Ohio Cardinal Conference (OCC) Preview
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The OCC brings teams together from Northwest, Northeast, and Eastern Ohio to form a very versatile conference. Last year saw Ashland and Lexington impress the most in route to a successful season for both. Moving into the new year brings…
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Continue ReadingThe OCC brings teams together from Northwest, Northeast, and Eastern Ohio to form a very versatile conference. Last year saw Ashland and Lexington impress the most in route to a successful season for both. Moving into the new year brings some new expectations. See who I expect to impress below.
Lexington– The Minutemen were the only team that made a District Final last year and are going to be bringing back a large amount of those guys for another run. Baden Forup Baden Forup 6'7" | C Lexington | 2023 State OH (Sr) is the leader of this group and returns for his senior year. Not only will Lexington have Forup, but they also add an extremely athletic Brayden Fogle (Fr) who is one of the best incoming freshmen in NW Ohio. Hudson Moore (Sr) and Elijah Hudson Elijah Hudson 6'8" | PF Lexington | 2024 State OH (Jr) bring veteran leadership and make Lexington the early favorites in the conference.
New Philadelphia– The Quakers are new to the OCC but will make their presence known early on. Bringing back 3 of their top 5 means NP will be experienced and poised for some competitive matchups. The 1-2 punch of Carter Vandall Carter Vandall 6'5" | PF New Philadelphia | 2023 OH (Sr) and Michael Vickers Michael Vickers 6'5" | SF New Philadelphia | 2023 State OH (Sr) will be very difficult to defend as both were All-District performers. Colton Slaughter (Jr) also returns and adds to the depth.
Ashland– The Arrows were the best team in the conference a year ago and had one of the more deadly backcourts in NW Ohio. Part of that backcourt is gone with the graduation of Luke Denbow. Returning though is Grayson Steury Grayson Steury 5'11" | CG Ashland | 2023 State OH (Sr) who impressed throughout the season and can still produce. Winning the conference again is going to be a challenge, but they can at least compete with some good teams throughout the year.
West Holmes– Knights will have a nice core returning although they will miss the production from 2 All-District players gone due to graduation. Zander Shultz (Sr) and Mason Wolfe (Sr) will be leaned on most for senior leadership along with two-sport athlete Kyle Maltarich (Jr). The Knights might need some time before they are fully ready as their football team could be playing through November.
Mansfield Madison– The Rams could arguably make a case to be ahead or near West Holmes since they beat the Knights once last year. Jayden Jeffries Jayden Jeffries 6'4" | SF Mansfield Madison | 2023 OH (Sr) returns and will be one of the best players in the conference. Unfortunately, the next 2 best scorers are now gone meaning a lot of pressure with be on Jeffries. The Rams will go as far as Jeffries can take them.
Mount Vernon– Losing some key seniors from last year and could face some growing pains entering the new year.
Wooster– Losing their top 2 guys that were All-District performers.
Mansfield Senior– Tygers added Amarr Davis (Jr) from Mansfield Christian and could move up the standings with his arrival.