2019 SWBL Southwestern Preview

<p>Last season was a tight race for the SWBL Southwestern title. In 2019-20, expect a much different feel as the talent is not as bunched up near the top. Today I take a look at the division and why I think Franklin is the top team and Darren Rubin is the top player.</p> <p>1st Team<br /> Darren Rubin (2020) Oakwood- 22 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists. Sharp shooting guard that led the SWBL in scoring a year ago. Possessing limitless range and having a quick shot, Rubin is the early favorite to win Player of the Year yet again.</p> <p>Will Emrick (2020) Franklin- 13 points, 4 rebounds. Lengthy senior that can knock down the 3PT shot and gives the Wildcats a rebounding threat on the perimeter.</p> <p>Zack Minton (2020) Franklin- 14 points, 3 rebounds. Another sharpshooting option for the Wildcats that can take over a game when he gets going from behind the arc.</p> <p>AJ Eller (2021) Brookville- 11 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists. A role player last year for the Blue Devils, Eller must now become the primary scoring option for Brookville out of the backcourt.</p> <p>Ryan Chew (2022) Bellbrook- 9 points, 2 assists, 1 steal. A super quick, pass first point guard. Chew gets the ball into his teammates’ hands and can also score when he needs to.</p> <p>2nd Team<br /> Hunter Frost (2020) Eaton- 9 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists. Total team player that led team in rebounding and assists.</p> <p>Ryan Russell (2020) Franklin- 8 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists. Sharpshooting role player that provides the Wildcats another perimeter threat with his shooting touch.</p> <p>Will DeBord (2021) Monroe- 8 points, 2 assists. Hornets leading scorer a year ago that can score from all levels and will be relied on for Monroe to be a threat.</p> <p>Cade Cradlebaugh (2020) Valley View- 7 points, 6 rebounds. Interior threat for the Spartans that can be a playmaker on both ends of the floor.</p> <p>Manny Willis (2020) Brookville- 8 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists. Bouncy interior player that can play at the rim.</p> <p>Predictions:<br /> 1. Franklin- Wildcats return most of their starters from last year and should be the top team again.<br /> 2. Monroe- Surprising group last year that now has a whole year to rise the ranks in the SWBL.<br /> 3. Oakwood- Have the top player in the league and a chance to hang with the top teams<br /> 4. Brookville- Lost a lot of their talent from a year ago, but have some role players that must improve from last year.<br /> 5. Bellbrook- Still a young group about a year away from being the top team.<br /> 6. Valley View- Not enough guys around to run with the top teams in the SWBL.<br /> 7. Eaton- Another down year with so much talent graduated.</p>