Steel Valley Conference (SVC) Preview
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The 2021-22 campaign was great for the SVC as they had 2 of their 4 members advance to the Regional round of the tournament. The 2023 campaign should again be competitive as there is quite a bit of talent returning…
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Continue ReadingThe 2021-22 campaign was great for the SVC as they had 2 of their 4 members advance to the Regional round of the tournament. The 2023 campaign should again be competitive as there is quite a bit of talent returning at the top half of the conference which should allow multiple competitive games once the season gets rolling.
- Chaney– The Cowboys were the conference champions a year ago and are returning several key pieces from that team that should provide the Cowboys enough to defend their title. Josiah Gonzalez Josiah Gonzalez 6'2" | SG Youngstown Chaney | 2023 State OH (Sr) was one of the best players in the conference a year ago and is back, along with Matt Jones (So). The Cowboys have the edge over Ursuline only because they beat them twice last year. But they have short lease over the FIghting Irish. Chaney has a chance to battle for another District Title with their returning guys.
- Ursuline– If there is a team that has a chance to beat Chaney, it’s the Irish. Ursuline returns virtually everyone from last year’s 17 win team and make a case to be one of the best teams in the conference yet again. It starts with Terrance Pankey (Sr) who has been an explosive player since his freshman year and one of the best offensive players in the area. Alongside him returning are Jaden Payne Jaden Payne 6'7" | PF Ursuline | 2024 State OH (Jr) and Vincent Faluto (Sr). With this talent, the Irish could battle with Chaney for a SVC title, but also could make some noise at a District level as well.
- Cardinal Mooney– The Cardinals were competitive during the season and even advanced to the Regional Finals last year before running into Lutheran East. The Cardinals do lose arguably their best player from that team. Rocco Turner (Jr) does return and now must be that top guy for the Cardinals to continue competiting. While they could again have some success in DIvision III, Mooney will struggle to compete with the returning talent and athleticism above them in the conference.
- Youngstown East– Won only 1 game last year and don’t have the returning firepower to hang with the rest of the conference.