Pfloyd's Elite 8 of Southern/SouthEast Ohio - Preseason

[WHSwarrior]

pfloyd,

I don't believe Brown will be taking the court this year for the Warriors
Taking his roster spot is Lang, junior PG.

Should be another strong season for the Warriors, lot of untested talent, big on potential

[pfloyd]

... thanks WHSwarrior - I'll cross Brown off my Warren roster along with Kaleb Wolfe and will add Mr. Lang to the depth chart ...

[pfloyd]

Pfloyd’s Elite 8 of Southern/SouthEast Ohio -Preseason

1. Chillicothe ... Coach Kellough LOST Ray Chambers, Humpty Hitchens, Stu Beverly to graduation BUT before they took their games to the next level they left CHS, their fans and more importantly the underclassmen for the Cavs with a State Championship - THE GOAL to reach for every year from now on for EVERY CHS hoops athlete that puts on a Cavalier uniform - can't leave a legacy better than that ... Coach K has the nucleus of another fine ball club led by Seth Dawes, Caleb Knights ... some big shoes to fill for the newcomers to the Cavs varsity ... CHS imo won't hold onto the top spot this season but as the State Title holder they deserve the chance to defend, someone will have to take it away from them ...

2. Zanesville ... Coach Aronhalt has developed one of those "programs" that reloads every year ... losing players the caliber of Logan Aronhalt, Cedric Harris, Andre Harris, Shane Centers would have the "normal" hoops team looking to gain experience, with maybe a run the NEXT year ... BUT we ARE talking about "the 'ville" and the "system" here - solid fundamentals at both ends of the court, a JV team from last year that as been IN the system, KNOWS the system, AND knows what putting on the ZHS uniform means - championships, district/regional/state expectations every year ... Joe Prati will be the 'big man on campus" for the Blue Devils ... look for the 'ville to continue their winning ways entering the 08-09 season ... as with Chilli - the road will have bumps in it this season, but the "system", the "coach", the "schedule" will have the "'ville" ready for the post season when all is said and done ...

3. Logan Elm ... Coach Stiverson has taken a page out of the books of the best coaches in Southern/Southeastern Ohio - built a "program" that year in year out can/does hold it's own with the best in Ohio ... when you start talking hs hoops in Southern/Southeastern Ohio Logan Elm inevitably is mentioned in the top 5 every single year ... great defense, outstanding perimeter shooting, solid fundamentals ... hmmmmmm sounds a whole lot like Zanesville/Chillicothe descriptors to me .... the Red & White of LE would have been good with the senior year of Tim Congrove, Chad Holbrook to work with BUT Coach Stiverson has added size in the paint with Logan Hauserman (Adena) and MORE perimeter shooting/ballhandling w/ the addition of Teays Valley guard Brandon Amann - can you say loaded ! this doesn't take into consideration the LE JV contributions yet ... look for LE to start strong and keep improving right on down the Road to the Convo ...

4. Ironton ... Coach LaFon has built a reputation for himself for developing very physical, defensive minded footb - I MEAN BASKETBALL squads ... speed, defense, the services of 8-9 players per game ... this year should be more of the same WITH ,in my opinion, more basketball talent to work with on the floor, a "deeper" 8-9 players - Dustin Green (one of the best players in SEO), Johnathon Schweikart, Tim Kochendoerfer, Lukas Morris, Erin Edens AND the additions of the Big Man in the Middle & Behind the Arc Michael Lamb (Fairland) along with PG from WVa Malcom Morton ... I am excited to see this team on the floor together - a handful every time they step on the hardwood...

5. Piketon ... Coach Lisath has quietly assembled one of the most talented teams in ALL of Southern Ohio ... size, ballhandlers, defense, perimeter shooting, the ability to get to the rim - good luck coming away with a "W" vs Jordan Brabson, Jordan Miller, Evan Legg, Cody Smith, Keenaw Brush et. al. ... my understanding is that the Redstreaks took their show on the road playing teams from the Cincinnati area this past summer and represented themselves just fine ... shhhhhhh - they are talking 20-0 in Piketon this season ...

6. North Adams ... Coach Young ... a 19-4 finish last year, losing to Fairland in the Convo ... look for the Devils to be better than last season ... Kraig Unger, Sam Louden, Tyler Rothwell, Carter Nehus, Tyler Jimison, Chase Burns, Andrew Roades, and Alex Newman all return to take the Green & Gold back to the Convo District play ...

7. Oak Hill ... Coach Persin and the Oaks were Regional finalists last season, this year Coach Norm has virtually the same team back on the floor Kyle Ondera, Jesse Sloan, Westen Hale, Ryan Borden, and JD Hale ... the Oaks look to be THE team in the SOC - I know Wheelersburg with Stegman & Co. WILL be a force again BUT 5 of a kind (all 5 returnees) beats a pair - at least in the preseason LOL ...

8. Portsmouth ... Coach Shoemaker has the luxury of working with all 5 of his returning starters from last season - Cory Reeves, Andrew Bendolph, Jacob Stevens, Nate Cadogen, Anthony WIlliams , throw in Forrest Johnson and "move in" Tory Horne ... the Trojans are out to stop a 6 season losing record skid that is "unPortsmouth like" in itself , dreams of challenging for the SEOAL can be realized this season IF as trojandave has said since summer ball started - IF PHS buys into "defense being the key" on every possession ... look for the Trojans to have a breakout year - the talent has been assembled - we'll be watching from the cheap seats to see IF the Red/White and Blue are in fact a TEAM to be reckoned with or but a good collection of "individual" athletes ...

... there you have it the Preseason Elite 8 for the 2008-09 hoops season ... lots of wiggle room for the Treehugger Wannabees to move on up as the season progresses - the Wheelersburgs, Greenfield McClains, Warrens of the world are lurking, waiting their opportunity to jump back into the familiar territory - the Elite 8 ...


... Treehugger Wannabees...

Warren
Greenfield McClain
Wheelersburg
Logan ... best group of "basketball skill" athletes in a long time for the Purple
Alexander
Adena
Vinton Co.
West Union
Waterford
Manchester
Peebles
Zane Trace
Fairfield Union
Portsmouth East
Northwest
Fairland
Belpre
Trimble
Federal Hocking
Chesapeake
Reedsville Eastern

... End Table Teams ...

Eastern Brown
Minford
Meigs
Waverly
Eastern Pike
Western Pike
South Point
Hillsboro
Miami Trace
Marietta
Southern
Rock Hill
Coal Grove
Jackson ... Coach Larry Jordan deserves to make at least the End Table List
Gallia Academy

[duke]

Pfloyd,
Just a couple corrections on Fairland's roster. Long and Riley not playing. Hatfield's also about 3 inches shorter than what you're giving him credit for...makes up for the lack of heighth in heart though. Still have some big men on the team that play hard and have sprouted up, Godby and Berry...both a few inches over 6'.

[pfloyd]

... thanks duke ... surely the programs would never exaggerate the heights!?! would they ??? LOL ... I like the Fairland group even without Lamb ... I think the Dragons will miss what Bumgardner brought to the floor every night more than Lamb ...

[eagles73Taylor]

Dont know who you been talking to in the village of Piketon about 20-0! lol

BTW, Jordan Miller will not play this year. He tore his miniscus (sp), during football. He played the rest of the year injured, and just had surgery 2 weeks ago.

The talent is there, they had a good summer. Just watched them play West Union and Delphos Jefferson yesterday. West Union plays very intense and Delphos has some nice athletes. Piketon played well, but still early.

IMO, this team will do as well as the seniors take them. Brabson, Smith and Helton will have to step up and be leaders.

[pfloyd]

... sorry to hear that about Jordan Miller eagles73 ... 20-0 - read right here on seops eagles73 ! you mean it might not be true!!! LOL ... what's this world coming to if you can't trust what you read on seops anymore

[The Doughboy]

Ironman92,
Waterford lost alot of seniors last year. They lost their 2 guards Lang, Hoge, Forward/Center, Hendershot and two utility guys in Tornes, Rowe.
They do have Cunningham back and he's even taller, he's really started to behave himself now, and they also have Cody Strahler back whos a great guard with very quick speed and he is very tough. They'll miss alot from that class, Hendershot made up alot of their defense inside, and Lang was a great ballhandler.

[tiger_balla]

recovery time for a torn meniscus can be short (as short as 3 weeks)....had Jordan decided not to play anyway, regardless of recovery time...just curious...

[JIMMY THE GREEK]

Dont know who you been talking to in the village of Piketon about 20-0! lol

BTW, Jordan Miller will not play this year. He tore his miniscus (sp), during football. He played the rest of the year injured, and just had surgery 2 weeks ago.

The talent is there, they had a good summer. Just watched them play West Union and Delphos Jefferson yesterday. West Union plays very intense and Delphos has some nice athletes. Piketon played well, but still early.

IMO, this team will do as well as the seniors take them. Brabson, Smith and Helton will have to step up and be leaders.

The scrimmage at Lakota West/Kettering Alter and the home scrimmage vs. Harvest Prep and Portsmouth will give you an idea just how good or bad the Redstreaks will be. Wow! you talk about "sink or swim"

[trossy]

Pfloyd,

This is my first ever post. I have read your musings on SE OH basketball with great interest the last few years.

This is in reference to your post on Nov. 14 regarding Chesapeake as a Treehugger wannabe. Just a couple of corrections concerning the roster.

Aaron Ross was one of the 3 seniors lost to graduation. He was the 3 ball threat. He played in the Chessy system from buddy ball through High School. He was a 2 year starter on varsity. He was one of our defensive specialists and a scrapper. Only 5'7" on a good day, but quick and could jump, pass, and shoot.

Bryan Ross plays inside and doesn't shoot much. Also, I am pretty sure that Aaron Donahoe is not playing this year. He was a scrapper who was aggressive on the boards. We will miss his athleticism. Look for Nathan Copley to have a big year. He is a shooter and all around good player. He's a great kid as well. Kyle Webb will have another great year. Trent Saunders is a returning starter who is strong inside. The other new starters will really have to step up. Peter Hintz is as quick as a cat. Colton Lindsey is a competitor and a scrapper. Matt Angle is a good defensive player who works hard on both ends. Travis Zimmerman is strong as an ox. Freeman and Brock will contribute by coming off the bench.

Not much attention is being given to our Coach, Ryan Davis. This guy is the real deal and should be instrumental in bringing Chessy back to prominence.

Hoping the Panthers have a great year!

[pfloyd]

trossy ... welcome to SEOPs ... glad you have read my "stuff" - thanks for the corrections on the 'peake and the information you provided - a excellent first post giving the rest of us information on the Panthers of Coach Davis ... from what I saw of CHS last season, Coach Davis has continued the Panthers in the right direction - solid defensive, fundamentally sound basketball ... keep us informed about life on the river this season - not easy to get information from along the river ...

[pfloyd]

... any preseason information on teams that would change their standing on the Elite 8 list as we head into the last couple of weeks before "show time" ??? players NOT playing , players who hadn't played but are back??? key injuries that will effect teams for the entire season,part of the season??? whatcha got for us...

[93Bulldog]

Floyd ... Was wondering since Athens is no longer part of the elite SEOAL - will you still be attending Fridays preview? 12 teams man, you better go to obtain some valuable info if your top 8 is to be truly legit. ...

[Ironman92]

I was at the Jackson scrimmage that included North Adams, South Point and Zane Trace.

Zane Trace looked to have the highest ceiling and they will have a very good year......but they'll need to avoid silly fouls to stay out of foul trouble and costly tunrovers....that really weren't forced. Very quick and athletic....they were hitting 3's in the 20 minutes I watched and could "D" it up.

North Adams has one of the finest players in Kraig Unger and you can tell they can play with the best teams.....and like many squads sometimes play to the level of the competition. Well-coached and tourney tested.

South Point didn't have a great offensive flow as their PG is out for now but did defeat Jackson in the 20 minutes I watched.

Jackson had trouble getting much rythym on offense and many times were a step slow on defense......they do seem deep in who may get the playing time. It's hard to watch their scrimmage and not see them going 10 deep. Whoever steps up will get th PT.

[Main Man]

I saw the scrimmage at Jackson also,

Zane Trace looked the best...........North Adams was ok............South Point struggled.......Jackson is young..............
I agree with Ironman silly fouls for ZT, the 6'5'' kid for ZT missed a dunk . I saw them in warmups and they had like 4 kids ripping the rims down. Their coach said they return 4 starters again next year.....ouch

Unger is a manchild very nice player..The big kid inside is physical...........look for them to win 17 or so games............

South Point has some injuries and are trying to figure out things after losing Mayo..............

Larry the Legend will be Ok ,but it will take a couple of years then lookout..........

After watching the scrimmage I would put Zane Trace in place of North Adams in the Elite 8 rankings.

[jottings]

Oak Hill will be a force again this year. Tuesday night, in a pre-season benefit contest at Oak Hill, the Oaks used a tough man-to-man defense, keeping pressure on the Gallians from the opening whistle to the final gun.

Oaks led 19-8 after one, 35-14 at halftime, then outdscored GAHS 48-10 in the second half.

A pair of 6-5 giants, J. D. Hale and Cody Cannon, both seniors, paced the Oaks. Hale had 23 points and numerous rebounds while Cannon had 10 markers and several snags. Ryan Borden netted 10 points and Nike Evans finished with 10.

[duke]

Fairland had a good showing against 2 Division I teams in Columbus last night, Central Crossing and Bexter. First team lost 1 quarter, I believe.

[Ironman92]

I didn't see the ZT/NA 20 minutes of scrimmage....but if was a game that mattered I'd pick North Adams. They return most everyone from last year and I've seen 2 other very athletic and quick solid Zane Trace teams get knocked out of the tournament in the past few years....by North Adams.

If Zane Trace always shoots that well....they won't lose many.

[biggdowgg]

Oak Hill will be a force again this year. Tuesday night, in a pre-season benefit contest at Oak Hill, the Oaks used a tough man-to-man defense, keeping pressure on the Gallians from the opening whistle to the final gun.

Oaks led 19-8 after one, 35-14 at halftime, then outdscored GAHS 48-10 in the second half.

A pair of 6-5 giants, J. D. Hale and Cody Cannon, both seniors, paced the Oaks. Hale had 23 points and numerous rebounds while Cannon had 10 markers and several snags. Ryan Borden netted 10 points and Nike Evans finished with 10.

the oaks was pretty good last year if I remember.

thats good to hera, because I heard my trojans played farely good against them on friday night up there at times.