2018/19 OVC

[Geronimo]

WOW ! Rumors ! Now your ready to sell the fort ! Sounds like play time is a must for You? You can't stop rumors plus young men who want to play at the next level ! Me history is important ! Go GA !

[Geronimo]

Ok ! Say Mr.Loveday is a Jr! Still players would move !

[N2Hoops]

Will Portsmouth really be that down? Calling Trojandave..... ?

[svac83]

Ok ! Say Mr.Loveday is a Jr! Still players would move !

I am not sure if your talking to me or talking to the guy saying he heard rumors. I personally think Gallia could use a transfer or need a kid to really become a 4 spot for this team. I would be the last to hear a rumor as I only have one kid left in school and she is not into sports. And since I work outside county I don’t really talk to other parents.

But as a long time supporter of program. I don’t think this team is that close to greatness that you are going to get a couple of really good pieces to move in here to play. That is why I think not.

As far as players leaving I don’t think any would plan on leaving manly because most of those kids who would be seniors. Want to play football for coach Penrod and don’t see them transferring before basketball.

You have one or 2 kids who don’t play football that would probably be the 9 or 10th kid on varsity roster. If one of those kids left to start at a county school if that was important to them I could see it happen. I just pretty much see it as being close to status quo. I think you will have at least one addition but that will be from a kid who did just not play this year and that is Campbell I expect him to be part of the basketball squad next year.

[trojandave]

N2hoops: I wish I could be more optimistic about the Trojans next season, but in reality we have to replace 4 starters and 5 of our top 6. The main challenge for Portsmouth next year will be scoring. Although leading scorer Matthew Fraulini is back (14 PPG), there is no one else that is a proven scorer. 6-3 Miles Shipp transferred from Notre Dame and will be an immediate starter, but he will be only a sophomore so it is uncertain how much scoring punch he can provide. His ceiling, though, is really high. He has a chance to be a really good player because he combines athleticism with physicality. Danny Lattimore and MyQuel McKinley, both seniors, figure to start, but once again scoring from them is a question mark. The fifth starter is totally up for grabs, and right now, Devin McLaurin, Michael Duncan, or Kris Jenkins are probably the main contenders for that other spot. McLaurin and Duncan will be sophomores, while Jenkins will be a junior.

Also consider that last year's JV team went 1-21, so that will have a big effect on the varsity roster. Don't know how many of those kids will make the varsity. Next year's JV team will feature some very good freshmen, and a couple of them could eventually dress varsity.

In basketball, it is hard to win if you can't score. Portsmouth is not and never will be a slowdown team, so the games Portsmouth loses next season will be because of lack of offense. Defensively and athletically, the Trojans will be able to line up with about anybody.

I could probably by more simple in my forecast of a down year for the Trojans, but I like to give an explanation as to why instead of just making a blanket statement with no information to back it up. In 2 years, Portsmouth should start to make a strong comeback, maybe to the regionals, and in 3 years, possibly a Final 4 run. That is always the goal at Portsmouth, whether we make it there or not.

[Tri-StateYouthSports]

So after some summer shootouts/team camps, any revised predictions? Anticipated season starters? Standout players?

[purpleblood1]

I've been lucky to see Chesapeake, Fairland, Coal Grove, and South Point so far this summer and I look for Chesapeake to be the most improved team in the OVC if not the southeast, for sure a top 3 team in the OVC. Fairland and SP will struggle. CG is going to impress some people this year, as always they are bangers and blue collar. A side note Wheelersburg won't lose a step.

My prediction for the conference:
1) Gallia Academy
2) Chesapeake
3) Coal Grove
4) Ironton
5) South Point
6) Portsmouth
7) Fairland
8) Rock Hill

[Geronimo]

GA any backup or help for Loveday?

[trojandave]

purpleblood1: I agree about Chesapeake being improved in 2018-2019, as I have them picked 3rd in the OVC. The main concern I have for the Panthers for next season is outside shooting. Haven't seen them this summer, but saw them several times last year and they only had 1 outside threat who graduated.

Having watched Portsmouth quite a bit this summer, the Trojans will be as athletic as any team in the OVC or Southeastern Ohio for that matter. Whoever is the 5th starter is the big question mark heading into the season. Right now, PHS have a solid foursome of seniors 6-3 MyQuel McKinley, 6-0 Daniel Lattimore, 6-2 junior Matthew Fraulini, and 6-2 sophomore Miles Shipp. That 5th starter could be 5-7 freshman Amare Johnson, 6-0 freshman Daryionne Bryant, or 6-0 sophomore Michael Duncan. Fraulini has shown this summer that he is ready to improve his scoring average, which was 14 PPG last season.

I have picked the Trojans to be 7th in the OVC, based on losing 5 of the top 6 players, but I also believe that the conference won't be nearly as strong as last year, when two teams (Fairland and Coal Grove) made the regional, while Gallia Academy finished 2nd in the conference. The Trojans have a chance to move up if they can settle in on a 5th starter and get an 8-9 man rotation straightened out. I have faith that Coach Collins will figure it out. Portsmouth will be good enough to be in about every game by the 4th quarter.

I told Coach Harrison at Rio Grande that Gallia Academy should expect to go at least to the regional. They have 4 starters back from a 19-3 regular season team and district semifinalist. They have done very well this summer, including a win over a very athletic Cincinnati Hughes at Rio, and Coach Harrison told me they did very well at the Ohio State shootout, playing some very good teams, including Akron St.Vincent St.Mary. GAHS could be primed for an undefeated OVC season which would be the 4th year in a row for that feat, following Fairland's trifecta.

[Sportsman]

The OVC will be very mediocre this year and I think from top to bottom besides Gallia it is wide open . I hope my Ironton Tigers make a solid run in the conference. Best of luck to all.

[purpleblood1]

TrojanDave I saw some great things out of Chesapeake with some good shooters, but the biggest thing is they actually look like a basketball team. Very athletic and can run the floor very well.

[sportzfan]

I agree that GA is the odds on favorite to win the OVC. It is hard to argue that the 7'2" Loveday shouldn't push GA to the top in this league. Beyond that, how far they go in the playoffs is well within unknown. I remember the last 4 years the Fairland Dragons were hyped to win state, especially the last 2 years of the "golden group" playing together. Things happen! They never reached the promise land. I wont believe the hype about Loveday until he proves it. He certainly has the ability to be that player to dominate teams depending on how the team is coached and how other players play around him. I hope they don't fall into the trap of believing their own hype before they win anything. GA fans have all the right to be excited for this coming season. One game at a time young bloods.

[art_vandelay]

I agree that GA is the odds on favorite to win the OVC. It is hard to argue that the 7'2" Loveday shouldn't push GA to the top in this league. Beyond that, how far they go in the playoffs is well within unknown. I remember the last 4 years the Fairland Dragons were hyped to win state, especially the last 2 years of the "golden group" playing together. Things happen! They never reached the promise land. I wont believe the hype about Loveday until he proves it. He certainly has the ability to be that player to dominate teams depending on how the team is coached and how other players play around him. I hope they don't fall into the trap of believing their own hype before they win anything. GA fans have all the right to be excited for this coming season. One game at a time young bloods.

Loveday has offers prior to his junior year from Ohio State, Louisville, Purdue, etc. and he still needs to prove something to you?*

[sportzfan]

I agree that GA is the odds on favorite to win the OVC. It is hard to argue that the 7'2" Loveday shouldn't push GA to the top in this league. Beyond that, how far they go in the playoffs is well within unknown. I remember the last 4 years the Fairland Dragons were hyped to win state, especially the last 2 years of the "golden group" playing together. Things happen! They never reached the promise land. I wont believe the hype about Loveday until he proves it. He certainly has the ability to be that player to dominate teams depending on how the team is coached and how other players play around him. I hope they don't fall into the trap of believing their own hype before they win anything. GA fans have all the right to be excited for this coming season. One game at a time young bloods.

Loveday has offers prior to his junior year from Ohio State, Louisville, Purdue, etc. and he still needs to prove something to you?*

When he was in middle school he was getting offers and interest because he was around 7 foot tall has some skills, colleges like to get a jump on anyone, yes anyone, with those traits. He has upside. college interests are not uncommon. that doesn't mean he will eventually sign with any of those early interest teams. I watched him play in many OVC games and he didn't dominate the game. That is the OVC. I hope he improves and continues to show interest in the game. I've seen many a player get early attention from d1 schools only to end up going to their local college and not even play sports. He not only has to prove it to me but he continually has to prove it to recruiters. Hyping this talented kid up only hurts his mental state if that hype stops him from working and improving and thinks he has nothing to prove. It should constantly be on his mind that he needs to prove it to all before he has even signed with any major team. so yes, prove it to me. Do you follow where I'm coming from.

[danicalifornia]

I’ve watched him once, they only posted him up once in that game and he scored there. He also played really good defense. One would assume that they will try to get him the ball more often, but that’s not on him.

He’s a 4-Star recruit who received 3 more offers in June (not just interest, but offers). He wouldn’t be the #1 recruit in Ohio in his class if he didn’t have the talent and just had size.

[danicalifornia]

I agree that GA is the odds on favorite to win the OVC. It is hard to argue that the 7'2" Loveday shouldn't push GA to the top in this league. Beyond that, how far they go in the playoffs is well within unknown. I remember the last 4 years the Fairland Dragons were hyped to win state, especially the last 2 years of the "golden group" playing together. Things happen! They never reached the promise land. I wont believe the hype about Loveday until he proves it. He certainly has the ability to be that player to dominate teams depending on how the team is coached and how other players play around him. I hope they don't fall into the trap of believing their own hype before they win anything. GA fans have all the right to be excited for this coming season. One game at a time young bloods.

Loveday has offers prior to his junior year from Ohio State, Louisville, Purdue, etc. and he still needs to prove something to you?*

When he was in middle school he was getting offers and interest because he was around 7 foot tall has some skills, colleges like to get a jump on anyone, yes anyone, with those traits. He has upside. college interests are not uncommon. that doesn't mean he will eventually sign with any of those early interest teams. I watched him play in many OVC games and he didn't dominate the game. That is the OVC. I hope he improves and continues to show interest in the game. I've seen many a player get early attention from d1 schools only to end up going to their local college and not even play sports. He not only has to prove it to me but he continually has to prove it to recruiters. Hyping this talented kid up only hurts his mental state if that hype stops him from working and improving and thinks he has nothing to prove. It should constantly be on his mind that he needs to prove it to all before he has even signed with any major team. so yes, prove it to me. Do you follow where I'm coming from.

I’m quoting this just to make sure it doesn’t get edited. Yikes.

[sportzfan]

I’ve watched him once, they only posted him up once in that game and he scored there. He also played really good defense. One would assume that they will try to get him the ball more often, but that’s not on him.

He’s a 4-Star recruit who received 3 more offers in June (not just interest, but offers). He wouldn’t be the #1 recruit in Ohio in his class if he didn’t have the talent and just had size.

Are you carefully reading others posts before you reply. Did I not say "skilled" "talented" "upside" "has the ability to dominate"! Not just size! GA hadn't won even the OVC yet since he's been there, Although I suspect they will this year. The whole post was about a mental state he and the team must stay in to complete their/his journey, be it in high school or beyond. To your point about "just has size" I've seen kids his size that hadn't played Basketball receives offers. DMUP and Geronimo stated in so many words what I have said about this "7'2" kid in previous posts. They will come to him but he needs continuous improvement, and for Gods sake stay away from the "hype" especially if it diminishes his hunger.

To your observation about him posting up, I've noticed him being pushed off the block too easily, and the entry passer not being patient or skilled enough to get him the ball. Great passer, great blocker and well coordinated. As you said its not on him, most times, if he doesn't get the ball.

Have a good season.

[Prep Expert]

Sportzfan you seem to be some type of expert on big man recruitment. I must have been living under a rock for the last 20 years because I didn’t know Southeastern Ohio had so many 7 footers that received offers. You make it sound like Loveday is a dime a dozen. In the games I saw him I would say that he is one of the most unique players we have had in Southeastern Ohio. Why don’t you just enjoy him play the next couple of years instead of criticizing this young man!

[sportzfan]

Sportzfan you seem to be some type of expert on big man recruitment. I must have been living under a rock for the last 20 years because I didn’t know Southeastern Ohio had so many 7 footers that received offers. You make it sound like Loveday is a dime a dozen. In the games I saw him I would say that he is one of the most unique players we have had in Southeastern Ohio. Why don’t you just enjoy him play the next couple of years instead of criticizing this young man!

I never criticized him. I only hope those who are around him don’t hype him up to the point it gets to his head, and fall into the trap that many others have. I will enjoy watching him this year. I know him and his family. And as far as basketball, I’ve been around, I’ve seen a lot. Not only in the States but Europe and Australia. I’m not young. If you were any athlete at all you would understand where I’m coming from. Take time to read between the lines.

[golfis4me]

https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/c ... 112498002/