Conference Previews- Greater Western Ohio Conference

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Starting with the biggest D1 conference in Dayton, the GWOC will again be filled with not only strong teams and players, but sleepers who could make some noise this season when things get started next weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defending champions are from Centerville who won the conference by two games last season, and they have plenty of firepower returning. Springboro placed second, and have the most talent returning with two power 5 recruits and others who will draw interest. It should be a great season in the GWOC this season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5 Major Contenders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Springboro- </strong>I really like this group of players as one of the favorites to capture the league title this season. They finished 11-3 in the league last season and return the best 1-2 punch in the GWOC with sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='319295' first='Aniya' last='Trent'] and [player_tooltip player_id='319321' first='Bryn' last='Martin']. The sophomores combined for over 22 points per game last season. Guards [player_tooltip player_id='216014' first='Morgan' last='Meek'] and [player_tooltip player_id='319070' first='Ava' last='Wade'] have both improved a lot over the summer and will provide leadership. Watch for [player_tooltip player_id='217353' first='Chloe' last='Downing'] to be a factor around the rim. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Centerville- </strong>The defending GWOC champions return a D1 recruit in [player_tooltip player_id='93541' first='Kendal' last='George'], who returns as their leading scorer. She is a deadly sharpshooter and elite defender. Sisters Anna and [player_tooltip player_id='527918' first='Emily' last='Grim'] are both experienced players with a complete game. They have that target as defending champions, and they do have the weapons to repeat along with a group of rising standout players looking to make an impact with the Elks. [player_tooltip player_id='360898' first='Caroline' last='McDowell'] is an outstanding shooter, while Kaitlyn Polomino had a good summer and looks to make noise this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fairmont </strong>will have a good mixture of experience and hungry freshman ready to step onto the floor at Trent Arena and contribute. Serena Baker is a player who I inadvertently left off the rankings and deserves to be up there. She has been added for the January update, and she brings a lot of stability to the forward position. [player_tooltip player_id='217356' first='Kenzie' last='Roark'] is a fiery guard with the handles to control the game. They also have three freshman who all could all be a major factor in their success with [player_tooltip player_id='537680' first='Nico' last='Cornett'], [player_tooltip player_id='537681' first='Kaylah' last='Thornton'] and Lena Buskard. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wayne</strong> is similar to Fairmont in the fact they also have key experienced players back along with a freshman who should make an immediate impact. Katelyn Reilly is a senior who should be a key part in their attack, along with sharpshooter [player_tooltip player_id='216012' first='Morgyn' last='Rose'] and a fast-rising [player_tooltip player_id='366793' first='Jonilyah' last='Chambers'], both juniors. Their sophomore class is very talented led by [player_tooltip player_id='319059' first='Imani' last='Frazier'] while [player_tooltip player_id='537670' first='Brooklyn' last='Hall'] is a freshman who has already turned heads with her play in the summer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Beavercreek</strong> may not have a dominant scorer who will drop 20 every night, but they have a lot of weapons. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='216091' first='Hannah' last='Hunt'] is headed to Baldwin Wallace and does a good job in the paint, and she is joined by a group of talented juniors. [player_tooltip player_id='336529' first='Lilli' last='Leopard'], [player_tooltip player_id='735124' first='Liv' last='Walther'] and [player_tooltip player_id='366788' first='Mia' last='Patterson'] all return along with junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='366787' first='Abbey' last='Garcia']. They also have some sophomores who all have seen their game grow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other players to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='217340' first='Alley' last='Haas'] (Miamisburg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Abby Jones (Northmont)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->