Season Preview: OCC-Ohio

Conference previews keep rolling and we’re onto the Ohio Capital Conference. The OCC is the most talented league in the area, with multiple divisions. First things first is the OCC-Ohio, which offers a couple Pickerington schools that are star studded. Add Gahanna and Reynoldsburg into the mix and there’s some schools that can compete with most. The OCC Ohio is going to be a great one to cover this year. <h3>First Team:</h3> Sean Jones (5’10” / PG 2022 / Gahanna): Sean Jones could see the biggest improvement in the league from one year to the next. Gahanna will heavily lead on his scoring and producing once again, more so this season. His quickness and ability to blow by defenders will be the name and game for him this season. Also, the improved jumper will be big. It’ll be interesting to watch the sophomore this year. Brock Waits (6’0” / G 2021 / Grove City): Grove City has an under the radar guard in Brock Waits. A shooter that can absolutely burry a team, as we watched him do during grassroots season. Waits brings back the ability to score this year as well as a defender that can cause turnovers. Expect numbers to be up up by the Grove City hooper. Garner Wallace (6’5” / WG 2021 / Pickerington Central): If there was a preseason defensive player of the year in the league, it would go to Garner Wallace. Wallace could be that guy now for the Tigers. Lengthy wing who can get his own bucket inside off the dribble and a capable shooter. Had some big games last year for Central, should see way more of that this season. Hunter Shedenhelm (6’5” / WG 2020 / Pickerington North): The Ashland commit can absolutely go, to put it in simple terms. One of the better defenders in the area that is rather versatile. Can block shots, force turnovers and guard multiple positions. The best shooter in the conference will often catch fire this year, no doubt about it. Expect some big games from a big time player on a big time team. Jack Sawyer (6’5” / F 2021 / Pickerington North): The best pure player and athlete in the conference is Sawyer. A five star football commit to the Buckeyes, Sawyer will once again ball out on the hardwood this season. A physical dominating presence in the paint that can stretch teams out. Bringing back his turnaround jumper this year, he will once again be basically unable to be guarded. Will fill up the stat sheet in multiple categories. <h3>Second Team:</h3> Conner Maciag (6’1” / G 2020 / Pickerington Central): In a prime position to see a huge boost to his stock this season, Maciag is going to be solid. The Tigers guard has been a good role player for them in the past, but will now step into a bigger role. With the ability to shoot it and work off the bounce Conner will definitely put up the numbers this season. Plays strong on the defensive side, gets teammates involved and operates with a good IQ, easy pick here. Tahleik Walker (6’2” / G 2020 / Pickerington Central): Walker is another player that is due for a bigger season as he’s more so now one of the guys for the Tigers. Walker can defend guards or wings and does it effectively. Getting to the cup and scoring will once again be his cup of tea. Expect the senior to rack up stats across the board and to be a big part of a bunch of Tigers wins. Chris Scott (6’3” / WG 2020 / Pickerington North): Chris Scott is the one that brings it all together for the Panthers. Scott is a versatile defender that is tough on bound and will grab plenty of rebounds. Scott is a multi sport athlete that brings speed and athleticism to the court that will once again make him dangerous in transition. Another capable ball handler for North, the senior is due for a big last go around. Cole Crager (6’4” / W 2020 / Grove City) Sean Moore (6’4” / WF 2020 / Reynoldsburg) <h3>Special Mention:</h3> Idris Lawrence - Pickerington North Jerry Saunders - Pickerington North Dior conners - Pickerington North Brian Shupp - Lancaster Predicted winner: Pickerington North The easy pick to who will win the league this season is Pickerington North. After a big year last year, they fell short, but were very young. Another year in and they have more experience now and a team full of solid prospects who can play. North has their top player in Sawyer, several underclass players like Jerry Saunders and Dior Conners that are going to be great when the time comes. As well as secondary contributors to support Sawyer in Idris Lawrence and Hunter Shedenhelm.