Conference Previews- Miami Valley League

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The MVL has produced a lot of talented basketball players, including several who have gone onto play at the next level. This year, the conference looks to be challenging with Butler and Troy sharing the Miami Division last season, while Sidney cruised to the Valley DIvision title. Will things change this season? Time will tell as we get started next week!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5 Teams to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sidney</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heading into the season, the Yellow Jackets would be considered the favorites in the conference. [player_tooltip player_id='93557' first='Allie' last='Stockton'], who is headed to Findlay, is their leader and the top returning player in the Valley Division. Joining Allie will be the return of senior point guard Lexie Brewer, who was recently released from her injury and looks to make another huge impact with her handles and leadership. [player_tooltip player_id='216106' first='Regan' last='Clark'] is a 6-1 senior who handles the paint, while the young guards of [player_tooltip player_id='217326' first='Kiara' last='Hudgins'] (2024) and [player_tooltip player_id='319029' first='Jordan' last='Scully'] (2025) are improved and will be ready to lead them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Vandalia Butler</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='93536' first='Sami' last='Bardonaro'] <em>(feature photo above) </em>is the top returning guard in the conference and the top player in the Miami Division. She takes control of the game, has great handles and is currently ranked among the top 2023s in the latest PGH rankings. Lauren Dady is a solid post, controls the paint and is an absolute beast on the boards, as her rebounding is what drew me to her the first time I saw her play. The Aviators are the defending divisional co-champs and brings back the weapons to repeat. Watch for 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='533090' first='Noel' last='Smith'], a fiery guard who has handles and the ability to score.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tippecanoe</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They return a key guard in [player_tooltip player_id='270608' first='Makenzie' last='Chinn'], a natural leader at the point guard spot who can take over a game. She has great handles and is a fierce on-ball defender. Alexa Mader returns to the court after taking a year off to focus on volleyball, and she has good length and a wingspan that makes it tough to get the ball around her. Maddie Moran is another senior guard with solid guard skills, while a couple of juniors to keep an eye on are Sam Wall and Laney Cleckner. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='538307' first='Savannah' last='Clawson'] is a newcomer who should work her way into the system and is a good impact player for her age. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Carrollton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Pirates have plenty of firepower to compete with Sidney and challenge them in the Valley Division. [player_tooltip player_id='218276' first='Selena' last='Frost'] is expected to be back soon for the Pirates and is their top player to contend with. The junior is joined by senior sharpshooter Ashley Williams, who can take over a game from the perimeter. Senior Neveah Millerton is a strong physical kid who can control things around the basket while sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='410398' first='Tiyah' last='Parker'] is a good leader for her age and will provide a spark from the guard spot. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Troy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yes, the first thing that comes up when discussing Troy is the loss of Macie Taylor, now at Wright State. Senior Brynn Siler returns at the forward spot for Troy with experience, while junior Kiyah Baker had some good moments in the summer and fall and is expected to see her role increase for the Trojans. Another bigtime contributor will be sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='368870' first='Amyannah' last='Tucker'], who shined this spring with the Dayton Metro. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other players to keep an eye on</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='527878' first='Ava' last='Williams'], 5-8 2024, Fairborn</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='538121' first='Aubrey' last='Fritz'], 5-5 2026, Stebbins</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kendall Sherman, 5-8 2023, Xenia</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->