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bman [b wrote:Post #1[/b] post_id=1609915 time=1510382334 user_id=266]New Hope applied to the OHSAA, but no dice from what I was told.
Snowman [b wrote:Post 2[/b] post_id=1610920 time=1510595866 user_id=3145]
That's interesting about New Hope. I'm from Central Ohio and have a relative who plays in the MOCAL (most MOCAL teams play New Hope). I heard New Hope was trying to get into the MOCAL after they made it to OHSAA, but that most MOCAL teams don't want to drive 1+ hour to get there. The Statesmen have also developed a bit of a reputation among Central District teams as a bit obnoxious and not exactly the most friendly Christian school out there.
For being less than 5 years into having a high school, they sure are tough. This senior class has been dominating light and medium competition since middle school, so I'm curious to see how they do against a really good D3 Bishop Ready.
Also, someone mentioned Harvest Prep as a tough D4 school. That they were, but they are now a tough D3 school thanks to competitive balance. They had so many transfers that they might actually jump up to D2 next season (but I'm sure they've corrected their previous recruiting issues )
bman [b wrote:Post 3[/b]post_id=1610949 time=1510603466 user_id=266]
I believe the problem is they only offer a few sports - basketball, co-ed soccer and volleyball and just started cross country and track last season. OHSAA wants schools to have a minimum number of sports before they join.
New Hope would be a good fit for the Mid-State League's Cardinal Division, but they are full.
Snowman [b wrote:Post 4[/b]post_id=1611186 time=1510666994 user_id=3145]
Good call! I wouldn't be shocked if Wellington isn't in that division for long. That's a long drive for most of their games and I would assume that they would be heavy favorites in most of their games (other than maybe Harvest Prep). Maybe if them or Prep ever move then New Hope would hop in.
formerfcfan [b wrote:Post 5[/b] post_id=1611214 time=1510673323 user_id=132]
Sorry, but I don’t agree. Their athletics are awful and their facilities are horrendous. It would just make a complete joke of the MSL for them to come in.
Additionally, one of the hiccups with New Hope Christian is often times they have students that are either homeschooled or intentionally held back for whatever reason. That means they have freshmen who can be 16, seniors who can be 19. Now, while OHSAA allows kids to play until they’re 20, the population of families that support New Hope (by virtue of sending their kids there) largely believe kids should start later - not on time, or sooner. With NHC participating in the Christian school equivalent of the OHSAA (I forget what it’s called), that isn’t an issue because that consortium has looser eligibility rules.
A friend of mine coached 7th grade girls basketball for Fisher (St. Mary’s) a few years ago. Because it was hard to find games, given that the majority of the MSL-Cardinal only had combined 7th and 8th grade teams (therefore they’d play the 8th grade team) they took New Hope on to fill a spot. The New Hope team was a 6th, 7th, and 8th grade combined team. Three grades. And they only had eight girls across those three grades playing. SM’s beat them 27-4, and, according to my buddy, their coach was a complete jerk.
They should just do the MOCAL.
Snowman [b wrote:Post 6[/b] post_id=1611219 time=1510674622 user_id=3145]
I don't want to start a squabble, but I thought their gym was nice. Yes the building is attached to the church, but I would hardly call the facilities "horrendous."
I do agree that I don't think they would be a great fit right now. They would probably fit with the MOCAL based on size and lack of basic sports (like baseball and not co-ed soccer). They need to show some consistency and build their program just like all new schools, but in 5-10 years if they grow I'd think they would have more sports teams and be in a much better spot. So if the situation is re-evaluated and maybe Wellington and or Harvest Prep leaves for a more competitive conference, I would think New Hope would be a nice addition.
As far as basketball goes, I'd be willing to bet they would finish in the top 5 of the D4 Central District tournament if they were OHSAA. They went 22-3 last year and 17-6 the year before, playing decent competition for their size. I suppose it could be possible that it's just a great senior class and that the other sports aren't up to snuff, but at least with basketball it seems like they've really done well to start their high school resume.
formerfcfan [b wrote:Post 7[/b] post_id=1611222 time=1510675631 user_id=132]
I just added more to my post. Gym is okay, but outdoor facilities aren’t great.
The main issue for them competitively is how well, and how sustainable, athletics are in terms of OHSAA age eligibility as well as numbers. Frankly, I dont think a school like FC or GCC has any interest in taking them on board.
Snowman [b wrote:Post 8[/b] post_id=1611228 time=1510677448 user_id=3145]
^Very good points. I have not been to the outdoor facilities so I'm sure you're absolutely right.
And that's very true on sustainability. Several good years from one sport does not make them a viable school for a well-established conference. These first few years they definitely have pumped up their basketball team with homeschoolers. I know two years ago they had 3 seniors on a team when the school didn't even have a senior class. Undoubtedly that has helped their basketball team.
And as someone associated with the MOCAL, I definitely agree that they are well suited for the MOCAL (only 2 or 3 teams have separate 7th and 8th grade basketball teams). It doesn't seem like the MOCAL wants them either based on travel time and that there seems to be an attitude issue among many of their players/coaches. Maybe they would be better off going South and East instead of trying to head North.