Licking County League Preview

<p>Last season was a big year for the Licking County League (LCL) as they had several really talented teams within the league. Between Heath, Johnstown, and Newark Catholic, the league say plenty of regular season and postseason success. Looking ahead we could again see some very positive results in the league. Take a look as I preview the LCL and the many talented teams within.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Contenders</strong></span></p> <p><em><strong>Heath- </strong></em>There might not be another team in the LCL that can matchup with the Bulldogs and what they have on their roster. Fresh off of a District Runner-Up finish, Heath brings back their top guys and with them being seniors, this could be another District finish in 2022. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="921747" first="Brandon" last="McLaughlin"]</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="967170" first="Keylan" last="Williams"]</strong> have some size they bring and can create issues on the glass for opponents. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1138763" first="Reece" last="Huber"]</strong> is another senior that helps this group a lot. As long as everyone stays healthy and no one surprises us all, it’s safe to say Heath is the favorite not just in the Small School division, but the league overall.</p> <p><em><strong>Licking Heights- </strong></em>The Hornets have some really good talent this year and there’s optimism the Big School division could be theres for the taking. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1195156" first="Dante" last="Collier"]</strong> (Sr) has been a key guy for this group since I first saw him as a sophomore. Fellow senior <strong>Yara Conde</strong> also returns. The Hornets additionally add one of the best freshman in Central Ohio in <strong>Kent Hairston</strong>. The lefty is a more athletic version of Collier and has already been making a name for himself so far in the preseason. Similar to Heath, I’m not sure how many teams in their division can match the Hornets top 3 and can knock these guys off consistently within the division.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Rest of the League</strong></span></p> <p><em><strong>Granville- </strong></em>The Aces were above .500 last year going 14-8. <strong>Carsyn Crouch</strong> (Sr) is back this season as the Aces try to show they can compete with Licking Heights.</p> <p><em><strong>Zanesville- </strong></em> NOT ENOUGH INFO</p> <p><em><strong>Licking Valley- </strong></em>Panthers will be without their top player (Shawn Nethers) from a season ago.</p> <p><em><strong>Watkins Memorial- </strong></em>Repeating another 12 win season will be hard without Dylan Banish. Can the Warriors find the guys to do it again?</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Johnstown-Monroe- </strong></em>Johnnies lose great duo in Gavin Foe and Jake Lusk from a season ago. Repeating a 22 win season is no easy task and even tougher when that type of talent is now gone.</p> <p><em><strong>Lakewood- </strong></em>Lancers won one game on the year AND lost their top player to transfer. Things will be tough.</p> <p><em><strong>Newark Catholic- </strong></em>Green Wave surprised everyone by making it to the Regional Semifinals a year ago. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1220499" first="Cole" last="Canter"]</strong> (Sr) is back from that team. Can the Wave run it back yet again?</p> <p><em><strong> Northridge- </strong></em>Vikings have their two top guys returning in <strong>Nic Minder</strong> (Sr) and <strong>Justin Townley</strong> (Jr). After a 10-11 finish last year, can Northridge get above .500 and compete?</p> <p><em><strong>Utica- </strong></em>Redskins already were returning <strong>Seth Cooper</strong> (Sr) but also added <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1165508" first="Trenton" last="Collins"] </strong> (Jr) over from Lakewood. Definitely could see Utica winning more than 5 games in 2022. </p>