What does the OVC have this year?

[Hoop Wizard]

OVC just not a strong girls basketball conference. Typically every year there is 1 or maybe 2 teams that are way ahead of the rest. I think it boils down to coaching- sometimes to build a PROGRAM you have to cut loose of some old habits and introduce change and have a system in place. I think Fairland and Ironton set the bar for this with their coaching staffs. Coach Adams does a good job also. North of us a little I think there is more of an emphasis on girls basketball. The SOC and SVC are typically stronger and it directly relates to good hires at the helm. From youth basketball up to Varsity basketball I think a coach has to make an impact. I know we have a pretty good youth system and over the years Fairland seems to have one as well as Ironton. It saddens me to go to a HS girls game and see parents complain about their kids playing time and their kid can't dribble with their off hand or execute some of the basic fundamentals that they ought to know by the time they reach HS.

[Bengalsrule]

As far as peake goes, they finish ahead of portsmouth and gallia. Have a chance to win against anyone in the ovc except fairland.

[Hoop Wizard]

How'd OVC teams do in scrimmages as far as pre-season goes? Did your teams have a demanding pre-season schedule to ready you for the upcoming season? Love to get some input from others who get to see their own teams more often. Also saw in Tribune where Lady Dragon guard signed at Rio- awesome accomplishment! Also what girls in conference are getting college looks and at what level? I know the Arden girl is on the recruiting radar at the D1 level and has been for a few years. She is a major talent and moving forward her growth as a player I feel will be at the small forward or 2 guard at the D1 level. Also would maybe like to get a look at top players in conference by positions. I feel their are some really nice players in this league- maybe not a bunch of D1 talent but good basketball players that can play at some level of college basketball.

[Westfan]

The Arden girl is a fantastic ballplayer. She has good size and perimeter shooting skill but not alot of speed and quickness. Watched her alot over the years at Ironton and AAU. AAU though she generally played inside and was just more mature than kids her age. I definitely don't see guard or small forward and she may struggle some in High school as she won't be totally on another physical level now.

[artisgilmore]

She may not be as quick as some of the smaller point guards around here,but with her size,height and strength along with her skill level,though only a freshman,she will not be physically outmatched by older players.If she stays healthy,she will be the best player to ever come out of this area.

[Hoop Wizard]

I totally agree. She has made noise on the AAU circuit for years- winning the AAU Nationals twice for sure and obviously being the best player on the floor in both of those tourneys. They may have won it 3 times but I'm not totally sure. Her and the Adkins girls from Wayne were fun to watch. Her skill set and physical abilities are off the charts for her age. Staying healthy is the key. She really worked hard to get back on the court after an ACL injury. I'd say at the HS level in this area she can play a multitude of positions. Her speed running full court is really a strength of hers. At her age her athleticism is off the charts. While not having pg quickness she still has 2 guard or small forward written all over her at the major D! level. Superb ball handler that will only get better and a post up game that will help her excel at the HS level. She can also shoot the 3 ball and with work that will only get better. I'd say it'll take her awhile to get back to playing confidently after an ACL injury as it does most people but if and when she's all the way back she will definitely be one of the best in this area. Getting letters from College coaches and being mentioned by scouting services for a few years now. Also a good kid to be around- best of luck Lexie!

[KY.BUCKEYE]

The Hannan girl for Ironton should be pretty good also!

[Hoop Wizard]

Top Players-Pointers-Badgett and Mundy- Mundy had a nice freshman campaign and Badgett has been a proven player since her freshman season. Kearns could have break out Jr. year.
Panthers- Hall and Murphy- I look for Murphy to have a nice senior season- Hall been a player since freshman season.
Redwomen- Darby and Scott- these 2 should own the boards this year. Hairston looked good also.
Hornets- Compliment can play- they need someone else to step up.
Dragons- Chapman-Wilson and all star cast- Chapman as good as it gets at pg position and as a shooter. Wilson improving. This team solid 1st 5.
Tigers-Webb and Arden- Webb can flat shoot it and Arden may be best ever at Ironton by the time she's done. Wise nice player also.
Trojans- Parker a force inside.
Blue Devils I have no clue. 1 team I only saw at Previews. Had a nice inside girl and a decent guard. Will know more on these girls soon.

[svac83]

Gallia girls are going to struggle at least early this season.. there is a lot of young talent on this team.. the question is going to do are you going to play your veteran girls who are better right now but don't have a lot of upside or play your young talent and let the veterans find a roll...

[Hoop Wizard]

Looks like the middle of the pack in the OVC should be a dog fight till the end and fun to watch play out. All the middle teams are pretty even-RH/SP/CG/Peake are all extremely close and any one of them could even knock off one of the top 2-(Fairland or Ironton) on any given night. Portsmouth and Gallia do look improved but not quite up to the task as of yet. Teams that play the Peake have to deal with their slowing down the game and crashing the boards. SP is fun to watch and their guard play and shooting ability is what keeps them in games. They can play up-tempo but can't allow teams to get them in a possession by possession game or they will struggle. Hall from Chesy off to a good start to her Jr. year as is Compliment from CG. CG getting good production from Dolen/Crum/McKnight and looks much better. RH right there and improved also. A team built much like Peake. Fairland starting off where they finished last year. Chapman best player in conference and supporting cast is solid. They may struggle with depth as it gets closer to tourney time but I see them making a deep run depending on draw. Up tempo pressing teams could give them fits. Ironton still trying to figure out their identity as of now. I think offense really needs to go through Arden even though she's a freshman. Her lack of touches hurt them against Fairlland. Tough being selfish at her age but she really needs to be. Graham a good coach and it'll get done as they always are a really good defensive team and that will keep them in games till they figure it out. Love watching the young talent coming up and my Pointers have a few good ones!

[artisgilmore]

Good point Hoop.I'll tell a story.When Larry Bird played, K.C.Jones was the coach of the Celtics.In a timeout on the last possession to win the game,K.C. was drawing up a play.Larry interrupted and said,coach give me the ball and everyone get out of the way.K.C. then responded,here is the play,get Larry the ball and get out of the way.Look,with the ball in Arden's hands no one person at this level can guard her.When they double or triple team her,our other good players will have open looks and layups.We have a very good coach.The simpler the better.

[BubbleGumTiger]

Im pretty sure Keith, and Lee aren't playing bb this yr for Ironton

u r correct............

[captainmorgan_]

The Arden girl is a fantastic ballplayer. She has good size and perimeter shooting skill but not alot of speed and quickness. Watched her alot over the years at Ironton and AAU. AAU though she generally played inside and was just more mature than kids her age. I definitely don't see guard or small forward and she may struggle some in High school as she won't be totally on another physical level now.

I agree except I would probably say not as dominant instead of struggle. She looked good the other night against rh, 20+ pts, 11-12? rb? would like to catch the next matchup with fairland.

[artisgilmore]

Speed wise,I would put her up against just about anybody on the court.Athletically,I have not seen anyone close to her.Quickness,above average.Defense could be better,but I assume that comes from AAU ball where they don't play much of it.She has blocked quite a few shots so far and her rebounding has been impressive.Her potential is very high and her play as just a freshman only will get better as time goes by.

[ohbuckeye2]

Ironton - Lexie Arden Freshmen season:

1. – 22 PTS – 4 Rebounds – 2 Assists – 3 Steals - ? Blocked Shots --- vs Lexington
2. – 18 PTS – 6 Rebounds – 2 Assists – 5 Steals – ? Blocked Shots --- vs Portsmouth
3. – 6 PTS – 10 Rebounds – 3 Assists – 1 Steal -- ? Blocked Shots --- vs Fairland
4. – 12 PTS – 7 Rebounds – 3 Assists – 4 Steals - 4 Blocked Shots --- vs Gallia Academy
5. - 13 PTS – 7 Rebounds – 4 Assists – 3 Steals – ? Blocked Shots --- vs Ashland, KY
6. - 21 PTS – 10 Rebounds– 2 Assists – 2 Steals - ? Blocked Shots --- vs Rock Hill
7. - 4 PTS -- 6 Rebounds -- 3 Assists - 3 Steals - ? Blocked Shots --- vs Raceland, KY
8. - 15 PTS - 10 Rebounds - 1 Assists - 3 Steals - ? Blocked Shots -- vs Russell, KY
9. - 4 PTS -- 8 Rebounds --- 2 Assists - 6 Steals - ? Blocked Shots -- vs Wheelersburg
10. 16 PTS - 7 Rebounds --- 1 Assists - 2 Steals - ? Blocked Shots -- vs Chesapeake
11. 13 PTS - 10 Rebounds - 1 Assists - 4 Steals - 6 Blocked Shots -- vs South Point
12. 27 PTS - ? Rebounds - ? Assists - ? Steals - ? Blocked Shots ----- vs Coal Grove
13. 8 PTS - 7 Rebounds - 3 Assists - 3 Steals - 3 Blocked Shots ...... vs Alexander
14. 18 PTS .................................................................... vs Portsmouth
15. 17 PTS .................................................................... vs Fairland
16. 15 PTS .................................................................... vs Gallia Academy
17. 14 PTS .................................................................... vs Rock Hill
18. 11 PTS .................................................................... vs Chesapeake
19. 9 PTS - 6 Rebounds - 2 Assists - 4 Steals - 4 Blocked Shots ....... vs Circleville
20. 6 PTS - 8 Rebounds - 2 Assists ......................................... vs South Point
21. Did not play .............................................................. vs Coal Grove

Tournament
22. 15 PTS - 6 Rebounds - ? Assists - ? Steals - 3 Blocked Shots ....... vs Chesapeake
23. 21 Pts - 14 Rebounds - 3 Assist - 3 Steals - 7 Blocked Shots........ vs Southeastern

[Hoop Wizard]

OVC pretty much on target. Couple of surprises so far- Peake off to a nice start and their size and ability to slow down game can give teams fits. They could end up being the 3rd best team in OVC and could quite possibly upset Dragons and Tigers. Their depth will eventually hurt them in these games but hats off to a good start. Hornets playing better as season goes on- seem to be heading in right direction. Compliment having nice start- not having to play point definitely helps her game. Hall from Peake a matchup nightmare for smaller guards- can post up anyone. My Pointers had to deal with flu bug early but hopefully it's out of way. Young girls playing well early in season but our lack of size killing us- Like to see us be more uptempo to counteract height and size disadvantage. RH playing well early- also has some size to hurt smaller teams. Gallia and Trojans both seem to be heading in right direction. Lady Dragons and Lady Tigers still top 2 teams. The game at Ironton will be the determining factor for OVC crown. Ironton seems to be hitting their stride now as they seem to be getting Arden more involved in offense- girl can flat out play. I realize she'll have some ups and downs as a freshman but girl can do some things that others just can't do! Lady Dragons playing their typical style- their size advantage hurts smaller teams. When teams try to take Chapman away they have size advantage to get the easy buckets inside with their size advantage. Chapman flat out can shoot! Can't wait to see how these teams fair down the stretch. Region strong this year with 'Burg playing well- NY off to a strong start and Alexander and Lynchburg both seem to be at the top of the class. Had the pleasure of seeing Alexander twice and they are very strong and well coached. Minford also very strong and 6"2 girl playing much better to go along with the Daniels girl- tough match up for anyone. Hope to see more of these teams play but tough when they play on same night as my Pointers. Good luck all! Merry Christmas and hope each team has an injury free run from here on out! Go OVC!

[h989]

OVC pretty much on target. Couple of surprises so far- Peake off to a nice start and their size and ability to slow down game can give teams fits. They could end up being the 3rd best team in OVC and could quite possibly upset Dragons and Tigers. Their depth will eventually hurt them in these games but hats off to a good start. Hornets playing better as season goes on- seem to be heading in right direction. Compliment having nice start- not having to play point definitely helps her game. Hall from Peake a matchup nightmare for smaller guards- can post up anyone. My Pointers had to deal with flu bug early but hopefully it's out of way. Young girls playing well early in season but our lack of size killing us- Like to see us be more uptempo to counteract height and size disadvantage. RH playing well early- also has some size to hurt smaller teams. Gallia and Trojans both seem to be heading in right direction. Lady Dragons and Lady Tigers still top 2 teams. The game at Ironton will be the determining factor for OVC crown. Ironton seems to be hitting their stride now as they seem to be getting Arden more involved in offense- girl can flat out play. I realize she'll have some ups and downs as a freshman but girl can do some things that others just can't do! Lady Dragons playing their typical style- their size advantage hurts smaller teams. When teams try to take Chapman away they have size advantage to get the easy buckets inside with their size advantage. Chapman flat out can shoot! Can't wait to see how these teams fair down the stretch. Region strong this year with 'Burg playing well- NY off to a strong start and Alexander and Lynchburg both seem to be at the top of the class. Had the pleasure of seeing Alexander twice and they are very strong and well coached. Minford also very strong and 6"2 girl playing much better to go along with the Daniels girl- tough match up for anyone. Hope to see more of these teams play but tough when they play on same night as my Pointers. Good luck all! Merry Christmas and hope each team has an injury free run from here on out! Go OVC!

Great post

[Hoop Wizard]

Trying to figure out the Lady Tigers after watching the game against Lady Panthers. Panthers played the game the only way they could beat the Lady Tigers and Ironton almost fell into their trap. Lady Panthers have that ability to slow you down and make you play to their size but can't figure the Lady Tigers out. Seem a little out of sync right now. Sometimes they look really good and other times not so much- hopefully Doug gets them turned around. Lady Dragons picked up a couple of wins in Cincy and are still the class of the league. Toughest part of their season is coming up. Spring Valley and Huntington High will be their toughest tests of the season. Really feel like they have the team to compete for the region but wished they would have stepped up to a tougher schedule throughout the year to get them ready. Coal Grove seems to really be playing well and getting better each game out. Rock Hill also looking better. Gallia and Portsmouth a year away at least. My Pointers getting nice contribution from the young girls and great leadership from their older kids. Lack of size KILLING us! We have to press and speed teams up to compete- but at times we can get a little out of control with our youth- getting better though. Rankings as of now with half a season to go with schedule strength ranked beside them graded from and A to an F.

1.Fairland- B- Really had the team to play big time schedule.
2.Ironton- A- Played a legitimate tough schedule while trying to fit together some new faces.
3.Chesapeake- D Conference members Fairland and Ironton toughest teams on schedule.
4.Coal Grove- C Looking like they could move past Peake the way they have been playing.
5.South Point- B Need to step up play and finish season strong. Non-conference schedule decent
6.Rock Hill- C Has the ability to move up. Lack of PG hurts them but strong inside game.
7.Portsmouth- B Playing schools around them makes for a better non-conference schedule
8. Gallia- B They also play some teams around them that are pretty good.

Let's get 2nd half rolling. OVC looking better. We'll start talking tourney seeding soon. Stay safe everyone in your travels and here's to an injury free 2nd half!

[Hoop Wizard]

Pretty big night in OVC. Some interesting match ups of teams that are pretty even. Thoughts on games?

Portsmouth over Gallia - Parker a load to handle inside
Ironton over Coal Grove - could be a better game than most think. CG improving but I think Coach Graham has Ironton moving in the right direction after some sloppy games.
Fairland over Chesy- Rivalry game. Panthers will try to grind it out and Dragons will try to speed it up. I don't think Panthers can handle the pressure.
SP over RH- time for my girls to put a stretch run together. BALL PRESSURE. Have to D-up and not let their rebounding effect us.

Should be fun, Good luck to all, Go Pointers,

[Hoop Wizard]

Thursday Night Match-Ups
Fairland big over RH- Lady Dragons get back on track
Peake over Gallia- Hall back and Peake by 20 over Gallia
Ironton over Portsmouth- Lady Tigers up and down but looking ahead to Monday match up with Lady Dragons
CG over SP- Hate this but really impressed with CG play. Really improving team. Their size hurts us more than our speed hurts them. OUCH!

Lady Tigers really a puzzle to me. I look for them to break out but so far kind of up and down. Maybe a big win over a Lady Dragon team can propel them into post season. Conference championship on line Monday and it's at Ironton so this is a big one! Lady Dragons still smarting from loss to HHS and have another big one coming up Saturday against SV. Still think lack of depth and lack of tougher schedule will hinder Lady Dragons in play-offs. Really have a nice team with a lot of size but lack depth at guard play. Chapman one of the best around and arguably the best shooter in whole Tri-State area. Lady Tigers can handle Dragons defensively but need to put the ball in basket more consistently to win these types of games. Arden will be the key in Monday match up. If she can have a break out game it will free up Webb to shoot. Lady Dragons D usually covers shooters pretty well. Dragons need someone else to step up this game. Should be fun to watch and a great atmosphere but--------Come watch my LADY POINTERS! LOL!