2019-20 League Previews: SWBL Buckeye Division

It was a special year for Waynesville last season, as they not only finished unbeaten in the regular season, but they finished one game away from winning a state title. A tough loss to Africentric in the state championship game was their lone loss of the season. The Spartans lost a lot to graduation, but they return some talent to look for another run. A lot of talent is gone, but the competition should be fierce in the race for the Buckeye Division title. <strong>Carlisle</strong> A good group of returning players will make the Indians a challenger in the division. Senior Caitlin Stewart is a solid perimeter shooter and is the returning leading scorer. Sophomore Kaylee Lawson had a solid freshman year, and junior Kaylee Dingee has shown improvement throughout the summer. She played well at the Ohio Summer Showcase and is ready for a breakout season. <strong>Dixie</strong> The Greyhounds will need to replace most of their offense due to graduation. The leading returning scorer is senior Kalyn McQueen at just over two points per game. Dixie will need to have someone step up and take over the scoring. <strong>Middletown Madison</strong> One of the keys to a successful season for the Mohawks will be the healthy return of senior guard Kenzi Saunders. She burst onto the scene as a freshman, but has dealt with injuries through her career. She is the best pure point guard in the division when healthy, she can score and find the open person. Senior Ally King is an emerging player and needs to increase her production. Junior guard Grace Baker is another player who could contribute this season. <strong>Milton Union</strong> A new era is in place at Milton Union, as Kristen Dickison has graduated. Senior Rachel Thompson is the top returning scorer, as the 5-9 guard will need to increase her scoring this season. Junior Morgan Grudich is a solid athlete at guard. <strong>Northridge</strong> Another team looking for offensive leaders this season, as their leading returning scorer is Leslie Lane, a 5-8 senior. Junior Diamonique Story also returns who had a solid last few games of the season last year. <strong>Preble Shawnee</strong> The top five scorers have graduated, so a whole new cast of players will need to step up with the Arrows if they want to compete in the league. They won 17 games last season, but with many teams rebuilding this season, they hope to challenge near the top of the league. <strong>Waynesville</strong> The Spartans hope to repeat as the division champions, and they will be led by junior Leah Butterbaugh <span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>(pictured above)</strong></span>, who heads into the season as likely the best player in the Buckeye Division. She can score from the perimeter and get to the rim. Seniors Carli Brown also returning, along with key role player last year Kenzie Purkey. The favorites to repeat. <strong>6 Players to Watch</strong> Leah Butterbaugh- Waynesville Kaitlyn Stewart- Carlisle Morgan Grudich- Milton Union Kenzi Saunders- Madison Kaylee Dingee- Carlisle