Pfloyd, can we get a 2009-10 season early top 8 ranking ?

[trojandave]

kickinurz: It will be a real challenge for new coach Eugene Collins in 2009-2010. The Trojans lost a total of 8 players.......6 due to graduation, and another 2 to transferring out........Forrest Johnson will be the lone starter returning, and the rest of the roster will be filled with kids who have little varsity experience. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see 3-4 sophomores getting minutes on varsity.

[trojandave]

I think Wheelersburg probably has more players returning than anyone in the SE District........ newcomer Andrew Bendolph and last year's starting point guard Brandon Shankwiler should be a very good backcourt tandem. Also Tyler Lang is back from a knee injury, and he could very well end up a starter as he was 2 years ago. Junior Andy Stegman will return as a 3 year starter in the post, and will cause opponents headaches defensively. The Burg will be very deep off the bench.

I look for Wheelersburg to be a serious contender for the state in D3.

[Ohioguru03]

trojandave,

Where did Tory Horne end up? Back at Port Clinton?

[bman]

I expect Logan Elm to have a pretty good team next year. Probably not as good as this year with losing two very, very good players.

[gymrat]

I have heard vague rumors of a big man from Portsmouth that may be going to Chilli next year. The source was not a coach or anything so I dismissed it untill I heard it a few more times. No one ever had a name. They just said "remember that big kid from Portsmouth? He was a sophomore or a Freshman. Well I heard he is coming to Chilli". I didnt get to see Portsmouth play last year so I cant think of who it would be. Has anyone else heard this? I assume it is a rumor and nothing more but it would be nice to have another big body beside Malik.

[Ohioguru03]

My guess would be Dion McKinley.

[JIMMY THE GREEK]

Piketon will be better than most people think, two kids will return from injuries, (Miller & Buckler) then you have Vulgamore, Legg, Southworth, and Brush, ...then some key players from a 15-3 Reserve team, Lewis, Braniff, and Helton. One key transfer that I cannot name until it's official. I say they will be tough, however their schedule will be tougher (Zanesville, Hillsboro, Mifflin, Waverly, Vinton County).

[CANNIBAL]

Piketon will be better than most people think, two kids will return from injuries, (Miller & Buckler) then you have Vulgamore, Legg, Southworth, and Brush, ...then some key players from a 15-3 Reserve team, Lewis, Braniff, and Helton. One key transfer that I cannot name until it's official. I say they will be tough, however their schedule will be tougher (Zanesville, Hillsboro, Mifflin, Waverly, Vinton County).

yeah piketon will be good, but i don't see them returning to the final four again.

[trojandave]

Ohioguru03: Tory Horne could be playing for Sandusky High School next year........it is very unlikely that he will return to Portsmouth........but in this day and age of player movement, nothing is certain.

[JIMMY THE GREEK]

CANNIBAL, Who's talking about Final 4? Getting there for most school's is a once in a lifetime thing. But since you made that statement I guess I will put my two cents in.....I'm sure over the next few years they will get back or get close to it. They have a coach thats been there 4 times 1978, 1988, 1990, 2009. They have kids coming up, that are talented and "they believe".

[trojandave]

Piketon and Wheelersburg could be headed for a showdown in the district final or the regional........the Burg is my preseason #1 D3 team with as much coming back as they have...... in addition Tyler Lang back from an injury and Andrew Bendolph transferring from Portsmouth.......and they will be very determined to make a long tourney run after getting bounced out by Fairland in the sectional finals last year.

[Kickinurz]

Interesting when you have Valley, Peebles,ZT, and Oak Hill in there as well.

[bengalfan76]

Jimmy who is the Piketon transfer?

[trojandave]

I don't want to leave Chesapeake out of the conversation......they are a legitimate threat to challenge Piketon and Wheelersburg for a regional spot........the Panthers will be a bit taller than last year, and have Nathan Copley back.......I saw them a couple of times this summer and they looked really good.

[Kickinurz]

Was told the best 3 teams in the sessions were Waverly,Wheelersburg,and ZT at the OU camp.
Best player was from Ripley.
Any other word?

[trojandave]

I went to the OU shootout, and Portsmouth beat Waverly, lost to Wheelersburg, and did not play Zane Trace.......I think that ZT and Piketon will battle for the SVC title, while Wheelersburg should win the SOC......but Waverly has a nice team with Jake Kretzer, Harrison Martin, and Derek Roback all returning. That's why I was encouraged by our play vs. Waverly........I wouldn't be surprised at all if the Tigers were challenging for the D2 district title come March.

I didn't see Zane Trace play, but I do know that the Maxwell kid is back again and he is a sharpshooter........and from what I understand the Pioneers have 4 starters back from a year ago.

I was really excited by what I saw in my Trojans.......we are still a work in progress, but I honestly believe that we are more talented this year than last........I just hope we can put it all together for a full season........and in turn get a better draw at the Waverly sectional.

[trojandave]

The kid from Ripley was a really nice ballplayer.......he was knocking down 3's like layups......could drive to the hole as well.......he's going to Marshall.......probably will see good minutes as a freshman.......he looked about 6-2.

[Kickinurz]

Help us out with some napkin stat rankings pfloyd.
I know its vacation time ,but hey help a fan out a little with your knowledge.

[llabteksab]

Give us a sneak preview.

[classof86]

Reedsville Eastern will definatly be a top 8 team.