20-21 League Preview- SWBL Southwestern Division

The Southwestern Division of the SWBL should be competitive again this year. It should be a fun season with Bellbrook, Brookville, Eaton, Franklin, Monroe, Oakwood and Valley View. <strong><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: ’arial black’, sans-serif;">5 Players to Watch</span></strong> [player_tooltip player_id="91121" first="Jordan" last="Rogers"], 5-10 2021, Franklin [player_tooltip player_id="211751" first="Abigail" last="Dickson"], 5-3 2021, Valley View Dreann Price, 5-8 2022, Bellbrook [player_tooltip player_id="32608" first="Claire" last="Henson"], 5-10 2022, Valley View Brooklyn Miltenberger, 5-8 2023, Monroe <span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: ’arial black’, sans-serif;"><strong>5 Sleepers</strong></span> [player_tooltip player_id="216009" first="Addie" last="Lloyd"], 5-6 2023, Franklin Allison Mowen, 5-7 2022, Eaton Mallory Ross, 6-2 2022, Brookville Cadence Boyd, 5-7 2022, Monroe Margie Conrath, 5-9 2021, Oakwood <strong><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: ’arial black’, sans-serif;">4 Thoughts</span></strong> Valley View returns a lot of firepower and looks to repeat in the conference this year. Wittenberg commit Lauren Legate is a senior who is very skilled at the wing, but the player who coaches are eyeing is 5-3 point guard [player_tooltip player_id="211751" first="Abigail" last="Dickson"]. Still uncommitted, she is the epitome of what a solid point guard is supposed to do. Runs the show, sets up the offense and will drop the three. [player_tooltip player_id="32608" first="Claire" last="Henson"] is a solid 2022 with a lot of skill. Makes things happen, can score from anywhere. Watch sophomore [player_tooltip player_id="216007" first="Riley" last="Hodson"] who is a legit defender and can add to the offensive attack with her perimeter game. [player_tooltip player_id="91121" first="Jordan" last="Rogers"] is a D1 signee with Franklin, but the question is, who steps up to help her this season. From what I saw this summer, [player_tooltip player_id="216009" first="Addie" last="Lloyd"] is a sophomore who should see her production increase this season, while a pair of freshman [player_tooltip player_id="215222" first="Kensie" last="Black"] and Sophia Aldridge both are key in their offense. Eryn Back had a good opener with nearly a double-double and the 5-9 junior could be another big surprise this season. A team always in contention every year is Bellbrook, and Jason Tincher will have them ready this season. Dreann Price is such a solid defender, and creates havoc on-ball. Also senior Bailey Zerby is expected to be the main offensive threat, scoring from anywhere. Sophomores Kelley Griffin and Ashley Frantz will be counted on, along with a solid freshman class to help the Golden Eagles prepare for another good season. I like what Monroe brings back this season as they look to contend. They have multiple weapons including senior Brooke Frazier, along with junior Cadence Boyd and a great group of sophomores including [player_tooltip player_id="216092" first="Paige" last="Frazier"] and all-league Brooklyn Miltenberger. Watch for the young kids to grow up quickly this season as Monroe hopes to challenge for the title. <span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: ’arial black’, sans-serif;">3 Games to Watch</span> Valley View @ Arcanum- January 14 Bellbrook @ Valley View- January 16 Franklin @ Monroe- December 3 <span style="font-family: ’arial black’, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">2 Fun Facts</span></strong></span> In the past 5 years, four different teams have claimed the Southwestern Division championship. Eaton, Bellbrook, Franklin and Valley View have taken home the crown. Guess who’s back?  After an injury ended her season after just six games last year, 2021 Margie Conrath returns for her senior season at Oakwood. After a sophomore season that saw has average 12 ppg., she only played six games last year before suffering a season ending injury. She told me this week she is back and ready to go. Solid all-around player with good range out behind the arc. Good rebounder and excellent court vision. And coaches.... she is still uncommitted. <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: ’arial black’, sans-serif;">1 League Champion</span></strong></span> Valley View gets the edge, but will be pushed by a couple of very good teams. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; , &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;