Season Preview: SWBL Buckeye Division

<p>The SWBL unlike the GWOC and MVL is not full of rebuilding teams. Instead experience is back for most teams as the race for a division title will be tight in 2019-20. Today I take a look at the SWBL Buckeye Division and provide my top players to watch this season.</p> <p>1st Team<br /> <strong>Samuel Agee</strong> (2020) Preble Shawnee- 12 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists. The Arrows 2nd leading scorer a year ago, Agee provides the Arrows with a perimeter scoring threat and should compliment Singleton as one of the best offensive duos in the SWBL.</p> <p><strong>Nolan Burney</strong> (2021) Carlisle- Averaged 13 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks. Strong rebounding and interior scoring threat. Should see his numbers increase now with a point guard like Newsome getting him the ball.</p> <p><strong>Matt Gomia</strong> (2020) Madison- 9 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist. Combo guard that was explosive to start the season but mellowed down once February came along.</p> <p><strong>Bryce Singleton</strong> (2021) Preble Shawnee- 15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists. Singleton made his presence known last year as he emerged as the Arrows #1 scoring option. Lengthy at 6’2 and a consistent scorer, he has the potential to be a Player of the Year option within the next year or two.</p> <p><strong>Grant Whisman</strong> (2020) Madison- 16 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists. A lengthy guard that can take over a game with his size and scoring mentality.</p> <p>2nd Team<br /> <strong>Roman Newsome</strong> (2021) Carlisle- 11 points, 4 assists, 2 steals. Transfer from Legacy Christian that will bring a high IQ style of play to the Indians backcourt.</p> <p><strong>Jordan Butt</strong> (2022) Dixie- 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists. 6’2 guard that was solid during his freshman campaign but must now take the next step of being a consistent scoring threat.</p> <p><strong>Ryan Papanek</strong> (2020) Waynesville- 7 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist. A 6’0 forward that will have to improve his role after the Spartans lose their top interior presence from last year.</p> <p><strong>Tristan Sipple</strong> (2020) Madison- 7 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds. Defensive minded guard with a nice offensive touch when needed.</p> <p><strong>Darryl Story</strong> (2020) Northridge- 10 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals. Solid two-way player that will alleviate the loss of Twon Hines.</p> <p>Honorable Mention<br /> <strong>Cameron Currington</strong> (2021) Northridge<br /> <strong>Cash Ridinger</strong> (2020) Carlisle<br /> <strong>A.J. Lovin</strong> (2020) Milton-Union</p> <p>Predictions:<br /> 1. Madison- Experience and skill is back and much better than rest of the league.<br /> 2. Preble Shawnee- Return one of the best players in the SWBL, but must shoot better as a team.<br /> 3. Northridge- Hard to see another Cinderella run as they lose their top 3 guys from last year.<br /> 4. Carlisle- Should have dynamic duo with Newsome/Burney but can they compete with top teams in SWBL?<br /> 5. Waynesville- Too many seniors are gone from last year to anticipate another big year.<br /> 6. Milton-Union- Fighting at the bottom of the league and overall lacking.<br /> 7. Dixie- Lacking even more and relatively young still.</p>