Northwest Conference (NWC) Preview
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The NWC brings together a strong history of basketball success in DIvision IV. Last year saw several teams make District title runs. While those teams are going to move up a division, another postseason run isn’t out of the question.…
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Continue ReadingThe NWC brings together a strong history of basketball success in DIvision IV. Last year saw several teams make District title runs. While those teams are going to move up a division, another postseason run isn’t out of the question.
- Convoy Crestview– The Knights are returning everyone from a very good team that was near the top of the the NWC and were competitive throughout the year. Gavin Etzler Gavin Etzler 6'2" | CG Crestview | 2023 State OH (Sr) and Mitch Temple Mitch Temple 6'2" | PG Crestview (Convoy) | 2023 OH (Sr) bring the leadership needed and will have younger guys Wren Sheets (So) and Tommy Heffner (So) both back as well. The Knights should be the best team in the conference but could see some battles with Spencerville and Columbus Grove.
- Spencerville– The Bearcats are moving up to Division III and will have plenty back from a District Runner-Up team in Division IV. Josh Henline Josh Henline 6'2" | SG Spencerville | 2023 State OH (Sr) was one of the best players in the conference and should again be one of the better scorers and guards in the area. Similar to Crestview, the Bearcats will have some underclassmen to lean on in Blake Sommers (So) and Carder Orr (So).
- Columbus Grove– Bulldog fans were happy with the District title appearance last year, but will try to keep the optimism as Grove brings back 2 of their top 3 and move into Division III. Bo Birnesser (Jr) and Zach Reynolds Zach Reynolds 6'0" | SF Columbus Grove | 2024 OH (Jr) both return and both likely give the Bulldogs a legitimate chance to contend not just this season, but the following year as well.
- Bluffton– The Pirates were co-champions in the NWC last year but repeating is going to be a bit of a challenge. Gone is All-District player Kyler Kinn from that squad. Carson Soper (Sr) will be back and have some experience, but the Pirates will lack that same depth as some of the higher up teams currently.
The rest of the conference is really up in the air. Leipsic will be missing a major piece of their team a year ago in Mason Brandt, who was one of the best to wear the Vikings jersey. Allen East also loses their top guy from a year ago and will likely take a step backward. Ada, Delphos Jefferson, and Lincolnview don’t return that same production and will struggle to compete.