Wayne County Athletic League (WCAL) Preview
The WCAL brings together teams from the Cleveland area in Divisions III and IV. Last year saw two teams (Smithville and Norwayne) reach the District championship games while the league champ (Dalton) fell earlier than expected. Expect another battle for…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe WCAL brings together teams from the Cleveland area in Divisions III and IV. Last year saw two teams (Smithville and Norwayne) reach the District championship games while the league champ (Dalton) fell earlier than expected. Expect another battle for the top of the league with some fun basketball to watch throughout the year.
- Norwayne– Last year’s runner-up, the Bobcats should claim an outright title in 2023 with 2 of their top 3 back from a Regional Semifinal appearance. Justin Rupp (Sr) was a 1st Team All-District player and will have teammate Ethan Hann (Sr) back as Hann also was an All-District finisher. Norwayne will be battling with Dalton for that top spot and I give the Bobcats the nod with their senior experience that has made a habit of postseason success recently.
- Dalton– The champions of last year, the Bulldogs will miss the production from Jalen Wenger who led them a year ago. His brother, Braylon Wenger Braylon Wenger 6'6" | SF Dalton | 2023 State OH (Sr), returns and is similar to his brother in skill. He along with Kyrie Gaut (Sr) will be tasked with leading the Bulldogs and try to challenge Norwayne for a league title. Expect some tough matchups between the two.
- Smithville– The Smithies were a District qualifying team that fell to Lutheran East in the tournament. They do return Carter Piatt (Sr) from that team who was a 1st Team All-District player a season ago. His return is promising for the Smithies who will look to repeat another 3rd place finish in the WCAL.
- Waynedale– Trey Barkman (Sr) is back for another season, but is he enough to compete with Smithville at #3?
- Chippewa– Could jump Waynedale with the return of Caleb Gasser (Sr) who was their best player a year ago.
- Northwestern– Losing their top guy from last season and struggled at times.
- Hillsdale– Not returning enough to challenge
- Rittman– 4 win team last year and does not have enough production returning