Let's see YOUR rankings of the Top teams in SEO for 2024-25 "By Division" ...

[southernohiosports]

WOW! I can't believe I'm hearing this, folks. Rumors are swirling that Haggy from Western Latham might be packing his bags and heading to another team after spending his entire career at Western. Say it ain't so! This is devastating news. Western was poised for a phenomenal season with Haggy, Janes, and a freshman thats ready to hit the court & a decent 4-6.
With many teams in their league graduating a slew of seniors last year—South Webster being the notable exception—Western was set for a good run. If Haggy leaves, it could throw a wrench in the works. Let’s hope it’s not injury-related, and I wish Haggy the best of luck wherever he goes. That being said, I’ve talked to a few guys from around southern Ohio who say Janes will step right in, some feels Janes was the more rounded player and if this freshman can fill Drew’s role, they will still have a good team. Coach williams will have an answer if this is true & If the whole team buys into what Coach is selling, they could still have success without Haggy.
Hopefully I get to make it over to see coach williams & western play this year. Always fun to watch.
But let’s get real for a minute. I’ve been thinking a lot about what makes a top-notch team and player. Here’s my take on the essential attributes that separate the good from the great:

1. Loyalty
Loyalty is the bedrock of any successful team. Being loyal to your teammates, coaches, and yourself creates a bond that’s unbreakable. Loyalty isn't just about sticking around when things are good—it's about being there when the going gets tough. In life, loyalty builds strong, lasting relationships, whether with family, friends, or colleagues.

2. Hard Work
Let’s be clear: talent alone won’t cut it. Hard work is the secret sauce. It’s the relentless grind, the sweat equity, the late nights, and early mornings. Hard work turns potential into performance, instilling a sense of resilience and grit that’ll serve you well on and off the field.

3. Dedication
Dedication is about commitment. It’s about staying focused on your goals, no matter the obstacles. Dedication requires sacrifice and an unwavering belief in your vision. This quality is critical not just for athletic success but for achieving anything significant in life.

4. Discipline
Discipline is the backbone of consistency. It means sticking to your training regimen, maintaining your diet, and keeping your priorities straight. Discipline is about making the right choices even when it's tough. It’s a skill that translates directly from sports to every other aspect of your life, helping you manage time and responsibilities like a pro.

5. Teamwork
Teamwork is more than just a buzzword—it’s the glue that holds everything together. It’s about understanding that the collective effort of the team outshines any individual achievement. In sports, a well-oiled team can achieve the impossible. In life, the ability to work effectively with others is indispensable, whether in school, work, or any collaborative endeavor.

6. Work is Core to Teamwork
Work is the essence of teamwork. Every member must pull their weight for the team to succeed. This principle is universal. Whether it’s a sports team, a project at work, or a community effort, success hinges on the hard work and commitment of all its members.

Embrace these attributes, and you won’t just become a better athlete—you’ll become a better person. The lessons learned on the field are invaluable, preparing you to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and integrity. So keep hustling, stay loyal, work hard, remain dedicated, practice discipline, and always value teamwork. Your future self will be grateful for it.

Good luck to the Indians.

[The Ghost of Swanker]

Maybe the Haggy clan moved to Muletown

[southernohiosports]

I had to look up “Muletown southern Ohio” & didn’t realize the little town of Minford was called Muletown. That would be interesting if haggy moved there. Haggy has always had the lead role at western, he most definitely would be taking a backseat to Montgomery & Bennett but would help Minford with depth that’s for sure. It will be interesting to see if Haggy is a good fit there. What do you think? Is he a good fit for Minford? Would Haggy start ? If so whose place in the lineup would he take?

[val13]

I had to look up “Muletown southern Ohio” & didn’t realize the little town of Minford was called Muletown. That would be interesting if haggy moved there. Haggy has always had the lead role at western, he most definitely would be taking a backseat to Montgomery & Bennett but would help Minford with depth that’s for sure. It will be interesting to see if Haggy is a good fit there. What do you think? Is he a good fit for Minford? Would Haggy start ? If so whose place in the lineup would he take?

Haggy would be an incredible fit for the Falcons. He would supply the perimeter shooting, defense, and scoring threat they need from the 2/3 guard position. He would definitely start and most likely be the 3rd leading scorer behind Montgomery and Kayser. A Haggy addition would provide another high basketball IQ for the Falcons along with being a former SOC 1 Defensive Player of the Year. He surpassed the 1000 point mark as a junior last year. Being able to move the 5-7 spots in the lineup down would bolster Minfords much needed depth.

[The Ghost of Swanker]

Minford to state confirmed.

[pfloyd]

I had to look up “Muletown southern Ohio” & didn’t realize the little town of Minford was called Muletown. That would be interesting if haggy moved there. Haggy has always had the lead role at western, he most definitely would be taking a backseat to Montgomery & Bennett but would help Minford with depth that’s for sure. It will be interesting to see if Haggy is a good fit there. What do you think? Is he a good fit for Minford? Would Haggy start ? If so whose place in the lineup would he take?

Haggy would be an incredible fit for the Falcons. He would supply the perimeter shooting, defense, and scoring threat they need from the 2/3 guard position. He would definitely start and most likely be the 3rd leading scorer behind Montgomery and Kayser. A Haggy addition would provide another high basketball IQ for the Falcons along with being a former SOC 1 Defensive Player of the Year. He surpassed the 1000 point mark as a junior last year. Being able to move the 5-7 spots in the lineup down would bolster Minfords much needed depth.

Drew Haggy plays/starts on any team he would play for ... he has been THE guy offensively for Western Pike, has been coached up to become an outstanding defensive player, he can go all 32 minutes, can play a 94 ft. both ends of the floor game ... he's a definite coup for Minford ... I still feel that the Falcons need to get scoring from Cade Glockner sr. he will be the 5th starter - Montgomery/Bennett/Shoemaker/Haggy and Glockner ... CG needs to be an offensive threat - he hasn't shown that he can or wants to put the ball up ... can't just be a distributor of the ball has to be at least a threat to score or put it up imo ... if he doesn't put it up - teams will leave him alone on the perimeter, double down on Bennett/Shoemaker ... doesn't have to be a double digit scorer at all - just has to keep his defender honest, make him defend on the perimeter imo ...

[Bballlover1]

Loyalty means nothing it seems and recruiting is allowed which should not be tolerated in any sport per OHSAA.
I hate to see players jump ship and move around especially junior/ senior year. There are several movers and wishing them all luck! Should be a fun season with the new divisions.

[art_vandelay]

Loyalty means nothing it seems and recruiting is allowed which should not be tolerated in any sport per OHSAA. Rumor circulating is house hunting with the coach….this shouldn’t be acceptable. And to fall into that trap… is it really a smart move???? Sad that you can convince someone to give up their legacy for a chance at state. I would say Division 7 was a much better option and a TEAM that went 15-1 in summer ball. He may have been the he guy but stat wise I’m not so sure. I guess the burning question is why play all summer with the school/ the TEAM you have been with since kindergarten and attend every open gym and then choose to leave. Not only unfair to the Indians but to Minford players as well.
I hate to see players jump ship and move around especially junior/ senior year. No one ever wins when this occurs and the fact you ran seems to tarnish anything good that may happen.

There's been rumblings of Haggy leaving since 8th grade. Honestly surprised this didn't happen sooner. As for rest of the post, I get your point, but also make sure to save that same energy for the next time Western gets a player transferring in.*

[BigBlueNation]

Loyalty means nothing it seems and recruiting is allowed which should not be tolerated in any sport per OHSAA. Rumor circulating is house hunting with the coach….this shouldn’t be acceptable. And to fall into that trap… is it really a smart move???? Sad that you can convince someone to give up their legacy for a chance at state. I would say Division 7 was a much better option and a TEAM that went 15-1 in summer ball. He may have been the he guy but stat wise I’m not so sure. I guess the burning question is why play all summer with the school/ the TEAM you have been with since kindergarten and attend every open gym and then choose to leave. Not only unfair to the Indians but to Minford players as well.
I hate to see players jump ship and move around especially junior/ senior year. No one ever wins when this occurs and the fact you ran seems to tarnish anything good that may happen.

There's been rumblings of Haggy leaving since 8th grade. Honestly surprised this didn't happen sooner. As for rest of the post, I get your point, but also make sure to save that same energy for the next time Western gets a player transferring in.*

I'm also surprised it didn't happen sooner.

[basketballmind]

Hearing that Haggy is back at Western?? If so, what is the ceiling for the Indians? I’m sure it changes all of our rankings for D7?

[HamPorter]

Hearing that Haggy is back at Western?? If so, what is the ceiling for the Indians? I’m sure it changes all of our rankings for D7?

They went 6-17 last year and didn’t get any taller and probably won’t like each other again this year like last. They lost to some terrible teams and while they beat a couple of good ones, the 17 losses say way more than those 6 wins

They almost covered against NW in the tournament though

[basketballmind]

Hearing that Haggy is back at Western?? If so, what is the ceiling for the Indians? I’m sure it changes all of our rankings for D7?

They went 6-17 last year and didn’t get any taller and probably won’t like each other again this year like last. They lost to some terrible teams and while they beat a couple of good ones, the 17 losses say way more than those 6 wins

They almost covered against NW in the tournament though

I didn’t know if their league was down or not this year. I had heard they had a good summer but that was before everything happened with Haggy and Minford. With Haggy and Janes they could at least be dangerous

[pfloyd]

Drew Haggy is AT Western Pike to finish out his high school career. A BIG plus for the Indians of Coach Williams & Co., the Latham Gang will ALL be running to the Water Tower for conditioning purposes ... Haggy, Janes, Owens, Clay, Davis , Kerns ... plus-side help from another freshmen & a "foreign exchange student" to go with sophomore big 6-3 Josiah Satterfield who will be working his way into positive minutes for the Indians ... size still a Western "issue to work around" BUT teams will need to be able to play 94 ft of "olympic 100 meter" style hoops for 32 minutes ... going to be fun to watch! With depth, scoring from lots of positions, defensive pressure full court leading to transition buckets, the great scoring tandem of Haggy & Janes ... the only question will be how to handle a team that focuses on getting the ball into the paint with size - although even bigs have to put the ball on the floor - a must do vs size is to force the bigs out on the floor where they HAVE TO put it on the floor - when bigs have to put the ball on the floor to get where they want on the floor to score - the undersize team levels the playing field ... going to have to look at the divisional rankings I posted - Western getting Haggy back shakes things up in D7 just as Minford without Haggy (the depth/15-18 ppg, defense etc he brought to the court) depth becomes an issue again for the Falcons ... lots of things to look at before doing the Preseason Elite 8 ...

[Harambe]

D4

1. Meigs
2. New Lexington
3. Hillsboro
4. Jackson
5. Logan Elm
6. Unioto
7.Waverly
8. Fairfield Union
9. Gallia Academy
10. Circleville
11. Washington CH
12. Westfall
13. Vinton County
14. McClain

D5

1. EB
2. Minford
3. Zane Trace
4. Chesapeake
5. Nelsonville York
6. Wheelersburg
7. Ironton
8. Fairland
9. Portsmouth
10. SP
11. Coal Grove
12. Piketon
13. Oak Hill
14. Northwest
15. River Valley
16. Wellston
17. West Union
18. Alexander

D6

1. North Adams
2. Belpre
3. Valley
4. Symmes Valley
5. Peebles
6. PW
7. Lynchburg
8. Eastern Pike
9. Waterford
10. Paint Valley
11. Adena
12. Southeastern
13. Federal Hocking
14. Eastern Reedsville
15. Crooksville
16. Rock Hill
17. Huntington
18. Ripley
19. Portsmouth Clay

D7

1. South Webster
2. Southern
3. Manchester
4. Western
5. Portsmouth Notre Dame
6. Fairfield
7. NB
8. Trimble
9. South Gallia
10. Whiteoak
11. Ironton St Joseph
12. Green
13. Miller
14. Portsmouth East

[pfloyd]

Summer Preseason by Division (expect changes as the school year gets rolling - which happened with Haggy staying at Western Pike)...

D3

1. Warren
2. Marietta
3. Sheridan
4. Miami Trace
5. Chillicothe
6. Athens


D4

1. Meigs
2. New Lexington
3. Hillsboro
4. Jackson
5. Logan Elm
6. Unioto
7.Waverly
8. Fairfield Union
9. Gallia Academy
10. Circleville
11. Washington CH
12. Westfall
13. Vinton County
14. McClain

D5

1. Minford
2. Eastern Brown
3. Zane Trace
4. Chesapeake
5. Nelsonville York
6. Wheelersburg
7. Piketon
8. Ironton
9. Portsmouth
10. Fairland
11. South Point
12. Coal Grove
13. River Valley
14. Northwest
15. Oak Hill
16. Wellston
17. West Union
18. Alexander

D6

1. North Adams
2. Belpre
3. Symmes Valley
4. Waterford
5. Lucasville Valley
6. Peebles
7. Portsmouth West
8. Eastern Pike
9. Lynchburg Clay
10. Paint Valley
11. Adena
12. Southeastern
13. Federal Hocking
14. Eastern Reedsville
15. Crooksville
16. Rock Hill
17. Huntington
18. Ripley
19. Portsmouth Clay

D7

1. South Webster
2. Southern
3. Manchester
4. Fairfield Leesburg
5. Western Pike
6. Portsmouth Notre Dame
7. New Boston
8. Trimble
9. South Gallia
10. Whiteoak
11. Ironton St Joseph
12. Green
13. Miller
14. Portsmouth East


... Drew Haggy staying at Western Pike changed up the D7 summer rankings ... Minford was the destination for Haggy ... I'm staying with Minford at #1 in D5 - Montgomery/Kayser/Shoemaker are STILL darn good ... but I think Eastern Brown inches up pushing the Falcons as we move into the season ...

[JJMD24]

I was able to watch Grady Barber from Eastern Brown play this spring and summer. It was definitely a great experience and he improved every single time. He simply can score in a variety of ways and helps his team win.

[pfloyd]

I was able to watch Grady Barber from Eastern Brown play this spring and summer. It was definitely a great experience and he improved every single time. He simply can score in a variety of ways and helps his team win.

... Grady Barber will be a junior this season ... at 6-2 and a solid body build/frame he is one of those players who can mix it up in the paint, has good handles on the perimeter where he can run the point, can be a 2 guard etc. when I watched him as a freshmen at the Dave Young Classic I put a asterisk beside his name and penciled in that Grady was being groomed to be "the man"/"that guy" that Coach Beucler (450+ wins) would have as the Warrior leader on the floor ... Barber put up 13 or so ppg last season - was voted honorable mention D3 All Ohio ... Barber & Co. ( Drew Edmisten sr. who drained 5 for 5 from 3 point land in a game vs West Union last season as a junior/ Kade Walkup sr. had 4 treys in the same game vs West Union/Pryce Murphy sr. can score in the paint and crash the boards) will be pushing Minford as the #1 D5 team in SEOhio this coming season ... Barber (jr) & his senior cohorts will be looking to make the 24-25 season a special season ...

[Warrior1990]

Eastern Brown should be very solid this season. They are guard oriented with Barber/Edmisten/Walkup but also have capable returning bigs in Murphy & Vance. Barber can score both inside and outside and is a great passer. Edmisten is the most dangerous three point shooter in the league and makes winning plays every night. Walkup is streaky but when hot can score in bunches and always brings it on defense. They have two transfers that will help this year along with four solid sophomores in Clinton/Florence/Dotson/Dick (6’5”).

[pfloyd]

Eastern Brown should be very solid this season. They are guard oriented with Barber/Edmisten/Walkup but also have capable returning bigs in Murphy & Vance. Barber can score both inside and outside and is a great passer. Edmisten is the most dangerous three point shooter in the league and makes winning plays every night. Walkup is streaky but when hot can score in bunches and always brings it on defense. They have two transfers that will help this year along with four solid sophomores in Clinton/Florence/Dotson/Dick (6’5”).

... can you give us some information on the transfers Warrior 1990? ... size, grade level, varsity experience, transferred from where? ...

[Warrior1990]

Chase Pinkerton - 6’3” sophomore guard from Warren - moved to district (mom is new high school principal); Carter Lindsey - junior guard from Williamsburg - open enroll. Not much varsity experience for either. ALSO: the list of four sophomores that will help this year should have been “Cluxton/Florence/Dotson/Dick”. Thank you auto correct.