Licking County League (LCL) Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I continue my preseason previews with a look at the LCL. A league with mainly Division II programs in Central Ohio, the LCL was well represented in 2022 as Heath made a run to the Regional Finals and was a win away from earning a trip to Dayton. Meanwhile, Newark Catholic made another Regional appearance in Division IV to earn the league's respect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Predicted Finish</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(Buckeye Division)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol><li>1.<strong><em> Granville</em></strong>- Tied for the divisional title a year ago, but now could claim outright. Return arguably the best player in the division in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1503897' first='Dante' last='Varrasso']</strong> (Jr). Having some senior leadership in <strong>Rex Rader</strong> (Sr) also helps. </li><li>2. <strong><em>Licking Heights</em></strong>- Would have been the favorites had they not lost their top underclassmen ([player_tooltip player_id='1432038' first='Kent' last='Hairston']). Now will have some upperclassmen leadership in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1285277' first='Jayden' last='Griffith']</strong> (Sr) to lean on instead.</li><li>3. <strong><em>Watkins Memorial</em></strong>- One of the bigger schools in the league, but not returning a ton from a season ago.</li><li><strong><em>Licking Valley/Zanesville</em></strong>- Both lose their top scorers from a season ago. This lack of depth could cause problems.</li></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(Cardinal Division)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol><li>1. <strong><em>Northridge</em></strong>- Runner-Up in the division last year, but now have their two best returning and both are seniors. <strong>Justin Townley</strong> and <strong>Ian Travis</strong> should see improved numbers.</li><li>2. <strong><em>Utica</em></strong>- Have the best player in the division back in Delta State commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1165508' first='Trenton' last='Collins']</strong> (Sr). Redskins will need to get guys around him if they want to compete with Northridge in the division.</li><li>3. <strong><em>Johnstown</em></strong>- Johnnies are returning their top guy in <strong>Cody Siegfried</strong> (Sr) from last season's 13-12 team. Moving up to Division II for postseason play and will lack the depth and ”go-to” guy to challenge at the top.</li><li><strong><em>Newark Catholic</em></strong>- Returned to the Regional Semifinals for the 2nd year in a row. Now have to replace the guys that got them there.</li><li>5. <strong><em>Heath</em></strong>- Losing their top 4 players from the Regional Finalist team a season ago. Rebuild year is likely.</li><li>6. <strong><em>Lakewood</em></strong>- Won only 1 game last year and not returning anyone of note.</li></ol> <!-- /wp:list -->