In a game that is marked on most Ohio hoops experts calendar at the beginning of the season, it will come to fruition tonight as the Wayne Lady Warriors will host the Centerville Lady Elks at 7pm in Huber Heights, Ohio.
While these teams have perenially been really good over the years, this year they both boast talent that is second to none, as does a few other GWOC teams, making it a nightmare for teams to play and a League that should register as one of the best in the country.
Yes, the country.
Why do we say that?
Well, here's our reasons for the thought that the GWOC is one of the (10) best girls HS hoop conferences in the country this season.
(1) The Talent at the Top of the league
When you have players such as Bree Hall of Wayne (Top 10-15 player nationally), Cotie McMahon of Centerville (Top 10-20 nationally) and the Springboro duo of Jordan Hobbs (Top 50) and Peyton Nation (Top 100), you have 4 of the best players in the Miami Valley, the state, and quite honestly, the nation.
Hall is headed to South Carolina, McMahon to Ohio State and Hobbs to Rice, while Nation continues to show she is back from her leg injury. She's averaging double figures and has found her rhythm.
(2) The Coaching
With elite coaches at Wayne, Centerville, Springboro, and Springfield, the league usually churns out top level players. Travis Trice has a OHSAA Championship and has his sights set on another with this team that sits at 13-1.
(3) 2nd Tier Players elite as well
While most 2nd tier players usually dont go big time, some of these players are headed there.
4 of Wayne's seniors (Bree Hall, Alyssa Hargrove Hall, Rachael Bronaugh, Lovie Malone) have all committed to Division 1s, and another is on the brink. Centerville has Amy Velasco, a tough college ready guard, and the assist leader in the GWOC. Dasia Turner of Northmont averages double figures, leads the GWOC in rebounding and is 2nd in blocked shots,
Abby Long is averaging 12 ppg and averages almost 9 rebounds a game for a streaking Miamisburg team. Peyton Nation of Spingboro should get more looks as well, as she is second in steals.
No matter where the league is ranked, you will get to see a heavyweight matchup tonight as two legitimate All-American candidates will go at it.
While it wont be crowded at the game, all eyes will be on both teams to see if the Elks can stand toe to toe with the best girls team in the Miami Valley and possibly the state.
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