Central Buckeye Conference Preview

<p>The Central Buckeye Conference was the home of the 24-1 North Union Wildcats last season as well as 20-5 Jonathan Alder. The 2020-21 season will look quite different however than last season. For starters, of the 24 players named All-Conference, only 7 are back this season. Inexperience is going to be a theme in this conference from the get go as this season could be a rebuilding year for many of these programs. Take a look below as we preview the CBC.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">First Team Prediction:</span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="805170" first="Jackson" last="Izzard"]</strong> (2021) Jonathan Alder- 2nd in scoring and rebounds for the Pioneers a season ago. One of the best two-way players in the Conference and Preseason favorite for Player of the Year.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="967142" first="Preston" last="Crabtree"]</strong> (2021) North Union- Another solid two-way player that led the Wildcats in scoring last year. Bound for a breakout season after a strong showing this offseason.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="918977" first="Jainaz" last="Cameron"]</strong> (2021) London- Arguably the conference’s best interior player now. Should step into an even larger role.</p> <p><strong>Drew Mitch</strong> (2021) Shawnee- 2nd in scoring and led the Braves in rebounds last year. One of the leaders on this experienced but young group.</p> <p><strong>Collin O’Connor</strong> (2023) Tecumseh- Under-the-radar guard for the Arrows. Led Tecumseh as a Freshman in assists and 2nd in scoring.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Top 2 Teams:</span></p> <p><em>North Union- </em>The Wildcats return 6 of their top 9 from a team that finished 24-1 and was undefeated in the CBC a year ago. Crabtree returns and is going to be the focal point of this group on the offensive end and a leader on defense. Fellow senior <strong>Trevyn Feasel</strong> will be accompanying Crabtree in the backcourt. 6’5 junior <strong>Zach Vernon</strong> will anchor the paint after leading the team in rebounds a season ago. </p> <p><em>London- </em>The Red Raiders on paper were going to be one of the top teams in the conference this season, but were hit hard when <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="593922" first="Trey" last="Woodyard"]</strong> (2021) transferred to ISA for his senior year. Woodyard was the favorite to win the POY award before leaving and leaves a scoring void with this group. Fortunately, <strong>Cameron</strong> is back and is part of a deep frontcourt with several players 6’2 of taller returning. He and fellow senior <strong>Ethan Minner</strong> will be the focal points of the Raiders offense while controlling the glass as well.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Predicted Finish:</span></p> <p>Kenton Trail:</p> <ol> <li><strong>London</strong>- Return too much size for the rest of the conference to hang with.</li> <li><strong>Jonathan Alder</strong>- Have the best player in the conference (Izzard) but can they surround him?</li> <li><strong>Shawnee</strong>- Young team a season ago looking to take next steps with Mitch and <strong>Patrick Fultz</strong> (2022).</li> <li><strong>Kenton Ridge</strong>- Lose their top scorer from a season ago, but will lean on seniors <strong>Malcolm McKay </strong>and <strong>Michael Severt</strong> to step into larger roles.</li> <li><strong>Tecumseh</strong>- No denying there’s talent on this roster, but can they compete in the CBC?</li> <li><strong>Bellefontaine</strong>- Just don’t return enough to compete.</li> </ol> <p>Mad River:</p> <ol> <li><strong>North Union</strong>- One of the most experienced teams in the conference.</li> <li><strong>Graham</strong>- Return scoring threat <strong>Brady King</strong> (2021) but can they stay healthy this year?</li> <li><strong>Ben Logan</strong>- Bring back <strong>Trey Allen</strong> (2021) and a solid core from last year.</li> <li><strong>Indian Lake</strong>- Lose their top 3 scorers from a year ago and the returning talent just won’t be able to compete with North Union or Graham.</li> <li><strong>Northwestern</strong>- <strong>Taliek Dennis</strong> (2021) returns, but who else will step up and surround him?</li> <li><strong>Urbana</strong>- Graduate almost all their production from last year.</li> </ol> <p>&nbsp;</p>