Early Predictions for SOC I & SOC II

[Mr. Whipple]

Okay....I know the season's just ahead, but what is everyone's predictions? Be honest! Don't just vote for your dauter's team just because she plays! Here is what I think about the SOC II:

1. S. Webster
2. Wheelersburg
3. Northwest, Minford, Waverly (not sure who's gonna get my third place nod)
4. See #3
5. See #3
6. Valley
7. Oak Hill
8. West

I know Webster has a really strong group of girls and I know that they have a HUGE middle hitter and really quick outside hitters. I got a chance to watch them play last year. Not much competition in the league. Who is on their schedule this year?

Let's not forget about Burg. You can't count them out of anything!

I'm still up in the air between Minford, NWest and Waverly. I know that Minford and Waverly had several girls playing club. Coach Bays really expects a lot out of her girls and NWest.

What about Valley? Does anyone know anything about them this year? I know they lost a lot with Merritt leaving.

As far as the SOC I, I'm still trying to get some info. Is it true that Notre Dame got a new coach? If so, who is she? What about New Boston? I know that Clay has a really tall girl (can't remember her name). Thoughts on Eastern? I know they have had a pretty successful program over the past few years.

Any information out there, let me know. I know just enough to make me dangerous! Please give me some feedback so I can make a prediction for the SOC I.

Plus, how does everyone stack up against each other as far as schedule toughness? IMO the team's with the tougher schedule should get more press.

[lovevball8]

Mr. Whipple,

I know Webster was able to schedule some tougher opponents this year. They'll be back in the Alexander tourney and they are playing Jackson. They also have a scrimmage scheduled with Adena and Alexander. This will help them tremendously.

The young lady from Clay is Cami Groves. I think the new Notre Dame coach is the former New Boston coach. I think Coach Corriell is taking the New Boston team back. Don't really know anything else

[Snowman]

It is good South Webster has strengthened their schedule. Playing teams such as Huntington Ross, Alexander, Clay, & Eastern will only help. Tomorrow's battle at Waverly will help as well. I noticed New Boston is also attending. That will help New Boston who traditionally has a very weak non-conference schedule. Clay has already played Adena, Alexander, Lancaster, Logan, Southeastern, & Eastern Brown this summer at Adena tourney. They will also be at Waverly tomorrow along with Northwest, Minford, WBurg, Adena, etc. Clay's non-conference schedule has not changed from the previous few years: Northwest, Waverly, Wheelersburg, South Webster, Zane Trace, West Union, Peebles, Valley. I think that schedule helped them win the District title last year.

SW should be tough in Div II with Sherman and others back. I also see the Scott girl contributing if she continues her performance from club season. The league should be competitive. I think all the SOC II teams will have strengths and weakness (youth, coaching changes (Valley & West), etc.).

As for the SOC I race, Clay should be the favorite (only lost two to graduation and have Summers joining Grove and Wheeler for three tall, effective hitters/blockets); however, they were last year and Eastern came through as always. You can never underestimate a Janet Day team. As for the rest, we will have to wait and see. There will be a lot of youth and inexperience with new coaches (New Boston, Notre Dame, Western) and players as well.

Any other news about summer tournaments/scrimmages?
When are the SOC previews?

[trojan7]

From what i heard and saw from the Shawnee camp. I know Burg was pretty decent. Valley got beat by new Boston and New Boston got beat bad by West. As for other teams in the district Ironton did pretty good but they are young also Portsmouth did decent but are young also. Ironton beat Southeastern then lost to Huntington Ross. Then West beat New Boston lost in a close one to Huntington Ross who also has some TALL girls!!! Then lost to Southeastern. That was the only games I got to see but I heard about the Valley and New Boston game and I heard about Wheelersburg having some troubles in their bracket of the tourney. Still VERY early though and some girls might not of been there and what not. Should be a good year!

[favabeans]

Was at the mid summer night tourney in Waverly last night and got a look at some SOC teams. South Webster over Clay in the finals. The Jeeps really came on in their last 3 games and played their hearts out. Things look good for them this year.

Clay has some really big girls this year. They should do well in SOC I.

Burg made it to the semi's. Didn't really get to sit down and watch them play but that looked as scrappy as ever. They are still young, no seniors.

I saw Waverly play 2 games. They were hot and cold so can't really tell how things will go for them.

Minford did ok. They might have beaten Clay once but don't know for sure. Maybe someone can let us know on that one.

I don't think any team went in to tournament play undefeated but could be wrong.

This was a good warmup for all the teams. They know what works and what doesn't and what they have to do to get ready. Can't wait!! Previews are August 23rd and season starts for some teams on the 25th.