2019-20 League Preview: GWOC American

When the girls basketball season tips off in November, one of the most exciting conferences to watch again this season will be the Greater Western Ohio Conference. Even with the departure of several of the teams, it will be a tough challenge for the teams to compete with so many great players residing in that conference. Today, a look at the American Division, which arguably the toughest Division One division in Ohio. You have the likes of three state contenders Centerville, Fairmont and Wayne while Beavercreek is always a team capable of making a deep tournament run, and Springfield has improved with one of the most electrifying players in the league, <strong>Beavercreek</strong> Will be led by junior [player_tooltip player_id="32580" first="Anna" last="Landing"], a player with several offers. Also key players returning include senior Morgan Rhoades, junior Trinity Bean and sophomore Maci Rhoades. <strong>Centerville</strong> Made the deepest run last year of all GWOC teams, and returns a lot of talent. Very deep team with a lot of good younger players. Highlighted by seniors Emma Stanley and Gabby Reittinger along with juniors [player_tooltip player_id="32562" first="Amy" last="Velasco"] and Kenzie Smith, and super soph [player_tooltip player_id="32611" first="Cotie" last="McMahon"]. They also have some solid freshman who may have a chance to contribute. <strong>Fairmont</strong> A very talented front line of 6-2 [player_tooltip player_id="89318" first="Madeline" last="Westbeld"]<span style="font-size: 10pt"><strong> </strong></span>and 6-2 [player_tooltip player_id="89331" first="Madison" last="Bartley"], a pair of seniors. Also senior Makira Webster is a very talented guard and Kierra Thornton another senior who expects to contribute. With Westbeld and Bartley, a pair of Division One college prospects, this team is on a mission. <strong>Springfield</strong> Hopes to challenge near the top of the conference this year, and they will relay on the talents of junior Mickayla Perdue, with interest from numerous colleges. She will get help from junior [player_tooltip player_id="91084" first="Jada" last="Bass"] and watch for junior Destiny Wells and 6-2 sophomore Lauren Tate who both hope to see their games blossom this season. <strong>Wayne</strong> Very talented team with a great duo of senior [player_tooltip player_id="89333" first="Nyla" last="Hampton"] (Bowling Green) and junior Bree Hall. Both are among the top players in the country at their position, and they will get help from senior Jaida Wolfork and junior Lovie Malone. Also on the Warriors roster this year are [player_tooltip player_id="91100" first="Alyssa" last="Hall"], who moved over from Beavercreek and 6-foot junior Jacquel Bronaugh from Northmont. A deep talented group looking for a nice run. <strong>5 Players to Watch</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="32611" first="Cotie" last="McMahon"]- Centerville [player_tooltip player_id="89318" first="Madeline" last="Westbeld"]- Fairmont Mickayla Perdue- Springfield Bree Hall- Wayne [player_tooltip player_id="32580" first="Anna" last="Landing"]- Beavercreek <strong>GWOC American Notes</strong> <ul> <li>Westbeld is currently ranked the #1 2020 player in Ohio in the latest PGH Ohio rankings</li> <li>Mickayla Perdue from Springfield and [player_tooltip player_id="91100" first="Alyssa" last="Hall"] from Wayne were a key part of her UAA National Championship West Virginia Thunder AAU team. Wayne head coach Travis Trice was also on the coaching staff.</li> <li>Beavercreek’s Ed Zink is the winningest girls basketball coach in Ohio history, and is the longest tenured girls basketball coach in the Dayton area.</li> <li>Fairmont, Centerville and Wayne will all be participating in the prestigious Classic in the Country in January.</li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="89331" first="Madison" last="Bartley"] (Fairmont) has committed to Belmont, while [player_tooltip player_id="89333" first="Nyla" last="Hampton"] (Wayne) is headed to Bowling Green. Those are the only two players as of this writing that has made their commitment as of yet. Westbeld is down to her final five of Ohio State, UCLA, Louisville, Notre Dame and Tennessee.</li> </ul> &nbsp;