Southwestern Buckeye League (SWBL) Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The SWBL seemed very top heavy last season with the bulk of the success flowing through 2 programs (Franklin and Oakwood). The 2022-23 campaign will be much better as the picks aren't as cut-and-dry. Several teams make a case for being the best in their respective divisions and will create some great discussions on who is truly the best.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Predicted Finish</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(East Division)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":1} --> <ol start="1"><li>1. <strong><em>Oakwood</em></strong>- While they certainly aren't the overwhelming favorites like last year, the Lumberjacks have to be given the best odds to defend their title in 2023. The biggest reason? They return the best player in the league in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='922599' first='Will' last='Maxwell']</strong> (Sr). Few teams can matchup with him and many have been subject to his 25+ scoring nights. The Jacks do lose a good backcourt around him which could cause some problems. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2458944' first='Luke' last='Rubin']</strong> (So) played well in AAU and could alleviate some of these concerns.</li><li>2. <strong><em>Bellbrook</em></strong>- The Golden Eagles got hit very hard by graduation and much of their starting production is gone. This upcoming season will be difficult to gauge how well they do. However, I think this group can still be a tough competitor with the return of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1285256' first='Austin' last='Webb']</strong> (So) who will have a bigger role in 2023.</li><li>3. <strong><em>Franklin</em></strong>- Losing their top 2 players and their coach, but there was some underclassmen that played well and could still stay in the hunt.</li><li>4. <strong><em>Monroe</em></strong>- Moving up to Division I next year is going to be a challenge, but have <strong>Drew Taylor</strong> (Sr) back.</li><li>5. <strong><em>Waynesville</em></strong>- Lose their top guy in Josh Mitchell and they seemed very dependent on him last year.</li></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(West Division)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol><li>1. <strong><em>Carlisle</em></strong>- Indians tied Eaton at the top of the West division and will set up another outstanding race. The Indians have one of the best players in the division in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1613818' first='Connor' last='Smith']</strong> (Sr) returning along with one of the better young players in <strong>Blake Lawson</strong> (So). Carlisle has the size to get the edge, but this season will again be a battle with them and Eaton.</li><li>2. <strong><em>Eaton</em></strong>- When you talk about local teams on the rise, I think Eaton has to be mentioned. The Eagles have made vast improvements over the past year and are legitimate contenders in the division. The backcourt of <strong>Ramy Ahmed</strong> (Jr) and <strong>Beau Miller</strong> (Sr) stepped up last year and now with a year of experience. While the guard play might be the Eagles' edge, Carlisle's size is what allows them the slight nod.</li><li>3-5. <strong><em>Brookville/Valley View/Madison</em></strong>- Picking the last 3 spots is difficult because these 3 teams are losing production from their top guys. Brookville struggled the worst while Valley View lost an All-District player in JT Ferguson. Madison loses their athleticism and their top 2. Between these 3 teams, it will come down to who can tap into their underclassmen and get the wheels turning early on. It is going to be tough to compete with Carlisle and Eaton with their returning experience.</li></ol> <!-- /wp:list -->