Ohio Valley Conference Preview

<p>The Ohio Valley Conference is known for having a team every year that can make the deep postseason run outside the conference. 2022 is no different as there is no clear cut favorite, but instead 3-5 teams really capable of being one of the better programs any night. The depth makes this conference an interesting one to watch as the season progresses.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>Chesapeake-</em> The Panthers are looking to bounce back from an 8-12 season by being more of a competitive team in 2022. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="967175" first="Levi" last="Blankenship"]</strong> (Sr) returns for his senior season as he’s been a crucial part of this team since he was an underclassman. He will have a solid underclassmen teammate in <strong>Caleb Schneider</strong> (So) back for another season as well. </p> <p><em>Dawson-Bryant-</em> The Hornets weren’t as competitive as they’d hoped in the OVC and found themselves under .500 as a result. They have some seniors back for another season but no doubtingly must be able to defend the perimeter within the conference to find success. </p> <p><em>Fairland- </em>The Dragons were one of the best teams in the OVC a season ago and advanced to the Regional Finals before losing to Division III State Runner-Up Worthington Christian. Fairland returns potential Player of the Year <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="967169" first="Aiden" last="Porter"]</strong> (Sr), who makes the Dragons a contender every time he steps on the floor. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1257328" first="Ethan" last="Taylor"]</strong> (Sr) is a suitable sidekick for Porter. There’s no denying the amount of talent gone from last season is hard to replace, but the Dragons have a history of success and should still be okay to be a Top 3 team this year.</p> <p><em>Gallia Academy-</em> The Blue Devils surprised everyone with their run to the District Finals as a 14-seed. Gallia looks to build off that momentum with 2 of their top 3 returning. <strong>Isaac Clary</strong> (Jr) is a D1 football prospect and brings a tremendous frame to the table when he’s in the game. <strong>Brody Fellure</strong> (Jr) also returns and was instrumental in Gallia’s tournament run. Can this team continue the winning ways into conference play where the guard play is good?</p> <p><em>Ironton-</em> The Tigers are more known for their football success, but have shown to be a tough out on the basketball court too. 2 of the top 3 from last year are gone from a 10-6 team. <strong>Landen Wilson</strong> (Sr) is that lone returning player and will have some pressure on himself to lead this group. <strong>Ty Perkins</strong> (Jr) joins the team after transferring over from Lucasville Valley. His addition is a positive sign for Ironton as they look to add personnel to support Wilson.</p> <p><em>Portsmouth-</em> The Trojans are poised for a breakout year as they try to show they can compete in the OVC. Even though they lose their top guy in Miles Shipp from a season ago, there is still plenty of talent back for Portsmouth. <strong>Dariyonne Bryant</strong> (Sr) is one of the better athletes in the conference and has experience along with <strong>Donovan Carr</strong> (Sr). The Trojans also add <strong>Kenny Sunderlin</strong> (Jr) from Wheelersburg who impressed during the offseason.</p> <p><em>Rock Hill-</em> Rock Hill returns their two top guys from a team that failed to win a game in 2021. The pressure is on to improve this season as the conference as a whole seems competitive from top to bottom.</p> <p><em>South Point-</em> Pointers will be without 2 of their top 3, including [player_tooltip player_id="1285256" first="Austin" last="Webb"] from a year ago. <strong>Mason Kazee</strong> (Sr) does return and brings some confidence in the backcourt. Repeating last year’s success however will truly come down to whether they can defend against the quality guards in the conference.</p>