Southern Buckeye Athletic Academic Conference (SBAAC) Preview
The SBAAC impressed with a solid showing last year and sending two teams to the District Finals in Batavia and Georgetown. While one ended their season in that District Final game, another made a run to the Regional Finals before…
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Continue ReadingThe SBAAC impressed with a solid showing last year and sending two teams to the District Finals in Batavia and Georgetown. While one ended their season in that District Final game, another made a run to the Regional Finals before losing to an eventual state champion. Repeating this feat will be tough with much of the talent graduated, but there will still be some competitive teams no doubt.
Predicted Finish
(American Division)
- 1. Western Brown– The Broncos were the divisional winners a year ago and should again be one of the best teams in the conference this year. Two of their best players from a season ago are back in Drew Novak (Sr) and Matt Frye (Sr) and should be even better this year. There are some variables to consider though. Novak is a high level football recruit so will he end up playing basketball? #2, the Broncos play in the SW District in Division I against GMC, GCL South schools etc. I’m not sure the Broncos have the matchups to hang with those teams in the tournament, but another divisional title is likely.
- 2. Goshen– Not the most competitive team a year ago, but their two best players return and were sophomores last year. Caden Zeiner (Jr) and Conner Moore (Jr) are back and give the Warriors the highest upside to move upwards in the division.
- 3. Wilmington– Hurricane had a rough year a season ago but still were .500 on the year. Return one of their best players in Luke Blessing (Sr), but will need more around him to contest with the likes of Goshen and Western Brown.
- 4. New Richmond– Must replace production from 2 All-District finishers from a 17-7 team.
- 5. Batavia– Advanced to the District Finals in Division II, but lose almost everyone from that team, including one of the best players in recent program history (Mason Weisbrodt).
- 6. Clinton-Massie– Falcons failed to win a game in the SBAAC a season ago. Don’t return enough production to see them moving far beyond #6.
(National Division)
- 1. Georgetown– Last season’s National Division champ and Regional Runner-Up in Division III is again the favorite to win. While they lose 2 of their top 3, the G-Men have back arguably their best player and best scorer in the conference in Carson Miles (Sr). The bodies around him will determine how far they can go this season, but with Division III being down, the G-Men make a strong case to return to the District Finals.
- 2. Williamsburg– Without a doubt the team with the best chance to challenge Georgetown in the divisional race. Return a ton of guys from their 12-11 team last year and should have the upperclassmen to contest against Miles. Kaidon Whisman (Sr), Toby Humphries (Sr), and Collin Klopfstein (Sr) all return and bring scoring output and size for the Wildcats.
- 3. Bethel-Tate– Besides maybe Williamsburg, I think the Tigers have the best odds to jump forward in the conference. Moving into Division II might be a challenge, but having an interior threat like Austin Brookenthal (Sr) has to give confidence that the Tigers can challenge in this tougher half of the conference.
- 4. Clermont Northeastern– A season removed from a great SBAAC campaign, the Jets now lose their top guy (Bryce Reece) and will look to regroup going into the new year.
- 5. Felicity-Franklin– Moving up to DIvision III, but also losing their top 3 players from a year ago, including Carson Crozier.
- 6. East Clinton– Will be much better with the return of Dakota Collum (Sr) from injury, but don’t have the guys around him to compete nightly.
- 7. Blanchester– Will return Bryce Sipple (Jr) from a team that really struggled winning only 3 games last year.