Zane Trace Tipoff Classic Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we approach the start of the 2022-23 season, it is best to look at some of the events early in the year. What started as a small 4 team showcase, has blossomed into an 8 team multigame event in Chillicothe. The Zane Trace Tipoff Classic will feature teams from Eastern Ohio as well as some Columbus based teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1:00pm <strong><em>Chillicothe</em></strong> vs <strong><em>Hamilton Township</em></strong>- The first game of the day will feature the Cavaliers of Chillicothe against Hamilton Township. Chillicothe has one of the most explosive athletes in SE Ohio in LSU football commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1222356' first='Tayvion' last='Galloway']</strong> (Jr). The 6'5 TE has a physical body that he is going to utilize on the hardwood and force HT to contain him on the glass. Hamilton Township is coming off a winless year and will be using this first game back to try and start off on the right foot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3:00pm <strong><em>Lancaster</em></strong> vs <strong><em>Bishop Ready</em></strong>- Two somewhat contrasting teams face off in the 2nd game of the day. Lancaster has a young guard in <strong>Colton Bruny</strong> (So) who will be looking to build off of a great freshman campaign. Bishop Ready, on the other hand, looks to be on paper Columbus' best Division II team, as I have them as a Top 5 team in Division II in the preseason rankings. The Knights have a heck of a duo in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='922603' first='Kaleb' last='Schaffer']</strong> (Sr) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1201835' first='Luke' last='Ruth']</strong> (Sr) as well as role players around them both. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5:00pm <strong><em>Logan</em></strong> vs <strong><em>Bexley</em></strong>- This season will look a little different for the Logan Chieftans as they lose Tegan Myers and a host of seniors from last year. Inexperience will be an early issue for Logan and this game will serve as a first look at who is up and coming. Bexley will also be looking for some newer faces to lead as they graduate 2 All-District players from their previous squad. This game likely will serve as an opportunity to gain some new names to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7:00pm <strong><em>Zane Trace</em></strong> vs <strong><em>Jackson</em></strong>- The finale of the event features the host Pioneers and the Jackson Ironmen. Zane Trace is an under-the-radar team and is considered one of the favorites in SE Ohio in Division III. Much of this is because of the returning talent they have coming back. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1462473' first='Xzander' last='Ream']</strong> (Sr) is a deadly shooter and fantastic guard in the backcourt. Frontcourt depth is led by seniors <strong>Nalin Robinson</strong> and <strong>Kyle Stonerack</strong>. Jackson will make the trip up to Chillicothe and could feature some promising prospects of their own. <strong>Boston Campbell</strong> (Jr) is the best returning player for the Ironmen and could have support from <strong>Jacob Winters</strong> (Sr) who is an Ohio University football commit. Regardless of whether Winters plays, Jackson will face a difficult task of beating the Pioneers in their home gym.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->