Ohio Team Preview: Olentangy

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Comprehensive look on team: </strong>Experienced group that is very connected and eager to get better.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record From Last Season:</strong> 24-2, Tournament- Regional Semifinalists</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player Awards From Last Season:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='537668' first='Whitney' last='Stafford']-2026:</strong> 1st team OCC, 1st team Central District, 1st team All Ohio / The work ethic in this young lady is on a whole different level. And it shows in all aspects of her game! I don't want to wish her high school years away, but I cannot wait to see her play at the next level! Leads by example! <em>(Featured Photo, &amp; below with ball)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1048856,"width":"307px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/10/IMG_1222.webp?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1048856" style="width:307px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='748902' first='Chayla' last='Rankin']-</strong> <strong>2025: </strong>2nd team OCC, Honorable mention Central District / Rankin is known for dominating in track, particularly in High Jump! But let me tell you, her speed, defense, rebounding, blocking, and scoring buckets in the paint- fun to watch! <em>(Below, boxing out)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1048857,"width":"310px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/10/IMG_5377.webp?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1048857" style="width:310px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='451627' first='Kate' last='Mosher']-2025: </strong>Special mention OCC / Huge asset to this team! Outstanding quickness, never low on energy! And her defense, yikes! She thrives on putting pressure on the ball, and her hustle gives the team additional momentum against opponents! <em>(Below with ball)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1048854,"width":"306px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/10/IMG_1194.webp?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1048854" style="width:306px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ally Thomas- 2025:</strong> Special mention OCC / Thomas plays smart! Moves so well without the ball, cuts to the basket and delivers! Knocks down 3's. She's always ready to step up, whether that be in making buckets, picking pockets, or finding the open teammate! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 games to watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>11/23- Laurel</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>11/24- Lakota West</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>12/7- Upper Arlington</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>12/22- Anthony Wayne</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>12/29- Stow</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1/18- Peters Township</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1/20- Winton Woods</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 unique aspect or feature-</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Group is extremely connected. They care about each other and are holding one another to a high standard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As being a first year coach over here I don't feel it is appropriate for me to pick our key players or who I expect to break out. I chose to focus on us as a group and that is something I normally try to do. I feel it is best to highlight team and group expectations as opposed to highlighting some players out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Coach Ransome</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>***** I (Angie Saiter) had the opportunity to watch several Olentangy players over the summer. Grab some popcorn, sit back and watch, because there's a lot of ballers to keep on your radar! </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>***** <em><strong>Comments about ALL PLAYERS in article are from Angie Saiter</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='897923' first='Ava' last='Alexander']- 2028:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not only is Ava a top Cross Country runner in the state, she combines that same speed and stamina with pure athleticism and can do a number of scoring dance moves with the basketball! This child can play! Period. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1048861,"width":"196px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/10/IMG_4081.webp?w=681" alt="" class="wp-image-1048861" style="width:196px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Meryl Kolath- 2025: </strong>Keep your eyes on this senior! She's the type of baller that can do a lot from anywhere! Coach, you need a 3? Yep, she's got ya! Need some plays in the paint? She can cover that too! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='966472' first='Ryleigh' last='Thrapp']- 2028:</strong> Thrapp, another "Diaper Dandy", plays with confidence and composure, knows what to do with the rock, and my goodness can she shoot from deep! Remember her name! <em>(Below with ball)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1048863,"width":"297px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/10/09CBBEC1-5E13-4AAF-8506-05ACCBD3FA9E_1_105_c.webp?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1048863" style="width:297px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='808867' first='Kareena' last='Agrawal']- 2027:</strong> Kareena plays the game with zeal! Strong basketball IQ, and this young lady is mentally strong. You better know where Kareena is at all times, because she's a scoring machine! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1048865,"width":"298px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/10/IMG_5348_499a19.webp?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1048865" style="width:298px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Camden Spitzer- 2025:</strong> I love the fire in this kid! She does what the team needs. Tough defender, hustles, takes the ball to the basket with assertiveness. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1048868,"width":"296px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/10/IMG_5489_7c198e.webp?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1048868" style="width:296px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->