With the two-time defending state champion Minster Wildcats looking for a three-peat, the Dayton area will again be strong when it comes to competing for a Division 4 state title in March. Likely four of the top 6-7 Division 4 teams will come from the Miami Valley this year, so the battle to get out of regionals will be tough.
Before looking at the top 5 tomorrow, here are some more quality Dayton area teams who I feel will put together a solid season as things get started on Friday with the first day of practice.
<strong>Division 4 Teams to Watch</strong>
<strong>Bradford</strong>
Anytime you have a player like Austy Miller, you will be a competitive team, especially in most of their Cross County Confernece games. Miller is a talented sophomore who can score from anywhere and not afraid to mix it up around the rim. Word is that Skipp Miller, the junior who is headed toward a stellar softball career and missed last basketball season with an injury, may not return after rehabbing from an ACL injury, so the Roaders will have to continue to focus on others increasing their production.
<strong>Fort Recovery</strong>
The Indians have two talented 6-foot+ post players, Olivia Patch and Val Muhlenkamp <span style="font-size: 10pt"><strong>(pictured above, l to r)</strong></span>, taking care of things in the paint, meaning they should have a successful season. FR gets that advantage again this season, as both are back before moving onto Findlay (Muhlenkamp) and Hillsdale (Patch). Also returning will be Kierra Wendel who is a solid point guard who is a good defender and can run the show. Ali Vaughn also returns as a talented off-guard who had a great summer. The lefty can bury shots from the three and play through contact.
<strong>Marion Local</strong>
Excited to see this team play this year. They return two key returning players and two newcomers who will be a factor. Alana Pohlman is a 5-foot-11 junior forward who is very athletic and versatile with a great rebounding effort on both ends of the floor. Heidi Rethman is a 5-foot-7 junior guard who is a strong player able to get to the rim and finish, and can bury shots from beyond the arc. Two kids I saw at the Dayton Shootout who were impressive were Sam Hoelscher and Molly Winner. Hoelscher is a 5-foot-9 sophomore guard who is long and lanky, quick and can cause problems defensively and get to the rim offensively, especially in transition. Winner is a 6-foot sophomore post who is strong and also rebounds well.
<strong>Mechanicsburg</strong>
They will battle West Liberty Salem tight for the OHC North title this season, as they return a plethora of talent and scoring. Senior Kasey Schipfer returns after missing most of last season with an injury. She is a good slasher and can hit the midrange out to the arc. Joining Kasey will be last year's leading scorer Grace Forrest, who has improved her game every year I have seen her play. Another kid who can score inside or out. Senior Morgan Hamby also returns and adds stability for the Indians. Senior Emma Jones and junior Emma Violet also return for Mechanicsburg with experience.
<strong>Troy Christian</strong>
Four of the top five offensive leaders for the Eagles return this season, as coach Tony Ferraro looks to challenge Legacy Christian for the MBC title. Sarah Johnson returns after missing the second half of last season with an injury, and that will boost this lineup. Sarah Earhart is a 6-foot-1 wing who can score from the perimeter, while I also like 5-foot-7 Morgan Taylor as a kid who can add a lot of experience and balance to their offense. Junior guard Erin Schenk also returns and is capable of putting up a big game. Good balance attack for the Eagles.
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