Cincinnati Hills League Preview

<p>The Cincinnati Hills League had a lot to be proud of last year as 3 teams were competing for District Titles come March. While all 3 lost, the fact this league continues to have postseason success shows why it is a competitive league within the Southwest District. The upcoming season could be a different look as teams move forward after graduating talent from a year ago. Today I continue my previews by looking at the CHL.</p> <p><em>Deer Park</em>- The Wildcats took a pretty big drop from where they were in 2019 where they were slated to compete in the Division III Elite 8 before COVID ended the season prematurely. Last year’s team went winless and struggled after a late start to the season in January. The only place to go is up as the Wildcats have <strong>Markus Arrington</strong> (Jr) back this year.</p> <p><em>Finneytown</em>- The Wildcats struggled both inside and out of the CHL last year. They lose their top interior threat/rim protector from that team and now must try to replace their interior play.</p> <p><em>Indian Hill</em>- Last year was a program defining season for the Hawks as they advanced to the District Finals in Division II before losing to Tippecanoe for a trip to Regionals on the line. 2 of the top 5 from that team are back and looking to continue this run. <strong>Ty Thornton</strong> and <strong>Antwan Peek</strong> both are back for their senior years and have the experience of this past success to lead the Hawks.</p> <p><em>Madeira</em>- The Mustangs played less games than other teams last year, and unfortunately took a very early exit in the tournament falling to Middletown Madison in their opener. Experience won’t be a problem for this group though as they return their top 3 from that team. <strong>Conner Cravaack</strong> (Jr) has established himself as one of the best players in the CHL and is bound for a breakout Junior year. He’s got a quality supporting cast back led by <strong>Brandon Conner</strong> (Sr) and <strong>Owen Henry</strong> (Jr). Can the Mustangs forget last year and return in 2022 with a better outlook and outcome?</p> <p><em>Mariemont</em>- The Warriors had a year to remember, winning 16 games and advancing to the District Finals in Division III before falling to Versailles. 4 of the top 6 are gone from that team leaving some questions to how they will repeat this feat. <strong>Tim Stewart</strong> (Jr) is a special player for this group and has emerged as one of the best young players in the league. The Warriors’ ability to find guys to assist him will go a long way in seeing if they again make the District tournament.</p> <p><em>Reading</em>- The Blue Devils showed some promise finishing above .500 for the year even after a late start to the season. A lot of the talent is back for another run in 2022. Leading scorer Zyon Scott is gone but <strong>Logan Stidham</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1045459" first="KeAndre" last="Kindell"]</strong> both return in the backcourt. This group’s returning talent is all seniors meaning this could be a team that is dangerous come tournament time in Division III.</p> <p><em>Taylor</em>- The Yellow Jackets were poised to be a sleeper team in the Division II sectional tournament. They did not get the chance to show this as they were upset by Monroe by 1 point in the Sectional opener. The good news is Taylor returns several seniors from that team that legitimately has a chance to compete at the top of the CHL this year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1045462" first="Danny" last="Austing"]</strong> (Sr) is one of the best guards in the league and has <strong>Harry Hilvert</strong> (Sr) returning to assist on the blocks and on the glass. Division II appears to be more open this year allowing the Yellow Jackets a shot at improving from their early exit last season.</p> <p><em>Wyoming</em>- The Cowboys again were in the District Finals but fell to Chaminade-Julienne in that game. Gone is ultra talented Isaiah Walker, who is now at Belmont University, along with talented guard Damien Crayton. What they do have back is role guys led by senior <strong>Drew Rooks</strong> and juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1207374" first="Lance" last="Grayson"]</strong> and <strong>Louie Trenkamp. </strong>If these guys can continue the tradition of winning and success, Wyoming could again take the CHL title as well as be a dangerous team come Sectional play.</p>