Greater Miami Conference (GMC) Preview
The GMC had a solid ending to the year seeing Fairfield advance to the Regional Finals in Division I with two more (Sycamore and Lakota West) joining in the District Finals. The conference has consistently had success in the regular…
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Continue ReadingThe GMC had a solid ending to the year seeing Fairfield advance to the Regional Finals in Division I with two more (Sycamore and Lakota West) joining in the District Finals. The conference has consistently had success in the regular and postseason, but this upcoming year might be the most competitive I’ve seen the conference in the past 6 years I’ve been scouting.
Contenders
Sycamore– The Aves were in the District Finals a season ago and fell short to Fairmont in a heartbreaking fashion. While the sadness of losing in the District Finals doesn’t fade easily, the Aves have a ton returning and should again be in the running for another GMC title run. The biggest returner is Raleigh Burgess (Jr) who stands at 6’10 and has received college offers from multiple Big Ten and High Major programs this past Spring/Summer. Throw in other guys like Charlie Hall (Sr) and Des Bolden (Sr) and role players Austin Southerland (Sr) and Bryce Darbyshire (Sr) and you have the formula to win in the GMC.
Fairfield– The Indians made the deepest run in the tournament getting all the way to the Regional Finals before falling short to Centerville. Sure the Indians are now without two of their top scorers (Logan Woods and Kollin Tolbert) from a season ago, but they return 3 starters and have some youth ready to step up. Deshawne Crim (Sr) had a great AAU season and established himself as one of the better PGs in the conference a year ago. His return along with Ray Coney (Sr) gives the Indians a good experienced backcourt. Aamir Rogers (Sr) will need to step into a bigger role, but his size forces defenses to account for him especially on the glass. Sophomores Kameron Sanders and Gabe Clemmons should see bigger roles after performing well on their respective AAU teams this past year. Competing for a conference title will come down to the returning talent which Fairfield has plenty of.
Predicted Finish
- Sycamore- Return a ton of experience and has one of the biggest names in the conference (Burgess). Should be able to win a title this year.
- Fairfield- Have an experienced backcourt in Crim and Coney, will be an early favorite to win the conference.
- Lakota East- Thunderhawks lose two great guards (Kobe Peck and Jadon Coles), but have plenty of options still to choose from. Jack Kronauge (Sr), Lebron Bennie-Powell (Sr) and Julian Mitchell (Sr) know the program and the expectations. Young star in Trey Perry (So) will see bigger role as will Lakota West transfer Derek Jackson (Jr) in the post. Well coached and defensive minded.
- Princeton- Vikings have senior leadership (Riley Woods, Joey Chaney, and Hassan Robertson) back along with some very good underclassmen (Dorian Williams (Jr) and Jaiden Arnold (So)). Added Keven Adorno (Jr) from Dohn Prep to form the right core to again compete at the top of the conference.
- Mason- Biggest room for growth as they return 4 of their top 5 and have a new rising coach. Jack Ullom (Sr) and Ben Golan (Sr) had great AAU seasons while the scoring will come from juniors Ben Menker and Matt DeBrosse.
- Lakota West- Return the best scorer in the conference a year ago in Nate Dudukovich (Sr) and will have some younger pieces than previous years led by Bryson Curry (Jr) and Aaron Phipps (So). That youth will need to adjust quickly to allow West to return back to the District Title yet again. Out of state transfer Davon Drane (Jr) will be a good addition.
- Middletown- Middies made a magical run in the tournament but lost 2 of their top 3 from that team. Added Delamarr Blanton (Jr) from Trotwood-Madison and Jeremiah Landers (So) from Northmont to create a dangerous backcourt to face the conference.
- Hamilton- I like the combo of Cooper Matthews (Sr) and Andrea Holden (Jr), but the Big Blue lack the depth beyond them to challenge the top of the conference.
- Oak Hills- Young team a year ago, but bring back their top guy in Jaxon Schreiber (Sr). Still lack the true offensive guru to compete with the rest of the conference this year.
- Colerain- The rebuild continues for the Cardinals as they look to find their identity and move towards competitiveness in the conference.