MOAC Conference Shaping Up Early-On, Led By Standout Players

<p class="p2"><span class="s1">Basketball has been underway for a few weeks now for girls in Ohio and teams are starting to shape up. </span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">The MOAC has a few team's that are showing signs of being dangerous early on. We dig in here.</span></p> <h3>Teams:</h3> <p class="p2"><span class="s1"><b>Shelby (6-0)</b></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">Last season Shelby went 22-3 and didn’t lose a game in the MOAC all season long. The Whippets look like they could be heading that way again, having not been truly tested yet. <span style="color: #00ccff">Olivia Baker</span> is leading the way for Shelby, really scoring the ball well this season, putting up 12 points a game. The thing with Shelby is they have multiple players that can get a bucket when needed. Point guard <span style="color: #00ccff"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/sophia-niese/">Sophia Niese</a></span> has the Whippets playing well on offense as she’s averaging nearly five assists a game, and scoring it well as well, recently put up 14 points against Marion Harding. Shelby still has two games with River Valley, another game with a potentially healthy Marion Harding that could cause problems. But, Coach Lantz has the Lady Whippets rolling right now and they may not slow down. </span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1" style="color: #3366ff"><b>River Valley (5-1)</b></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">The Vikings are off to a good start, including 3-0 in conference play in the MOAC. River Valley has the best all-around player in the league, senior <span style="color: #00ccff">Alexis Stevens</span>. Putting up numbers around 18 points, seven rebounds, six steals and a couple assists a game has Stevens tabbed as a go to player for the Vikings. Multi time All-State nods, she is a load to handle on the court. River Valley is in great shape to fight for a league title this season and it could simply come down to their matchups with Shelby. The play of <span style="color: #00ccff">Olivia Kyrk</span> inside has been key for the early season run River Valley is making. Another senior that is one of the top rebounders in the league, as well as with blocked shots. </span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">Pleasant (4-2)</span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">The Spartans are 1-1 in conference play, being throttled by Shelby just a few days ago in conference play. But, the Spartans have a nice gutsy win over Marion Harding and other wins over Elgin and Bishop Ready. The Lady Spartans operate as a committee, with no standout player, they play a nice brand of team ball that has shown signs of being well coached. The senior trio of <span style="color: #00ccff">Alissa Holler, Jamie Long</span> and <span style="color: #00ccff">Rebekka Twine</span> have been the anchor for Marion Pleasant. Leadership and talent is a good mix and that’s exactly what they bring to the table for the Spartans. Pleasant may not be at the top of the league when it’s all said and done, but don’t expect them to be toward the bottom either. </span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">Clear Fork (3-3)</span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">Early on, Clear Fork looks like they may be the most improved team in the MOAC. At the bottom of the league last season, they won just seven games, a number they will easily pass this season. Clear Fork has wins over Highland, Hillsdale and Galion to start the season. <span style="color: #00ccff">Brooke Robinson</span> is a 6-1 forward that is a difference maker for the Colts. A double double threat night in and night out, averaging about 12 points and eight rebounds a game. Junior point guard <span style="color: #00ccff">Morgan Galco</span> is another go-to for Clear Fork as she is a nice ball handler in the half court that gets things moving and sets up teammates. Clear Fork will fight for the middle of the league this season. </span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">Marion Harding (2-2)</span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">To start the season many had Shelby, Marion Harding and River Valley guessed to be a top the league. Well, the Presidents have had some bad injury luck and are also operating with a new head coach, which will take time to build their system they want. Harding has plenty of talent but have injuries at the moment, including their best player <span style="color: #00ccff"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ariyah-douglas/">Ariyah Douglas</a></span>, whom is one of the best in the entire league. With a tough loss to Pleasant and Shelby, the wins to date are over Worthington Kilbourne and Galion. <span style="color: #00ccff">Nicole Flock</span> and <span style="color: #00ccff">Justice Steinman-Ross</span> are names to watch for as they could pick up the load while Harding battles injuries. If the Presidents get healthy and things come together, they could be in top three of the MOAC, season is still young.</span></p> <h3>Others</h3> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">Ontario (2-2)</span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">Galion (0-6)</span></p>