GWOC National Preview

<p>Realignment hit the GWOC National hard this season with Trotwood-Madison joining an already weaker division. Many of the teams in the division graduated their top guys and if the Rams weren’t here, this would be a wide open race. Instead, expect to see and hear a lot of Trotwood as they likely run through the division. Here are the All-Conference teams and some prediction for 2019-20.</p> <p>1st Team<br /> Carl Blanton (2020) Trotwood-Madison- Averaged 19 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists. One of the Rams top scoring threats a year ago, Blanton now will have to be an even bigger role guy as the Rams replace 3 starters from their state championship team. A really good athlete, he will be tough to guard on the perimeter and will likely be a 20 points per game scorer.</p> <p>Sammy Anderson (2020) Trotwood-Madison- Averaged 11 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds per game. The senior guard is one of the better distributors and defenders in the GWOC. Also a very good football player, Anderson possesses tremendous footwork and great lateral speed. I will be curious as to how his role plays out now that Amari Davis has graduated.</p> <p>Patrick Ivory (2021) Northmont- Averaged 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal. The Thunderbolts top returning scorer now will run the show by himself as leading scorer Danny Lewis has graduated and fellow junior Prophet Johnson has transferred. Ivory will need to become a more consistent scoring threat and find ways to use his length on the perimeter. Otherwise, arguably Northmont’s top guy this season.</p> <p>Milo White (2020) Lebanon- Averaged 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals. White was easily overlooked at times last year due to him playing for a team that didn’t have a bunch of high scoring weapons. A smooth lefty, White will have to improve as a consistent scoring threat for a Warriors team losing several of their top scoring threats from an already low scoring team. Still a solid athlete though on both ends of the floor.</p> <p>Savon O’Neal (2020) Miamisburg- Averaged 12 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds. O’Neal returns to Miamisburg after spending last season with the Franklin Wildcats. Now back with the Vikings, Savon will have the opportunity to make an impact early on as Miamisburg looks to replace several departing guards. While not known for being a sharpshooter, O’Neal is one of the toughest guys off the dribble drive and is very difficult to keep in front. While a proven scorer, he also creates headaches on the defensive end with his speed.</p> <p>2nd Team<br /> Justin Golson (2020) Northmont- Averaged 7 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist. A senior role guy who will give Ivory another perimeter threat on the offensive end.</p> <p>Carter Mims (2021) Trotwood-Madison- Averaged 6 points, 3 assists, 3 steals. A fringe 1st Teamer with incredible athleticism and speed.</p> <p>Dane Hall (2021) Miamisburg- Averaged 8 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist. A strong interior presence that gives Miamisburg a solid post player on both ends of the floor.</p> <p>Willeon Yates (2020) Springboro- Averaged 10 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals. A potential 1st Teamer who has the tools to be a high level point guard and a very good scorer.</p> <p>Damontay Raglin (2021) Trotwood-Madison- Averaged 5 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist. Young wing that will see a more productive role after barely playing much last season. Bouncy.</p> <p>Honorable Mention<br /> Landon Palmer (2020)- Springboro<br /> Keontae Huguely (2020)- Trotwood-Madison<br /> Sellers Little (2022)- Trotwood-Madison<br /> Alex Ball (2021)- Miamisburg<br /> Jordan Smith (2021)- Northmont</p> <p>Predictions<br /> 1. Trotwood-Madison- Rams lose 3 starters from their state championship, but without a doubt has the most talent coming back yet again.<br /> 2. Northmont- Would have been better if Prophet Johnson was back, but Ivory, Smith, and Golson are enough to keep the Thunderbolts competitive.<br /> 3. Miamisburg- Adding O’Neal helps as will Hall on the interior. Not experienced enough to contend in the top 2.<br /> 4. Lebanon- Too many pieces are gone and just not athletic enough to compete with the rest of the conference.<br /> 5. Springboro- Too much experience is gone and Palmer cannot replace 2 All-Conference performers in the paint. Yates could get the Panthers past Lebanon.</p>