Eastern Buckeye Conference (EBC) Preview
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<p>The EBC combines teams from both the Northeast and East Districts and features only 6 teams. Last year, we saw Alliance win the conference title by 1 game over Marlington. The 2023 campaign could end up being very similar looking to last season when it's all said and done.</p>
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<ol><li><strong><em>Alliance</em></strong>- Last year's champion debuts as the favorite to start the new year. The Aviators bring back 6'7 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1477061' first='Diego' last='Allen']</strong> (Sr) after a 2nd Team All-District campaign a year ago. Moving down to Division II this year appears to be a positive note for Alliance, but it's going to be tough to make a deep postseason run without more depth outside Allen.</li><li><strong><em>West Branch</em></strong>- The Warriors are expected to move up a spot in 2023 with the return of their top guy <strong>Dru DeShields</strong> (Sr). The senior not only is a good basketball player, but is one of the top QBs in Northeast Ohio. His return and the athleticism on this Warriors team makes them a tough team to prepare for, and I believe could give them a chance to challenge Alliance at the top of the conference.</li><li><strong><em> Marlington</em></strong>- The Dukes won 17 games last year and will still be a tough team even with the departure of their top guy (Connor Evanich). <strong>Casey Miller</strong> (Sr) is back and certainly gives Marlington confidence in the upcoming season, but they will be on a short leash in terms of challenging West Branch and holding off the bottom half of the conference.</li><li><strong><em>Minerva</em></strong>- The Lions didn't have the most impressive season last year only winning 9 games. But they have the best chance to advance in the conference and hold the #4 spot. <strong>Brandon Davis</strong> (Sr) and <strong>Jayden Yerger</strong> (So) are both back and will be leaned on most to continue contributing for the Lions.</li><li><strong><em>Carrollton</em></strong>- The Warriors only won 4 games last year and should have been considered the bottom team. 2 of the top 3 are back from the team with both returning guys being seniors. <strong>Brock Smith</strong> and <strong>Jaxon Rinkes</strong> both are back and should be leaned on.</li><li><strong><em>Salem</em></strong>- Was in the #4 spot last year, but lose their top guy in Drew Weir from a year ago. Doesn't have the production returning to again finish at the higher spot.</li></ol>
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The EBC combines teams from both the Northeast and East Districts and features only 6 teams. Last year, we saw Alliance win the conference title by 1 game over Marlington. The 2023 campaign could end up being very similar looking to last season when it's all said and done.
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