Muskingum Valley League (MVL) Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The MVL gives up some of the better Division II and III programs in Ohio and especially in the East/SOutheast Districts. Last season saw 3 members advance to the District Finals with one qualifying for Regionals. This season has a few teams that again should be able to push for a District Title yet again. Especially in the Big School division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(Big School)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol><li>1. <strong><em>Sheridan</em></strong>- The Generals were one of the District qualifiers a season ago and fell short to McClain in that District Final game ending their season. Gone from that team is Kaelan Pulliam and his athleticism he brought. Fortunately, the Generals return a nice duo in <strong>Reed Coconis</strong> (Sr) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1510122' first='Raine' last='Rodich']</strong> (Jr) that should keep them not only in competetion, but is the running for another District run. Sheridan is notorious for having competitive teams and this year is no different.</li><li>2. <strong><em>Maysville</em></strong>- The Panthers were a nice looking team a year ago and will have back their top 2 players from that group. <strong>Hayden Jarrett</strong> (Sr) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2386471' first='Alex' last='Bobb']</strong> (Sr) bring senior leadership and plenty of skill for the Panthers as they will try to challenge Sheridan at the top of the division. I could see this team being a tough out come tournament.</li><li>3. <strong><em>Tri-Valley</em></strong>- One of last year's best teams out of Eastern Ohio, the Scotties were nearly undefeated in the league a year ago and went to OT in the District Finals before losing. A great group of seniors graduate and with them lots of experience. The Scotties will have some really good underclassmen back in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1225072' first='Erik' last='Neal']</strong> (Jr) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432043' first='Max' last='Lyall']</strong> (So) that should have the talent to continue competing, but facing duos with more upperclassmen could spell some problems.</li><li>4. <strong><em>John Glenn</em></strong>- The Muskies had a successful season in 2022 but now look forward without 2 of their top 3. While the top returning guy might be one of the best players in the division, John Glenn will face some problems with depth outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1201833' first='Nathan' last='Walker']</strong> (Sr). Walker can shoot the ball at a high clip and could give the Muskies the potential for higher volume scoring games. </li><li>5. <strong><em>River View</em></strong>- The Black Bears have the best odds to move up in these rankings as I could argue them up to #3. Returning 3 of their top 4, River View had some nice moments last year within the division, but they have to show a little more consistency to get the nod at #4. Having a ton of seniors in <strong> Owen Emig</strong>, <strong>Carter Fry</strong> and <strong>Brody Border</strong> could give the Black Bears that needed edge to compete.</li><li>6. <strong><em>Philo</em></strong>- Struggled mightily a year ago and will struggle with the amount of talent the rest of the division has back. <strong>Cade Searl</strong> (Sr)and <strong>Demetrius Stickland</strong> (Sr) both return.</li></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(Small School)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol><li>1. <strong><em>New Lexington</em></strong>- The Panthers had some good moments a year ago and now look to be the favorites in the division going into 2023. <strong>Lukas Ratliff</strong> (Sr) is back after a 2nd Team All-District finish and will have assistance from teammate <strong>Ryan Hobbs</strong> (Sr). The rest of the division is losing a lot of their production so this could be a nice campaign for the Panthers.</li><li>2. <strong><em>Morgan</em></strong>- Moving up to Division II this year and will have <strong>Carson Mummey</strong> (Jr) back after finishing 2nd Team All-District.</li><li>3. <strong><em>Meadowbrook</em></strong>- Will struggle to repeat last year's District Final after losing their top 5 performers from a season ago.</li><li>4. <strong><em>West Muskingum</em></strong>- Will miss the production from Luke Pattison and will need to replace this void to remain in relevance.</li><li>5. <strong><em>Coshocton</em></strong>- Losing much of their production from a team that was below .500 (8-15).</li><li>6. <strong><em>Crooksville</em></strong>- Winless last year and don't return enough production.</li></ol> <!-- /wp:list -->