5 Bold Predictions: Shelby County Athletic League

<p>The SCAL had some positivity this past year watching their member Botkins win a state title. Looking ahead to 2021-22, there are some burning questions on how the league is going to look this upcoming season. Take a look at some of those predictions below. </p> <p><strong>1- Botkins can win the SCAL outright this year</strong></p> <p>After tying with Anna for a SCAL title a year ago, I expect Botkins to win an outright title in the SCAL this year. 4 of their top 7 are back from the team that won the D4 State Championship a year ago. Even with a new coach at the helm I don’t see Botkins struggling to repeat. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1045457" first="Jacob" last="Pleiman"]</strong> and his junior brother <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1165701" first="Carter" last="Pleiman"]</strong> both return and have a chance to be the best duo in the SCAL. With graduation taking some of Anna’s players and [player_tooltip player_id="714519" first="Aidan" last="Reichert"] from Jackson Center, the top half of the league shouldn’t be as competitive as a year ago.</p> <p><strong>2- SCAL will be well represented in Districts</strong></p> <p>In seems every year we see 1-2 members of the SCAL making it to the Districts. Botkins is clearly one of the favorites in the league and depending on who goes into their half of the bracket could have a smoother path to the District Final. Fort Loramie and Jackson Center can never be counted out and have always found themselves right in the hunt. While graduation affected both teams, they both return juniors with experience that could allow them to stay in competition. Anna finds ways to stay competitive even when they graduate a lot. They could surprise some people in D3 led by senior <strong>McKane Finkenbine</strong>.</p> <p><strong>3- Where will Anna, Fort Loramie, and Jackson Center fall</strong></p> <p>I’ve already shared I believe Botkins can win the SCAL, but what about the other contenders? Anna has Finkenbine back from a team that again hit the 20 win mark and made a Regional appearance in D3. The winning tradition with the Rockets should continue regardless of how much they return. Fort Loramie is losing their best rebounder and best overall scorer from a year ago, but bring back junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="867944" first="Caleb" last="Maurer"]</strong> who has the potential to score over 17+ per game with his shooting and scoring potential. Jackson Center loses Reichert but have some solid juniors back in <strong>Jace Mullenhour</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="976077" first="Camdyn" last="Reese"]. </strong>The coaching and culture in Jackson Center makes them relevant even when they lose a lot.</p> <p><strong>4- Can Russia compete in the SCAL?</strong></p> <p>The Raiders showed last postseason they can compete come tournament time and they are unafraid to go after other programs in bracket play. Sophomore <strong>Hayden Quinter</strong> is back after a solid freshman campaign as is guard <strong>Zane Shappie</strong>. In terms of where Russia falls in the SCAL, that’s still too tough to say. Their slower paced style of play is impressive at times but they have proven to struggle with Jackson Center who also slows the game down or defend the higher octane offense in Anna, Botkins, and Fort Loramie. Realistically, the Raiders look like the #5 team in the SCAL this upcoming season.</p> <p><strong>5- Pleiman will take POY</strong></p> <p>I’ve discussed some of the talent returning in the SCAL and some of the players to watch. At the end of the day, Botkins’ [player_tooltip player_id="1045457" first="Jacob" last="Pleiman"] appears to have the best chance of being named Player of the Year with his size and versatility. There aren’t many players in the league that can defend Pleiman with his size and ability to shoot the 3-ball. I’m expecting a double-double average out of him.</p>