Fort Loramie Summer League Week 1- Five Takeaways

Like Troy the day before, I had the chance to enjoy maybe the best small-school talent filled summer league in Ohio on Tuesday night. Fort Loramie High School was the host to a summer league that included not only the powerful host Redskins, but the D3 traditional powerhouse from Versailles, a loaded Tri-Village roster and the defending back-to-back state champions from Minster. Add in a tradionally strong Coldwater and New Knoxville team, and it was a night to enjoy some outstanding hoops. Here are five things I took away from this night, week one of the Fort Loramie Summer League. <strong>State championship material- </strong>I made a comment on social media that woke up the basketball fans around Ohio when I said that the OHSAA could just hold next years D4 state championship right here at this summer league by bringing in Legacy Christian and Ottoville to add to Fort Loramie, Minster and Tri Village and just play for the title now. One coach even told me it was good bulletin board material for their team, but then quickly added they do need to earn the respect of being in that conversation, and play better this year to prove it.  When you think about the hardware that Minster, Loramie and Versailles alone have earned over the years. I made the comment tongue in cheek, but is it really that far from the truth? <strong>The Redskins depth is unreal- </strong>Fort Loramie brings back the most talent of anyone in the summer league. They bring back everyone on their varsity roster from their regional finalist team last season, and the talent is strong top to bottom on their roster. Always impressed with senior [player_tooltip player_id="89273" first="Marissa" last="Meiring"] and her physical stature and aggressive play. Taylor Ratermann is another senior who is battle-tested and impressive along with Kennedi Gephart, Macy Imwalle and Alyssa Wrasman. The junior class is phenomenal with the likes of Kenzie Hoelscher, Caitlyn Gasson, Jadyn Puthoff, Corynn Heitkamp, [player_tooltip player_id="159039" first="Dana" last="Rose"]<strong><span style="font-size: 10pt"> </span></strong>returning off of outstanding sophomore seasons. Also sophomore [player_tooltip player_id="159381" first="Ava" last="Sholtis"] will be special before she is done there. <strong>Back-to-Back-to-BACK?- </strong>Winning the last two state championships in a row was tough enough, now the target has grown even larger with the loss of seven seniors, including Xavier signee Courtney Prenger and the multi-dimensional and dangerous Demaris Wolf. Fortunately for the Wildcats, they can win a lot of games on defense. They were aggressive and pressured the ball well in their summer league game. [player_tooltip player_id="32556" first="Ivy" last="Wolf"] and Janae Hoying have blossomed into elite players in Ohio. Hoying has really progressed her overall game and is a bigger threat than just standing outside and shooting. She has a  more complete game than she ever has. Wolf can do it all. I still say she is the best point guard in Ohio in her class, and I would be careful telling them how difficult a three-peat is... they just may take that challenge personally and make it happen. <strong>Is it their year?- </strong>Even with the loss of a key part of the starting lineup, Tri Village will be coming at full force this season with likely the best team they ever had. The loss of Emma Printz was big, but they replaced her with two very talented freshman. Then you have to realize the other four starters are back, and if Trissa Porter is healthy enough to contribute this year, watch out. They throw the best 1-2 inside punch at you in the state in D4 with Maddie and [player_tooltip player_id="32603" first="Meghan" last="Downing"], both next-level players. Then you have to deal with Lissa Siler, who will bury you from the outside, and then you have to worry about the floor general leadership of Andi Bietry. <strong>Big year for the Tigers- </strong>One thing that Jacki Stonebraker is looking for is to forget about last seasons finish, and focus on another trip to state this season. They have the tools to make that happen, with weapons from all over the court. Their guard play last night was solid with Caitlin McEldowney, their post play is strong with [player_tooltip player_id="32543" first="Lindsey" last="Winner"] and Brooke Stonebraker, and one thing that know how to do is win. They will have a very strong lineup and when Danielle Kunk returns from her ACL injury soon, it will make the Tigers a favorite to make that trip back to Columbus. They will play defense, rebound and they are a scrappy group. Oh yeah, they also have some unfinished business to take care of. <strong>Others to Watch: </strong>I really liked the progression of Carmen Hueker of Botkins, who has developed into a very productive point guard for the Trojans. Good handles and runs the offense well. She has the ability to score a lot for Botkins. [player_tooltip player_id="89270" first="Megan" last="Jurosic"] from New Knoxville is another player who I liked her game. Strong, physical presence who continues to improve.