2019-20 League Previews: SWBL Southwestern Division

Today we take a look at a division that produced a very strong group of talented teams last year that produced two teams that advanced to the regionals and one district runner-up. This year should be no different. No, I am not guaranteeing regional qualifiers, but there are several teams who should make some noise in the tournament after battling all season long for the league title. <strong>Bellbrook</strong> A big change this season for the Golden Eagles, as they move up to Division 1, meaning a whole different path through the state tournament. They lost some solid talent, but returns some quality seniors in Gigi Painter, Alexis Cable, Brooklynn Hall and Kayla Paul. Bailey Zerby established herself last season as one to watch, as the junior joins sophomore Kendall Knisely in a rotation that should be strong again this year. <strong>Brookville</strong> After a struggling season in 2018, the Blue Devils hope that new coach and former Brookville player Stefany Hawkins can breathe new life into this team. I really like their solid post play of junior Emily Mason and sophomore Malerie Ross, who I thought has really improved over the summer. Keep an eye on freshman guard Jaclyn Fye who could emerge as one of the top freshman in the conference, and will provide steady play at the guard spot. <strong>Eaton</strong> Senior Bailey Shepherd is a great senior leader for the Eagles, as she has committed to Indiana Tech next season. Shepherd is an outstanding perimeter player and has good handles. Junior Lexi Miller also returns as a taller guard and will look to increase her production this season. <strong>Franklin</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="32346" first="Layne" last="Ferrell"] is gone as she is now playing at Akron, and junior [player_tooltip player_id="91121" first="Jordan" last="Rogers"] will be leading the way for the Wildcats this season. Rogers is very talented and can do it all from the guard spot. Brooke Stover is a senior who also returns with good experience. Franklin also moves up to Division 1 this season. <strong>Monroe</strong> They also move up to Division 1, and returns 5-9 senior Olivia Wells-Daniels, an athletic guard who put up some big numbers early last season. Wells is one of the top players in the SWBL. Also returning is Kylee Slone, who had a good summer improving her game. Alyssa Beckett is a junior who also had some big games last season. A rising junior is Brooke Frazier. <strong>Oakwood</strong> The Jills will have to replace all-state guard [player_tooltip player_id="32367" first="Lauren" last="Hapgood"], but they have junior Margie Conrath who developed into a strong leader last year complimenting Hapgood well. Seniors Kylie Neff and Kylie Foos add to an attack that should compete in the conference. <strong>Valley View</strong> The favorites in the Southwestern Division, as they return four starters and a solid group of younger kids who should compete. Senior [player_tooltip player_id="32528" first="Aubrey" last="Stupp"] <span style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><em> </em></strong></span>has verballed to Purdue Fort Wayne and is talented both inside and out. Junior Abigail Dickson is the consummate point guard who can score, while junior Lauren Legate is a threat from the perimeter. I really like the sophomore [player_tooltip player_id="32608" first="Claire" last="Henson"] who is flying up the radar. <b>6 Players to Watch</b> <b></b>Bailey Shepard- Eaton Maleire Ross- Brookville Olivia Wells Daniels- Monroe Gigi Painter- Bellbrook [player_tooltip player_id="32528" first="Aubrey" last="Stupp"]- Valley View Margie Conrath- Oakwood &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;