2020-2021 Conference Preview: All-American Conference (Blue)
The All-American Conference – Blue Division is an athletic conference spanning schools from Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull Counties. The high schools comprising the league include Brookfield, Campbell Memorial, Champion, Columbiana Crestview, LaBrae, Liberty and Newton Falls. 5 Players to Watch:…
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Continue ReadingThe All-American Conference – Blue Division is an athletic conference spanning schools from Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull Counties. The high schools comprising the league include Brookfield, Campbell Memorial, Champion, Columbiana Crestview, LaBrae, Liberty and Newton Falls.
5 Players to Watch:
(schools are as of last year – unless PGH is 100% certain that a player has enrolled elsewhere)
Emma Gumont – 5’11 Wing – Champion – Class of 2021
Krista Perry – 5’9 Forward – Crestview – Class of 2021
Jenna Reppart – 5’11 Guard – Labrae – Class of 2021
Sophia Hook – 5’7 Guard – Brookfield – Class of 2023
Breeana Hutson – 5’7 Guard – Newton Falls – Class of 2021
4 Thoughts:
Champion is the clear frontrunner for the All-American Blue Conference crown this winter. Emma Gumont is the reigning Player of the Year in not just the league, but also the district. She scores at all 3 levels for the Flashes, while also rebounding the ball and blocking a number of shots. Brooke Whitt is as good of a #2 option there is – averaging a double-double last year for her 21-win squad. Ava Howell will need to continue to provide solid perimeter play for the Flashes to stay on top.
Liberty loses a pair of outstanding players in graduated seniors Shar’da Williamson and Delia Watson. Their production will not be easy to replace, however – Liberty will start with 2023’s Demi Watson and Cianna Smith. Watson and Smith combined to average over 25 PPG as freshmen. Allyson Jones, Jakyia Davis and Trinity Lamb will need to take on expanded roles if Liberty – last year’s runner-ups – want to challenge Champion for the league title.
Newton Falls and Crestview are two teams that expect to compete for 1st place, this winter and both return outstanding players who could make that a real possibility. Breeana Hutson and Madison Haidet will hope to lead the charge for Newton Falls – who has also re-aligned to Division 4, where they can do some serious damage. Crestview has standout Krista Perry back, a skilled scorer who can hurt you inside and out.
Labrae is a dark-horse who could play the role of a spoiler as the league picture develops. Jenna Reppart is one of the best players in not only the league, but the entire area. She is joined by a super-athletic sophomore guard in Laura McCoy. Labrae could be tough to stop if they control the tempo and get out in transition offensively – their athleticism will give teams problems.
3 Big Games:
Champion @ Liberty on December 21st
Crestview @ Labrae on December 23rd
Champion @ Newton Falls on February 8th
2 Fun Facts:
Although Champion won the conference and the district last winter – they did have a pair of glaring losses through the season, including Polan Seminary, McDonald and South Range – as well as league foes Newton Falls and Warren Harding (AAC Red).
Sophia Hook had an outstanding freshman season for Brookfield, last winter. Hook averaged nearly 14 points and 7 rebounds a game from her guard position, while also racking up 3 steals and 3 assists per night. Her teammate Audrey Reardon scored just over 10 points per game, as well. Reardon – only a junior this year – and Hook, now a sophomore, give Brookfield hope for the next few years.
1 League Champion Prediction:
Champion