NEO 3 on 3 League – Five Takeaways from Week #1

As June progresses - HS basketball teams in Ohio are working hard to develop chemistry and improve with sights on the 2019-2020 season. There are a number of shootouts and leagues that coaches and players take advantage of. One of these leagues is the NEO 3 on 3 league. A rare non 5-on-5 setting, this 3 on 3 league has proven to be valuable and a good indicator of future success for some of the state's top teams. Week #1 of the NEO 3 on 3 league was held at Wadsworth High School and we have 5 takeaways from that first night of games - which featured nearly 150 match-ups for HS/College teams from all divisions. <strong>Elyria Catholic looks to be strong again.</strong> A final four team in 2017-2018 and a regional runner-up in 2018-2019, Elyria Catholic needs to replace the production from departing seniors Faith Williams (Gannon University) and Regan Schill (Baldwin Wallace). If you watched them at Wadsworth during week #1 of the NEO 3 on 3 - it sure doesn't seem like this will be a problem. Led by the Winnen twins, Abby and Ally, Elyria Catholic displayed an inside-outside game that carried them to a dominant 7-0 record against a very difficult schedule. On the night, Elyria Catholic defeated Ohio Dominican University, Marietta College, New Philadelphia, Hiland Red, Shelby White, Mount Union University and West Holmes. <strong>Chippewa lost a lot to graduation - but is ready to reload behind Celina Koncz.</strong> Chippewa - the Wayne County Athletic League champion in 2018-2019, who made a run all the way to the state final four - graduated a number of contributors (Grace Lindquist, Kierra Amelung, Bailey Clark, Bailey Ferrell), but seem primed for another outstanding season. Two-time All-Ohioan Celina Koncz and 3-point marksman Taylor Thomas are back for the Chipps and they played very well during week #1 of the NEO 3 on 3. Chippewa - who had an upperclassmen team (7-0 on the night) and a freshmen team (5-2 on the night) look deep and skilled, yet again. <strong>Shelby has the potential to be even better than last year.</strong> Shelby, who ended their 2018-2019 season with a loss in the district semi-finals to Willard - are back and have the potential to improve on their 22-3 record. Youngstown State commit Emma Randall <strong>(pictured above - photo credit: Richland Source) </strong>leads the way for a Whippets squad that is now battle-tested and features a number of outstanding role players - including Sydnie Seibert, Haylee Baker, Olivia Baker, Sophia Niese - among others. They finished 6-1 on the first night, with their only loss coming at the hands of Mount Union. <strong>It doesn't matter who is playing - Wadsworth basketball always seems to get the job done. </strong> Unfortunately for veteran head coach Andy Booth - his Wadsworth Grizzlies have battled a number of injuries during the past 5 seasons. That hasn't stopped the Grizzlies from reaching the state final four on a number of different occasions and ultimately winning the state championship in 2016. With health in mind and a few of Wadsworth's top players (Taylor Leatherman and E'Anna Won) on the mend - the Grizzlies had one of the youngest teams in the building on night #1 of the league, but still finished with a flawless record of 7-0. Keep an eye out for Maggie Long, Stephanie Andrews, Riley Shriver, Ky'Sonna Won and Regan Simpson the next few years. We would not be surprised to see another Suburban League championship and long post-season run for the Grizzlies this winter. <strong>The Wayne County Athletic League should be as deep as ever during the 2019-2020 season.</strong> In addition to the previously mentioned Chippewa Chipps, the WCAL performed at a very high level during week #1. Smithville, Norwayne and Waynedale all finished with winning records at 5-2. Sarah Meech and Taylor Depriest are back as 4th-year letterwinners for the Smithies and their experience is evident when you watch the green and white play. Norwayne is led by the DeMassimo sisters - Caitlyn and Taylor - as well as sharpshooter Olivia Stanley. Waynedale and their 3-headed monster at guard of Brooklyn Troyer, Kelsey Wolfe and Laney Murphy is primed to make a run at their 1st WCAL championship in over a decade. Throw the Dalton Bulldogs into the mix and the WCAL should be one of the most exciting small-school leagues in all of Ohio.