TVC Hocking

[dboy]

The Hocking seems to be in a bit of shambles right now. Eastern beat Waterford and Fed Hock. Trimble beat Belpre. Eastern seems to be the only team that has had any consistency so far. The Lancers are banged up and, honestly, are probably missing the assistant coach. Waterford is unsettled on a rotation and, honestly, are probably missing the assistant coach. Belpre is just, well, Belpre at this point. Eastern seems to have a new confidence and they have some talent to go with that. Not sure what the rest of the year brings but the conference is feeling the winds of change.

[SEOsportchamp23]

The Hocking seems to be in a bit of shambles right now. Eastern beat Waterford and Fed Hock. Trimble beat Belpre. Eastern seems to be the only team that has had any consistency so far. The Lancers are banged up and, honestly, are probably missing the assistant coach. Waterford is unsettled on a rotation and, honestly, are probably missing the assistant coach. Belpre is just, well, Belpre at this point. Eastern seems to have a new confidence and they have some talent to go with that. Not sure what the rest of the year brings but the conference is feeling the winds of change.

TVC Hocking outlook based on these first few weeks.
Federal Hocking
Led by Cottrill, one of the league’s top players.
Strong supporting trio: Walker, Ballew, and Tabler.
Depth and size on the bench could be better utilized to dominate rebounding.
In control of their destiny, but still searching for that missing “spark.”

Waterford
Facing a down year with the loss of Hilverding from the coaching duo and last year's three seniors (Wagner, Sury & Smithberger).
Relying on speed and defense, but lacking varsity experience and leadership.
Freshmen are promising, yet struggles against Southern raise concerns.
Tough schedule ahead—may hover around .500 unless growth accelerates.

Eastern
Surprising resurgence with standout players: #3 PG (playmaker, floor leader) and #21 Simpson.
Effective zone defense that disrupted Waterford.
Could challenge Federal Hocking for the top spot if momentum continues.

Belpre

Anchored by Miller and Bills.
Coaching changes have sparked positive development.
Potential dark horse—likely to improve and gel as the season progresses.

Trimble

Showing steady improvement after several down years.
Progress is visible, though not yet at contender level.
Building toward long-term competitiveness.

Federal Hocking still looks like the favorite, but Eastern’s surge and Belpre’s dark horse potential make the race much more interesting than expected. Waterford’s dynasty may indeed be fading, while Trimble is slowly climbing back into relevance.
Depth and bench usage could be the deciding factor for Federal Hocking, while Eastern’s guard play might be the X-factor in upsetting the balance.

[dboy]

Just 2-3 games in and everyone has at least one conference loss and everyone but Southern with at least one conference win. 1-5 Belpre on the edge of the cliff gives the lone unbeaten (Eastern) their first loss. I'd say its a bit crazy.

[SportsGuy25]

Saw the belpre vs eastern score and it definitely shocked me. Taking nothing away from belpre, but i had eastern winning by at least 15. Great win for the now 2-5 eagles.

[Eaglepawpaw]

Saw the belpre vs eastern score and it definitely shocked me. Taking nothing away from belpre, but i had eastern winning by at least 15. Great win for the now 2-5 eagles.

If we could ever hire a good coach we have the players to dominate. I would like to know when the last time was that we hired even a decent coach in anything. I can’t remember any so it has been a long time no doubt.

[SportsGuy25]

A good coach can take a good team and make them great. Sorry to hear this.

[dboy]

Seems as though things are settling in. Federal Hocking settling in and I look for them to win out in the league.

Eastern looks like they aren’t a fluke and should be able to secure 2nd.

Waterford is just unknown. Did Hilverding really make that big of a difference?

Belpre is, well Belpre. Kids, parents,coaches. Who knows.

Trimble has done a nice job to get back to being competitive. Wouldn’t shock me to see them get to third by year end.

[SEOsportchamp23]

Seems as though things are settling in. Federal Hocking settling in and I look for them to win out in the league.

Eastern looks like they aren’t a fluke and should be able to secure 2nd.

Waterford is just unknown. Did Hilverding really make that big of a difference?

Belpre is, well Belpre. Kids, parents,coaches. Who knows.

Trimble has done a nice job to get back to being competitive. Wouldn’t shock me to see them get to third by year end.

FH should win out.
Eastern and Waterford will be in contention for 2nd.
Belpre looked like a solid 2nd but they start out well then fall off after a big loss or something affects their team.


Your comment about hilverding? I would have to say he made a huge difference with in-game adjustments. It was really interesting watching them coach together over the years.
Over the years. Hilverding always was all in on the first 3-4 minutes of the game then adjustments were made. Excellent at what he brought to the team and the players.
Close is good at coaching his players- getting the most out of each of them- exposing their strengths and using players in situations where their strengths help the team win.
The win over eastern - he put a smaller faster lineup in. They played zone. Threw the Eagles off their game. Eastern is good and played all the way to the end. Young coach vs a seasoned veteran coach was evident tonight.

Great preparation by the wildcats.

[Leave No Doubt]

^ Not only did it throw Eastern off their game but I heard they been lifting them danged weights and we all know that throws off your shot.