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HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL
Barbara J. Perenic
Catholic Central's Calum Latham is guarded by Southeastern's Duncan Mercer in a game at Jason Collier Gymnasium last season. The Irish
were the only team in Clark County to finish the season with a winning record at 15-5. Staff photo by Barbara J. Perenic
Boys Basketball Preview: Clark County teams should improve this winter
Coaches and players will have quite a bit more experience this season.
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By Michael Cooper,
Staff Writer
10:11 PM Thursday, December 1, 2011
SPRINGFIELD — Of the 10 boys basketball teams in Clark County, only one school finished the season with a winning record last season.
Catholic Central finished the year 15-5 last season. Tecumseh finished the regular season 10-10, meaning the eight other teams finished with a losing record.
But don’t expect that to be the case this winter.
“Clark County is filled with talent,” said Irish coach Dan Shay.
Shay said graduation losses from the previous season, youthful teams and other factors — such as injuries, late starts and new coaching staffs — were all big reasons why Clark County struggled last winter.
“The teams will have a little bit more experience, so you’ll see some more teams above that .500 mark,” Shay said.
Tecumseh, Springfield and Southeastern return several varsity players, while Northeastern, Northwestern, Greenon and Kenton Ridge will all be improved. Emmanuel Christian has a new coach in Dan Wingate, who replaces Danny Moore, the Lions’ only coach in 10 years.
Shawnee will also have a strong squad returning once it gets started. The Braves haven’t had tryouts due to the football team’s run to the Division III state championship game.
Catholic Central graduated its top scorer, Hayden Hagerman, but returns a strong nucleus that includes guards Brian Kelly and Calum Latham, forward Jake Aldridge and post player Mark Ellis.
Shay said the key will be defense. Without it, they won’t be successful.
“If we can’t stop someone, it’s going to be difficult for us to win,” Shay said.
The Irish will battle with defending Ohio Heritage Conference champion Greeneview, which returns top player Evan Bradds, for the league title. The Rams will be playing without second-leading scorer and top rebounder Ronnie Drinnon, who was suspended for the season after violating the school’s athletic policy.
“The league will still have to run through Jamestown,” Shay said. “The league is going to be a lot better than it’s been the last few years, with a lot more returning kids. You can’t take a night off.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0365, Michael.Cooper@coxinc.com or on Twitter @SNS_Wizard.
Ones to watch
Individuals
Evan Bradds, Greeneview: The 6-7 junior forward, an Ohio University recruit, averaged 17 points per game last season.
Zach Stillings, Urbana: The 6-6 senior post averaged 14.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and an area-best 2.5 blocks per game last year.
Brian Kelly, Catholic Central: The 6-2 senior guard averaged 13.4 points last year, shooting 40 percent from behind the 3-point line.
Teams
Greeneview: The Rams will look to repeat as OHC champs and make a third straight appearance in the D-III district.
Tecumseh: The Arrows return six seniors and will battle for the CBC Kenton Trail Division title.
Urbana: The Hillclimbers advanced to the district finals for the first time since 2003 last winter, and hope to build off that success.
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