Licking County League (LCL) Preview
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I continue my preseason previews with a look at the LCL. A league with mainly Division II programs in Central Ohio, the LCL was well represented in 2022 as Heath made a run to the Regional Finals and was a…
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Continue ReadingI continue my preseason previews with a look at the LCL. A league with mainly Division II programs in Central Ohio, the LCL was well represented in 2022 as Heath made a run to the Regional Finals and was a win away from earning a trip to Dayton. Meanwhile, Newark Catholic made another Regional appearance in Division IV to earn the league’s respect.
Predicted Finish
(Buckeye Division)
- 1. Granville– Tied for the divisional title a year ago, but now could claim outright. Return arguably the best player in the division in Dante Varrasso Dante Varrasso 6'1" | CG Granville | 2024 State OH (Jr). Having some senior leadership in Rex Rader (Sr) also helps.
- 2. Licking Heights– Would have been the favorites had they not lost their top underclassmen ( Kent Hairston Kent Hairston 6'5" | SF Central Crossing | 2025 State OH ). Now will have some upperclassmen leadership in Jayden Griffith Jayden Griffith 6'2" | SG Licking Heights | 2023 OH (Sr) to lean on instead.
- 3. Watkins Memorial– One of the bigger schools in the league, but not returning a ton from a season ago.
- Licking Valley/Zanesville– Both lose their top scorers from a season ago. This lack of depth could cause problems.
(Cardinal Division)
- 1. Northridge– Runner-Up in the division last year, but now have their two best returning and both are seniors. Justin Townley and Ian Travis should see improved numbers.
- 2. Utica– Have the best player in the division back in Delta State commit Trenton Collins Trenton Collins 6'4" | SF Utica | 2023 State OH (Sr). Redskins will need to get guys around him if they want to compete with Northridge in the division.
- 3. Johnstown– Johnnies are returning their top guy in Cody Siegfried (Sr) from last season’s 13-12 team. Moving up to Division II for postseason play and will lack the depth and ”go-to” guy to challenge at the top.
- Newark Catholic– Returned to the Regional Semifinals for the 2nd year in a row. Now have to replace the guys that got them there.
- 5. Heath– Losing their top 4 players from the Regional Finalist team a season ago. Rebuild year is likely.
- 6. Lakewood– Won only 1 game last year and not returning anyone of note.