Brock Netter

Brock is SOSA's primary writer and has worked for the Coshocton Tribune, the Kankakee Daily Journal (Ill.), the Vinton-Jackson Courier and the Jackson Telegram. He's a six-time award-winning journalist, a lifelong WWE fan, a suffering Bengals fan and calls the sidelines his home.

BOYS HOOPS: 15 players to keep an eye on this winter

Keep your eyes on these 15 names.

Brock Netter, Staff Writer

Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.

After an exciting fall sports season, we have our fingers crossed for the same this winter.

With the start of high school basketball season, here’s a list of 15 boys in our coverage area, and in no particular order, to keep your eyes peeled for this coming season.

NOTE: This certainly does not mean there aren’t other players who will have great seasons. This is simply a list of 15 players we’ve randomly compiled

Jackson Shoemaker, Minford

Shoemaker might be the X-factor to Minford hoisting that elusive district championship trophy. Last season, the 6-foot-4 big man averaged 11.9 points and just under eight rebounds per game in a second straight district runner-up season. Now, on a team that’s reloaded, Shoemaker’s nightly impact, in addition to Myles Montgomery and Bennett Kayser, will be key.

Bo Henry, Piketon

Impossible to miss. He’s a mismatch often times in the post at 6-foot-6, and with two starters from last year playing with other teams, it’s his show now. That might mean a slower pace of play, but as long as the ball touches No. 50’s hands inside, two points should follow. Piketon will go as far as Henry can take it.

Piketon’s Bo Henry will be a force to be reckoned with this winter.
CREDIT: *Derrick Webb/SOSA*

Breestin Schweickart, North Adams

Schweickart might be the most frustrating player any team will face. Despite being just six feet tall, he plays like a 7-footer and isn’t afraid of any challenge. He returns to a somewhat reloaded Green Devils team after averaging 12 points and a team-high 7.4 rebounds per night last season. His hard-nosed style of play could lead NA to a third straight district title.

Ne’Miah Waugh, Logan Elm

Pound for pound, there might not be a better athlete to take the floor every single night then Waugh. He willed the Braves last year to a sectional title with nonstop hustle, a relentless motor and the ability to make a shot from anywhere on the court. Don’t expect much to change this year, aside from the fact he’s a year better, which is scary.

Cobra Sharp, Vinton County

Sharp is the only starter back from a Vinton County team that’s won 33 games over the past two seasons. However, if you’ve watched him play, you know how special he is. A floor general and a knock-down shooter with a clutch gene, he averaged 13 points and five assists last season. The Vikings will go as he does, which they hope leads to a fourth straight TVC title.

Caydon Cox, Chillicothe

The Cavaliers have young talent across the board, but make no mistake about it, it all begins with Cox. The sophomore possesses a smooth left-handed shot with the ability to finish through traffic, which helped the Cavs navigate through a tough season last year. However, those lessons will pay off for the next two seasons and Cox will be the driving force.

Chillicothe’s Caydon Cox is expected to lead the Cavaliers this season.
CREDIT: *Derrick Webb/SOSA*

Stephen Jenkins, Jackson

It’s possible that Jenkins is the craftiest passer in the area. He has the vision to see plays develop a few seconds ahead and always finds the open player for the bucket. However, he also has the ability to score 20 and lead the team in scoring. Jenkins and company have a chance to do something really special, and his court vision will be crucial.

Reid Brinager, Meigs

As we fully welcome the TVC into the SOSA world, Brinager is a name you’ll be reading about for the next three seasons. He’s an explosive athlete at 6-foot-4 with the ability to out jump anyone for a rebound, or even put someone on a poster. Last year, he showed that he was the future of Marauder basketball. Well, the future is now.

Grady Barber, Eastern Brown

Barber is a tough player with an even tougher game. He can shoot from anywhere on the floor and crashes the boards relentlessly, which was part of Eastern winning 17 games last season. The junior returns with a year of experience under his belt to a very underrated Warrior team — one that could make a deep tournament run with Barber leading the way.

Tate Davis, Hillsboro

Make no mistake about it: Davis is the engine that makes the Indians go. The reigning FAC Player of the Year poured in 15.5 points per game last season, helping his team win 12 games. The good news for the Indians is they have most of their team back, and the FAC is wide open. It could be their year.

Unioto’s Blake Hoops is back in the lineup for the Shermans.
CREDIT: *Derrick Webb/SOSA*

Blake Hoops, Unioto

It’s a new era of Unioto basketball as Matt Combs takes over head coaching responsibilities, but there’s still a Hoops in purple and gold. Last year, he averaged just under 10 points and four rebounds per game on a balanced Sherman team that won 18 games, and the SVC title. The league is more open this year than it has been in recent memory, but Hoops will be the difference in the team’s quest to repeat.

Maddox Kazee, Chesapeake

The OVC was the wild, wild west last season. But ultimately, it was Chespeake who won the crown and Kazee made a huge difference in doing so. A first-team all district selection, the now-sophomore made a name for himself and scored 12.6 points per game. Now with a year under his belt, and more of a load to carry this year, keep an eye on Kazee’s production.

Owen Johnson, Coal Grove

Johnson gets buckets. That’s what he does best. With the ability to drop 30 in the blink of an eye — or in someone’s eye — the senior forward finished the year averaging 22.5 points per game for the Hornets. The wins have been tough to come by, which isn’t a surprise inside the OVC. But Johnson is more than worth the price of admission.

Connie Thomas, Portsmouth

Last season, while at Notre Dame, Thomas showed he wasn’t shy of the big moment, burying a game-tying triple in the Titans’ double overtime playoff game against Trimble. He notched 10.6 points per game last season, helping the Titans to 16 wins and the SOC I title. Now at Portsmouth, his sharpshooting will be needed as the Trojans look to make a return trip to the Convo.

Kameron Janes, Western

The Indians might have the most underrated backcourt in the area. Drew Haggy gets a lot of attention, and understandably so, but Janes is no slouch. He can flat out play and puts the ball in the bucket, evidenced by his 17.1 points per game last season. Despite winning just six games, everyone is back for the Indians, so keep an eye on them. Janes will have a big role.