Ohio Team Preview: Mogadore Wildcats

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They return 10 letterwinners, 3 starters, and will be adding 7 freshmen. The team was plagued with injuries last season, but if they stay healthy this season, Mogadore will be a very competitive team, especially for a D7 super small school.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2023 Results</em></strong><strong><em><br></em></strong>They ended last year 13-12 and as the Norwayne district runner-up in DIV to state-finalist Loudonville after being plagued with injuries to key players. The Wildcats had 2 players with broken ankles, a broken thumb, a broken back and serious illnesses for most of the season. The last 5 games of the season and the tournament they were finally healthy and able to have an excellent postseason run. They also lost 3 players to graduation - one 4-year starter and 1,000 point scorer (Brook McIntyre), one 2-year starter and defensive specialist (Olivia Kidd) and one 6th man of the year utility player (Savannah Thomas).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Players to Watch</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Amelia Morris, 2025 &nbsp;Is a double-double threat in the post every game, runs the floor hard, sees the floor very well and can facilitate too. She had a great junior season, looking for her to be a big piece of the offense this season and to help replace scoring lost to graduation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1049966' first='Ari' last='Tompkins'], 2025-&nbsp; Ari was their second leading scorer last season and they expect her to increase her production even more her senior season. Great rebounder and slasher for her size, one of their best defenders also, beyond physically tough. She will split point guard duties with her sister.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1049969' first='Julie' last='Tompkins'], 2025- One of their most consistent outside shooting threats, will look to be a double-digit scorer this season. Great rebounder, one of their best defenders, beyond physically tough. Julie will split point guard duties with her sister.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>More Names to Know</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ava Miller, 2025- Solid rebounder, physically tough defender.Has a nose for the ball and provides quality minutes every time she is on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rylee Clark, 2026- Due to injuries, she started a lot of games last year as a sophomore and really grew as a player. Looking for her to add shooting depth to our outside game and be a legit 3 point threat. Missed some games due to a broken back late in the season, hoping she is fully recovered and ready to go.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eden Cameron, 2026- Missed most of the season last year due to a broken thumb. Looking for her to add depth to the post rotation. Can handle the ball and play point when needed and can be a solid outside shooting threat. Very intelligent player, sees the floor very well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hayli Clester, 2027- Made her varsity debut last year, due to increased confidence, could be a legitimate threat in the paint this season and compliment Morris down low. Fast as a gazelle, can jump out of the gym, shoots well from anywhere on the floor. This could be her breakout season as a sophomore - adds much needed height to the lineup</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kasey Bolyard, 2027-&nbsp; Made her varsity debut last year, but then broke her ankle and was out for 85% of the season. Lightning quick, deadly crossover and quick first step. Maybe the purest shooter from the outside on the team and looking for her to have a breakout sophomore season</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McKenna Clark, 2027- Will see some varsity minutes this season. Another smart guard who sees the floor well and could add some much needed outside shooting/scoring</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Naomi Lewis, 2027- Will see some varsity minutes this season and likely to be one of their defensive specialists. Speedy, tough, fearless and very good basketball IQ</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Player With Breakout Potential</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hayli Clester, Kasey Bolyard.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Underclassmen To Keep An Eye On</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kasey Bolyard, Hayli Clester, McKenna Clark.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Also watch for Emma Moledor 2028, Tali Bartholomew 2028, Jessica Holler 2028, Ava Murphy 2028.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2024 Schedule/Games to Circle</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>vs Warren JFK 12-4-24- </strong>They will be loaded with talent and led by sophomore standout guard [player_tooltip player_id='895557' first='Didi' last='Ryan'].&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>vs Rootst</strong><strong>own 12-18-24- </strong>They are also loaded and lead by a super tough senior forward in [player_tooltip player_id='319326' first='Nadia' last='Lough'] and and all-around scorer in junior Colbie Curral.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>@ Warren JFK 1-15-24</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>@ Rootstown 2-5-25</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Non-League Opponents</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>@ Woodridge 12-23-24</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>vs Northwest 12-30-24</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>vs Field 1-11-25</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>vs Canton Central Catholic 1-22-25</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>vs Crestwood 2-1-25</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Notable</em></strong><strong><em><br></em></strong>One noteworthy aspect or unique feature of the team for the 2024 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“We overcame a lot of adversity in 23-24 and it made us tougher both physically and mentally. If we stay healthy, we will be the smallest but fastest team in the area, and a tough opponent at the DVII level”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->