GWOC American Preview

<p>Last year Centerville and Springfield were the top teams in their half of the GWOC. Conference realignment did not affect these teams, but graduation hit the conference hard with many top players moving on. While there still is some talent coming back, the majority of the guys are not on that level this year. Below I take a look at the top teams in the GWOC American this year, and explain why I think Centerville is the team to beat this year.</p> <p>1st Team<br /> Mo Njie (2020) Centerville- Averaged 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game. The 6’9 post is without a doubt the best post precense in the GWOC. Already holding multiple Division I offers, Njie is bound to have a tremendous season and is the top prospect to watch for Player of the Year honors.</p> <p>Gabe Cupps (2023) Centerville- Arguably the top freshman prospect in Southwestern Ohio, Cupps joins an Elks team led by super senior Njie. He has such confidence on the floor and will take over games at an early age. He and Njie will form the top 1-2 duo in the GWOC and could potentially be a sleeper for All-Ohio honors if he plays the way we know he can.</p> <p>Chris Herbort (2020) Beavercreek- Averaged 11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists per game. Herbort has continued to grow from a shooting specialist to a more rounded offensive weapon. He has vastly improved over the last few seasons and has emerged as a threat with his shooting and off the dribble. He will take over the scoring role for the Beavers and is going to be quite a player to watch.</p> <p>Andre O’Daniel (2020) Fairmont- Averaged 7 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Hidden at times due to the firepower in graduated seniors Ryan Hall and Kellan Bochenek, O’Daniel now returns as the top guy for the Firebirds. He has shown his ability to score from multiple levels and be a scoring threat, but can he lead this Firebirds team that loses 4 starters from a year ago?</p> <p>Jalan Minney (2020) Springfield- Averaged 9 points, 3 assists, 2 steals. The Wildcats focused a lot on RaHeim Moss last season and now the focus will shift to Minney. The 6’2 point guard does more than just score the ball. He gets the ball to teammates and will be heavily leaned on on both ends of the floor this upcoming season.</p> <p>2nd Team<br /> Larry Stephens (2020) Springfield- 9 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals a game. An elite athlete that makes plays on both ends of the floor.</p> <p>Yousef Saleh (2020) Beavercreek- 7 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal. Experienced point guard that should compliment Herbort in the backcourt for the Beavers.</p> <p>Rich Rolf (2022) Centerville- 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist. Missed most of the season with a knee injury, but when healthy is one of the biggest mismatches at 6’6.</p> <p>Cam Fancher (2021) Wayne- 4 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists. Combo guard with explosiveness but possesses a nice shooting touch.</p> <p>Lawrent Rice (2023) Wayne- Another high level incoming freshman. Has the chance to be a key role guy for the season.</p> <p>Honorable Mention<br /> Kebba Njie (2022) Centerville<br /> Adam Duvall (2022) Beavercreek<br /> Kaleb Hall (2020) Fairmont<br /> Malcolm Curry (2021) Wayne<br /> Mali Harris-Strayhorn (2020) Beavercreek</p> <p>Finish<br /> 1. Centerville- Have the most talent, but their youth could make a deep postseason run difficult.<br /> 2. Springfield- Most experienced team coming back, but must replace their top 2 scoring threats.<br /> 3. Beavercreek- The returning talent is very good, but must be able to compete with the athleticism in the conference.<br /> 4. Wayne- Warriors need a year to build chemistry and experience, but could catch Beavercreek at #3.<br /> 5. Fairmont- Lose too much talent to stay competitive and will need additional support for O’Daniel.</p>