has been a great inside complement to McCarthy’s ability to attack the perimeter on the ground. Zordich’s father, Michael Zordich, was an All-American safety for Penn State in 1985 before going on to play in the NFL for 12 seasons with the Jets, Cardinals and Eagles. The younger Zordich is certainly not a token player for Mooney at fullback. “Michael is running the ball pretty well and some of the things that a lot of people don’t notice is how well he blocks and how flexible he is to put him in different positions and move him around a little bit. We’re able to place him in a lot of different places,” Fecko said. “Michael has been a very flexible person for our offense and a great asset.” Brandon Beachum has had more than his fair share of bad luck this season. Beachum transferred to Mooney from Poland after last football season and the Cardinals have yet to fully benefit from what he can potentially bring to the table when he’s healthy. “He’s been banged up since camp and once he gets one thing healed it’s been something else,” Fecko said. “So it’s been hard for him to get a rhythm and it’s been hard for him to totally focus because he’s always had a nagging injury somewhere.”

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

Fortunately for Mooney, both McCarthy and Zordich have more than held up their end of the bargain as far as rushing the football is concerned. Eventually, Beachum will get healthy and he will, more than likely, be a major contributor on offense at tailback come playoff time. “One of the advantages of having a running quarterback is that you can go a whole bunch of different ways depending on how the defenses are set up,” Fecko said. “But I think our tailbacks will start to see more action. I think as we get into the latter half of the season people are going to be focusing more on Danny and our fullback spot, and I think that we will be able to utilize the tailback position more.” As far as the defense is concerned, many of Fecko’s players on the offensive unit also play on the defensive side of the ball. “They’ve done a good job as a group. I think that they’ve been pretty darn good at stopping the run and really with the pass defense also,” Fecko said. “Teams have tried to pass against us and have not been very successful because those guys are doing a pretty good job out on those edges and we’re getting a pretty good push up front. So, overall the defense has been sound. There’s obviously room for improvement and there are some areas we need to work on but I think that overall they’ve been playing very well.” Of course, McCarthy, Zordich, Beachum and Taylor Hill, to name another, are four very good reasons why the defense is performing so well. But there are also guys that aren’t as well known that are contributing in a big way as well. “Dom Scarnecchia has had a bunch of great pass breakups and he’s made some big plays for us all year. He’s really stepped into a great leadership role and has been playing well,” Fecko said. “And Mike McGlone is another one that has stepped into a leadership role as a senior and has played solid football. That’s really the nice thing, we have a lot of guys that people don’t talk about that are really making plays. “Lou Salreno at the safety spot has made some great plays that maybe the

public doesn’t see as much but have been huge plays for us at crucial times. The same way with Jason Hehr back there. Those guys have been playing solid. They’re a senior-oriented group back in the secondary and they’ve been playing well.” Michael Cylar, a two-way performer at linebacker and fullback, is a perfect example of the team-first attitude that is pervasive on the squad. He has more than adequately held down one of the linebacker spots on defense while Beachum has been on the mend and he allows the Cardinals to rest Zordich on occasion with his play on offense. “Michael has done a really great job for us in all phases of the game,” Fecko said. “Michael has stepped up when needed and Michael has defined his role as a committed team player and a guy that wants to lead by example. And he comes up each and every play with big plays. He’s just really a sound guy for us, really a work horse.” But the spotlight continues to shine on the ‘Big Four’ and Fecko has no problem with that. “Those guys are getting recognition because they deserve it, because they’re playing great football and they’ve proven that they can play great football, and I think all of that is deserved,” he said. “But what I like most about those guys is that they’re committed to the team and it’s just been an outstanding chemistry with this group that nothing comes before the team and it doesn’t take me preaching it each and every day. They are the type of well-rounded athletes that they understand that and they know that the biggest goal is to compete to win as a team and they know that everybody is involved.” It all potentially adds up to making three trips in four years to the state championship game for Cardinal Mooney and its 33-year-old head coach, who is a proud graduate of the school. Fecko replaced the legendary Bucci and already has his own state title from the 2004 season. He took a real good stab at winning another one last year before Mooney fell to Coldwater in the title game. “When you take a step back and look,

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Cardinal Mooney Football it means a whole lot,” Fecko said. amount of respect for him. I played for this point. You never know what’s going “Going to this school and having played him, then I coached for him and now, to happen but I know I’m committed to here, it means a lot to me to not only after taking over for him, we have a the ‘06 team of Cardinal Mooney and live up to the traditions here but add to great relationship. He’s the athletic I’m committed to Cardinal Mooney High those traditions. And when I step back director here so we deal in those types School and I’m going to work as hard as and look, probably the most remarkable of activities all of the time. But we never I can and give everything I can to try to thing to me is that the peomake this school successful.” ple around me are so comJust knowing that he can mitted. I have a staff that I be mentioned in the same wouldn’t trade for the world coaching sentence with Don and having those kinds of Bucci is more than enough people around makes my for Fecko. job a whole lot easier than “I don’t know if anybody people realize. Those guys can reach the level that he are the key to everything. has with 300-and-some wins And the families and the and four state titles and be at players that we have here a school that long and all of just makes it all that much those kind of things,” Fecko easier.” said. It didn’t seem like it was “I don’t see myself at the Photo by Gary Housteau going to be easy of very same level as he and I don’t much fun for Fecko being even think of myself grasping Michael Zordich, Danny McCarthy, Brandon Beachum the head coach at his alma at any of those things to be mater when he was 5-5 in honest with you.” his first season when he Just being an integral took over the program six member of the Cardinal years ago and he followed Mooney family is enough for that initial season up with a Fecko right now at this young 0-10 campaign. Fecko defistage in his coaching career. 2000: 5-5 2005: 12-3 nitely had to navigate “I think the absolute best Steel Valley Conference 2001: 1-9* through some tough times thing about being the head Champion; Regional 2002: 5-5 at such a young age but coach at Cardinal Mooney is Champion; Division IV State 2003: 8-3 he’s obviously persevered being able to represent such Runner-Up 2004: 12-2 and prospered because of a great place,” Fecko said. Steel Valley Conference it. “It’s a school that is commit* Youngstown Ursuline was forced to Co-Champion, Regional forfeit three games during the sea“I just knew that we were ted academically, a school son for use of an ineligible Champion; Division IV State just going to keep working that has such a rich alumni player, thus awarding Mooney a victory. Champion harder and figuring out and traditions and closeness. ways to get better,” he said. It’s just really special to be a Mooney helmet couresty of The Ohio High School Football Helmet Project “But did I think I was in over part of something that is very my head? No. Obviously it was a rough talk too much X’s and O’s. We’re just hard to describe verbally. It’s a great, start but it should be when you go from good friends. He’s a great avenue to great place and just to be a part of it is a system that was in place for 30-some turn to for whatever I need because he’s just tremendous. Words can’t really years with Coach Bucci being here. been in that situation before. describe it.” Obviously, I’m not Coach Bucci, nor was “So whether it’s to vent or whether I With the schedule that Mooney plays, I trying to be, so really installing your need a few laughs or whatever it may it certainly has earned the right to system and kind of getting everything be, he’s been a person that’s been there scream “State Champs” every time the together wasn’t going to be easy and we for me and somebody that I’m thankful team breaks down together if they want knew that it was going to take time. to be around and be associated with.” to. Thank goodness it started to work a little In all, Bucci won four state titles at “One thing we don’t do around here is bit.” Mooney, while Fecko has a realistic shot we don’t give lip service,” Fecko said. The two actually work very well at winning three state titles in four years. “We’re not going to say anything that we together now as Bucci is the school’s But he’s not really thinking in those don’t believe or we’re not going say anyathletic director. terms at this time. thing that we’re not trying to obtain or “Coach Bucci and I are good friends,” “My goal right now is to be committed we think is unobtainable. So anything Fecko said. to this team in 2006,” Fecko said. we do or say, for that matter, we’re seri“I obviously have a tremendous ous about.” — OH “That’s my only focus and thought at

Cardinal Mooney Football Under P.J. Fecko

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Herbstreit Challenge Recap

STORY BY MATT NATALI

Photos by Gary Housteau & Nick Falzerano

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he second annual McDonald’s Kirk Herbstreit Ohio vs. USA Challenge in September lived up to its billing as the nine-game showcase provided fans with some of the best high school football this country has ever seen. The final score after all the dust settled and the final whistle blew was USA 5, Ohio 4. The following is a look at how each game unfolded:

Texas routs Findlay 44-21 in Challenge opener

It was all Texarkana, Texas, in the kickoff game of the second annual Kirk Herbstreit Ohio vs. USA Challenge as Texas High routed Findlay 44-21 at Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium dropping the Trojans to 0-4 to start the season. Michigan quarterback recruit Ryan Mallett was the highlight of the game going 18-of-33 passing for 330 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions for Texas. “We had Ben Roethlisberger a long time ago and (Mallett) is very, very similar,” said Findlay head coach Mark Ritzler. “He has incredible arm strength, he’s got great ball handling, great touch passes to throw the ball down the field over the top and I expect to see him on Sunday’s someday.” Running back Rowland Smith paced Texas on the ground with 100 yards on 11 carries and a touchdown. Texas wide receiver Leon Harris added two touchdowns for the Tigers (16, 13-yard receptions), while running back Adrian Battle (1-yard run), receiver Joseph Anderson (8-yard reception) and receiver John Johnson (42-yard reception) each added a touchdown. Quarterback Chris Schneider was the lone bright spot for Findlay going 14-of-24 passing for 137 yards and scoring the first touchdown in the game. Schneider’s touchdown came on the Trojans first possession of the game on a 68-yard, eightplay drive in the first quarter capped off by a Schneider 1-yard run. “It kind of shocked us at first, but then we settled in and it was ok,” said Texas head coach Barry Norton about the first score of the game. Findlay would not score again until the game was well out of reach in the fourth quarter. The Trojans scored twice in the final period as Schneider had a 5-yard touchdown run and Cam Clinger a 3-yard run. “We just felt like we stopped ourselves in the first half and that has sort of been the tale of our season,” said Ritzler. Texas led at halftime 31-7. “We don’t have the type of athlete and the type of speed where we can afford to make mistakes and overcome them with big plays,” Ritzler added, “especially when you play a team like Texas.” “You have to give our kids credit. They didn’t quit and I knew they wouldn’t. We have to play perfect and eliminate turnovers against a team like Texas.”

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Herbstreit Challenge Recap Texas outgained Findlay 466-343 in total yards on offense. Regardless of the lopsided loss, Ritzler was honored to have had the opportunity for the Trojans to participate in an event of this magnitude. “When we walked into this stadium and saw the way it was set up, that gave me goose bumps,” he said. “And when we came out through that helmet, it was awesome. Our kids will never forget it. We lost 44-21 and it is still going to be one of the greatest things they do in high school. We feel so privileged and proud to be down here. We tried the best we could to represent Ohio. This was awesome and I hope someday we can earn an opportunity to come back here again.”

Colerain blanks Cardinal O’Hara (Pa.) 28-0

Colerain evened the score for the Ohio contingent after two games in the Ohio vs. USA Challenge knocking off Cardinal O’Hara (Pa.) 280. Colerain quarterback Doug Reynolds was nearly perfect going 7-of-9 passing for 113 yards and two touchdowns earning game MVP honors. He also added 38 yards on the ground while Trammell Williams led the Cardinals with 98 yards rushing. But head coach Kerry Coombs still feels there is a lot of work ahead for his offense that is led by the junior quarterback. “I don’t think (Reynolds) played very well and I think he would be the first one to tell you that,” Coombs said. “He threw a few nice balls and we won 28-0 and had a great defensive game. But our offense played poorly. He did a nice job throwing the ball but we did not run the triple (option) very well and that is an area we are going to have to improve on.” Colerain’s 28 point total is lowest total the Cardinals have scored through the first four games of the season (41, 70, 51, 28). The Cardinals had allowed only 198 yards of total offense in its first three games but gave up 179 to O’Hara. Colerain had 389 yards of total offense. “The big thing for us is that is the first team we have played that has smacked us in the mouth,” Coombs said. “(O’Hara) is a good, physical football team and they played hard and tough. They changed some things up offensively and from a coaching standpoint I felt they out-coached me from a defensive standpoint. “Their kids played extremely hard. That was a physical game and they knocked us around a little bit. I was very, very impressed with their team. “I don’t think we played bad defense, but I think they had us back on our heels. I am very impressed with them. But at the same time, if you can play poorly against a good team and win 280, you’re not a bad team,” Coombs said. Junior quarterback Chris Smith stepped in for O’Hara after starting sophomore quarterback Tom Savage was knocked out of the game in the first quarter with an apparent concussion. Smith was

1-of-7 passing for six yards and had 69 yards on 11 carries but had difficulty producing any points for the Lions. Savage was 6-of-9 passing for 68 yards with two interceptions before leaving the game. O’Hara started eight underclassmen on offense and seven on defense. “We’re very young and when you are young like we are, you generally are not consistent,” said O’Hara head coach Dan Algeo. “And with our youth, particularly offensively, we had a hard time sustaining drives. We showed flashes of being consistent but we looked good and bad within the same drive, but everything is correctable. “(Colerain’s) execution was phenomenal. Defensively, they’re aggressive, they fly and they go straight to the football,” Algeo added. Colerain scored twice in the first half on a 28yard touchdown pass from Reynolds to Mark Tabar in the first quarter and a Je’Sean Godfrey had 10-yard run with 5:20 left in the half. The Cardinals added two more scores in the third quarter on a Reynolds 2-yard run and a 13yard touchdown pass from Reynolds to senior Gary Pride, an Akron recruit. Colerain allowed only 14 points in its first four games this season - none of which were allowed by the first string. The Cardinals are now 2-0 in the Ohio vs. USA Challenge following the win over O’Hara and the 27-12 win over Tyler (Texas) Lee last year. “I have been telling people for a year that this is the single greatest weekend for high school football in America,” said Coombs. “I told our kids, ‘For you to be participating in this kind of a deal, it is remarkable.’ And we treasure that and to be able to win is just the icing on the cake. “I don’t know if our kids understand the magnitude of a game like this. I know that my days in this are fewer than they are longer and to have the opportunity to participate on the same stage as the St. X’s and the Lakeland’s and the De La Salle’s is something that is a privilege and it is something that we will play in as long as we can and as long as we can survive and as long as they want us to. “We are treated extraordinarily well, it’s first class and it is the big stage,” Coombs said.

Byrnes (S.C.) edges Moeller 21-20 in Challenge

On paper, the Ohio vs. USA Challenge matchup between Cincinnati Moeller and Byrnes (S.C.) favored Moeller. But after 48 minutes, the scoreboard favored Byrnes as the Rebels edged Moeller 21-20 at Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium. Moeller had the advantage on Byrnes in nearly every category including nearly 100 yards more of total offense than the Rebels (404-306). The Crusaders defense held Byrnes to its lowest point total of the season with the Rebels averaging 41 points per contest coming into the game. “(Byrnes has) some physical kids and they’ve got some extremely fast kids,” said Moeller head coach Bob Crable. “But I thought we could control

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Herbstreit Challenge Recap the line of scrimmage and I thought our kids did control the line of scrimmage. On the defensive side of the ball, I thought we played well. Against a quarterback like this and receivers like this, you can never give up a deep pass and we did.” The Crusaders led 20-14 at halftime and had a chance to win the game with less than a minute left but the 40-yard Ryan Sunderman field goal sailed wide to seal the victory for Byrnes. Sunderman also missed an extra point attempt in the first quarter following Moeller’s first touchdown. “I told the players at halftime that it is ours to lose. If they don’t score, we don’t lose,” said Crable. All-American quarterback and Clemson recruit Willy Korn led Byrnes completing 17-of-24 pass attempts for 272 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Moeller’s defense pressured Korn well and disrupted his game sacking him four times. “We were in a position where we created some confusion with the quarterback and put pressure on him,” said Crable. “He is very sound fundamentally and that is really attributed to (Byrnes head coach Bobby Bentley). He doesn’t throw a football unless he knows he has a possible completion.” Bentley said, “Upfront I thought we got outplayed but luckily we had some players out on the perimeter that made some plays. “I thought our speed would be more of a factor and they nullified our speed. I thought we looked sluggish and I thought on this field turf that our speed was really going to take this game over but it didn’t and that is a credit to Moeller. “It was the best defense we had seen in five years. We hadn’t been held to 21 points in more than five years,” he said. “Their front three and their three linebackers are as good as I have seen. They hit us and tackled us when they had opportunities to tackle us.” The MVP of the game was Byrnes receiver Randall Hawkins, who reeled in seven Korn passes for 186 yards. The Rebels totaled only 34 yards on the ground. For Moeller, junior quarterback Ross Oltorik led the offense going 10-of-19 passing for 172 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. “Ross continues to become more and more of a complete quarterback,” Crable said. “He is developing into a very fine young quarterback.” Receiver Patrick Curtain and Chedrick Cherry each had a touchdown catch from Oltorik. Moeller was solid in the ground game as well with 219 yards of total rushing. The win over Moeller puts Byrnes at 4-0 and marked Byrnes’ 30th consecutive victory. The Rebels entered the game ranked No. 2 in the USA Today national poll. “There are always positives you can take away from a game like this,” Crable said. “What we try to do with our kids is talk to them frequently about character building. And if this was not a character building football game, than we need to get out of this game.”

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Lakeland (Fla.) outlasts St. Xavier 25-22 in OT thriller

The script couldn’t have been written any better had it been a Hollywood blockbuster. The top high school football team in Florida versus the top team in Ohio squared off in the Ohio vs. USA Challenge in what turned into an Photo by Nick Falzerano

Lakeland, led by Top 100 recruit Chris Rainey, beat Cin. St. Xavier 25-22 in OT. overtime thriller that left fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle at Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium. Tied 22-22 in overtime, Lakeland (Fla.) went three-and-out and opted to kick a 41-yard field goal. Kicker Matt Roddenberry bounced the ball off the crossbar through the uprights to put the Dreadnaughts up 25-22. On St. Xavier’s first play from scrimmage in the overtime, senior quarterback Ryan Morris threw an interception to Lakeland defensive back and Florida recruit Steven Wilks to end the Bombers’ 18-game winning streak and extend Lakeland’s streak to 33 games. “We ran a little slip screen left and we were looking for the tight end on the wheel route and our quarterback saw the safety bail a little bit,” said St. Xavier head coach Steve Specht following the game. “(Morris) tried to make a play and I tell these kids that winners try to make plays. Winners aren’t afraid. A lot of kids would be afraid to make that play but he made his read and made his

throw. And he is a winner because he went after it.” Morris finished the game 14-of-28 passing for 194 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. St. X connected on a 36-yard field goal to tie the game with 12 seconds left in regulation and Lakeland recovered the ensuing squib kick on its own 48. The Dreadnaughts ran a reverse pass down the field to the St. X 8-yard line with three seconds left but Lakeland quarterback Blair Castle mistakenly knelt on the ball instead of spiking it and the clock ran out to send the game to overtime. It appeared as though the game was going to be a rout from the onset as Lakeland’s Chris Rainey took the opening kickoff 97 yards for the touchdown. But St. X’s Fred Craig caught a 7-yard touchdown pass late in the first quarter to tie the score and the Dreadnaughts and Bombers traded the lead three times in the game. Lakeland led 14-10 at halftime. Rainey, a Florida recruit, had 87 yard on 22 carries as St. Xavier defense zeroed in on the talented player. However, Alabama recruit Jamar Taylor paced the ground game for Lakeland with 117 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown. “My defense plays hard,” said Specht. “The staff coaches them hard and they play hard. They fought and they clawed and I will tell you, there is not a better tandem of running backs in the country. There is a reason why those young men are going to Florida and Alabama. The goal was to contain them and you can’t spot a team like that seven points at the outset. “But our kids play hard. They leave it on the field. I tell the kids, if you look at the scoreboard, it might not say we won, but we were champions today. We are a better football team today than we were yesterday and I don’t care how it looks on the scoreboard. These kids are winners.” St. Xavier junior running back Darius Ashley had 120 yards on 20 carries including a 32-yard touchdown run. Lakeland had averaged just over 39 points per game in three contests this season making the match up against St. X its lowest scoring production of the season. The Bombers had more total yards than Lakeland out gaining the Dreadnaughts 287-256. “We went in this game wanting our kids to play hard,” said Specht. “We have the same three goals going into every game - love one another, be the best you can be and lean on one another when things get tough.” With the win, Lakeland extends its winning streak to 34 games which includes consecutive state titles mythical national championships. Coming into the game, St. X was ranked No. 8 in the country by USA Today and Lakeland ranked No. 3, respectively. “I’ve got to give a lot of credit to St. X,” said Lakeland head coach Bill Castle. “They have a very great defense and I am very impressed with Ohio coaching, period. They did a great job. I don’t think there was a loser in this game. Both teams played their hearts out.

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Herbstreit Challenge Recap “It was just a great football game,” he said.

Don Bosco Prep (N.J.) eases by Centerville 21-0

Don Bosco Prep (Pa.) relied on ball control, a well-balanced offensive attack and defense to down Centerville 21-0 in the Kirk Herbstreit Ohio vs. USA Challenge at Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium. The Ironmen outgained Centerville 355-263 in total offensive yards. Guy Germinario led the ground game with 96 yards rushing and two touchdowns (2, 64). Five Ironmen running backs combined for 185 yards on the ground. “Germinario really stepped up and had a great, great game for us. He came up with big play after big play and that was key,” said Don Bosco head coach Greg Toal. Quarterback Matt Simms, son of former NFL quarterback Phil Simms, accounted for 193 yards through the air on 12-of-17 passing. “That is a typical Matt Simms day,” said Toal. “Matt did a great job. He has about a good an arm as you’re going to see in high school. When he lets it go, it’s pretty impressive. When you don’t have a turnover at that position its always huge.” Simms is a Louisville recruit. “Don Bosco has a great offense and the best thing you can do to defend that is keep them on the sideline,” said Centerville head coach Ron Ullery. “They have more than just Matt Simms. They have some great skill players and some great running backs. I think we accomplished what we wanted to in the first half other than not putting any points on the board.” Place kicker Colin Jones missed two field goal attempts (37, 49) in the first half for Centerville. “They are very sound, they play great defense, play hard and they’re well-coached,” Ullery added. David Fleming led Centerville’s triple-option offense with 105 yards rushing on 24 carries. James Cravens (60 yards), Steven McCoy (48 yards) and Will Johnson (21 yards) with Fleming combined for 234 rushing yards. “(Centerville) is a heck of an offensive football team,” Toal said. “I bet it has been a long time since somebody shut them out. That’s a good football team, there’s no question about that. “They are about as good as I have seen and they fake better than any team that I have seen,” Toal added. “I really have to take my hat off to those guys. That is a heck of an offense. I really thought going into the game that it was going to be a shootout with the last guy that scores wins.” Both coaches were impressed with the Ohio vs. USA Challenge as a whole. “Everyone really extended themselves to us and this was really a class operation,” Toal said. “It was a wonderful experience for the kids and the people in Ohio are probably some of the classiest people we’ve met. They love football, understand the game and love to see good football. I didn’t know it was this big until I got out here. It is special.” Ullery added, “I knew it was going to be a great event because Kirk (Herbstreit) wouldn’t put his

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name on anything that isn’t done in a first class manner. And I think it surpassed my expectations for the type of opportunity it was for all the players in it.” Herbstreit is a graduate of Centerville High School. Centerville was last shutout in a 38-0 loss to Huber Heights Wayne in week 8 last season.

De La Salle (Ca.) downs Elder 56-38 in a shootout

De La Salle junior quarterback Mike MacGillivray accounted for six touchdowns for the Spartans rushing for four and passing for two more to single-handedly defeat Elder 56-38 in the Kirk Herbstreit Ohio vs. USA Challenge at Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium. MacGillivray had 135 yards rushing on 14 carries while going 9-of-15 passing for 161 yards and an interception. Albert Rosette was on the receiving end of both MacGillivray touchdowns through the air (25 and 18 yards). While the score was lopsided, De La Salle only outgained Elder 478-425 in total offense. Elder narrowed the De La Salle lead late in the first half on a Patrick Williams 1-yard touchdown run to pull the Panthers within two points but Ryan Nastor took back the ensuing kickoff 97 yards to put the Spartans up 20-12. Williams paced Elder on the ground with 90 yards on 18 carries and two touchdowns. Four Panthers combined for 134 yards of production on the ground. Elder quarterbacks Derrick Ventre and John Groene were a combined 26-of-36 passing for 291 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. De La Salle scored on its first five possessions of the game. Coming into the game, De La Salle was ranked No. 5 in the country by USA Today and jumped up to No. 4 following the win over Elder. The Spartans are best known for their national record 151-game winning streak that spanned from 1992-2003.

Hilliard Davidson gets by St. Joseph’s Prep (Pa.) 17-14

Hilliard Davidson orchestrated a 9:20, gamewinning scoring drive that spanned the third and fourth quarters to down St. Joseph’s Prep 17-14 at Massillon’s Paul Brown Stadium in the Kirk Herbstreit Ohio vs. USA Challenge. The 17-play, 85-yard drive featured a fake punt in which running back Bo Delande took a direct snap and raced 10 yards for the first down. Delande finished the game with 129 yards rushing on 21 carries and caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Connor Dietz. Dietz scored the winning touchdown on a 6-yard run with 3:22 left in the game. St. Joe’s kicker Tim Edger missed a 24-yard field goal to tie the game with four seconds left to seal the victory for Hilliard Davidson. He missed a

36-yard attempt earlier in the second half. Running back Jamir Livingston had 183 yards rushing on 24 carries and a touchdown for St. Joe’s. Edger had three catches for 53 yards and a touchdown at wide receiver.

Lakewood St. Edward levels Springdale (Ark.) 49-3

Following a tough 10-7 loss to Cincinnati St. Xavier the previous week, Lakewood St. Edward rebounded with a dominating 49-3 win over Springdale (Ark.) at Massillon’s Paul Brown Stadium in the Kirk Herbstreit Ohio vs. USA Challenge. St. Edward safety Nate Oliver, an Ohio State recruit, was named game MVP after two punt returns totaling 101 yards, including a 46-yard return for a touchdown. Senior running back Frank Edmonds had 129 yards rushing on 18 carries and had three touchdowns, including a 55-yard interception return for a touchdown. St. Edward quarterback Alex Sterba was 6-of-8 passing for 116 yards, including a 55-yard touchdown pass to junior Branden Williams. Springdale netted only 167 yards in the game against St. Edward’s 350 yards. Alex Tejada, an Arkansas recruit, put Springdale on the board on the last play of the game with a 37-yard field goal. He missed a 50-yard attempt earlier in the game.

Massillon roars past Hamilton (Ariz.) 35-26

Coming off a lopsided 48-14 loss to Cincinnati Moeller, Massillon rode senior running back/defensive back Brian Gamble to a 35-26 win over nationally ranked Hamilton (Ariz.) in the Ohio vs. USA Challenge at Massillon’s Paul Brown Stadium. Gamble had 159 yards rushing on 35 carries and three touchdowns as well as 44 yards receiving and an interception on defense. Massillon quarterback Bobby Huth was 15-of-24 passing for 175 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Receiver Bryan Sheegog had 116 yards receiving on five catches and a touchdown for the Tigers. On defense, linebacker and Penn State recruit Andrew Dailey had a 20-yard interception return for a touchdown for Massillon. Hamilton tallied 420 yards of total offense led by quarterback Brad Gruner, who was 18-of-31 passing for 250 yards and two touchdowns. Arizona State recruit Kerry Taylor had 11 catches for 181 yards and a touchdown for the Huskies. Nathan Jeffery led Hamilton’s ground game with 80 yards on three carries and a touchdown. The Huskies totaled 195 yard rushing. Massillon trailed at halftime 17-14. Hamilton was ranked No. 11 in the country by USA Today before dropping out of the poll following the loss to Massillon. — OH

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Boys Basketball Preview

Hungry Wolverines

Dayton Dunbar won the 2006 D-II state title with ease. The Wolverines beat No. 1 ranked Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary 74-48 in the semifinals and routed previously unbeaten Wooster Triway 73-46 in the state final.

Photo by Nick Falzerano

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Boys Basketball Preview Photo by Nick Falzerano

Big Dogs

Trotwood-Madison made a historic run last season, appearing in its first Division I boys basketball state final. Canton McKinley owned the headlines, though, winning its second straight big school state title and third overall.

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Boys Basketball Preview

Division I

Big-school division open after Hoover, Morgan leave McKinley Canton McKinley won its second straight D-I title with a victory over Trotwood-Madison.

Outlook

Last year, Canton McKinley became the first big-school team to repeat as an Ohio boys basketball state champion since Cincinnati Elder did it in 1973-74. But with coach Dave Hoover retiring and star player Raymar Morgan graduating and moving on to Michigan State, this division is back open for business. Once again, the Division I boys basketball tournament should be among the nation’s best. Runner-up Trotwood-Madison, with Dayton verbal Chris Wright returning, could again challenge for at least a final four spot, maybe more.

Top Players

* Kosta Koufos, 7-1, Sr., F-C, Canton GlenOak – Koufos averaged 24.1 points, 11.1 rebounds and 4.2 blocked shots per game as a junior before missing the last third of the season with a foot injury. He was a second-team All-Ohio pick in Division I. He is ranked as one of the top 10 senior prospects in the nation and is committed to Ohio State. * Dallas Lauderdale, 6-9, Sr., F, Solon – Lauderdale averaged 21.0 points and earned first-team All-Ohio honors in Division I as a junior. Committed to Ohio State. * Delvon Roe, 6-8, Jr., F, Lakewood St. Edward – Roe averaged 19.3 points per game as a sophomore, earning first-team all-district honors in Division I. * William Buford, 6-5, G-F, Toledo Libbey -- As a sophomore, Buford averaged 22.7 points per game and was a second-team All-Ohio pick in Division I. * Chris Wright, 6-7, Sr., F, Trotwood-Madison -- Wright earned third-team All-Ohio honors, averaging 17.0 points per game and leading Trotwood-Madison to the Division I state title game. Verbaled to Dayton. * Billy Allen, 6-5, Sr., G, Hamilton – Four-year starter averaged over 17 points a game last year. Verbaled to Albany. * Yancy Gates, 6-8, Jr., F, Cincinnati Withrow -- Gates transferred to Withrow after averaging 20.3 points per game as a sophomore at Cincinnati Hughes. * Lamar Skeeter, 5-10, Sr., G, Kettering Fairmont – Earned third-team AllOhio honors after averaging 19 points per game as a junior. * Kenny Frease, 6-11, Jr., C, Massillon Perry -- Averaged 18.6 points per game and earned third-team All-Ohio honors in Division I as a sophomore.

Teams to Watch

Here are some of the key contenders in Division I: * Canton McKinley – The Bulldogs, 25-2 last year, will have an uphill battle in a quest to three-peat. Coach Dave Hoover has retired after 11 years at the helm and the Bulldogs also lost star player Raymar Morgan to graduation. Martin signed with Michigan State. Greg Malone, an assistant under Hoover for the past 11 years at McKinley, has been tapped to replace him. “We have great kids at McKinley and in Canton City Schools,” Malone told The Canton Repository. “The fact I know so many of them already, it makes it exciting to get to continue to work with them and help them achieve their goals.” All five of McKinley’s starters last year were seniors, meaning Malone will be molding a new team. McKinley’s top returnees figure to be Morgan Williams, Johnie Davis, Zack Leonard, Antoine McClellan and Marco Richardson. “We’ve got some guys that have enough of a taste of (success), and a little bit of experience who understand what needs to be done,” Malone told The Repository. “They’ve been there every day in practice competing against the best in the state to help themselves get better. “We’ve talked with the kids about every day coming to practice to compete, work hard and get better. If you come and do those things, you’ve got a chance at the end of the year to reach those goals.” * Lakewood St. Edward – St. Ed went 19-5 last year, falling to Strongsville 65-63 in a regional semifinal match-up. Everything revolves around the 6-8 Roe, who is considered one of the nation’s top juniors. “Obviously, Delvon is pretty talented,” said St. Ed coach Eric Flannery. “He is

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Photo by Gary Housteau

extremely athletic and has long arms. He is good on defense and on the glass. He is not only talented, but he is one of the hardest workers we have. He has worked hard to extend his game.” Two other returning starters are 6-3 shooting guard Matt Salay (9 ppg) and 6-4 forward Kyle Hubbard (10 ppg). “Matt is a good three-point shooter and a good defender,” Flannery said. “This will be Kyle’s fourth year in the varsity program. He has a lot of experience. He is a big wing who can get to the basket.” Frankie Dobbs, a 6-1 junior, figures to man the point, while 6-8 junior Tom Pritchard is ticketed for the paint. St. Ed also has a key freshman to watch in 6-1 guard Pe’shon Howard. “I think the thing that could make us better this year is our depth,” Flannery said. “We have a lot of guys filling roles who can contribute. It’s our expectation (to contend) every year. I think we have the capability to do that even though we don’t have a lot of seniors. But we do have the talent to get there and we have those aspirations.” * Garfield Heights – One of the neat stories in the state is at Garfield Heights, where 1998 Mr. Basketball award winner Sonny Johnson has returned to his alma mater as the basketball head coach. “It’s unbelievable to come home to someplace you graduated from,” Johnson said. “You have a sense of pride and you want to build that tradition.” Heights was 11-9 a year ago, but Johnson has assembled a talented roster led by 6-6 senior forward Daitwan Eppinger (18 ppg). “Daitwan is one of the best athletes I have seen play, period,” Johnson said. “He is a great kid and he wants to learn he plays hard.” Robert Wilson, a 6-4 junior, has transferred in from Cleveland Rhodes. Mario Hines, 6-7 sophomore, has also moved into the district. Carl Jones, a 5-7 sophomore, figures to handle the point. * Solon – The Comets have high hopes to reach the state after butting up against Canton McKinley in the regional final last year. That loss ended Solon’s season at a robust 23-2. Everything is pinned on the 6-9 Lauderdale, who will play his college ball at Ohio State. “He brings some athleticism as a big kid that may be a little bit different than some other people,” said Solon coach Todd Van Reeth. “Offensively, I think his game will develop by leaps and bounds. I’ve seen it get better from last year. That’s something, again, you can work on those skills. He is a great athlete. His best basketball is ahead of him.” Solon also welcomes back 6-6 sophomore power forward Reggie Keely. * Trotwood-Madison – The Rams dropped the state title game to Canton McKinley to finish 22-6. But Trotwood-Madison figures to have three starters back off that team, led by the 6-7 Wright, who has verbaled to Dayton. Also due back are 6-2 senior guard Armond Darby (10 ppg) and 6-0 senior guard Patric Hill (4 ppg). * Also Keep An Eye On – Toledo St. John’s, Cincinnati St. Xavier, Toledo Scott, Canton GlenOak, Lancaster, Toledo St. John’s, Cincinnati Princeton.

By Steve Helwagen

JJ Hu ddle’ s O h io Hi gh

Boys Basketball Preview

Division II Outlook

Dayton Dunbar rolled to the state championship last year behind the play of Ohio State signee Daequan Cook. But it could be an OSU verbal commitment – 6-7 guard Jon Diebler – who helps Upper Sandusky challenge for its second state title in three years. And another key team to keep an eye on is Columbus DeSales, which has three impressive starters back from last year’s state final four team.

Top Players

* Jon Diebler, 6-7, Sr., F, Upper Sandusky – Diebler averaged 34.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 5.0 steals and 3.5 blocked shots per game. He was a first-team All-Ohio pick. Verbaled to Ohio State. * Dante Jackson, 6-4, Sr., F, Greenfield McClain -- Jackson again earned first-team All-Ohio honors in Division II after averaging 28.7 points per game. Committed to Xavier. * B.J. Mullens, 7-0, Jr., C, Canal Winchester -- Mullens played his first two varsity seasons at Canal Winchester World Harvest Prep before transferring to nearby Canal Winchester. He averaged 17.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 6.0 blocked shots per game. Already committed to Ohio State. * Aaron Pogue, 6-8, Sr., C, Dayton Dunbar – The burly Pogue averaged 15 points per game in helping guide Dunbar to the Division II state title. * Tyler Sparks, 6-4, Sr., F, Olmsted Falls – Sparks earned first-team AllOhio honors after averaging 21.4 points per game as a junior. * Kyle Hallock, 6-1, Sr., G, Sandusky Perkins – Hallock averaged 21.0 points per game in earning second-team All-Ohio honors last year. * Elijah Allen, 6-4, Sr., G-F, Columbus DeSales – Allen was a third-team All-Ohio pick after averaging 17 points per game last year. * Alex Kellogg, 6-7, Sr., F, Columbus DeSales – Kellogg, son of former Ohio State standout Clark Kellogg, averaged 15.8 points per game as a junior last year.

Teams to Watch

Here are some of the key contenders in Division II: * Upper Sandusky – The Rams (18-6 last year) won the state title in 2005, but could not get past Northern Ohio League rival Willard in the district finals last year. The 6-7 Diebler, the son of coach Keith Diebler, has the ability to take over a game with his scoring, rebounding and assist skills from the point. “There is no way we were disappointed with last year’s season,” Coach Diebler said. “We had a freshman who played nearly every minute and now he’s stronger. Our goals are the same – we want to play our best basketball at the end of the year. Then, to (get to the state), you’ve got to have a great night.” Besides Jon Diebler, the Rams also have 5-10 senior guard Jarryd Nelson (4 ppg) and 6-3 sophomore wing Alex Falk (8 ppg) back. Drew McClellan (5 ppg), a 6-7 senior, takes over in the middle. “Alex played extremely well as a freshman last year,” Coach Diebler said. “He is a really tough defender and he rebounded the ball well for us. Nelson is a tremendous defender. He will be on the ball most nights.” * Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary – The Irish made it back to the state final four last year for the first time since LeBron James left after the 2002-03 season. SVSM dropped a state semifinal game to Dunbar to finish 21-4. “I am really happy with our team,” said coach Dru Joyce. “We played 10 or 11 guys last year and even though we graduated four of them, we have a pretty experienced group coming back. I think we are going to be a whole lot better than people think.” Joyce welcomes back three senior starters from that team in 5-8 guard Cameron Joyce (8.4 ppg), 6-3 forward Greg Preer (7.8 ppg) and 6-6 center Anthony Anderson (8.2 ppg). The Irish have more height in 6-7 junior Demetrius Brinson, 6-8 senior Brandon Harris and 6-4 senior Alex Hildebrandt.

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Could Columbus DeSales be team to beat in Division II? Photo by Nick Falzerano

Coach Peter Pullen led Dunbar to the 2006 title and an undefeated record against Ohio competition. * Dayton Dunbar – Dunbar will be in somewhat of a rebuilding mode after losing the ultra-talented Cook to graduation. Coach Peter Pullen returns, though, and he has a talented nucleus of returning players. The Wolverines, 26-2 last year, will put more emphasis on feeding the post, where bulky 6-8 senior center Aaron Pogue (15 ppg) will hold court. Guard Norris Cole (7.7 ppg), a 5-11 senior, also started last year. Junior Josh Benson, a 6-8 power forward, is considered one of the state’s top 10 junior prospects. * Wooster Triway – Triway won its first 26 games last year before falling to Dunbar in the state title game. Coach Keith Snoddy lost three double-figure scoring starters off that team, led by guards Linc Rottman and Jamie Brenemen. But he has two starters due back and a nucleus of other players ready to try and pick up the pieces. Forward Jock Rottman (8.6 ppg), a 6-3 senior, and center Sebastian Weber (6.5 ppg), a 6-10 senior, return. “Jock will have to step up,” Snoddy said. “He definitely needs to be a leader. Weber, we are expecting big things out of him. Last year was his first year in the country as he moved here from Austria. We really didn’t ask him to score, but we think he can be in double figures in scoring and rebounding.” Other key pieces could be 6-3 senior guard Tyson Fought, 6-5 senior forward Andrew Scoggin, 5-11 junior guard Heath Clark and 5-10 sophomore point guard Kenny Goldstein. “We lost 45 points of our scoring and our leading rebounder,” Snoddy said. “We have a lot of shoes to fill. But if these kids are able to mature, we might be able to do that.” * Columbus DeSales – DeSales’ magical run through last year’s tournament ended with a dramatic 58-56 loss to Wooster Triway in a state semifinal match-up. The defeat left DeSales with a final mark of 19-7. But the Stallions figure to return three key starters off that team in Allen, Kellogg and 6-0 senior guard Dane Johnson (8.0 ppg). * Willard – Willard has been one of the top teams to watch in D-II over the last few years. Last year, Willard won its first 24 games before dropping a regional final to Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary. Coach Greg Nossman only has one starter returning after seeing high scoring guard Jimmy Langhurst graduate and enroll at Robert Morris. The one returner is 6-2 junior Zach Thorton (4 ppg, 4 rpg). A pair of 6-0 seniors, Darrien Douglas (3.5 ppg) and Matt Steinmetz (3 ppg), are also back after coming off the bench last year. “We graduated seven seniors,” Nossman said. “We will probably be one of the smallest teams in Ohio in Division II. But we have a bunch of great kids who work hard. Hopefully our tradition and the way we play will help us.” * Also Keep An Eye On – Akron Buchtel, Cuy. Falls Walsh Jesuit, Dover, Greenfield McClain, Canal Winchester, Painesville Harvey, Zanesville.

By Steve Helwagen

JJ Hu ddle’ s O h io Hi gh

Boys Basketball Preview

Division III Outlook

North College Hill has won the last two Division III state championships behind the exploits of O.J. Mayo and Bill Walker. But, after Walker was declared ineligible by the OHSAA this summer, Mayo opted to transfer to Huntington, W.Va., to finish his high school career. As a result, roughly 200 schools who did not harbor any chance of winning a state championship in Division III this coming season now have a fighting chance.

Top Players

* Gene Goering, 6-3 Jr., F, Archbold - Averaged 19.2 points a game and nearly 10 rebounds a game last year for the Blue Streaks. The undersized but talented center is expected to help lead Archbold again in 2006-07 as one of the top teams in the state. Goering is a two-year starter. * Camden Miller, 6-7 Sr., WF, Wheelersburg - Miller helped lead a surprising Pirate appearance in the Division III Final Four last season behind 16.4 points a game. The third-team All-Ohio selection in Division III is one of four starters returning for the Pirates. He has already verbaled to Western Carolina. * Nathan Hyde, 6-3 Sr., F, Findlay Liberty-Benton - Hyde is one of the best players in northwest Ohio this season that few know about. The three-year starter was a second-team All-Ohio Division II selection a year ago as a junior. He averaged 22.4 points a game. * D’Aundray Brown, 6-3 Sr., SG, Youngstown Ursuline - As an explosive guard, Brown is one of the best players in the state in Division III. Despite the presence of AllOhio teammate and 6-8 post, Jerome Jones, Brown averaged 14.9 points a game as a third-team All-Northeast Inland selection. * Nick Gross, 6-1 Sr., G, Akron Manchester - Gross may be one of the best guards in the state of Ohio in 2006 regardless of class. Gross is being recruited by several Division I basketball programs including many MAC schools and beyond. Last season, Gross was a second-team All-Northeast Inland selection in Division III scoring 24.8 points a game. * Logan Nourse, 6-1 Sr., PG, Spencerville - At 19.8 points a game as a junior, Nourse earned second-team All-Ohio in Division III and hopes for an encore again this season. * Jonathan VanHoose, 6-4 Sr., SG, Ironton - After losing Brigham Waginger and Dennis Gagai in consecutive seasons to transfer and graduation, respectively, Ironton may have struck gold with Jonathan VanHoose. The brother of former 6-11 Marshall star J.R., VanHoose transferred to Ironton from Russell, Ky., where he averaged 18.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and shot 37 percent from three-point range last year. VanHoose is verbally committed to the University of Evansville, where he will play basketball on scholarship. * Desmar Jackson, 6-3 So., SG, Warren JFK - Jackson is arguably the top sophomore in the state of Ohio regardless of division, but he’s certainly one of the best. As a freshman, Jackson averaged 10 points a game as JFK’s sixth-man. He exploded this summer at the Nike Jamboree camp where he was one of the top 25 players out of 125. Jackson has drawn interest from high-profile programs such as Ohio State and Michigan. * Cory Neale, 6-7 Sr., PF, Brooklyn - Earning a first-team All-Northeast Lakes District honor, Neale averaged 24.2 points a game last season as a junior. As a sophomore, Neal put up 18.8 points a game.

Teams to Watch

* Archbold - The Blue Streaks have been down this road before, making it to the Division III final four in three of the past four seasons. This time, however, they’re hoping the loss of O.J. Mayo and Bill Walker from North College Hill will propel them into the title of state champions. “We hope to reload and go at it again,” said head coach Doug Krauss. “Our guys have understood what it’s like to make some noise on the tournament trail.” Archbold returns three starters from the team a season ago that lost to North College Hill in the Division III state semifinals. Most important among them is 6-3 Gene Goering, a two-year starter that returns for his junior year. His sophomore campaign saw him average just shy of 20 points. Joining Goering from last year’s starting lineup is a pair of seniors – Josh Wyse (12.0 points per game) and Tyson Fruth.

JJ Hu d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

D-III wide open after departures from North College Hill The Blue Streaks do need to replace a pair of key starters point guard Josh Johnson and guard David Borcherdt (11.7 ppg). “We lost two keys,” Krauss said. “Those two guys we lost brought a lot to the table.” * Findlay Liberty-Benton - You couldn’t script a possible success story much better than this. The Eagles return all five starters from a team that went 18-5 a season ago, including second-team All-Ohio and Blanchard Valley Conference Player of the Year Nathan Hyde, who averaged 22.4 points a game last season. However, Liberty-Benton would like to avenge their district defeat at the hands of Gibsonburg in March 2006. Returning along with Hyde are senior guards T.J. Recker, Brandon Craft and talented shooter Pat Wallace. * North College Hill - Losing Mayo, Walker and Keenan Ellis, the knee-jerk reaction is to assume the Trojans are depleted. That’s not exactly the case. Fortunately for North College Hill, there is still talent in the cupboard – at least more than enough to possibly make NCH a state championship contender once again in Division III. Leading North College Hill in the post-Mayo era, will be point guard Damon Butler. Butler is a 6-0 junior that quietly put up 17.1 points a game last season. With Walker ruled ineligible this season by the OHSAA, seniors Nathaniel Glover, Dwayne Parks and junior Courtney Davis will also be counted on by head coach Jamie Mahaffey for leadership and production. Although North College Hill’s work will be cut out for them in 2006-07, a third consecutive state championship is not out of the question. But the race will be a bit more wide open this year. * Warren John F. Kennedy - The bad news for the Eagles this season is that JFK will need to replace Tashaun Walker and Stephan Flanagan, a pair of terrific All-District guards that combined for 28.3 points a game last season. The good news is that with 6-3 guard Desmar Jackson, a sixth-man last season and thirdleading scorer J.J. Townsend, the Eagles are more than equipped to handle that. “When you lose five seniors, it puts a damper on some of the things you want to do the following year,” said head coach Shawn Pompelia. Jackson, a highly recruited sophomore, averaged 10 points a game last year off the bench while Townsend averaged 13.8 points a game. “He’s an exciting sophomore,” Pompelia added, “and what everyone has to realize is that he’s only 16 years old.” JFK is counting on senior captain Mario Cicchillo, juniors James Howard III, Rafel Patterson and Brian Guerini as well as sophomores Willie McElroy and Nick Brown. * Wheelersburg - It’s the tale of two seasons for Wheelersburg head coach Tom Barrick. In 2005-2006, the Pirates quietly snuck into the final four in Division III. Now in 2006-07, they’re marked as a possible state championship favorite. “Probably the thing that may have been beneficial to us was that we kind of flew under the radar last year,” said the Pirate head coach. Wheelersburg returns four starters from that 23-3 team a season ago that lost to Villa Angela-St. Joseph in the state semifinal, including 6-7 Camden Miller, a third-team All-Ohio selection in Division III that averaged 16.4 points a game. But despite the return of Miller, 6-5 junior Drew Spradlin (15.3 ppg), 6-4 senior Gary Salyers (9.3 ppg) and 6-1 senior Seth Cowgill (10.3 ppg), Barrick is concerned with the loss of point guard Nick Carrington. “As good as the players we have coming back, he was a significant part of our team – not just point-wise,” said Barrick of losing Carrington. “Leadership-wise, defensively, he is my only four-year starter in 20 years as a head coach.” Other Teams To Watch * Bedford Chanel - The Firebirds lost a trio of 6-4 guards but can build a young team around 6-11 Joe Latas. * Beverly Fort Frye - The Cadets will sink or swim behind third-team All-Ohio Tyler Engle (21.0 ppg). * Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph - The Vikings will miss Ohio Statebound freshman David Lighty but return 6-3 Ashen Ward and 6-4 Maurice Haynes. * Ironton - Watch for 6-4 senior Jonathan VanHoose, a transfer from Kentucky. The Tigers also have talented junior Tyler Crawford from nearby Chesapeake. * Spencerville - It all starts with Logan Nourse and Isaac Bowers (15.2 ppg) for the Bearcats. * St. Henry - The Redskins will be younger and smaller without 6-9 Kurt Hueslman, now at Dayton. They do, however, return three starters. * Versailles - The Tigers lost head coach Dave Peltz to Greenville and guard Adam Barga but assistant Scott McEldowney takes over and guard Jeremy Shardo (14.8 ppg) is back with two other starters. * Youngstown Ursuline - Replacing 6-8 Jerome Jones and 6-4 Lance Randall won’t be easy, but D’Aundray Brown and 5-11 Nick McCartney give the Irish a great guard tandem.

By Kyle Lamb

J J H U D D L E . C O M 39

Boys Basketball Preview

Division IV Outlook

South Webster steamed to a 26-2 record and the Division IV state championship in 2005-06. But the Jeeps sustained some heavy graduation losses, leaving this small-school division wide open for the upcoming season. Lockland, 23-4 last year, could be the main beneficiary. The Panthers have a pair of high scoring seniors due back after last year’s run to the state final four. But, as always, there will be schools coming from all points of Ohio in search of that elusive title.

Top Players

* Jason Wehri, 6-8 Sr., F, Ottoville - If you’re looking for a heart-warming story and someone to root for, Wehri might be your guy. The 6-8 forward is trying to win a battle with Hodgkin’s disease. The big three-year starter averaged 12 points a game last season. * Cody Destro, 6-2 Jr., G, Mogadore - Destro is a two-sport star for the Wildcats as he is also a standout tailback for the tradition-filled Mogadore football team. While Destro is one of the top backs in the state in Division VI on the gridiron, his basketball skills are also impressive. He averaged 26.3 points a game last season as a sophomore, earning him third-team All-Ohio in Division IV. * Eric Maag, 5-11 Sr., SG, Columbus Grove - If the Bulldogs are to repeat their appearance in the Division IV state semifinal, Maag will probably be a large reason why. He averaged 19.3 points a game last season as one of the premier guards in the Northwest District. * Antoine Wilhite, 6-7 Sr., C, Lockland - Wilhite is an exceptional player that is arguably one of the most talented players in all of Division IV. Wilhite enrolled at North College Hill to start the school year, but has since returned to the Panthers. He averaged 16.6 points a game last season for the Panthers. * J.R. Weston, 6-3 Jr., G, Morral Ridgedale - The nephew of former Ridgedale standout Dan Weston scored a team-high 21 points a game last year for the Rockets. Weston is one of the top players in central Ohio and will need to lead an inexperienced Ridgedale squad in 2006-07. * Zach Tolzda, 6-0 Sr., PG, Beallsville - The son of head coach Louis Tolzda has 1,203 career points and is on pace to shatter the school record of just over 1,600 points by season’s end. Last year, Tolzda had a season-best 50 points en route to 30 points per game in earning second-team All-Ohio. * Joel Gause, 6-2 Sr., PG, Berlin Hiland - Gause averaged 14.3 points a game in earning Special Mention All-Ohio and first-team All-Eastern district. He is the centerpiece to a high-octane Hiland pressing attack. * Andy Timko, 6-3 Sr., F, McDonald - Timko is one of a pair of talented Blue Devils that averaged 16 points a game in 2005-2006 and also 7.0 rebounds. He earned first-team All-Northeast Inland district in the process. * Kyler Booher, 6-3 Sr., G, Newton - A fantastic scorer who averaged 20.9 points a game last year, Booher is one of the better players in Division IV, but needs a little help from his friends. Booher was first-team All-Southwest District as a junior.

Teams to Watch

* Berlin Hiland - Few teams outside of Hiland’s own girls basketball program (with two consecutive Division IV state championships) can match the tradition of coach Mark Schlabach’s Hiland Hawks. Hiland plays an up-tempo, pressing style of game led by 6-0 guard Joel Gause (14.3 ppg). Hiland also returns a pair of 6-2 starters Dustin Kaufman (11.4 ppg) and Joel Miller. The Hawks fell to Windham in a regional final a year ago. While Hiland should be one of the favorites in the state in Division IV, they will have a tough time winning their own conference with Sugarcreek Garaway, Sandy Valley, Malvern and Strasburg all competing for the Inter Valley Conference title. “As it usually is, it’s going to be a very competitive conference,” Schlabach said. * Continental - When you look across the court and stare down your opponent, the Continental Pirates might not be the most physically imposing. But they’re one of the last teams you want to see. The Pirates are small with not one starter over 6-0. But under head coach Kevin Homier, they are smart, disciplined and talented. “The three kids that started two years ago when we went to state were sophomores then, but they’re seniors now,” Homier said.

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Lockland has plenty back after final four run He’s referring to a trio of seniors: 6-0 point guard Scott Keck (14.5 ppg), 5-11 guard Nathan Schmidt and 5-9 center Ben Miller (10 ppg), who averaged eight rebounds a game last year as a post player smaller than most point guards. The Pirates also expect to start 5-9 Kyle Prowant and 5-10 Dustin Ladd. Continental, which dropped a regional semifinal to Columbus Grove last year, lost to Africentric in the Division IV state semifinal in 2004 61-45. The Pirates should be one of the top teams in a tough Northwest District this season. * Holgate - If size is the name of the game, Holgate has plenty of it. The Tigers return four starters from a year ago and have four players that run between 6-4 and 6-5. The perennial northwest contender will miss third-team AllOhio guard Lee Brubaker. But his brother Logan and 6-5 center Colton Wagner give Holgate a solid nucleus. “Lee Brubaker graduating is definitely going to create a vast void for us,” said Wayne who also called him arguably the smartest kid he’s coached in 29 years. “We have good length, we have good size and we have good experience. A big key to the season is going to be the progression of our offensive skills.” * Lockland - Although the Panthers lose nearly 29 points a game from guards Mack Ogletree and DaJuan Harris, the return of 6-7 Antoine Wilhite and 6-0 point guard Thomas Smith along with a pair of Princeton transfers, Ron Mack and A.J. Letcher, should make Lockland a contender again in 2006-07. In Wilhite and Smith, Lockland returns 33 points a game from two major contributors that led them to the Division IV state semifinal before falling to eventual champion South Webster. * McDonald - With all five starters returning, including 6-3 Andy Timko and 6-4 Bradley Hinton (15.0 ppg, 12 rpg), the Blue Devils should be among the top teams in Division IV this season. “It all starts with Andy Timko and Bradley Hinton,” said head coach Jeff Rasile. “But we return 55 points a game in offense so we feel good about where we are coming into the season.” The Blue Devils, who have been to the district final three consecutive seasons, went 16-8 last year and are relying on steady point guard play from Nick Rusinowski as well as production from 6-3 seniors Steven Hughes and Scott Sentner.

Other Teams To Watch * Columbus Grove - With three returning starters and guard Eric Maag (19.8 ppg), the Bulldogs will be a Division IV contender. Replacing head coach Troy Schwemley, who left for Shelby, is Todd Turnwald. Turnwald does need to replace center Kyle Meyer (22.8 ppg). Columbus Grove fell to South Webster 83-65 in the state title game last year. * Sidney Lehman Catholic - The Cavaliers’ best player 6-3 Kyle Corbin (18.3 ppg) transferred to Tipp City, but Lehman returns four starters. The Cavs should be more balanced this season according to head coach Mike Piatt and will count heavily on four-year starter Kevin Sargeant and three-year starter Doug Westerheide. * Malvern - A young team led by freshman Tyler Tucci (14.3 ppg) and sophomore Zak Kapron (13.7 ppg) struggled to finish ball games winning nine last season. With Tucci being a sophomore, Kapron a junior and returning four starters, the Hornets should be much improved and competitive enough to take seriously this season. * Ottoville - Gone is All-Ohio guard Josh Vorst, who accounted for nearly 23 points a game last season. The Big Green hopes the return of 6-4 Brandon Miller and 6-8 Jason Wehri will accompany a possible emergence of sophomore guard Andrew Koch that head coach Tom Von Sosson is very high on. * Portsmouth Clay - A common theme this year in Division IV is a team losing a star player but returning several other key members. The Clay Eagles fit that theme perfectly as 6-7 Cam Thoroughman is now at West Virginia but Clay returns four starters including double-digit scorers Derrick Webb and Kent Robinson. * South Webster - The reigning Division IV state champions lost four starters including nearly 60 points a game. But despite the loss of 6-6 Nick Aldridge, 6-3 Brigham Waginger and 6-4 Evan DeCamp, the Jeeps are excited about a couple of younger players which should keep South Webster competitive. * Toledo Christian - Head coach Dave McWhinnie models his program after former Worthington Christian and current Cedarville College head coach Ray Slagle – and he’s got the players to do it. The Eagles return three talented starters that each accounted for at least 10 points a game last season, but most importantly have a lot of experience. Watch for seniors Jacob Weems, Blake Powell and Tyler Boris as well as talented 6-4 sophomore Ethan Michael. * Windham - The good news for the Bombers is they return three starters including junior Phillipe Workman (13.6 ppg). The bad news is they lost Ian McGuire and Brett Apthorpe, who combined on over 37 points a game last year in leading Windham to a state semifinal appearance, and point guard Matt Heller injured his knee this summer. Even so, Windham is expected to be tough in 2006-07.

By Kyle Lamb

JJ Hu ddle’ s O h io Hi gh

Photo by Terry Gilliam

Photo by Brockway Sports Photos

STORY BY STEVE HELWAGEN

JJ Hu d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

New Concord grad and Ohio’s all-time leading scorer Jay Burson

John Diebler

f Upper Sandusky guard Jon Diebler is able to duplicate the high scoring ways he showed last season, the Rams senior could be in position late this season to threaten Jay Burson’s 21-year-old career state scoring record. The 6-7 Diebler, who is committed to play his college ball at Ohio State, has already amassed 2,106 points in his three-year varsity career. He spent his freshman year in 2003-04 at Fostoria before moving with his brother Jacob and father and coach Keith to Upper Sandusky. That trio helped lead the Rams to a 27-0 record in 2004-05, when they rolled to the Division II state championship. That season, Jon Diebler averaged over 26 points per game. He tallied 32 points and 14 rebounds in Upper Sandusky’s 94-86 state championship game victory over Wooster Triway. Jacob Diebler and fellow standout guard Greg Micheli graduated in the spring of 2005. Jon Diebler returned for his junior year in 2005-06 and averaged a robust 34.8 points per game (836 points in 24 games), but the Rams failed to advance past the district championship game and finished the year 18-6 overall. Diebler’s junior year scoring total – which included a 77-point outburst in a 105-100 overtime win over Tiffin Columbian – put him within striking distance of Burson’s record. Burson tallied 2,958 points at New Concord John Glenn between 1981-85 before going on to play college basketball at Ohio State. Another 836-point season would put Diebler 16 points shy of Burson’s mark, making a deep postseason run almost imperative if Diebler intends to break the record. As it stands, barring an injury or something unforeseen, Diebler – currently 27th on the Ohio career scoring list -- figures to put his name among Ohio’s top 15 all-time scorers. Besides Burson, that list includes recognizable names like Geno Ford, LeBron James, Nate Davis, Jerry Lucas, Bob Huggins, Jamar Butler, Allan Hornyak and Greg Simpson. One guy Diebler will not have to contend with, though, is O.J. Mayo. Records are sketchy on exactly how many points Mayo scored in his recently completed three-year run at North College Hill, although one estimate had him near the 2,100-point mark. It would have been interesting to track the race this winter between Mayo and Diebler for the top spot, but Mayo transferred to Huntington, W.Va., just before the start of his senior year. Keith Diebler said his son and star guard does not dwell on individual achievements. “If you would talk to Jon, I imagine the first

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

John Diebler thing on his mind is our very first According to Keith Diebler, he was “He has two drives left. One is he wants to get game at Bucyrus Wynford,” Keith probably just as impressed with Jon’s Diebler said. “That’s the way he performance in a Feb. 7 game back to Columbus with his team here. The other, thinks. That’s the way we as a staff against Bellevue. He tallied a “meawith Ohio State, is he wants to someday play on and we as a family think about it. ger” 52 points in that 93-75 victory. Honestly, we don’t talk about it. He “One of the most incredible things a national championship team there.” truly is focused on getting our team I’ve seen was his first quarter in our where it should get to and that’s home game against Bellevue,” Keith whatever it takes if it’s 10 assists a Diebler said. “He had eight threes in Father and Upper Sandusky Coach Keith Deibler game or 10 points. That’s the way he the first quarter. That’s one of those thinks. things where you just say wow. There “Last year, he averaged 12 rebounds a “It has always been more about where we was nothing anybody could do. As we got a game from the point guard position. That’s could end up as a team. He and his brother, lead, I don’t think he was quite as involved in exceptional. I just can not wait for this season. the second half. But that was quite a showing Jacob, have heard me say many times the I think we should have some nice players individual stats will take care of themselves if itself.” around him and I think we’ll see even more you go into a season with the mind-set of takAfter a rocky start, the Rams reeled off 11 things out of him.” ing care of what you need to do to help the straight wins and advanced to a district chamJon Diebler will be among three returning team.” pionship game against Northern Ohio League Having tasted the state championship once, starters at Upper Sandusky this season. He rival Willard. But Willard made it three wins said he is anxious to get the new season Keith Diebler said he believes that is what over Upper Sandusky on the year with a 101going. compels Jon to work on his game. 98 victory. Diebler, playing with a hyperex“I can’t wait until Nov. 6 and our first prac“He has two drives left,” Keith Diebler said. tended elbow, did not go down without a fight. tice,” he said. “I am counting down the days. “One is he wants to get back to Columbus He had 55 points, 17 rebounds, six steals, Our guys have worked really hard. We’ve with his team here. The other, with Ohio four assists and three blocked shots. been going full speed. They’ve been coming State, is he wants to someday play on a “That injury is not an excuse,” Keith Diebler in every day and sometimes two times a day. national championship team there. Those are said. “It was a very close game. If he was the things that honestly drive him as a person. We don’t have that much experience, but I healthy, it might have come out differently.” think we can still have a great season.” We haven’t talked about Jay Burson’s record. The Rams may find the sledding easier in He knows it’s there. It just goes without saythe NOL this year as Willard sharpshooter Quite A Junior Campaign ing. Jimmy Langhurst, who ended his career 19th Diebler hit the 35-point mark 13 times dur“If we go 28-0 and he ends up 100 points on the Ohio scoring list with 2,199 points, has ing his junior season. One of those was his short, he’d be the happiest man on earth. He graduated and moved on to play his college remarkable 77-point effort at Tiffin Columbian knows he just has to take it one game at a ball at Robert Morris. on Jan. 13. In that game, Diebler was 22 of time and one quarter at a time.” 42 shooting from the floor. He sent an Looking Forward Jon Diebler admitted it would be neat to be OHSAA record with 27 made free throws on considered among the top scorers in Ohio Diebler originally committed to join his an amazing 28 attempts (96.4 percent). He boys basketball history. But he said that brother Jacob at Valparaiso. But he switched also had 16 rebounds. isn’t what motivates him. his commitment to Ohio State in September “I was shooting really well from the foul line “If it happens and I am mentioned with such 2005 after the Buckeyes offered him a scholand at the end when we got a lead they a great group of players, it would be an arship. (Columbian) started fouling,” Diebler recalled. honor,” he said. “It is such an elite group. It’s Daequan Cook, whose Dayton Dunbar “I had confidence in myself to go to the foul unbelievable. It’s not something I am worried team lost to Upper Sandusky in a 2005 state line and knock them down.” about. If it happens, that’s fine. But my main semifinal game, helped convince Diebler to Columbian’s 6-1 senior guard Josh Moore thing is to try and make the team better and verbal to the Buckeyes. Cook is part of OSU’s finished with 52 points in a losing effort. get back to the state tournament. star-studded 2006 class, which also includes “Josh would have been the hero if we had“As long as we get back to Columbus, I Ohioan David Lighty and Indiana stars Greg n’t won,” Diebler said. “Josh is a great player could score zero points and that’s fine. Oden and Mike Conley Jr. There’s going to be a lot of teams focusing on and he played a heck of a game. You have Diebler’s 2007 class does not take a back got to give him a lot of credit. Scoring 52 me but I have a lot of confidence in my teamseat, though, as all four of OSU’s verbals are points is amazing. mates to step up and hit shots.” considered national top-100 players by “Kind of the next day it hit me what I had Lest anyone think that Jon Diebler is strictly ScoutHoops.com. The class includes Diebler accomplished. But like I said, it really wouldn’t (62nd nationally), Canton GlenOak’s Kosta a scorer, he did also average 12 rebounds, have meant anything if we didn’t win. To me, 5.8 assists, 5.0 steals and 3.5 blocked shots Koufos (10th), Illinois wing Evan Turner (70th) per game. He was a first-team All-Ohio pick in it didn’t seem like it was 77. It was pretty and Solon power forward Dallas Lauderdale quiet. I was really just focusing on the win and (70th). Division II. I was glad we won the game.” “I think what really stands out for Jon is the “We’re going into probably the most talked Keith Diebler also said he could not believe way he has matured and his understanding of about program in the country right now with the game,” Keith Diebler said. “He is definitely the final point total in that game. everyone they have coming in. The whole “To be honest with you, we got to the end the best outside shooter I’ve ever coached. nation is excited for it. I am going to try and of the game and I had to ask, ‘He had what?’ But oftentimes, you don’t see some of the go down to as many games as I can. other things he does. He knows that you don’t ” Keith Diebler said. “I didn’t realize at the “We are really excited. We are all focused time, but somebody said, ‘Look up at the go down the floor three straight times without on our high school teams right now. I’m sure board, Jon had 77 points.’ ” scoring. once that gets over, we will all get ancy to get

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

JJ H u ddle’ s O h io Hi gh

John Diebler

Jon Diebler By the Numbers

down there and get started. We are all good friends right now and we call each other. We keep in contact and that’s what makes it so special.” As for where he will play at Ohio State, Diebler said, “They have said they want to play me at the wing position. That’s fine. It really is a guard’s game. That’s why they have recruited so many great players to those positions. I’m pretty excited about it.”

JJ Hu d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

Game-by-Game for 2005-06 season

Year 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 Career

School Fostoria Upper Sandusky Upper Sandusky

G 23 27 24 74

Pts. 559 711 836 2,106

Avg. 24.3 26.3 34.8 28.5

Dec. 9, at Fostoria -- W, 93-67; Diebler had 40 points and grabbed 11 rebounds Dec. 10, at Cincinnati St. Xavier – L, 94-62; Diebler had 33 points and 8 rebounds in a loss Dec. 17, at Willard – L, 102-79; Diebler had 36 points, 13 boards and 3 steals in a loss Dec. 23, Shelby - W, 82-68; Diebler scored 35 points and had 12 rebounds Dec. 27, Toledo Whitmer - W, 69-51; Diebler scored 22 points Dec. 30, at Bellevue - L, 89-86 ; Diebler scored 44 points Jan. 6, Galion - W, 70-58; Diebler scored 20 points and had 9 rebounds Jan. 7, vs. Hamilton - L, 79-70; Diebler scored 36 points and had 7 rebounds Jan. 13, at Tiffin Columbian - W, 105-100; Diebler scored 77 points and had 16 rebounds Jan. 20, Fostoria - W, 98-70; Diebler had 35 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals Jan. 21, Norwalk - W, 82-62; Diebler had 13 points and 9 assists Jan. 27, Willard - L, 90-73; Diebler had 38 points, 9 rebounds, 6 blocks and 5 steals Jan. 28, at Bucyrus - W, 93-39; Diebler had 30 points and 8 rebounds Feb. 3, at Shelby - W, 71-63; Diebler had 33 points and 7 rebounds Feb. 7, Bellevue - W, 93-75; Diebler had 52 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 7 steals Feb. 11, at Galion - W, 76-49; Diebler had 32 points Feb. 13, Wynford - W, 90-71; Diebler had 35 points and 17 rebounds Feb. 17, Tiffin Columbian - W, 84-73; Diebler had 35 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 8 steals Feb. 18, at Mohawk - W, 80-69; Diebler had 38 points, 10 rebounds and 8 blocks Feb. 24, at Norwalk - W, 89-79; Diebler had 25 points District tournament games: March 1, Galion - W, 79-50; Diebler had 21 points March 3, Ontario - W, 76-40; Diebler had 23 points, 13 rebounds and 9 assists March 8, Norwalk -W, 73-60; Diebler had 28 points March 11, Willard - L, 101-98; Diebler had 55 points, 17 rebounds, 6 steals, 4 assists and 3 blocks

Ohio Single-Game Scoring Leaders

120 points, Dick Bogenrife, Sedalia Midway (52 FG's and 16 free throws) vs. Canaan (137-46) (2/6/1953) 90, Dwight "Dike" Hatfield, Glouster (37 FG's and 16 Free throws) vs.Chauncey Dover (128-54) (1/24/1961) 89, Glen Whipple, Archbold vs. Swanton (1922) 86, Allan Hornyak, Bellaire St. John Central vs. Tiltonsville Warren Consolidated (1/10/1969) 81, Larry Huston, Savannah vs. Perrysville (2/11/1955) 80, Mel Frye (31 FG's and 18 FT's), Clarington vs. Stafford (145-37) (2/4/1953) 77, Jon Diebler, Upper Sandusky vs. Tiffin Columbian (105-100) (1/13/06) 76, Henry Josefczyk, Yorkville vs. Shadyside (1955-1956) 76, Dennis Marks, Farmington vs. Warren Market (12/9/67) (108-66) 74, Carter Howell, Flushing vs. New Athens (1/11/1955)

Photo by Terry Gilliam

Burson’s Take In his four-year run at John Glenn, Burson – the son of former longtime Muskingum College coach Jim Burson -- shattered the previous state record of 2,581 points set by Rex Leach of Vienna Matthews from 1951-55. “That was such a fun time,” Burson told Ohio High. “As I look back and reflect on it with my teammates and my coaches, I think how athletics teaches you about setting goals. I have a lot of great memories about that time. When I was in high school, I was just a kid trying to go to school and learn and get good grades. “My dad was a coach and I enjoyed playing the game. It was great to score points, but, to me, I don’t remember much about being concerned about how many points I scored. I was just a kid trying to play the game and do the best I could to help us win.” Burson twice eclipsed the 900-point mark in a season during his career, but he did it without the benefit of the three-point arc which was added to Ohio high school basketball for the 1987-88 season. In his junior year, Burson’s John Glenn team advanced to the regionals before losing to a powerful Whitehall team. As a senior, his team went 20-0 but lost its tournament opener. “As I reflect on it, it has certainly been an honor for me to be recognized as the all-time leading scorer in Ohio history,” Burson said. “I’m proud I did those things.” Burson, who recently turned 40, went on to play four years at Ohio State, although his senior year was cut short due to a neck injury. He received his degree from OSU and spent time working for both Converse and Nike. He remains a consultant for Nike and also works as the athletic director at Granville Christian Academy. He said he would have no problem if Diebler succeeds in surpassing his career scoring mark. “I did get a chance to meet Jon Diebler at one of the basketball events in Indianapolis over the summer,” Burson said. “He seems like a great young man and he is a terrific player. I know his team won the state championship a couple of years ago. If anybody is going to break it, he seems like he would be a good guy to do it.” — OH

Season Scoring Breakdowns

Ohio Career Scoring Leaders

Top 16 2,958, Jay Burson, New Concord John Glenn (1981-1985) 2,680, Geno Ford, Cambridge (1989-1993) 2,646, LeBron James, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary (1999-2003) 2,581, Rex Leach, Vienna Mathews (1951-1955) 2,573, Mike Phillips, Akron Manchester (1970-1974) 2,567, Bill Szabo, Oberlin Firelands (1976-1980) 2,562, Nate Davis, Bellaire (2002-2006) 2,492, Larry Huston, Savannah (1951-1955) 2,460, Jerry Lucas, Middletown (1955-1958) 2,438, Bob Huggins, Con. Valley and Gn. Ind. Valley S. (1967-1971) 2,412, Jamar Butler, Lima Shawnee (2001-2004) 2,385, Allan Hornyak, Bellaire St. John Central (1965-1969) 2,366, Matt Witt, Tipp City Bethel (1998-2002) 2,346, Greg Simpson, Lima Senior (1988-1992) 2,341, Glen Hursey, Glenford (1944-1948) 2,328, Jim Jackson, Toledo Macomber (1983-1987) And... 2,106, Jon Diebler, Fostoria (2003-04), Upper Sandusky (2004-07)

J J H U D D L E . C O M 43

Dave Hoover

Photo by Gary Housteau

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

STORY BY BILL GREENE

or the first time in 11 years, the Canton McKinley basketball team will begin play without Dave Hoover as its head coach. Hoover, who won over 400 games in 23 seasons as a head coach, retired shortly after leading the Bulldogs to their second straight Division I state championship. Hoover, who also coached Westerville North to the state title in 1994, talked about why he decided to leave the coaching profession. "I had actually retired from teaching the previous year," said Hoover. "There was a retirement incentive offered by Canton City Schools that appealed to me. Also, I was 53 years old and I wanted to be able to pursue something else. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I decided to return and coach the team in last year for a couple reasons. Most important was that we had a lot of seniors coming back to that team and I felt it would be difficult on them to try to defend their title with a new coach. I felt I owed them that much because they meant so much to me personally." Today Dave Hoover is teaching at Walsh University and Stark State College. He's also still involved with basketball by offering private basketball lessons. Hoover also tutors high school students to help prepare them for college entrance examinations. One of his pupils was current Canton South standout athlete Devon Torrence, who was tutored by Hoover last summer. Torrence, who has verbally committed to Ohio State to play football, talked about the help he received from Hoover. "I wouldn't have my scholarship to Ohio State without Coach Hoover's help," said Torrence. "He worked with me in June and helped me get the score I needed. He has the reputation as the best tutor for the college test and it's true. I really appreciated his help because I wasn't a McKinley athlete. But he just likes to help kids and see them be successful. I can see why the McKinley players like him so much." Hoover discussed about why he would give up part of his summer vacation to help an athlete that wasn't even from his school district. "I know important it is for these students to be academically qualified," Hoover said. "The rules are so much tougher today on kids and they're going to get much tougher

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

Dave Hoover to Philadelphia last summer and won in the coming years. So many players “There was no sense of pressure in winning either a national team tournament against and coaches don't understand the of the two ti t l e s, " Hoover sai d . "I had great ki d s some top competition. specifics of what it takes to be eligible Despite the fact that McKinley was to receive a scholarship. I know how who were very talented and wanted to win a heavy favorite to repeat in 2005-06, hard these kids work and I'm happy to and compete every night..” Hoover insisted he felt no pressure have a part in their success." trying to win the second consecutive It is this type of caring attitude that Former Canton McKinley coach Dave Hoover title. The Bulldogs rolled to a 25-2 made Hoover one of the most sucrecord, losing only to Oak Hill (Va.) cessful coaches in Ohio high school Academy and eventual Division III state champion North College Hill on history. Yet for all the records set and championships won, Hoover saw a last-second shot. McKinley crushed Trotwood-Madison 63-33 in the his career in a different light. "I can only hope that in my 11 years at McKinley that I was able to be title game. McKinley became the first program to win back-to-back big school state titles since Cincinnati Elder in 1973-74. a positive influence on these kids,” he said. “That means more to me "There was no sense of pressure in winning either of the two titles," than the state championships we won.” Hoover said. "I had great kids who were very talented and wanted to Hoover also talked about what he'll miss most about leaving his post win and compete every night. I felt confident that they would play to the at McKinley. best of their ability every single night on the floor. The kids practiced "I'll certainly miss the relationships with the players and my assistant very hard night in and night out. I'll probably miss the practices and the coaches," said Hoover. "You spend so much time with them that they preparation more than the games. I loved the preparation. become like an extended family. Surprisingly, I think I'll miss the games “I loved participating in the tournament. The funny thing is that the furthe least." ther along we went in the tournament, the less nervous I would be. Establishing a "family atmosphere" was the most enjoyable part of Watching the team in practice, watching them develop on a daily basis coaching for Hoover. and seeing them get better each day would eliminate any pressure I "I loved seeing players go from being individuals to becoming a might feel." team," said Hoover. "What a great feeling to see a skinny, raw but talHoover also feels the McKinley program is in great hands under new ented eighth grader blossom into a great player right in front of your coach Greg Malone. eyes. It was also exciting to see an immature young man turn into a "Greg Malone was the right man to take over the program," said mature adult over a four-year period." Hoover. "He's coached with me for 15 years. He studies the game and Hoover coached a lot of great players during his time as a head really loves the kids. He's ready for this job and I have no doubt he’ll be coach and was reluctant to name just one as the best player he had. a tremendous success." "I knew you would ask me that," Hoover said with a chuckle. "Let's Hoover conceded it will be hard for him to stay away from the pronarrow it down to three players and all three were great believe me. gram but felt it's best that he distance himself from the team this year. "First off, there's Shaun Stonerook, who played for me at Westerville "I don't think I'll go to any games this season," said Hoover. "I'm going North. He led us to the state title in 1994 and has gone on to have a to go cold turkey and that will be tough. I'll still follow the team closely, great career in Italy. Shaun worked hard every day in practice and was mostly by radio and newspaper stories, but I think a separation will be as dedicated a player as I've ever coached. good for all. Canton McKinley needs a new identity and I think my stay"At Canton McKinley, we had Keith McCloud who's gone on to have ing out of the way will help that process." a very successful career in the NBA. Keith was a very talented player. The best thing about Keith was that he was the best defensive player When asked if he would ever entertain the thought of coaching again, Hoover paused before answering. as well as the leading scorer for us. He was very versatile and also "You know I just might consider coaching again at the small college worked extremely hard to get to where he is today. level as a head coach,” he said. “I've also got a an opportunity to stay in "Finally, there's Raymar Morgan. Raymar was just a sensational the game in a possible business involving basketball. I still love the player who loved the challenge of playing in big games and winning them. I think he's going to have a stellar career at Michigan State under game and want to remain part of it somehow." With a career that produced over 400 victories and three state chamTom Izzo. Raymar is a kid who has a chance to have a long career in pionships, Dave Hoover will always be remembered as one of the top the NBA as well. He has a great work ethic and is driven to be as good coaches in Ohio history. as he can be. The best thing about Raymar is how much he wants to Here's hoping people will also remember what a fine gentleman and win." an excellent educator he was. The players he coached at Westerville McKinley has been known as one of Ohio’s best basketball schools North and Canton McKinley were blessed to have had Hoover be a for years. The Bulldogs had been to 26 final fours, but had only won part of their lives. Hoover is a living example of what is good about the one state title until McKinley went 26-1 and claimed the crown in 200405. Hoover knew he had a loaded gun when his returning players went coaching profession. — OH

JJ H u d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

J J H U D D L E . C O M 45

Shaking up the Ranks

With the 2005-06 high school basketball season nearly upon us, we wanted to take this opportunity to update the rankings on the state’s top boys prospects. The rankings for the seniors have changed a bit, primarily because of transfers and the OHSAA ruling that one key player would be ineligible for the upcoming season. The most notable transfer is guard O.J. Mayo, the nation’s top prep prospect according to ScoutHoops.com. Mayo opted to leave North College Hill for Huntington, W.Va., after his friend and NCH running mate, forward Bill Walker, was ruled ineligible for this season. It seems that Walker played as a freshman in Kentucky in the 2002-03 school year and, accordingly, has used up his eligibility. According to reports, Walker was still enrolled at NCH with the idea he would graduate early and possibly sign on to a college – Kansas State was mentioned prominently – at midterm and begin his career at the next level. NCH lost one other transfer as center Keenan Ellis transferred to Aston (Pa.) American Christian. One more top-15 Ohio Dallas Lauderdale senior, guard Lonnie Hayes, reportedly transferred from Cincinnati Hughes to a prep school in New Hampshire. All of these changes mean the rankings have been jumbled since we published the September edition of Ohio High. The players are ranked by class by Chris Johnson, the Ohio editor for HoopScoopOnline.com. We also include the most recent national rankings by ScoutHoops.com (SH) and HoopScoopOnline.com (HS).

Seniors-To-Be (Class of 2007) * 1. Kosta Koufos, 7-1, power forward, Canton GlenOak (SH, 10th nationally in senior class; HS, 30th) – Born in Greece, Koufos has grown three inches to reach 7-1. He also finalized his college choice in May, when he selected Ohio State over Maryland, Michigan, Louisville and nearby Akron. Koufos missed the final month of the high school season with a broken foot. Before the injury, he averaged 24.1 points, 11.1 rebounds and 4.2 blocked shots per game as a junior. He was a second-team All-Ohio pick in Division I. As a sophomore, Koufos averaged 16.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. * 2. Alex Tyus, 6-7, wing forward, Cincinnati Harmony Community (SH, 61th; HS, 18th) – Tyus moved in from Hazelwood (Mo.) Central last year. He verbaled to Florida in July, picking the Gators over Cincinnati, Missouri, Baylor, Indiana and Purdue. * 3. Jon Diebler, 6-5, wing forward, Upper Sandusky (SH, 62nd; HS, 97th) – Diebler committed to Valparaiso in January 2005, but decommitted and picked Ohio State over Valpo, Michigan and N.C. State last September. He was one of the few returnees from Upper Sandusky’s 2005 Division II state championship team. He did everything he could as a junior, averaging 34.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 5.0 steals and 3.5 blocked shots per game. He was a first-team All-Ohio pick. He is in position to threaten the Ohio career scoring mark as a senior. In a Jan. 13 win over Tiffin Columbian, Diebler scored 77 points. He was 22 of 42 from the floor and 27 of 28 at the foul line. He also had 16 rebounds in that game. As a sophomore, he helped lead Upper Sandusky (27-0) to the Division II state title, scoring 32 points and grabbing 14 rebounds in the title game win over Wooster Triway. Diebler was a second-team All-Ohio pick, averaging 25.9 points and six rebounds a game. * 4. Chris Wright, 6-7, power forward, Trotwood-Madison (SH, 50th; HS, 99th) – Wright earned third-team All-Ohio honors, averaging 17.0 points per game and leading Trotwood-Madison to the Division I state final four. Wright, who averaged 15 points per game as a sophomore, verbaled to Dayton in November. * 5. Dallas Lauderdale, 6-9, center, Solon (SH, 80th; HS, 61st) – Lauderdale ended the suspense on June 1, when he verbaled to Ohio State over Louisville, North Carolina, Notre Dame and

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

STORY BY STEVE HELWAGEN

With transfers, lists of Ohio’s top boys prospects change

Syracuse. He averaged 21.0 points and earned first-team All-Ohio honors in Division I as a junior. He averaged 17.5 points, 13 and 4.8 blocks rebounds per game as a sophomore. * 6. William Thomas, 6-5, point guard, East Cleveland Shaw – Thomas was considering Michigan, Kent State, Cleveland State, Bowling Green and Toledo. * 7. Dante Jackson, 6-4, wing forward, Greenfield McClain – Jackson again earned first-team All-Ohio honors in Division II after averaging 28.7 points per game. As a sophomore, Jackson averaged 25 points, 11.7 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game. He had 39 points in his team’s regional semifinal loss. Jackson, also a state champion in track, had offers from Michigan, Kansas State Xavier and Dayton before verbaling to Xavier over the summer. * 8. Aaron Pogue, 6-8, center, Dayton Dunbar – Pogue joined OSU signee Daequan Cook in leading Dunbar to the Division II state title. He averaged 15.0 points per game as a junior. If he improves academically, a number of schools could come calling. * 9. Ronnie Steward, 5-10, point guard, Columbus Eastmoor – Steward verbaled to Akron. He also had interest from Clemson, Holy Cross, Western Carolina, Penn State, Xavier and Bowling Green. * 10. James Davis, 6-3, shooting guard, Columbus Linden McKinley – Davis lists Penn State, Minnesota, Dayton, Kent State, Ball State, Xavier and Akron. * 11. Nick Winbush, 6-6, wing forward, Shaker Heights – Winbush has verbaled to Miami (Ohio). * 12. Hakim McCullar, 6-6, power forward, Cincinnati Aiken – McCullar transferred to Aiken after averaging 11.2 points and 4.5 rebounds as a junior at Cincinnati Withrow. * 13. Joe Jakubowski, 6-2, point guard, Toledo St. John’s – Jakubowski averaged 10.4 points per game in leading St. John’s to the Division I state final four. He has verbaled to Rice. * 14. Troy Tabler, 6-4, shooting guard, Cincinnati Moeller – Tabler is the son of former Cleveland Indians player Pat Tabler. He averaged 13.8 ppg as a junior. * 15. Camden Miller, 6-8, wing forward, Wheelersburg – A growth spurt has helped Miller become a prospect. He averaged 18.0 points per game and earned first-team all-district honors as a junior. He helped lead Wheelersburg to the Division III state final four. He verbaled over the summer to Western Carolina, led by former Ohio U. coach Billy Hunter. * 16. Joe Latas, 6-11, center, Bedford Chanel – Latas has verbaled to Cleveland State. * 17. Billy Allen, 6-5, guard, Hamilton – Averaged 17.4 ppg as a junior. Verbaled to Albany over the summer. * 18. Alex Kellogg, 6-7, power forward, Columbus DeSales – Kellogg is the son of former OSU and NBA star (and current CBS commentator) Clark Kellogg. He averaged 15.8 points per game in helping lead DeSales to the Division II state final four as a junior. * 19. Brett McKnight, 6-5, power forward, Lancaster – Verbaled to Akron. * 20. Christian Siakam, 6-6, power forward, Cincinnati Harmony – Transferred to Harmony, a prep school that does not compete in OHSAA tournaments, after he was unable to gain eligibility at Cincinnati Hughes.

Juniors-To-Be (Class of 2008) * 1. Delvon Roe, 6-8, power forward, Lakewood St. Edward (SH, fifth nationally in junior class; HS, 17th) – Roe averaged 19.3 points per game as a sophomore, earning first-team all-district honors in Division I. He averaged 17 points as a freshman and earned Special Mention All-Ohio honors. Roe is considering, among others, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State and North Carolina. * 2. William Buford, 6-5, wing forward, Toledo Libbey (SH, 11th nationally in junior class) – As a sophomore, Buford averaged 22.7 points per game and was a first-team all-district pick in Division I. Buford showed well at the ABCD Camp and then helped the D-One Greyhounds team win the 16-and-under AAU national title. His top schools include Ohio State, Michigan, Arizona, Louisville and Michigan State, all of which have apparently offered. * 3. Yancy Gates, 6-8, power forward, Cincinnati Withrow (SH, 12th; HS, fourth) – Gates transferred to Withrow after averag-

ing 20.3 points per game as a sophomore at Cincinnati Hughes. That was up from 13.9 points and 9.1 rebounds per game as a freshman. He lists Ohio State, Cincinnati, Xavier, Illinois and Michigan. * 4. B.J. Mullens, 7-0, center, Canal Winchester (SH, 13th; HS, sixth) – Mullens played his first two varsity seasons at Canal Winchester World Harvest Prep before transferring to nearby Canal Winchester. He averaged 17.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 6.0 blocked shots per game. He was already offered and committed to Ohio State before he averaged 11.3 points per game in his varsity debut season as a freshman. * 5. Kenny Frease, 6-11, center, Massillon Perry (SH, 25th; HS, 50th) – Frease was looking at a number of schools, including Xavier, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Louisville, Michigan, Michigan State and nearby Akron. * 6. Robert Wilson, 6-5, wing forward, Garfield Heights – Wilson has transferred in from Cleveland Rhodes. * 7. Damian Eargle, 6-8, power forward, Warren Harding – A number of MAC Kosta Koufos schools are in on Eargle. * 8. Devon Moore, 6-3, point guard, Col. Northland (HS, 81st) * 9. Kyle Rudolph, 6-6, power forward, Cincinnati Elder – Rudolph earned league player of the year honors after averaging 15.5 points and 7.9 rebounds. He is also a standout football tight end and was gaining looks there. * 10. Josh Benson, 6-8, power forward, Dayton Dunbar * 11. Anthony Hitchens, 5-9, point guard, Chillicothe – Hitchens averaged 17.4 ppg as a sophomore. * 12. Rayshawn Goins, 6-5, wing forward, Cleveland Rhodes (HS, 65th) * 13. Walt Gibler, 6-6, power forward, Cincinnati St. Xavier – Gibler averaged 14.9 points and 6.9 rebounds as a sophomore. * 14. Courtney Davis, 6-3, shooting guard, North College Hill – With Mayo and Walker gone, Davis will get every chance to show what he can do. * 15. Chris Johnson, 6-4, wing forward, Columbus Brookhaven GH

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Sophomores-To-Be (Class of 2009) * 1. Danny McElroy, 6-7, center, Cincinnati LaSalle – McElroy averaged 8.0 points and 4.7 rebounds as a freshman. Verbaled to Cincinnati in October. * 2. Bill Edwards, 6-4, forward, Middletown – Edwards was an honorable mention all-district pick in Division I as a freshman, when he averaged 11.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. * 3. Desmar Jackson, 6-3, shooting guard, Warren JFK * 4. Mario Hines, 6-7, power forward, Garfield Heights * 5. Reggie Keely, 6-6, power forward, Solon * 6. Robert Capobianco, 6-7, power forward, Loveland * 7. Orlando Williams, 6-1, point guard, Cincinnati Princeton – Transfers in from Cincinnati Woodward. * 8. Stephon Johnson, 6-5, power forward, Cincinnati Princeton – Also transfers in from Cincinnati Woodward. * 9. Mike Taylor, 6-1, shooting guard, Toledo St. John’s * 10. Sean Joplin, 6-1, combo guard, Sylvania Southview – Joplin is the son of Toledo coach Stan Joplin. Freshmen-To-Be (Class of 2010 Here are six names to watch in the Class of 2010: Nick Kellogg, 6-3, wing forward, Columbus DeSales; Kenny Knight, 6-5, wing forward, Cincinnati Northwest; Pe’shon Howard, 6-2, point guard, Lakewood St. Edward; Cody Smith, 5-11, point guard, Lima Shawnee; Jared Sullinger, 6-4, wing forward, Columbus Northland; Kevin Gray, 5-10, point guard, Groveport Madison. For more updates on Ohio’s top prospects and those nationally, check out Chris Johnson’s work at hoopscooponline.com — OH

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Girls Basketballl Preview Photo by Jeff Brehm

High Flying

Berlin Hiland is going for its third straight Division IV state championship. The Hawks beat Fort Loramie in last year’s semifinals. Junior Jena Stutzman (No. 24) was Hiland’s leading scorer last year, averaging 16.9 points per game.

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J J H U D D L E . C O M 47

Girls Basketball Preview

Division I Outlook

Cincinnati Mount Notre Dame has been a mainstay in the Division I state tournament the past several years and the Cougars are in good shape to defend their state title this season. However, there are a few teams on the Division I landscape that could silence the Cougars’ roar.

Top Players

* Yanette Feagin, 5-5, Jr., G, Mansfield Senior - Feagin had 12.8 points per game for the Tygers last year. * Amber Gray, 6-1, Jr., F, West Chester Lakota West - Gray had 20.7 points per game last season for the Firebirds as a sophomore. * Kendall Hackney, 6-1, So., F, Cincinnati Mt. Notre Dame - Hackney provided good post play last season as a freshman for the Division I state champions, averaging 6.3 points per game. * Emilee Harmon, 6-2, So., F, Pickerington Central - As a freshman last year, Harmon averaged 13.2 points per game for the state semifinalist Tigers. * Lydia McCully, 5-9, Sr., G, Bedford - McCully was good for 15.5 points per game last year and was named to the Division I All-Ohio first team. * Brittany Orban, 6-0, Jr., F, N. Canton Hoover - Orban averaged 22.7 points per game last season for the Vikings. * Carlee Roethlisberger, 6-0, Sr., F, Findlay - Sister of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, Carlee was a Division I All-Ohio first-team selection with 19.1 points per game in her junior campaign. She is an Oklahoma recruit. * Courtney Schiffauer, 6-0, Jr., Youngstown Boardman - Schiffauer earned third-team All-Ohio honors last year scoring 18.1 points per game as a sophomore. * Cassie Schrock, 5-8, Sr., G, Wadsworth - Schrock averaged 19.4 points per game last year earning Division I first-team All-Ohio honors. * Jenn Uhl, 6-1, Sr., F, Wadsworth - Uhl was a third-team All-Ohio selection with 14.8 points per game. Uhl is a Bowling green recruit. * Shareese Ulis, 5-7, Sr., G, Tol. Waite - Ulis was a Division I All-Ohio first-team selection last year and has averaged 15.2 points per game the past two seasons. * Veronica Wilson, 6-2, Sr., F, Pickerington Central - Wilson returns for Pickerington Central this year after averaging 16.1 points per game.

Teams to Watch

* Cincinnati Princeton (19-6) -- This year, Princeton will be without go-to player Lesslee Mason-Cox, who is now at Ohio State. But junior Jayne Cox, Lesslee’s younger sister, provides good size at 6-2 in the post. Sophomore Brianna Sanders is one of the top rated combo guards in her class. Princeton’s leading rebounder, Alyna Williams, returns for her senior year and is one of the top players in the state. “We have a lot of kids with experience even though we only have two starters returning,” said head coach Jill Phillips. “We have a lot of experience off the bench.” * Kettering Fairmont (20-5) -- Fairmont has won three consecutive district titles and could make a bid for a fourth with three senior starters returning this season. Four-year starter and Evansville recruit Stephanie Bamgardner leads the Lady Firebirds. Abby Dalton is a three-year starter and also stars on the track. Nicole Womack stands in at 6-1 and provides good size inside. “This team will compete for what we have accomplished in the past if not more,” he added. “I think they are hungry to accomplish even more than what the girls in the past did.” * Mount Notre Dame (25-3) -- Mount Notre Dame has won two of the last three Division I state championships (2004, 2006) and finished state runner-up in 2005. In five seasons under head coach Scott Rogers, the Cougars are 115-19 including a perfect 28-0 season in 2004. MND loses three seniors to graduation this year, including guard Katie Paganelli, who is now playing for St. Louis University, and Lee Stephens, now at Furman. But the Cougars return several players that have some valuable playing experience, including senior guard Kristin Riepenhoff, senior forward Julianne Smith (st. Francis recruit) and senior guard Melissa Hersey. Hersey has played in each of the last three state championship games. Also returning is 6-1 sophomore forward Kendall Hackney (6.3 ppg) to compliment

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Cincinnati Mount Notre Dame in good position to defend title Smith in the post. Sophomore guard Ashley Fowler will be a good asset on the perimeter for the Cougars. “One of the things we’ll continue to hang our hat on is defense,” said Rogers. “The kids realize that is what won the state championship last year.” Longtime assistant Dante Harlan will take the role of ‘co-head coach’ this season. * North Canton Hoover (22-3) -- Hoover loses only one starter from the regional final team of last year and will be led by guard Steph Gibson, who is a Kent recruit. Junior forward Brittany Orban is a highly recruited player after averaging 22.7 points per game last year. The Lady Vikings are deep at the guard position with junior Jackie Nicodemo, sophomore Erica Iafelice and sophomore Jessica Carpenter. They have scheduled Christ the King (N.Y.), which finished No. 1 in the country the last three seasons. “Our expectations are really high here,” said head coach Paul Wackerly. “We do pretty well here and we would like to make it back to Columbus again.” Hoover won the state championship in 2002. * Pickerington Central (23-4) -- Pickerington Central is 60-15 in three seasons under head coach Ken Schneider, including last year’s state tournament appearance. Forward Veronica Wilson is a four-year starter and provides scoring ability and rebounding skills. Sophomore forward Emilee Harmon complements Wilson nicely in the frontcourt. Senior forward Kathleen Williams and junior guard Kristin Stevens provide the ability to score and rebound as well. “The biggest thing coming in is our guards are going to have to pick it up,” said Schneider. “But I am pretty comfortable with where we’re at and where we ended our summer.” * Pickerington North (20-6) -- The Panthers reached the regional finals last season before falling to rival Pickerington Central. North will rely on the play of senior Xavier recruit Megan Askew in the post. Junior Kelsey Price lettered as a both a freshman and sophomore and will start inside with Askew. “Our big hole we need to fill is the point guard position,” said head coach Dave Butcher. “We are going to be extremely athletic and we are going to be extremely deep. We shoot the ball really well and run the floor real well.” * Solon (23-4) -- In its first trip to the state tournament, Solon reached the title game last only to fall to Mount Notre Dame. In two seasons under head coach Julie Solis, the Lady Comets are 41-9. Junior center Erin Wisener stands in a 6-2 and poses a lot of problems in the middle. Senior guard Julie Taylor is Solon’s best shooter and junior Kathleen Russell complements her well on the perimeter. Shelly Warren steps in for Kourtney Brown (Buffalo) at forward. “The thing I always want is to be a great defensive team,” said Solis. “If they want to be on the floor for me, they better be an aggressive defender. Our defense is going to create a lot of chaos for some teams.” * Wadsworth (23-4) -- Two of the three starters returning for the Lady Grizzlies have started for four years. Jenn Uhl is a 6-2 post player and is a Bowling Green recruit while 5-9 wing Cassie Schrock returns after earning first team All-Ohio honors last year. Senior post player Ali Macko provides a good spark off the bench. Junior point guard Chrissy Pavlik and junior Brit Busson round out the starting the starting lineup. “On paper, we are ahead of where we started last year, there is no question,” said head coach Andrew Booth. “We always can improve and I think we improved over the summer.” Wadsworth opens the season against North Canton Hoover. * West Chester Lakota West (19-5) -- Lakota West boasts one of the top junior power forward prospects in the country in 6-1 Amber Gray. Junior Quinessa Johnson stands in at 5-8 and is one of the top 25 wing players in her class in Ohio. Junior point guards Caitlin Dombart and Allison Whitenack are both two-year letter winners. “Although we did make a milestone by winning a district championship last year, it was really only a stepping stone because this group of girls is expecting more,” said head coach Andy Fishman. * Also Keep An Eye On -- Amherst Steele, Beavercreek, Cincinnati Oak Hills, Cleveland JFK, Findlay, Dublin Coffman, Gahanna Lincoln, Mentor and Toledo Waite.

By Matt Natali

JJ Hu ddle’ s O h io High

Girls Basketball Preview

Division II Outlook

Warsaw River View claimed its third title in school history last year and loses little from the 2005-06 teams. What team has the best chance of knocking of the defending champs? Here is a look at the top players and teams in Division II this season.

Top Players

* Macie Blinn, 6-0, F, So., Greenville - Blinn was a Division II All-Ohio secondteam selection last year with 18.4 points per game. * Cierra Bravard, 6-2, C, Jr., Sandusky Perkins - Bravard was the lone sophomore to make the Division II All-Ohio first team last year with 22.2 points per game. * Deseree Byrd, 5-9, Sr., G, Cin. Taft - Byrd had 18 points per game last year for Taft earning All-Ohio second team honors. * Kari Daugherty, 6-1, So., F, Warsaw River View - As a freshman, Daugherty averaged 9.5 points per game for the state champion Lady Black Bears. * Kristin Daugherty, 6-1, Sr., F, Warsaw River View - Daugherty was the Division II co-player of the year, leading the Black Bears to a state championship with 18.9 points per game. Daugherty is a Dayton recruit. * Ayanna Dunning, 6-3, Jr., C, Cols. Eastmoor Academy - Dunning was an AllOhio second-team selection last year with 19 points per game. * Melissa Goodall, 6-2, Jr., P, Lexington - Goodall averaged 14.3 points per game for Lexington earning All-Ohio second-team honors. * Courtney Grambley, 6-0, Jr., F, Little Miami - Grambley was second in scoring for state semifinalist Little Miami averaging 9.2 points per game. * Angela Groves, 6-1, Jr., P, Shaker Hts. Hathaway Brown - Groves averaged 15.4 points per game in her sophomore campaign. * Haley Kapferer, 6-3, Jr., Jefferson Area - Kapferer averaged 22.2 points per game last year earning All-Ohio first-team honors. * Samantha Leach, 5-9, Sr., G, Washington C.H. Miami Trace - Leach earned All-Ohio first-team honors last year scoring 14.7 points per game. * Missy Ramsey, 5-7, Sr., Little Miami - Ramsey led Little Miami to a state semifinal appearance with 10.2 points per game earning All-Ohio second-team honors. * Liz Repella, 5-11, Sr., Steubenville - Repella was named the Division II co-player of the year scoring 27.5 points per game for the Big Red. Repella is a West Virginia recruit. * Ellie Shields, 6-3, P, Sr., Warren Howland - Shields averaged 18 points per game last year earning All-Ohio first-team honors.

Teams to Watch

* Columbus DeSales (21-4) – DeSales graduated seven seniors from last year’s team but returns seven letterwinners that should help build upon the regional finals finish from last year. Junior guard Amber Stokes has started every game since her freshman year and junior forward Maxine Ohakim (15 ppg, 10 rpg) started every game last season. “We are trying to establish a program that reloads instead of rebuilds each year and we really have a good nucleus of girls who have committed themselves in the offseason,” said head coach Chris Savage. * Copley (22-5) – In its first trip to the state tournament, Copley fell to eventual state champion Warsaw River View 51-44. The Lady Indians lose five seniors, but only three of those players were in the main eight-player rotation. Copley will have the ability to score from several different positions this year with senior point guard Montrel Mills (12 ppg), sophomore center Beth Mantkowski (9 ppg) and sophomore guard Brittany Powell (9.2 ppg) returning. “We will have balanced scoring with an aggressive style on defense pressing people and getting after them,” said head coach Michael Murphy. “The whole program has raised its expectations because of last year but this team can win at a very high level.” * Dayton Carroll (20-6) – The Patriots are 74-19 over the last four years including a 12-4 tournament record under head coach Rob Berry. Forward Jordan Jennewine (6-0) returns from and ACL injury and provides Carroll with good speed. Leading scorer Brogan Berry returns at guard as well as senior guard Jamie Carmody and sophomore guard Kendra Elam. Sophomore forwards Carly Darno and Courtney Kramer both have varsity experience. Carroll will now compete in the new-look Greater Catholic League. “The key is experience at the point,” said Berry. “We will be one of the fastest teams

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Defending champ Warsaw River View is the early favorite in the area. Speed is the biggest asset the season.” * Kettering Alter (21-3) – The Lady Knights graduated five seniors, including three starters, but return four of the top seven players. Three-year starter Louise VandenBosh, sophomore guard Courtney Chihio, Megan Waterman and Sarah Tahy all return with valuable varsity experience. Sisters Nicole and Ashley Christy transfer in from Dayton Chaminade-Julienne as well. “We have good depth, especially at guard,” said head coach Chris Hart. “Traditionally we have been a good defensive team and I anticipate that happening again.” * Lima Bath (19-5) – Lima Bath returns five players that all saw varsity action last year, including three sophomore starters. Sophomore Nikki Hopkins sunk 43 3-pointers last year breaking the school record. The Lady Wildcats are perimeter-oriented with Rachael and Stephanie Mauk in the backcourt. “I don’t expect anything less than a winning season,” said head coach Greg Mauk. “The first goal every year is to compete for a league title then advance to the tournament. We have high goals for these young players. We have won four regionals in the last eight years and it is something our players have come to expect.” * Morrow Little Miami (26-1) – The Lady Panthers reached their first state tournament last season and could make serious bid to return this year. Little Miami returns six players from the nine player rotation last year including senior guard Kelly Hicks and Brook Sowards and twins Stacey and Kelly Goode at guard and forward, respectively. Speed and quickness will be the strengths in addition to a strong defense. “If we shoot the ball well, we’re tough to beat,” said head coach Mark Short. Little Miami shot only 25.4 percent from the floor in the state semifinal game against Mentor Lake Catholic last year. “We can also be competitive in a game rebounding against people,” he said. * Mentor Lake Catholic (17-11) – After finishing the regular season 10-10, MLC rattled off seven wins in the tournament reaching the state title game before falling to Warsaw River View 48-29 in the state title game. The Lady Cougars graduate four seniors, including leading scorer Alexis Karel (11.9 ppg) and point guard Courtney Schuster (7.3 ppg). Junior guard Jill Mohr (6.2 ppg) returns as well as junior center Emily Klemenc senior guard Valerie Prause. * Sandusky Perkins (22-3) – Perkins returns four of five starters from last year’s regional team, including junior Cierra Bravard (22.2 ppg, 9 rpg, 4 blocks). Bravard was a first team All-Ohio selection as a sophomore last year and is garnering MAC, Big Ten, SEC and Big East college interest. Junior point guard Trisha Krewson (12.7 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 assists, 2½ steals), sophomore guard Stephanie Caudill (8.4 ppg, 5 assists, 3 steals) and senior guard Emily Lowe (8.1 ppg, 5 rpg) round out the returning starters. Perkins also returns four other letter-winners.The Lady Pirates have experience but lack depth on the bench, particularly the front court. “We hope to continue raise our level of play,” said head coach Ray Neill. “We’re a year older and a year more experienced. We’re a program that is trying to put itself on the state map and build a tradition that goes along with that. “Having made a nice tournament run last year, we would like to go deep again; but we know you have to play well, be lucky and stay healthy for all that to happen.” * Steubenville (18-6) – West Virginia recruit Liz Repella is one of the best players in the state and returns for her senior year. Sophomore starters Megan Gump and Brittany Willis return as well seniors Latasha Schoonover (knee) and Celina Gomez (ankle) from injuries. “We have a mixture of seniors and young talent,” said head coach Paul Casinelli. “We have depth and athleticism but lack in experience. “Consistent scoring will be key and we need to find that second player to compliment Liz,” he added. “She is a great leader on and off the court and is a perfect extension for a coach on the court.” * Warren Howland (20-5) – Howland returns five of the six players from last year’s regional team. Senior post player Ellie Shields (10 ppg, 10 rpg) leads the Lady Tigers this season. She is a Kent State recruit. Junior Alexia Williams (12.3 ppg, 7 rpg) is getting major college interest from MAC schools and the Big Ten. Senior guard Melissa Earhart (10 ppg) is a four-year starter and her sister Alley Earhart is a solid sixth player. “We should improve upon 20-5,” said head coach John Diehl. “Our goal is to win more than 20 games and get to the regional finals then go from there.” * Warsaw River View (26-1) – See story on page 56. * Also Keep An Eye On – Circleville, Bay Village Bay, Cols. Eastmoor Academy, Lexington, Minerva and Sandusky Perkins.

By Matt Natali

J J H U D D L E . C O M 49

Girls Basketball Preview

Division III Outlook

Plain City Jonathan Alder captured the 2005-06 Division III girls state championship with a 55-49 win over Youngstown Ursuline. Lauren Prochaska has been the top player for the Pioneers the last three years and she is back for her senior season. However, Prochaska is the lone returning starter for Alder and several other teams are looking to knock off the defending champs for state supremacy.

Top Players

* Jantel Lavender, 6-4, Sr., C, Cleveland Central Catholic – Lavender is widely considered the state’s top overall prospect and she averaged 20.7 points and 11 rebounds per game last year. Two of the colleges she is considering are Connecticut and Ohio State. * Lauren Prochaska, 5-11, Sr., G/F, Plain City Jonathan Alder – Prochaska (pronounced Pro-hass-ka) averaged 25 points per game last year and might have to shoulder even more of a scoring load this year. She is a four-year starter and one of the top overall recruits in the state. * Shay Selby, 5-9, Jr., G, South Euclid Regina – Selby is one of the state’s top juniors. She averaged 22.1 points last year and was named second-team All-Ohio. Regina missed the state final four last year, but could be back this year. * Laura Bardall, 5-11, Jr., G, Sugarcreek Garaway – Bardall averaged 15points, five rebounds and 4.5 assists last year and was named second-team All-Ohio. * Danielle Crafter, 5-10, Sr., F, Youngstown Ursuline – Crafter had modest statistics last year, but her numbers could skyrocket now that she is the go-to player. * Cayla Keegan, 5-8, Jr., G, Castaila Margaretta – Keegan averaged 14 points and 6.1 steals last year. * Sarah Schulze, 6-1, Sr., C, Anna – Schulze averaged 23 points per game last year and was named first-team All-Ohio. * Tiffany Mauk, 5-10, Sr., F, Marion Pleasant – Mauk averaged 20.8 points per game last year and was a second-team All-Ohio selection. * Sydney Huntley, 5-5, Sr., PG, Cincinnati Purcell Marian – Huntley averaged 14.5 points last year and was a second-team All-Ohio pick.

Teams to Watch

* Plain City Jonathan Alder (26-2) – The defending state champs know life won’t be easy with just one returning starter. But fortunately for the Pioneers, that lone starter is Prochaska, one of the state’s top players and the best player in school history. Other girls that are expected to step up are forwards Michelle Thelen and Ame Blankenship. The physical Thelen saw minutes off the bench last year when Alder’s post players needed a rest. “I have a lot of young individuals, other than Lauren, playing for me that are sophomores and freshmen,” Alder coach Terra McDaniels said. “We are going to take this season one step at a time. We have a hard schedule again.” McDaniels knows that Prochaska is the fuel for the engine and feels an injury could kill the season. “Lauren and I have talked a lot and we are going to try and keep her safe and make sure she stays healthy because we do not want anything to go wrong with her,” she said. “I’ve been blessed to have her for four years. There were rumors that she was leaving and going elsewhere, but I never heard that from her or her family. We have open communication between us and have conversations about basketball and everyday things. She is kind of quiet and to herself, but she is excited about the season.” * Youngstown Ursuline (22-5) – Last year’s state runners-up must replace Ohio’s Ms. Basketball, Tyra Grant. She was a scoring machine (over 30 ppg) and is now at Penn State. One of the returning starters looking to pick up the slack is 5-10 senior forward Danielle Crafter. She averaged 4.5 points and 5.8 rebounds last year. Other key players are center Megan Saccoman (6-0, Sr.), shooting guard Mary Hendricks (5-5, Sr.), point guard Katelyn Tondo-Steele (55) and G/F Arielle Washington (5-7). “We want to make sure we don’t get ahead of ourselves,” coach Sean Durkin said “We’re going to have growing pains early, but we hope our good

JJ H u d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

Prochaska leads way for defending champs Photo by Gary Housteau

Jonathan Alder won its first state title last season after making the semifinals in 2004.

conference will get us ready for tournament play. We’ve won districts six out of the last eight years and achieving that goal has even more importance this year. “We’re pretty deep and have a lot of interchangeable parts, we just don’t have much experience. We always had the one great player, but this year we will be more balanced. Hopefully our kids learned from Tyra’s dedication to the game. There is no way to replace her – it will take five or six kids will fill the role.” * Sugarcreek Garaway (24-3) – Garaway made it to the state semifinals last year and welcome back its returning scorer in Bardall. The 5-11 junior guard averaged 15 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists last year and her coach (and father) believes she has even more to offer this year. “She’s a very versatile player and I think will show even more scoring potential this year,” coach Scott Bardall said. “She’s moving to guard this year – we played her in the post last year out of necessity. She’s started since her freshman year and she will play on the next level. We also want to get the other four starters incorporated into the offense.” Those players include 5-6 senior guard Erica Hershberger (6 ppg, 4.5 apg), 5-8 junior forward Katie Hall and 5-11 sophomore post Kenzi Kaufman. “We graduated four seniors from last year’s team, but these kids are getting better every day,” Bardall said. “I know it’s a cliché, but wins and losses will take care of themselves. But just like any team we want to make noise in the tournament. Is that unrealistic? We will find out. I think we’re a good defensive team. Offensively, we control the tempo and have good shot selection.” * Castalia Margaretta (24-2) – The Polar Bears advanced to the state semifinals last year, where they fell to Alder. This year, they welcome back three starters, including one of the state’s best players in Keegan. “She is a D-I recruit and is very athletic,” head coach Tim Tucker said. “She is our best all-around player. She’s quick, she’s a good shooter, great defensive player, everything.” Another returning starter is 5-11 sophomore forward Brittany Morris. She averaged 9.5 points and seven rebounds per game last year. The final returning starter is 6-0 senior center Brittany Nesbitt, a player that averaged 10.5 points and nine rebounds last year. But Morris and Nesbitt aren’t the only post threats for Margaretta. Jessica Meyer, a 6-1 sophomore center, is also expected to be a big factor. She missed most of last year, including the tournament, with a torn ACL. “We’ve actually had bigger teams,” Tucker said. “This is not rare for us.” The coach gave his goals and expectations for the season. “We’d like to get back to Columbus – that’s our goal every year,” Tucker said. “And this year if we get there we’d like to win some games. We lost three seniors that started, but some of the younger kids got good experience last year and that should help us this year.” * Also Keep An Eye On – South Euclid Regina, Ironton, Garfield Heights Trinity, Coldwater, Columbus Grove, Versailles, Cleveland Central Catholic

By David Biddle

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Girls Basketball Preview

Division IV

Berlin Hiland shooting for three-peat

Outlook

Berlin Hiland has captured back-to-back state championships and is once again one of the favorites in Division IV. The Hawks are looking to become the first D-IV program in state history to win three in a row. Hiland’s top scorer Jena Stutzman is back, but the Hawks must replace gritty leader Lindsay Stuckey and two other players that are currently on college rosters. A handful of other powerful teams across the state are looking to end Hiland’s mini-dynasty and win a state title of their own.

Berlin Hiland has made the state tournament eight times

Top Players

* Jena Stutzman, 5-8, Jr., G, Berlin Hiland – Stutzman was the state champs’ leading scorer last year – averaging 16.9 points per game. She is likely in store for an ever bigger season this year. * Lydia Miller, 5-8, Sr., G, Berlin Hiland – Miller is a four-year starter and will shoulder a bigger scoring load this year for the Hawks. * Melanie Williams, 5-9, Sr., G/F, Willoughby Andrews School – Williams averaged 25.8 points per game last year and was named first-team All-Ohio. * Caitlin Sharp, 5-6, Jr., G, East Canton – Sharp averaged 16.5 points per game for the state runners-up and will be asked to do even more this year. * Tyeasha Moss, 5-8, Jr., G/F, Columbus Africentric – Moss averaged 17.9 points per game last year and was named second-team All-Ohio. * Whitney Lindsay, 5-7, Jr., G, Mansfield St. Peter’s – Lindsay averaged 17.1 points per game last year and was named second-team All-Ohio * Ashley Hite, 5-10, So., F, Cincinnati Summit Country Day -- Hite was also a second-team all-state choice and averaged 12.3 points.

Teams to Watch

* Berlin Hiland (26-2) – The Hawks are riding back-to-back state titles and they are shooting for a three-peat. Stutzman will lead the way and will have to shoulder even more of a scoring load this year. She is an excellent three-point shooter (80 of 205 last year). The other returnee is four-year starter Lydia Miller, a 5-8 guard. She has already verbally committed to Cedarville University. Even with the loss of center Rachel Thomas, the Hawks have plenty of size. Junior center Kristy Yoder, all 6-1 of her, will be the top player in the post this year. Head coach Dave Schlabach also welcomes in an impressive freshman class. “We are going to start at least two freshmen,” he said. “We are going to have four of them on the varsity. One that will definitely start is point guard Hilary Weaver (5-6). And the other starting spot is between Jessica Stutzman (5-8) and Mykelia Mast (5-7). They are really going to provide a spark. They were undefeated in middle school.” Schlabach is optimistic that his team will be able to live up to the lofty expectations. “Yeah, we think we can compete for the state championship again, but we’re a long way away from that,” he said. “We’ve got very good skilled players back, but we lost most of our power and strength from last year. I think this year’s team has good shooters and ball-handlers, but finding that post presence and that rebounding presence is what I’m most concerned about.” * East Canton (24-3) – The 2005-06 state runners-up have one of the best players in the state in Sharp. They must replace last year’s top scorer, Katy Arick. She poured in 21.2 points per game last year, but Sharp will likely average the same or better this year. However, with defenses keying on her even more it’s never certain how the season will play out. The talented young players in the program must step up and provide a solid supporting cast. “She’s an excellent three-point shooter, she’s extremely confident and is able to play well in big games,” head coach Tom Davis said of Sharp. The Wizards have two other returning starters – point guard Adriana Novelli (5-4, Sr.) and forward Vanessa Gantz (5-10, Jr.). Gantz tore her ACL last year,

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Photo by Gary Housteau

but played through the pain and didn’t miss a game. East Canton also welcomes in transfer center Kristin Calsek (6-0, Jr.). “We had a great summer and we expect to have a great season,” Davis said. “I think we are going to be better than last year. We have six returning lettermen. We lost two excellent players, but our goal is the same as last year: We want to get to Columbus and play two games. And this year, hopefully win two games.” * Hamler Patrick Henry (25-1) – The Patriots were D-IV state semifinalists last season and were the D-III state runners-up in 2004-05. They graduated all five starters from last year, but return a solid nucleus of players that saw valuable playing time off the bench for the team that was ranked No. 1 in the state for much of the season. Leading the way will be 5-7 sophomore guard Saige Meyer, and 5-7 senior G/F Steph Smith. Meyer averaged just 3.5 points per game last year as a freshman, but will likely average well in double-digits this year. Another player to watch is freshman point guard Tiffany Ehlers. She is 5-2 and lightning quick. Head coach Rick Schweibert is in his 21st year and has amassed over 300 career wins. The Patriots have won at least 20 games in four straight seasons. “We have a lot of quality kids, they are just not tested,” he said. “Once we get some experience, the future looks bright.” * Fort Loramie (24-3) – Fort Loramie must replace star guard Courtney Reed who is now playing college ball at IPFW (Indiana-Purdue at Fort Wayne). However, the 2005-06 state semifinalists return a solid group of players, led by 5-10 junior forward Hayley Barhorst. She averaged eight points and seven rebounds per game last year. “We are going to be counting on her a lot,” coach Carla Siegal said. “She brings a lot of enthusiasm and it rubs off on the other players.” Other key players include 5-6 senior guard Tara Olberding, 5-7 senior G/F Heather Brandewie and 5-10 senior Deanna Ratermann. “We’ve won our league the last five years,” Siegal said. “I don’t think we’re the favorites this year, but don’t tell our girls that. They are determined to make it six in a row. We have a strong non-league schedule that will hopefully get us ready for our tough league and the tournament.” * Also Keep An Eye On – Columbus Africentric, Jackson Center, Glouster Trimble, Willoughby Andrews School, Mansfield St. Peter’s, Cincinnati Summit Country Day. By David Biddle

JJ H u dd le’s O h io High

STORY BY MATT NATALI

Photo by Terry Gilliam

JJ H u d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

Lauren Prochaska

ith great success comes an even greater challenge. It is an old cliché but this is exactly what the Plain City Jonathan Alder girls basketball team faces for the 2006-07 season coming off its first state championship in school history. However, the Pioneers have arguably the top girls basketball player in the state and she hopes they can make the short trip back to Columbus to defend the title despite losing six seniors to graduation from last year’s team. Lauren Prochaska will take the floor for her fourth season for Alder, and to say she has made an impact on the program in her time is a glaring understatement. A 5-11 guard/forward, Prochaska averaged 24.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, 5.3 steals and 1.8 assists a game last year. She shot 50 percent from the field, including 36 percent from three-point land, and 80 percent from the line in earning Division III co-player of the year honors. In the 55-49 win over Youngstown Ursuline in the state championship, she had 15 points and 11 rebounds. For her career, Prochaska has amassed over 1,900 points scored. “I’ve been blessed to have her for four years,” said head coach Terra McDaniels, who is entering her fourth season as head coach and has a 74-6 record. “We have open communication between each other and have conversations about basketball and every day things as well. She is kind of quiet and to herself, but she is excited about the season. “She has really been working on her outside game and she knows she is going to have a hard time without her friends. But she is adjusting well and is excited about the younger girls and they are excited to play with her.” Prochaska is proud of the state

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

Lauren Prochaska

Photo by Terry Gilliam

championship from last year with where the ball is going to go. She “She can motivate without even having can anticipate a pass really well,” all the hard work that went into it. But she understands the task to yell or scream or getting on the other McDaniels said. “She really knows at hand this season and is ready the top players and studies them kids. She does it with her work ethic and and she knows who is going to for that challenge. “(Winning the state champiperform. desire to win.” onship) was an unbelievable “If you’re defending her, she feeling,” Prochaska said. “It is knows how to change to make Jonathan Alder coach Terra McDaniels what we had worked at for three things happen to get to the hole. years. We knew we could do it And she knows when she has to Jonathan Alder and we knew it was our year. make the big shot or get the big senior Lauren We worked so hard for it and to rebound and put-back to get to Prochaska has verfinally get it was the best feeling. the line – she just has a natural bally committed to Bowling Green. It was hard knowing that our ability to get the ball. time playing together was done, “She moves well with and withbut going out like that made it all out the ball, too. Sometimes I the better. think she moves better without the “We are going to be a really ball. Her flashes and cuts to the young team this year and we basket are very strong and very are going to have a lot to work quick and it is deceiving because on. I think it will take some time she is so long and lanky. People to build our chemistry, which don’t know that she can flash to hopefully we will do during practhe basket like she does and tices and just being together. We attack it even without the ball.” have a lot to learn and hopefully Coaches in the college ranks I can help out the younger girls like her ability as well and and I think we’ll be good again Prochaska issued a verbal comthis year.” mitment to Bowling Green early As the leader and captain of October selecting the Falcons the Alder team, Prochaska is over DePaul and Princeton. looked upon as a source of “(Coaches) like my ability to guidance and that is a role she score and that I work really hard is more than willing to take. on defense. They think I am an “I try to be a leader by talking all-around player, which I like to to them and pulling the girls hear,” Prochaska said. aside and telling them if they are She carries a 3.8 GPA and is doing something wrong or they interested in studying broadcastwill come to me and ask quesing or business in college. tions,” she said. “That makes me But for now, she is focused on feel good because I know they the upcoming season and defendtrust me. I usually just try to talk ing the Division III state champito them and build their confionship. dence and help them with shoot“I’m excited for the season to concentrating on. ing, defense, positioning or anything else “She can motivate without even having start,” she said. “I am ready for practice they need,” she said. and getting out there with all the new to yell or scream or getting on the other While Prochaska might not be the kids. She does it with her work ethic and girls and get some experience with most vocal player on the floor, them. Our number one goal will be windesire to win.” McDaniels feels the example she sets ning district for the fourth year in a row. Prochaska worked hard in the off-seaspeaks volumes. son participating in summer leagues and That is something we really want as a “Her personality is one in its own,” with her AAU team. She said she worked team.” McDaniels said. “She will not show her And with Prochaska running the show on fine tuning her outside shooting, her emotions on the floor. It doesn’t matter if for Alder once again, McDaniels is confimidrange game and three-point shootshe is mad or if she is angry, it is always ing. dent in continued success for the the same. If she gets excited, you’ll see Pioneers this season. McDaniels feels there are several something in her once in a while. She’ll “She loves to win and will make things aspects of Prochaska’s game that set celebrate when it’s over but she is there happen no matter who is playing with her apart from other players. to get a job done and that is what she is her,” she said. — OH “If you read her eyes, she just knows

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STORY BY STEVE HELWAGEN

Girls Basketball Top Recruits

Big-time Hoop Talent

Here is a look at some of the top girls basketball prospects in Ohio. The players in each class are listed alphabetically. (Scoring averages for 2005-06, college choices and other data listed where available.)

Top Seniors (Class of 2007) Deseree Byrd, 5-9, G, Cincinnati Taft, 18.0 ppg Kristin Daugherty, 6-0, F, Warsaw River View – Daughterty, who has verbaled to Dayton, was selected as a Division II state player of the year after averaging 18.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. She averaged 17.9 ppg as a sophomore. She is ranked 94th nationally by girlshoops.scout.com. Special Jennings, 5-6, G, Cleveland East Tech – Jennings, who has verbaled to Xavier, averaged 16.1 ppg as a junior after averaging 17.8 ppg as a sophomore. She is ranked 95th nationally by girlshoops.scout.com. Haley Kapferer, 6-3, C, Jefferson Area – Kapferer averaged 22.2 ppg as a junior after averaging 21.1 ppg as a sophomore. Jantel Lavender, 6-4, C, Cleveland Central Catholic – Lavender averaged 20.7 ppg as a junior after averaging 22.0 ppg as a sophomore. She is ranked as the nation’s No. 3 overall prospect by girlshoops.scout.com. Some of her college choices include Ohio State, Maryland, North Carolina and Tennessee. Samantha Leach, 5-9, G, Washington C.H. Miami Trace, 14.7 ppg Whitney Lindsay, 5-5, G, Mansfield St. Peter’s – Lindsay averaged 17.1 ppg as a junior after averaging 13.7 ppg as a sophomore. Tiffany Mauk, 5-10, G, Marion Pleasant, 20.8 ppg Lydia McCully, 5-9, G, Bedford Chanel, 15.5 ppg Crystal Murdaugh, 6-0, F, Dublin Scioto – Murdaugh, who is verbaled to Bowling Green, averaged 14.3 ppg as a junior. She is ranked 98th nationally by girlshoops.scout.com. Lauren Prochaska, 5-11, F, Plain City Jonathan Alder - Prochaska averaged 24.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 5.3 steals per game in leading the Pioneers to a 26-2 mark and the Division III state title. She was a Division III state player of the year. She averaged 24.3 ppg as a sophomore. Liz Repella, 5-11, F, Steubenville – Repella, who has verbaled to West Virginia,

JJ H u d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

Buckeye State stocked with senior standouts

Anna senior Sarah Schulze, an avid hunter, has committed to The Ohio State University.

was tabbed as a Division II state player of the year after averaging 27.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 4.0 steals and 3.0 blocked shots per game as a junior. She averaged 22.0 ppg as a sophomore. She is ranked 68th nationally by girlshoops.scout.com. Carlee Roethlisberger, 6-0, F, Findlay – Roethlisberger earned Division I first-team All-Ohio honors averaging 19.1 ppg. She averaged 18.5 ppg as a sophomore. Cassie Schrock, 5-8, G, Wadsworth, 19.2 ppg Sara Schulze, 6-1, F, Anna, 23.0 ppg Ellie Shields, 6-3, C, Warren Howland, 18.0 ppg Jen Uhl, 6-1, F, Wadsworth, 14.8 ppg Shareese Ulis, 5-7, G, Toledo Waite, 19.1 ppg Melanie Williams, 5-9, G, Willoughby Andrews School for Girls – Williams averaged 25.8 ppg after averaging 25.3 ppg as a sophomore. Top Juniors (Class of 2008) Macie Blinn, 6-0, F, Greenville, 18.4 ppg Cierra Bravard, 6-2, F, Sandusky Perkins, 22.2 ppg

Photo by Nick Falzerano

Ayanna Dunning, 6-3, C, Columbus Eastmoor Academy – Dunning, who averaged 19.0 ppg as a sophomore, is rated as the nation’s No. 3 junior prospect by girlshoops.scout.com. Amber Gray, 6-1, F, West Chester Lakota West – Gray, who averaged 20.7 ppg as a sophomore, is rated as the nation’s No. 15 junior by girlshoops.scout.com. Angela Groves, 6-1, F, Shaker Heights Hathaway Brown, 15.4 ppg Tyeasha Moss, 5-8, G, Columbus Africentric, 17.9 ppg Brittany Orban, 5-11, F, North Canton Hoover, 22.7 ppg Justine Raterman, 6-1, F, Versailles, 17.8 ppg Shay Selby, 5-8, G, South Euclid Regina – Selby averaged 22.1 ppg after averaging 15.4 ppg as a freshman. Selby, rated the nation’s No. 11 junior by girlshoops.scout.com, lists an early top five of Connecticut, Duke, Michigan State, Ohio State and Tennessee. Courtney Schiffauer, 6-0, F, Youngstown Boardman, 18.1 ppg

By Steve Helwagen

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River View Girls Basketball

STORY BY MATT NATALI

s the old saying goes, “The apple doesnʼt fall far from many players over the years that have gotten so close tell me the tree.” they didnʼt really know what it was all about until that point at At Warsaw River View, the more appropriate adage which they lost. Then they really appreciated that opportunity might be, “The basketball doesnʼt fall far from the that was there for them.” hoop.” Mast had two head coaching stints with River View that Last season, the River View Lady Bears won their third state totaled 21 years and he tallied a 314-192 career record in that basketball championship in school history finishing 26-1 under time. Coincidentally, the 1982 championship team under Mast the tutelage of head coach Caroline Daugherty and her husalso lost only one game by one point like last seasonʼs team, band Bill Daugherty. which lost to West Holmes 43-42 in the season opener. The Daughertys also had the joy of coaching their daughAs Daughertyʼs father, mentor and high school coach, Mast ters, Kristin and Kari. In the state championship game, River sees many similarities between his coaching style and hers. View was led by Kristin Daugherty with 14 points and eight “Her coaching has evolved into a more controlled game at rebounds and younger sister Kari with 21 points and five the offensive end with a real emphasis on half-court defense rebounds in the 49-28 win over Mentor and that is really where I came from. Lake Catholic. Her staple is the match-up, which is “”The nice thing about all this is that what I played in high school and she Last yearʼs championship marked when my grandchildren were grow- grew up with and what we won a state Caroline Daughertyʼs second state title – the first coming as a player for the ing up, they were ball girls for me tournament with,” said Mast. same Lady Bears in 1982. But she Mast returned to coaching last season and my approach every year was holds last seasonʼs championship a litfor one year as an assistant at that we were going to win (the tle closer than the one she earned as a Sugarcreek Garaway for son-in-law player. state title). I would indoctrinate my Scott Bardall, whom Mast coached at “As a coach, you get to help players the now-defunct Lakeland High School. players with that and my grandand you get to mold them and see Garaway qualified for the Division III daughters heard that every year... state tournament last year and Mastʼs them grow,” she said. “For me, the most satisfying part of the season was the fact that they were able to do granddaughter, Laura Bardall, is a to watch the kids throughout the seaguard/forward for the Lady Pirates. it makes it even more amazing.” son and know this is something they All together, Mast had three grandwill remember for the rest of their lives. daughters playing in the state tournaDave Mast, former River View Coach It meant a lot to me because these kids ment last season, two sons-in-law have been with me since seventh coaching and, of course, daughter grade. Everyone always has goals and to see them reach their Caroline Daugherty at the helm of the River View Lady Bears. goal was something special. “From a grandfatherʼs perspective and an old coachʼs per“We had the whole community behind us and it was an outspective, I donʼt think that could be topped,” said Mast. standing atmosphere in our little Warsaw community and peoUnfortunately, for Garaway, the Lady Pirates fell to ple were so supportive. As a player, you donʼt really realize Youngstown Ursuline 39-31 in the state semifinals. But Mast what youʼve accomplished. I think back to when I was in obviously found great joy in River View winning the Division II school, it was exciting as a player but I really didnʼt realize state championship. what we had done.” “For me, it was a breathtaking situation to have my daughter Her father, Dave Mast, was the head coach of the 1982 repeat as state champion at the same school with her children River View championship team and shares Daughertyʼs sention the team,” he said. “I was really, really proud about that. ments about winning a state title as a head coach. “The nice thing about all this is that when my grandchildren “I think she is absolutely right,” said Mast. “I donʼt think as a were growing up, they were ball girls for me and my approach player you can really appreciate what youʼve done. Iʼve had so every year was that we were going to win (the state title). And

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River View Girls Basketball Sisters Kristin and Kari Daugherty helped River View win its third state title last year.

Photo by Gary Housteau

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

River View Girls Basketball make another run at Columbus you play 20 games to prepare for ““The approach is the same as it this season to defend their what the real season is all about. was last year – just to go out and Division II title after graduating I would indoctrinate my players four seniors from of last only with that and my granddaughters play your best because there are no yearʼs team. They boast four heard that every year and I think guarantees.” starters returning that have starttheir parents espouse the same ed for four seasons, which is a idea. So, the fact that they were Caroline Daugherty, River View Coach rarity in high school sports. able to do it makes it even more Senior Kristin Daugherty, who amazing. was the Division II co-player of “I just told (Caroline) the year last year and is a ʻCongratulations, honeyʼ and that University of Dayton recruit, will is all I really said. I know that lead River View again after averwhen I went through it, everyaging 19 points per game last thing is such a blur. Youʼre worn season. out because you spend all that She suffered a minor knee time planning, scouting, preparinjury over the summer but will be ing and all those things and it is ready for the season following almost a relief when it is over. I volleyball in the fall. know that her head was spinning Head coach Caroline and there really isnʼt anything Daugherty feels her daughterʼs else you can say other than ʻJob TOP: River View knee injury opened the door for well doneʼ or ʻIʼm proud youʼ – head coach others on the team to grow and that kind of thing.” Caroline Daugherty and her husband develop over the summer. In the whirlwind of celebration Bill watch during “Kristin was out most of the following the final whistle of the the trophy presentation at last year’s summer but, as a team, the kids Division II title game last year, state final. River had a great summer without her,” the first person Caroline View won its third crown. she said. “I think (her injury) realDaugherty embraced was her ly made some of the other kids young son and team manager step into roles that they are not Kyle. In 2004, Kyle was the vicused to playing. I think for our tim of a farming accident in teamʼs psyche, it was a real good which he lost one of his legs and summer just to prepare us to play now relies on a prosthetic. without her if we are ever faced “I remember after we won I ran RIGHT: Kyle Daugherty with that situation. She wasnʼt to him first and picked him up serves as the able to participate but we had a and hugged him. Everyone was team manager. good summer.” so happy for him,” Daugherty Sophomore Kari Daugherty said. “We are all like one big Photos by Gary Housteau averaged over nine points per family and everyone hurt for him game last year and is one of the and everyone wanted to win it for the manager. And that is how I sort of felt – I was happy for the top players in Ohioʼs class of 2009. Other starters returning include senior forward Ashley Owen kids but I know how happy they were for him also. (4.5 ppg), senior guard Sami Dickerson (5.6 ppg) and senior “This might be as close as he gets to something like this center Brittany Bailey. because he might not ever be able to play at this level – but “The one big similarity of this yearʼs team with last year is then again maybe he will – I donʼt know. God has a plan for the experience they have – even more so than last yearʼs everyone and we were happy for him.” Mast added, “You couldnʼt think that up in Hollywood. I know team,” said Caroline Daugherty. “I have to give our seniors that my granddaughters were really intent on winning the state from last year credit. They played with such character and I am looking for the same thing from this yearʼs seniors. They championship for him and I think all the kids were really intent are quality kids and I look for a lot of leadership from those on it.” kids. In three seasons under Daughertyʼs guidance, the Lady “The one difference is we will go a little bit bigger this year Bears have a 63-10 record. The Lady Bears are primed to

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River View Girls Basketball than we did last year. Last year, we started three kids over sixfeet tall and this year we will have three kids starting over 6-0. Our quickness might not be what it was last year but overall I think we will be a very strong rebounding team.” With the bullseye square on their backs, Daugherty knows the Lady Bears need to put last season behind them and focus on the 2006-07 campaign. “Everyone starts the season 0-0 and last year was last year,” she said. “It was a great experience and it is something that the kids are never going to forget but weʼve got to put it behind us and start with a goal in mind. And the goal is always the same – to be playing on the last day of the season. It takes a lot of luck to win a state championship. “We were a very good team last year but we had no major injuries and our health was good throughout the whole season. We have to enter the season knowing that we have to work hard and try to improve every game. The approach is the same as it was last year – just to go out and play your best because there are no guarantees.” After the 1982 championship, River View returned to the state tournament in 1983 and Mast addressed how hard it is to return. “I know how difficult it is to get back there,” he said. “You think you are going to win it all again but I know how difficult it

is and I know how hard it is to measure up to that standard. “Sometimes that ends up being a teamʼs Achilles heel – they try too hard. I am looking forward to seeing how the players and coaching staff handle that. I think there is a good chance they can get back but it really is hard to do.” River View tips off the season against West Holmes again and hopes to avenge its only loss last season. “I am looking forward to that game as I am sure West Holmes is looking forward to it,” Daugherty said. “We have the philosophy going into every game that it doesnʼt really matter who we are playing – we are actually playing ourselves. So, we have to go in with the right mindset regardless of who the competition is.” West Holmes is just the first game of a demanding schedule for River View, but Daugherty and the Lady Bears are in great position to have another successful season. With the foundation of success laid over 25 years ago, the tradition of winning continues for the River View Lady Bears. Beginning with Dave Mast, success has been generational keeping hard work, dedication, winning and championships all in the family. “I coached, basically, all my life and I donʼt think there is anything I enjoyed more in my life,” Mast said. “I would probably go back tomorrow if the right situation presented itself.” — OH

Wrestling Preview

ne doesnʼt have to look far to find excellence in Ohio high school wrestling. The Buckeye state is known for quality in wrestling on a yearly basis, with multiple wrestlers and teams consistently ranked on a national level. The 2005-06 wrestling campaign brought with it another crop of outstanding teams and wrestlers in the state of Ohio, and it caused the stateʼs most famous streaks to continue. A wrestler captured a fourth straight state championship for the fourth year in a row, this time being Lakewood St. Edwardʼs Lance Palmer. Speaking of St. Edward, they continued their remarkable streak atop the Division I field by winning their tenth straight team title, their 22nd overall. St. Paris Graham continued their dominance in Division II by taking home their sixth team title, while Sandusky St. Mary Central Catholic won their fifth in a row in Division III. One of those streaks will come to an end in

STORY BY KIRK LARRABEE sophomore Collin Palmer (40-1) and senior Sean Nemec (38-3), both returning state champions. Palmer, brother of four-time champ Lance Palmer, cruised to a state crown at 112 as a freshman, while Nemec won at 145 after winning at 135 in 2005. Palmer is a competitor who has been on the radar since his junior high school days. “Heʼs an outstanding wrestler,” Urbas said. “Thereʼs no doubt about it. He loves the sport… heʼs just got to stay healthy and keep improving.” While Palmer is eventually expected to be a blue-chip college recruit, Nemec is already there. “He is one of the premier wrestlers in the U.S.,” Urbas said. “Heʼs being heavily recruited right now. Heʼs another young man that just loves, loves the sport. Heʼs an excellent student-athlete.” St. Edward also returns senior Dan Gonsor, who placed second at 130; senior Shawn Harris, who took fifth at 135 after finishing first at 103 in 2004

senior Ben Kuhar, who placed second in the state in the heavyweight division in 2004, is back with the team after being sidelined with a season-ending injury in 2005. Another big name returning at Division I is Austintown-Fitch junior Tony Jameson. After placing first at 103 in 2005, Jameson went undefeated (42-0) on route to the crown at 119 in 2006. While there are no wrestlers in line to win a fourth consecutive championship this season, Jameson is one who many think could be the next one to do it. “Thatʼs one of the biggest things to look up to, to look forward to,” Jameson said after winning last yearʼs title. “People always come up to me and say, ʻWhat college are you going to?ʼ And Iʼm thinking, ʻWell, I still have two more years of high school.ʼ I try not to look ahead, but definitely what I want to be is a four-time state champ.” Meanwhile, there will be another wrestler in

St. Paris Graham junior Ben Jordan is going for his third Division II state title.

Photo by Nick Falzerano

2006-07 as Ohio will not see a four-time state champion this season. However, until someone emerges to take away their crowns, St. Edward, Graham and St. Mary Central Catholic are expected by many to be the kings of the mountain once again. Here is a rundown of what to expect this year in each division.

Division I

Thereʼs little doubt that St. Edward remains the 800-pound gorilla in Division I. The Eagles placed 13 wrestlers in the state tournament in 2006, nine of whom are returning this season. “We do have quite a few starters coming back,” said St. Edward head coach Greg Urbas. “We just hope to be healthy and improve on last yearʼs performance. We just hope their technique is a little bit better and their strength is a little bit better.” The most well-known of the returning bunch are

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and second at 130 in 2005; junior Brian Roddy, who scored second at 171 after a sixth-place finish in 2005; and senior Chris Honeycutt, who placed third at 189. Harris faced a tough challenge in 2005. “He jumped four weight classes,” Urbas said. “He went up from 112 to 135 There is a big jump for anybody to jump four weight classes. He had an excellent off-season and I really believe heʼs really ready to go this year again.” Meanwhile, Gonsor and Roddy are expecting to take the next step this year. “Theyʼre not satisfied with (second place),” Urbas said. “They want to win that state title. They both love the sport very much. They both dedicate themselves to the sport, and thatʼs their goal – to be champs.” Other returning qualifiers for the Eagles are sophomore John Cobos (103 in 2006), junior Neil Birt (119), and senior Ben Rios (215). In addition,

addition to Shawn Harris who will be gunning for his third state championship. Solon senior Kevin Hardy (46-6) captured the 130-pound weight class after winning at 112 in 2005. In addition, five other state champions return to Division I competition: junior Steve Mitcheff (44-3) of Elyria, who won at 103; senior Thomas Straughn (41-3) of Massillon Perry, who won at 135; senior Dustin Kilgore (39-1) of Berea, who won at 171; senior Erique Robertson (44-1) of Maple Heights, who won at 189; and senior Brendan Barlow (43-1) of Westerville Central, who captured the heavyweight division. Several other top three finishers return in Division I, including junior Danny Genetin of Massillon Perry (2nd at 103), senior Bo Touris of West Chester Lakota West (3rd at 103); junior Ryan Fields of Lakota West (2nd at 112), sophomore Seth Horner of Massillon Perry (3rd at 112), senior Dante Rini of Massillon Jackson (2nd at

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Wrestling Previews

Troy Christian senior Casey Thome (left) finished runner-up last year in Division III at 125 pounds. He headlines a TC roster that should challenge for the team title.

Photo by Nick Falzerano

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Wrestling Previews 119), senior Michael Lybarger of Mt. Vernon (2nd at 125), senior Matt Dennis of Holland Springfield (3rd at 125), senior Marcel Clopton of Shaker Heights (2nd at 135), senior Germane Lindsey of Cincinnati Moeller (3rd at 135), junior Jedd Moore of Mt. Vernon (2nd at 140), senior Derek Foore of Wadsworth (2nd at 145), senior Muhammad Abdur-Rahman of Cincinnati Princeton (3rd at 145), senior Mazin Shalash of Reynoldsburg (3rd at 152), senior Justin Powell of Youngstown Boardman (3rd at 215) and senior Andy Hartshorn of Reynoldsburg (2nd at HVY).

Division II

With a young but talented team, St. Paris Graham pulled away in last yearʼs wrestling championships to notch their sixth straight championship. The Falcons lose two state champions (Aaron Hart, 119; Jake Kyle, 140) but return nine qualifiers and appear to be heavy favorites yet again for the Division II title. Graham coach Jeff Jordan was very happy with last yearʼs success and gives much credit to Hart and Kyle, who stepped up as senior leaders. “They were real hard workers,” Jordan said. “Of course, the underclassmen just fell in with what they said and how they work. So I was real happy with that team. We have a bunch of those guys back this year and Iʼm really looking forward to this yearʼs squad.” Leading the way are two state champions: sophomore David Taylor (103, 42-1) and junior Ben Jordan (40-4, 125). Taylor lost a match early in the year but then cleaned up at 103 despite starting his year off light at just 97 pounds. “When it comes to wrestling in technique and the whole ball of wax, David Taylor, he sure does have a lot,” Jordan said. “He was a tough, tough freshman for me. He wrestled in a ton of national tournaments, so when he got to the state tournament, I donʼt think the bright lights and big city got to him.” Jordan, nephew of Jeff Jordan, captured his second title in as many tries. “He stepped up to the challenge again,” Jeff Jordan said. “He was kind of a Cinderella story his freshman year; he was JV and broke through the lineup midway through his freshman year and wound up winning the state. Heʼs a guy that is just a very hard worker and kind of an overachiever.” Also returning for Graham is junior Coby Boyd, who finished third at 130; senior David Thompson, who finished fourth at 171; and sophomore Adam Walls, who finished sixth in the heavyweight class. “When it comes down to raw strength, horsepower, meanness, the whole thing thrown into the pot, Coby Boydʼs that guy,” Jordan said. “Heʼs very, very strong. Heʼs just a tough physical specimen. I know Cobyʼs goal is to win a state title. He hasnʼt won one yet, and heʼs wanting to win one this year and also his senior year.” Taking over the senior leadership role will be

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David Thompson, who Jordan says will be this yearʼs team captain. “He hasnʼt won a state title yet, and I know thatʼs the only thing that he wants,” Jordan said. “He wants to win a state title and lead the team to another state title. Walls accomplished something as a freshman that Jordan has not had in his years of coaching. “Iʼve never had a heavyweight as a freshman or a sophomore make the state let alone place, and Adam did a real good job at the end of the year for me,” Jordan said. “He came on really strong and peaked at the right time and got sixth place in the state.” Other returning qualifiers for Graham are senior Cordell Longstreath (wrestled at 112), senior Joe Newland (135), sophomore James Mannier (145), and senior Josh Luster (152). This yearʼs Graham team is expected to be better than last yearʼs team and has plenty of depth due to up-and-coming talent, which Jordan feels is both a blessing and a curse. “Iʼve got three or four state placers that are not going to start,” Jordan said. “I guess some people say thatʼs a great problem to have… I think you have to have that if you want to make a run at being ranked in the country real high, but on the other hand, I hate to have that problem because I want every guy on my team to get to the state to place in the state.” Nothing less than another state championship is expected for Graham this year, and the best may be yet to come. “From here on out, every year, I know what I have in junior high and elementary coming up, and Graham has not seen their best team, thatʼs for sure,” Jordan said. “Weʼve got some people coming up who are just unbelievable.” Finishing second to Graham last year was Pemberville Eastwood, who should once again have a solid squad. Returning qualifiers include junior Bryan Smith (5th at 103), senior Adam Tinnel (2nd at 112), senior Jan Ulinski (119), senior Kyle Taylor (130), sophomore Eric Cubberly (3rd at 145), and junior Jeremy Foster (171). Headlining the rest of the field is two-time returning state champion Colt Sponseller of Millersburg West Holmes. Sponseller, a senior, finished 44-1 in 2006 at the 152-pound weight class after winning 140 as a sophomore. After winning his second title last year, Sponseller described his style. “I try to stay physical,” he said. “I try to move and use my agility. I try wearing them down. Iʼm mostly a takedown man. Really, thatʼs my style of wrestling – to be quick on my feet and physical.” Three other champions return in 2006 – junior Cody Magrum of Oak Harbor (36-2, 171), senior John Weakley of Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (38-1, 189) and senior Nathan Sharp of Beloit West Branch (37-1, HVY).

Other top three finishers returning in Division II include junior Kyle Gilchrist of Jefferson Area (2nd at 103), junior Johnny Papesh of Aurora (3rd at 103), senior Jeffrey Pelton of Bellevue (2nd at 119), senior Jeremy Espinoza of Rossford (3rd at 125), senior Chris Andrews of New Albany (2nd at 135), senior James Myers of Wintersville Indian Creek (2nd at 140), senior Lawrence Cavello of Willard (3rd at 140), junior Jared Kusar of Richfield Revere (3rd at 152), senior Jamey Srock of Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary (2nd at 189), and junior John Hiles of Columbus St. Francis De Sales (3rd at HVY).

Division III

Sandusky St. Mary Central Catholic held their spot atop Division III for the fifth year in a row, but not by quite as wide of a margin as St. Edward and Graham. The Panthers (89.5 points) finished ahead of Troy Christian (79 points) and Bedford St. Peter Chanel (76.5 points). This season, St. Mary CC returns three of their state qualifiers from 2006, including the 103-pound champion, senior Pat Harrington (56-7), and the 112-pound runner-up, junior Troy Opfer (57-4). Junior Christian Ortolani, who qualified at 145, also returns. Troy Christian should have another strong squad this year as five qualifiers return, all of whom placed in last yearʼs championships. Junior Ben Sergent (37-6) and senior Casey Thome (394) placed second in 103 and 125 respectively, while sophomore Zach Toal captured a third-place finish at 112 and sophomores Jordan Thome and Zac Hancock placed sixth at 119 and 130. Chanel, a traditional wrestling power, returns four qualifiers, led by a two-time state champion in the heavyweight division, senior Cameron Wade (41-4). Also returning are senior and three-time state placer Darrin Boing (5th at 119), senior Kyle Gardella (5th at 130), and junior Andrew Schafer (112). The Division III field returns two more champions from last season: junior Zach Nelson of London Madison Plains, who finished with an unbeaten record (46-0) at 130; and senior Nick Purdue of Genoa Area (46-2), who won the 171 crown. Senior Josh Falk of Bluffton, who finished first at 135 in 2005 but lost his only match in the 140 finals last year, also comes back for one more shot at a title. Other top three finishers who return this season are senior Jase Hall of Massillon Tuslaw (3rd at 103), senior Tristan Thompson of Brookfield (2nd at 119), senior Cody Toney of Mechanicsburg (3rd at 130), junior Joe Skaggs of North Jackson Jackson-Milton (2nd at 135), senior Kurt Wolff of Genoa Area (2nd at 160), senior Hunter Reed of Ashland Crestview (2nd at 171), senior Alek Hughes of Attica Seneca East (3rd at 171), and senior Jesse Campbell of Sullivan Black River (2nd at HVY). — OH

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High School Basketball

STORY BY PAUL BOGGS

The Warriors have been committed to defense, and that emphasis has paid dividends. In addition to the impressive records and league or sectional championships, the Washington Countians have gained respect around southeastern Ohio for their toughness. “If we play hard and come to play every night, we can be competitive with anybody,” said Maddox. And now, anybody includes the expanded SEOAL, which features the four schools of Chillicothe, Ironton, Portsmouth and Zanesville. The Warriors won the SEOAL outright in 2004-05, then shared the conference crown with Washington County arch-rival Marietta last season. This year, basketball powerhouse Zanesville joins Warren and Marietta in the SEOAL North Division, along with Route 33 rivals Logan and Athens. Chillicothe, Ironton and Portsmouth join rivals Jackson and Gallipolis in the SEOAL South. All of the sudden, a strong six-team hoops league grew even stronger. Portsmouth has been a power in the past, while Ironton nearly knocked off North College Hill in the Division III state championship bout two years ago. Zanesville has a long-standing tradition in boys basketball, while Chillicothe is viewed as the biggest beneficiary of the new SEOAL. “The competition in this new league is excellent,” said Maddox. “These schools give us a chance to Blane Maddox showcase our league even more. I wouldn’t want to be a first-year coach in this league, though. When you look at the four teams that are in now, victories are going to be hard to come by for anybody. It’s a huge challenge. There are no easy Ws.” However, Maddox thrives on difficult competition. “We try to play good teams,” he said. “Tough competition brings out the best in people. I believe playing the competition we do gets us tournament-ready and pays off for us in the end.” The Warriors take on Belpre and Fort Frye every year, two Washington County rivals located on opposite ends of Vincent along Route 339. Both schools are Division III district tournament regulars, and have advanced as far as the state tournament. Warren also faces Morgan and Zanesville Maysville in non-league, both of which are travel-friendly from the Barlow-Vincent area. As for the new SEOAL setup, each team plays every school in their own division twice and the other division once. A 14th league tilt will be played as part of the “Night of Champions,” which features -- among other match-ups -- the overall conference championship. Maddox said he welcomes the challenge of the new SEOAL. “I’m happy and excited about going up against the competition in this new league,” he said. “Like I said, I wouldn’t be too excited about being a first-year coach in this league, but you will find out how good you are.” And, so far, Maddox has had a good thing going at Warren. All because, as he stresses, “being in a good place at the right time.” “I’m very happy to be the head coach of the Warren Warriors, but I’m just a small part of what’s going on here,” he said. “The community does a great job of supporting its teams and the academics. For me, I’ve had a good time and it’s been very enjoyable. I’m proud of what we’ve done, but hopefully there is more to come.” — OH

Photo by Times Journal Sports

ight place. Right time. Right direction. When Blane Maddox decided to accept the head boys basketball coaching position at Warren High School in Washington County, he said he felt “fortunate.” Entering his eighth winter as the Warriors’ boss, the Warren program has reaped the benefits of his hiring away from his hometown of Logan. The tally includes three Southeastern Ohio Athletic League championships, three Division II sectional titles and one season as the Division II district runnerup. In a short time of seven seasons, Maddox has made his mark on the Warren program, recording 97 victories against 59 losses. In the three years in which the Warriors have captured the SEOAL championship, Warren won at least 17 games. In the past two campaigns alone, the Blue and White have amassed 19 and 18 triumphs, respectively. When asked about the secret of his short-term success, Maddox cites “certainly being in the right place at the right time.” “It’s been a great run thus far, but I had good timing and we’ve had great kids in the program,” he said, kindly deflecting much of the credit. “I came to a good place at a good time.” Maddox, a 1981 graduate of Logan High School, served for nine years as an assistant to the successful Gary Swinehart at his alma mater. He was the top assistant on the Chieftain staff until 1999, when he and his wife, Sally, decided to make the move to their SEOAL rivals – Warren. “It was always a goal of mine to be a head coach, and luckily that opportunity came here (Warren),” said Maddox. “I was raised in Logan, graduated from there and spent of lot of time there. But if being a head coach meant moving on, then that’s what had to be done. It was a good move at the time, and it’s been a good move.” Maddox’s first Warren club went 12-10, but he said the foundation and players were in place. “Coach (Dan) Leffingwell did a great job with the program, and the players we’ve had come through have been committed to winning,” he said. “All the way back to my first year, we had guys like Brad Venham and Isaac Ward. The last couple of years, we’ve had guys like Josh Beebe and Alex Barth. There are too many to name, but we’ve had great kids who just love to compete and show up every day at practice and work hard for you. It is kids like those that give you a chance to win every game. We’re not always the most talented, but I think our kids have always respected our style of play and have been fundamentally solid students and athletes.” That style of play, which has made Warren a winner with Maddox, is tough man-to-man defense. “I feel that is where it all starts and that’s the way I’ve always been,” said the defensive-minded Maddox. “Defense will keep you in any ballgame and it really reveals the desire, the heart and will to win of your team.” Maddox stresses the man-to-man half-court sets, limiting opponents to one shot and out and forcing turnovers from “getting up in the guards.” Logan and Warren, especially in battles with each other, have been known as physical, aggressive, man-to-man teams. The coach said defense is all about attitude and commitment. “That style of defense has been taught in Logan from the sixth grade on,” said Maddox. “That’s something when I came to Warren that I wanted to continue. The key is being committed to it.”

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