ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
June 23, 2016 - A special advertising section of ThisWeek Community News
Area athletes,teams have banner year By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM It’s been a few months since Jordan Humphrey made a jump shot in the lane with 1.8 seconds remaining to give the Westerville South High School boys basketball team its first Division I state championship. The moment, however, made a lasting impression. “When people see me they go, ‘Hey, you’re the guy that made the game-winning shot,’ and it kind of just makes me laugh, but I continue to remain humble,” said Humphrey, a 2016 graduate. “But it does give me a good feeling inside. … We pushed each other to be the best each day.” The Wildcats’ 57-55 victory over Lima Senior on March 19 at Ohio State was one of 19 state finals won by teams in the ThisWeek coverage area during the 2015-16 school year, with 11 coming in events sponsored by the Ohio High School Athletic Association. Central Ohio ended the school year with a bevy of team and individual championships, including two in boys lacrosse and two in girls lacrosse in the final year before lacrosse becomes an OHSAA-sanctioned sport. Including those four lacrosse titles, there were seven spring sports teams that won championships, and area athletes earned 21 first-place finishes at the state track and field meet as well. No program has dominated its sport over the past three decades like the Upper Arlington boys lacrosse team, and it capped its 16th Division I state championship season, including its fourth in five seasons, with a 17-5 victory over Cleveland St. Ignatius on June 4 at Thomas Worthington. On the same day in lacrosse, the Upper Arlington girls team beat Massillon Jackson 9-6 at Worthington Kilbourne to win its second Division I title in a row and its sixth overall, the Kilbourne boys beat Toledo St. Francis 11-7 for the Division II title at Thomas and the DeSales girls beat Chagrin Falls 10-7 at Kilbourne for their first championship. Central Ohio showed its talent in baseball as well, with Pickerington North beating Cincinnati La Salle 21 in Division I and Newark Catholic
for Girls’ 1,600 relay of Alicia Donley, Ayla Kazemi, Isabella Pesavento and Eleanor Smith (3:54.28), the Eastmoor Academy boys 1,600 relay of Malik Crockett, Terry Johnson, Michael Keels and LaShawn Robinson (3:18.62) and Lakewood’s Mat French in the boys shot put (60-2 1/2). In Division III, the Columbus Academy boys 800 relay of Logan Baker, Kevin Boyce, Jerome Buckner and Michael Kusi was first (1:29.46), as was Baker in the 800 (1:54.77) as the Vikings earned a state runner-up finish (35) behind Louisville Aquinas (36). New Albany’s Michael Fenster won the seated boys 800 (2:16.49).
STATE CHAMPS 2015-16 Below is a list of central Ohio teams that won state championships during the 201516 school year: FALL Bexley boys golf (Division II) DeSales boys soccer (Division II) Dublin Jerome girls golf (Division I) Dublin Jerome boys tennis (Division I) Hartley football (Division IV) Thomas Worthington field hockey Upper Arlington girls water polo WINTER Africentric girls basketball (Division III) Gahanna girls indoor track and field (Division I) Pickerington Central boys indoor track and field (Division I) Upper Arlington girls swimming and diving (Division I) Westerville South boys basketball (Division I)
Westerville South guard Jordan Humphrey places the net around his neck after Westerville South's 57-55 victory against Lima Senior during their OHSAA Division I boys basketball state championship March 19, 2016 at Ohio State. Humphrey, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, led all scorers with 19 points and hit the game-winning shot with 1.8 seconds left. JOSHUA A. BICKEL/THISWEEK
SPRING DeSales girls lacrosse (Division II) Lakewood softball (Division II) Newark Catholic baseball (Division IV) Pickerington North baseball (Division I) Upper Arlington boys lacrosse (Division I) Upper Arlington girls lacrosse (Division I) Worthington Kilbourne boys lacrosse (Division II)
battling through a rainy night to beat North Lewisburg Triad 5-4 in Division IV in title games June 4 at Huntington Park. While Newark Catholic won its second title in a row, seventh since 2002 and ninth overall, North’s championship was the first in program history. Led by a complete-game victory by pitcher Justin Grubb, North gave central Ohio just its third big-school baseball title since 1990. “It’s that mentality, ‘Why not us?’” North coach Tim Thomas said. “That means something to them. Do your job, be the champions. They bought into it.” Perhaps no program in central Ohio was more dominant in 2015-16 than the Lakewood softball team, which beat LaGrange Keystone 7-4 in the Division II state final June 4 at Firestone Stadium in Akron. A three-RBI performance from shortstop Kaitlyn Peacock and a six-
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run second inning helped the Lancers complete a 29-0 season and win their fourth state title since 2008. From an individual standpoint, few athletes in Ohio accomplished as much as Dublin Coffman’s Abby Steiner did in 2015-16. After being named a high school All-American in girls soccer last fall, Steiner won the 100 meters (11.87 seconds) and 200 (23.92) and rallied the 800 relay as the anchor leg to a title in 1:38.53 – just .01 ahead of runner-up Cincinnati Withrow – at the Division I state track meet June 4. Shannon Downie, Shaunqueza Stevens and Wambui Watene joined her on the relay. Steiner also ran a stadium-record 11.6 during a 100 preliminary June 3. “It was easier in the postseason because I knew what to expect this year instead of last year when it was all new,” Steiner said. “I was confident because I knew how many people would be there and who I would be going up against.” Also capturing two titles at state was Gahanna Lincoln’s MiAngel Daniels, who won the 100 hurdles (14.27) and joined Shynae Deas, Madison Martinez and Amariah Thomas on the first-place 1,600 relay (3:45.48) as her team earned a run-
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ner-up finish (53 points) behind Withrow (64). Daniels became the first girl from Gahanna to win an individual event at state since 1988. The Lions’ other title in girls track was turned in June 3 by the 3,200 relay of Deas, Allison Groves, Allison Holahan and Martinez (9:03.73). Reynoldsburg’s Mark Gooden won the boys discus (189 feet, 3 inches) and helped his team score 31 points to finish behind only St. Ignatius (52). It was the Raiders’ first state runnerup finish since 2004. Other Division I champions were Central Crossing’s Taylor Manivanh in the girls long jump (18-2 1/2), Granville’s Micaela DeGenero in the girls 1,600 (4:53.08) and Natalie Price in the girls 400 (53.95), Hilliard Davidson’s India Johnson in the girls 3,200 (10:29.8), Olentangy Orange’s Anna Watson in the girls pole vault (13-4), Pickerington Central’s boys 1,600 relay of Devahn Jackson, Zavien Parker, Zach Robinson and Terry Simuel (3:14.18) and Watkins Memorial’s Andrew Jordan in the boys 3,200 (8:54.96). Winning his third state boys high jump title June 4 was Linden-McKinley’s Jeffery Floyd, who went 6-10 in the Division II meet. Also winning Division II state track titles were Columbus School
The win by Jordan in the state track meet capped a remarkable year for the Watkins Memorial senior, who broke the course record in the state cross country meet when he ran 14:54 to win the title Nov. 7 at National Trail Raceway. That time ranks second all-time in state-meet history. “I was confident because I knew I had put in the work,” the Iowa State recruit said after the state cross country meet. “But truthfully, there was some pressure because of taking third last year and putting up some great times this year. I just stayed focused and ran my race.” The Bexley boys golf program began the fall postseason by capturing its first team championship when it shot 617 on Oct. 16 and 17 at NorthStar, with Cameron Karmia firing a 143 to earn co-medalist honors. Upper Arlington’s girls tennis duo of Olivia Kompa and Paige Kompa beat Olentangy Liberty’s Anna Delaney and Alexis Steer 6-2, 6-0 for the Division I doubles championship Oct. 17 at Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason. The next day, the Dublin Jerome boys tennis team won its second Ohio Tennis Coaches Association state team title, its fourth in five seasons, when it beat Cincinnati Sycamore 30 to finish 21-0. Then on Oct. 23 and 24 on Ohio
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ThisWeek’s 2015 Super 12 Girls Soccer Team Sabine Chandler - Dublin Jerome The senior forward was a key player in helping Dublin Jerome win the OCC-Cardinal championship and earn the top seed in the Division I district tournament. The Celtics lost to 19th-seeded New Albany 2-1 in a district semifinal Oct. 27 to finish 12-2-3 overall and went 6-0-1 in the OCC-Cardinal. Chandler, who will play at Davidson College, scored five goals and was first-team all-district and all-league. She missed several games in September while playing for the Haiti Women’s National Team in two friendly matches.
TEAM CAPTAIN
Remi Eades - Gahanna With this senior forward leading its offense, Gahanna has been one of central Ohio’s top teams the last two seasons. The Lions finished 14-3-1 last season and 11-4-3 this year, reaching a Division I district semifinal both seasons. Gahanna was seeded fifth in the district and tied for second in the OCC-Ohio. Eades, who will play for Ohio University, had 22 goals and 11 assists this season and finished her prep career with 60 goals. “She was super determined to make her senior year great,” coach Natasha Churches said.
Blair Cowan - Hilliard Darby
Grace Fodor - Hilliard Bradley
The sophomore midfielder played a key role as Hilliard Darby reached a Division I district final and was the OCC-Cardinal runnerup. The Panthers finished 13-3-3 overall, losing to second-seeded Pickerington North 3-2 in a district final Oct. 31. Cowan finished with 17 goals and 10 assists, including five gamewinning goals. She was first-team all-district and all-league. “Blair is the ultimate competitor,” first-year coach Dan Brady said. “She is very dedicated to the game and works incessantly at improving her skill level.”
This senior was the defensive leader for Bradley. Fodor played center back, helping the Jaguars record 10 shutouts and allow only one goal in OCC-Cardinal play. Bradley finished 85-4 overall. Fodor, a four-year starter who will play basketball at West Liberty in West Virginia, had one goal and one assist this season and was named first-team all-district in Division I and all-league. “Grace is an extremely special player and athlete and her contribution to this team is truly something that cannot be put into words,” coach Cheri Shields said.
Abby Steiner - Dublin Coffman Haley Rees - Grandview Heights
This sophomore forward for Dublin Coffman was named Division I district and OCC-Central Player of the Year. Steiner, a University of Kentucky recruit, finished with 18 goals and five assists and scored the lone goal in a 1-0 overtime win over 17th-seeded Westerville Central in a district semifinal Oct. 27. Seeded third, Coffman finished 12-3-2, losing to 11th-seeded Olentangy 2-1 in overtime in a district final Oct. 31. “Her ceiling is unlike any kid that we’ve had here,” coach Marc D’Auteuil said.
Haley Rees doesn’t look like a bruiser, but the senior forward for the Grandview Heights High School girls soccer team holds her own on the field. At 5-foot-9 and 120 pounds, Rees can work her way through the elbows and forearms of defenders to put the ball in the net for the Bobcats, who finished 17-3-1 after losing to Cincinnati Summit Country Day 2-0 in a Division III state semifinal. Rees scored a program-record 76 goals, including 29 this season, but all her skills helped lead to her selection as ThisWeek’s Super 12 captain. “Haley is a pure goal-scorer,” coach Mike Merna said. “She is quick, has a great shot and is surprisingly strong.” Even when Rees doesn’t score, she finds ways to help the Bobcats. “I started to have so many people marking me that it left my teammates open,” she said. “I had to get focused on passing the ball, and if I wanted the ball back, I had to be fast enough to get open again.” Rees was district and league Player of the Year and will play at Hanover College, an NCAA Division III school in Indiana.
Nikki Cox - Granville There hasn’t been a more prolific goal-scorer in central Ohio the last four years than this senior midfielder for Granville. Cox, who was selected to the Super 12 for the third consecutive season after making honorable mention as a freshman, was the Blue Aces’ all-time leading scorer with more than 140 career goals. Cox has committed to North Carolina-Wilmington. “Nikki is the most exceptional player I have ever been around,” said Scott Forster, whose squad finished 17-4-2 after losing to Akron Hoban 2-1 in overtime in the Division II state final.
Grace DeLuca - Thomas Worthington The junior midfielder helped Thomas Worthington reach a Division I district final. A three-year starter, DeLuca had 13 goals and seven assists as the Cardinals finished 12-4-3. Seeded fourth, Thomas lost to sixth-seeded Olentangy Liberty 3-2 in overtime in a district final Oct. 31. DeLuca, who has 35 career goals, was named first-team all-district and all-OCC-Central. “Grace is playing an attacking midfield position this year and has some added defensive responsibility, but is still putting up good numbers,” coach Tim Barton said.
Sydney Harris - Dublin Jerome This senior defender anchored the back line for Jerome, which allowed 13 goals and posted nine shutouts in 17 games. Harris, who will play at Miami University, was named first-team all-district in Division I and OCC-Cardinal Player of the Year, as the Celtics won the league with a 6-0-1 record and finished 12-3 overall. Jerome lost to New Albany 2-1 in a district semifinal Oct. 27. “I’ve seen Sydney grow so much from her junior to her senior year as an athlete and as a person,” coach Kelly Brothers said. “She was a great leader for us this year.”
Karli Royer - Westerville North This junior forward led Westerville North in scoring this season with 11 goals and four assists and was named first-team all-district in Division I and all-OCC-Cardinal. Seeded 24th, the Warriors lost to 12th-seeded Worthington Kilbourne 3-1 in a district tournament second-round game Oct. 22 to finish 5-9-4. “Karli is talented, she’s a hard worker and she’s put a lot into getting better at soccer,” coach Brett Weiss said. “She definitely had a year where all that paid off, so we’re proud of her.”
Sarina Dirrig - Olentangy Liberty
Cameron Shedenhelm - Pickerington North
Dirrig, a junior midfielder, helped to lead Olentangy Liberty to its second consecutive OCC-Central championship and its second Division I district title in a row. Dirrig had 18 goals for the Patriots, who finished 15-6-1 after losing to Loveland 3-1 in a state semifinal. Dirrig has committed to Ohio University. “Sarina is a great soccer player who has unbelievable vision of the field,” coach Kristen McMahon said. “Sarina’s greatest strength in the game is her ability to hold on to the ball and distribute (the ball) to her teammates.”
The junior forward helped to lead Pickerington North to the OCCOhio championship and its ninth Division I district title. A three-year starter, Shedenhelm had 16 goals and nine assists and was named OCC-Ohio Player of the Year and first-team all-district. North was 14-2-4 after losing to Olentangy 1-0 in a regional semifinal Nov. 3. “Cameron comes to compete every day in practice and games,” coach Greg Van Kannel said. “She gives us some physical play along with doing the little things to make us successful.”
2015 Fall Season Athletes of the Year GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
BOYS WATER POLO
Hunter Atherton - Dublin Coffman
Andrew Jordan - Watkins Memorial
Alex Rabe - Upper Arlington
With this 5-foot-11 senior setter leading the way, Dublin Coffman made it to the Division I state tournament for the first time since back-to-back runner-up finishes in 2009-10. Atherton was named a first-team All-American by the American Volleyball Coaches Association. Atherton had more than 700 assists and was second in blocks and third in digs for the Shamrocks, who lost in the state final to Cincinnati Mount Notre Dame 25-23, 25-23, 25-20 on Nov. 14 to finish 26-3.
The Watkins Memorial senior was dominant, capping the season by winning the Division I state title in a course-record 14:54 on Nov. 7 at National Trail Raceway. Only Sandusky Perkins’ Scott Fry has run faster at state (14:50.2 in 1984). An Iowa State commit, Jordan also won the regional title (15:29.1) Oct. 31at Pickerington North, the district 2 title (15:56.67) Oct. 24 on his home course and the LCL-Buckeye title (15:12.07) Oct. 17 at home.
Rabe, a junior goalkeeper, had a record-breaking season for Upper Arlington and will enter his senior year poised to set at least one more mark in program history. Rabe made 400 saves on 633 shots to set a season record for the Golden Bears and will enter his senior season 29 shy of the career mark of 820 set by 2013 graduate Nick Sievert. Rabe earned first-team all-state honors as the Bears went 31-10, losing to Cincinnati St. Xavier 9-4 in the state final Oct. 31.
GIRLS TENNIS
BOYS GOLF
FIELD HOCKEY
Ellee Bullock - Dublin Jerome
Cameron Karmia - Bexley
Hana Sinno - Thomas Worthington
The last two seasons with this senior at first singles, Jerome went a combined 45-0 and won back-to-back OTCA state team titles. Individually, Bullock was almost as dominant. She was undefeated this season before losing to Cincinnati Sycamore’s Alexa Abele 6-3, 7-5 in a Division I state quarterfinal Oct. 16 to finish 28-1. A Utah State commit, Bullock competed at state in each of her four prep seasons.
This Bexley senior peaked when his team needed him most – the Division II state tournament. After tying for ninth with an 80 in the Oakhaven sectional Sept. 29 and tying for ninth (78) at district Oct. 8 at Denison Golf Club, Karmia shot 70 in the first round of the state tournament Oct. 16 at NorthStar. His performance tied the state tournament record for that course. The next day, Karmia carded a 73 to finish as co-medalist with Dayton Oakwood’s Connor Quigley with a 143.
The driving force to Thomas Worthington’s fourth state title was this senior midfielder. Sinno’s responsibilities included setting up central Ohio’s most prolific offense. She finished with 19 goals and 19 assists and also had nearly 100 defensive interceptions and more than 40 steals. Sinno missed most of Thomas’ 3-0 victory over Hudson in the state final Nov. 7 because of an ankle injury but was a key leader all season for the Cardinals, who finished 20-0-1.
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
GIRLS WATER POLO
GIRLS GOLF
India Johnson - Hilliard Davidson
Chloe Magyari - Upper Arlington
Liza Weisman - Bexley
The Hilliard Davidson junior was the area’s highest finisher in the Division I state meet Nov. 7 at National Trail Raceway. Johnson placed second (17 minutes, 43 seconds) of 142 runners, behind Centerville’s Lainey Studebaker (17:39). She won the district 2 title (17:44.2) Oct. 24 at Watkins Memorial and the regional title (17:58.1) Oct. 31 at Pickerington North after setting the school record (17:31.35) by winning the OCC-Central title Oct. 17 at Hilliard Darby.
The Upper Arlington senior led the Golden Bears in scoring and helped lead them to their second consecutive state title. Magyari had 84 goals, 30 assists and 69 steals as UA went 31-1, defeating Cincinnati Sycamore 11-6 in the state final Oct. 24. She was named first-team all-state and firstteam all-state tournament. Magyari scored three goals in the state final, in which UA trailed 4-1 in the second quarter before reeling off nine unanswered goals.
There wasn’t a more consistent player at the Division II level in central Ohio this season than this Bexley senior. Weisman’s biggest achievement took place Oct. 16 and 17 when she placed fifth (155) in the state tournament on Ohio State’s Gray Course to earn first-team all-state. She finished just three strokes out of first. A Florida Atlantic commit, Weisman holds Bexley’s program records for ninehole average and best 18-hole round (72).
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June 23, 2016
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ThisWeek’s 2015 Super 25 Football Team
Luke Campbell - Olentangy
The 6-4, 270-pound senior offensive lineman is a three-year starter at left tackle who has helped pave the way for an Olentangy offense that has averaged 37.5 points and 432.8 yards. Campbell, who has committed to Purdue, was named first-team all-OCC-Capital and all-district. He is expected to play left tackle for the Boilermakers. “He is the best lineman I’ve ever had the chance to coach,” coach Mark Solis said. “He plays with a nasty streak that you want to see in a lineman.”
TEAM CAPTAIN
Nick Powers - Hilliard Darby
Powers had nearly 2,400 yards for Hilliard Darby, which finished 9-3 after losing to Cincinnati Elder 41-13 on Nov. 14 in a secondround Division I, Region 2 playoff game. The 6-2, 195-pound senior quarterback rushed for 1,720 yards and 22 touchdowns on 258 carries and completed 48 of 96 passes for 661 yards with two scores. “Nick is one of those guys with that ‘it’ factor,” coach John Santagata said. “When he has the football, he has the ability to do amazing things. His teammates believe in him and he’s a tremendous player on both offense and defense.”
Jonathon Cooper - Gahanna
Ryan Royer - Hilliard Davidson
An Ohio State commit who was Division I district Defensive Player of the Year, Cooper led Gahanna to its second consecutive Region 2 playoff appearance. The 6-4, 235-pound senior defensive end had 67 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and 12 sacks during the regular season for the Lions, who finished 7-4. Cooper, who also saw action at tight end, made the Super 25 a year ago as well. “To be the No. 1 recruit in the state and the No. 7 defensive end in the country says a lot about him,” coach Bruce Ward said.
The 5-10, 189-pound junior running back helped lead Davidson to the OCC-Central title and an eighth consecutive playoff berth. Royer has rushed for 1,496yards and 20 touchdowns for the Wildcats, who finished 11-2 after losing to Huber Heights Wayne 20-6 in a Division I, Region 2 semifinal. He made first-team all-league and second-team all-district. “Ryan is a very intense young man who has improved greatly with each game this year,” coach Brian White said.
Seth Currens - Pickerington Central The versatility of this 6-3, 215-pound senior helped Pickerington Central earn at least a share of its 10th consecutive league title and also make the playoffs for the 10th year in a row. Currens saw action at quarterback, wide receiver, free safety and punter as the Tigers finished 9-2 overall and 6-1 in the OCC-Ohio. A Wisconsin recruit who was first-team all-league, Currens had 12 catches for 254 yards and two scores, passed for 670 yards and five touchdowns and rushed for 238 yards and five scores. He also had three interceptions.
Deeb Haber - Olentangy It might sound surprising to hear from a quarterback who is closing in on 7,000 career passing yards, but Haber considered college baseball his future. “I played a lot of baseball with the Ohio Elite last summer,” said Haber, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound senior and three-year starter who also has started in the outfield for Olentangy the past two seasons.“I didn’t go to a single (football) camp, but then I started to change my mind.” Haber, who is ThisWeek’s Super 25 captain, completed 231 of 359 passes for 3,135 yards and 33 touchdowns and eight interceptions as the Braves finished 11-2.
Benny Snell - Dublin Jerome The 6-0, 212-pound senior running back was named district Offensive Player of the Year in Division I and shared OCC-Cardinal Player of the Year honors. A University of Kentucky commit, Snell rushed for 1,825 yards and 26 touchdowns for the Warhawks, who lost to Euclid 49-24 in a Division I, Region 1 second-round game Nov. 14 to finish 10-2. “It is not by accident that Benny is the player he is,” coach John Magistro said. “His dedication to football is a 12-month commitment with a work ethic that is second to no one.
Seth Dawkins - Franklin Heights
Danny Logan - Upper Arlington
Josh Stoner - Worthington Kilbourne
Dawkins was an electric performer for Franklin Heights at wide receiver and defensive back.The 6-3, 205-pound senior scored 22 touchdowns: 16 receiving, three rushing, two kick returns and one punt return. He had 66 catches for 944 yards and was Division II district Offensive Player of the Year and OCC-Capital Co-Player of the Year. “Seth meant everything to our team,” said coach Tennyson Varney, whose team finished 1-9 overall and 1-6 in the OCC-Capital. “He was a real game-changer.”
The 6-0, 190-pound senior played running back, wide receiver and punter for Upper Arlington, which returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2011. Logan rushed for 1,202 yards and 12 touchdowns on 163 carries, caught 28 passes for 575 yards and four scores and averaged 40 yards per punt on 18 attempts for the Golden Bears, who lost to Hilliard Davidson 17-10 in a Division I, Region 2 second-round game Nov. 14 to finish 8-4. Logan has committed to play lacrosse for the University of Denver.
The 5-11, 190-pound senior is a multi-dimensional playmaker for Worthington Kilbourne.A slotback on offense, Stoner rushed for 657 yards and five touchdowns on 57 carries and had 39 receptions for 436 yards and six scores. He also has returned four punts and a kickoff for touchdowns and, as a kicker, is 9-for-11 on field-goal attempts inside of 40 yards. Stoner had 1,897 all-purpose yards and 17 touchdowns as the Wolves finished 112 after falling to Massillon Perry 28-7 in a Division II regional final.
Devin Dukes - Bishop Ready
Jake Long - Hamilton Township
Ryan Tuchoq - Hilliard Davidson
The Division VI district Offensive Player of the Year, this 5-10, 215-pound sophomore running back nearly helped Ready finish 64. Dukes rushed for 2,147 yards and 25 touchdowns on 261 carries. Dukes had back-to-back games of 300-plus yards rushing in early September. Brian Cross called him one of the best running backs he’s coached during his 30-plus years. “What he did was impressive because he did it against eight- and nine-man boxes,” Cross said. “He ran with both power and speed.”
Despite battling injuries part of the season, this 6-1, 185-pound senior fit in immediately during his first year with the Rangers. Long, a West Virginia commit at cornerback, scored 21 touchdowns while seeing action at running back, wide receiver and on special teams after moving from Ashland, Ky. He also had three interceptions and four pass breakups while helping the Rangers earn the No. 1 seed for the Division III, Region 9 playoffs. They finished 8-3. He was the district’s Defensive Player of the Year.
The 5-11, 215-pound senior linebacker for Hilliard Davidson leads one of the area’s top defenses. Tuchow had a team-high 102 tackles, eight tackles for loss and three interceptions through 11 games for the Wildcats, who allowed just 61 points and posted four shutouts through 12 games. He made first-team all-district in Division I and shared OCC-Central Player of the Year honors with Logan.After starting his junior year as an outside linebacker,Tuchow moved inside to what coach Brian White said is a more natural position.
Jaelen Gill - Westerville South
Isaac McKinney - Dublin Coffman
Ethan Tucky - Delaware
Only a sophomore, the 6-0, 175-pound running back for Westerville South accounted for more than half of his team’s total yards (3,076), rushing for 1,553 yards and 19 touchdowns on 189 carries and catching seven passes for 224 yards and three scores. Gill finished with 1,820 all-purpose yards.. “Jaelen was a phenomenal player this year,” coach Kyle Stout said. “When you go back and watch his plays, you sit there in awe at some of his moves and what he did with the ball.”
This 6-0, 180-pound senior was all over the field for Coffman. McKinney had 63 tackles, 4.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries and one interception at linebacker and was first-team all-district and all-league. At running back, he scored four touchdowns and had 136 yards on 17 carries. He helped the Shamrocks go 7-4 overall, losing to Cincinnati Colerain 53-7 on Nov. 7 in the first round of the Division I, Region 2 playoffs, and finish 5-2 in the OCC-Central.
The 6-3, 225-pound senior excelled as a defensive end and outside linebacker and was a key contributor on offense for Delaware, which finished 5-5. A Boston College signee, Tucky had 102 tackles, including 21 for loss, and 11 sacks. He also forced three fumbles, recovered two fumbles and had an interception. As a running back, he rushed for 734 yards on 122 carries and scored eight touchdowns.Tucky was named OCC-Capital co-Player of the Year and Division II district Defensive Player of the Year.
Malik Harrison - Walnut Ridge
Derrius Mullins - DeSales
Chris Wall - Hilliard Bradley
With this 6-4, 215-pound senior playing a variety of roles, Walnut Ridge earned a share of the City-South title. Harrison completed 76 of 127 passes for 1,161 yards and rushed for 897 yards and 17 touchdowns on 94 carries as the Scots went 7-3 overall and 6-1 in the league. He was first-team all-district at linebacker. He had 45 tackles, eight sacks, eight tackles for loss, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. “Malik was a major factor in all three phases of every game,” coach Byron Mattox said.
With this 6-4, 315-pound junior taking up space on the offensive and defensive lines, DeSales had won 10 in a row before losing to Zanesville 9-3 in a Division III, Region 9 semifinal Nov. 13 to finish 10-2. Mullins had 45 tackles, including 15 for loss, and six sacks during the regular season while making first-team all-district. “Derrius has a lot of ability. He’s playing two ways and he’s just difficult to block one-on-one,” coach Ryan Wiggins said. “That to me is one of the bigger things. He’s big and powerful and teams have to account for that.”
This 5-10, 200-pound senior made his mark at linebacker for Hilliard Bradley, setting the program record for tackles in a season with 107. He also had four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions.Wall was first-team all-district and all-league as the Jaguars finished 7-3 overall. “Chris, physically, is all about fast-twitch,” coach Mike LoParo said. “He’s an explosive kid who is very physical at the point of attack. He’s intelligent, he knows what he’s looking at and what he needs to do.”
Quri Hickman - Bishop Hartley
Jeff Nogaj - Johstown
Brendon White - Olentangy Liberty
Hickman has rushed for more than 100 yards in all but two games for Hartley, which finished 12-3 and defeated Steubenville 31-28 in the Division IV state final. He rushed for 2,247 and 32 touchdowns. The 5-10, 220-pound senior, who also started the last two seasons at linebacker, rushed for five touchdowns in a 40-3 win over Ready on Oct. 30. “He’s such a powerful runner,” coach Brad Burchfield said.“I don’t know if I can remember one player taking him down by himself.”
At 6-5 and 325 pounds, Nogaj anchors an offensive line that has helped amass more than 3,500 yards rushing yards rushing for Johnstown, which finished 12-1 after losing the Division IV, Region 13 final to Steubenville. “Jeff has a big heart and he’s a hard-worker,” coach Mike Carter said. “Being an offensive lineman, you have to have an attitude where you want to protect the backs. He’s like a big brother to them.” The junior was first-team all-district and the league’s Lineman of the Year.
This 6-1, 195-pound junior made big plays at defensive back and wide receiver for Olentangy Liberty, which reached the playoffs for the second consecutive year.White, who was first-team alldistrict and all-league, made 26 catches for 316 yards and finished with 56 tackles and six interceptions. “He is great athlete who loves to play the game,” coach Steve Hale said. “His skills could be used in a variety of ways.” The Patriots finished 7-4 overall.
Rhodes Jump - Grandview
London Pearson - Licking Heights
Deric Williamson - Central Crossing
A two-way standout for Grandview, Jump recorded more than 120 tackles as he was the Division VI district Defensive Player of the Year. The 5-10, 210-pound senior also rushed for1,454 yards and 19 touchdowns. “His old-school style has become the model for our team,” said coach Jason Peters, whose team finished 12-2 after losing to Kirkland 13-9 in a Division VI state semifinal.
The 6-0, 180-pound senior running back and defensive back had 16 touchdowns and more than 1,100 all-purpose yards. Pearson had 33 receptions for 457 yards and 582 yards rushing, and 39 tackles and four interceptions. He was named LCL-Buckeye Defensive Back of the Year and was first-team all-district on defense. Licking Heights won the league title and finished 10-2. “London is outstanding on both sides of the ball,” coach Darren Waters said. “He’s a vertical threat on offense every time he touches the ball.”
The 5-11, 215-pound junior quarterback led Central Crossing to its second consecutive playoff berth while setting program records for passing yards in a season (2,453) and a career (3,820).Williamson was 209-for-354 passing with 20 touchdowns and 11 interceptions and rushed for 448 yards and 10 touchdowns on 153 carries to lead the Comets, who lost to Hilliard Davidson 17-9 in a Division I, Region 2 first-round game Nov. 7 to finish 7-4. He was first-team all-OCC-Central and special mention all-district.
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June 23, 2016
ThisWeek’s 2015 Super 12 Boys Soccer Team TEAM CAPTAIN
Ian Black - Dublin Jerome Jerome senior Ian Black started his prep career playing freshman football and club soccer. His next decision helped the Celtics boys soccer team return to prominence in the Central District. Black came to realize “that I enjoyed playing soccer more� than football. He joined the Celtics for his sophomore season and was a key contributor from the start. This fall, he took his game to another level and was named ThisWeek’s Super 12 captain. Black had 27 goals and seven assists as the Celtics finished 17-2-2 overall, losing to Hilliard Davidson 2-1 in a Division I regional final Nov. 7. “He’s one of the most dangerous scorers playing in the high school game right now,� coach Nate Maust said. “In our last two tournament games (before playing Davidson), he scored first and going into the game everybody knows ‘we have to watch him, we have to mark him,’ and still he’s found a way to get it done.� Black scored first in a district final win over Pickerington North (2-1 in two overtimes Oct. 31) and in a regional semifinal win over Gahanna (3-2 on Nov. 4). He also helped Jerome win the OCC-Cardinal Division title at 6-0-1 and was named district and league Player of the Year.
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Mitchell Bergman - Hartley With this junior forward leading its offense, Hartley won its first district championship. The Hawks lost to Cincinnati Wyoming 2-1 in double overtime in a Division II regional semifinal Nov. 4 to finish 14-5-1. A two-year captain, Bergman had 19 goals and 10 assists and was first-team all-district. He had 10 goals and four assists in 2013 and 15 goals and five assists last year.
Cole Heilman - Bexley The senior forward and four-year starter for Bexley was one of the top scorers in central Ohio, totaling 28 goals and 17 assists. Heilman, who was the MSL-Ohio Player of the Year and made first-team all-district in Division II, holds the program’s career scoring record with 67 goals and 62 assists. Bexley lost to top-seeded DeSales 6-1 in a district semifinal Oct. 31 to finish 13-8 and shared the MSL-Ohio title with Worthington Christian.
Jack Holland - Dublin Coffman The senior midfielder helped to lead Dublin Coffman to a Division I district title. Holland had 18 goals and five assists and was named first-team all-district and OCC-Central Player of the Year. He had a goal in a 2-0 win over Westerville North in a district final Oct. 31. Coffman lost to Hilliard Davidson 2-1 in overtime in a regional semifinal Nov. 4 to finish 13-4-3.
Ryan Lang - Hilliard Davidson The senior forward for Hilliard Davidson was among the area’s top goal-scorers and helped to lead the Wildcats to Division I district and regional titles as well as the OCC-Central title. Lang had 27 goals and 11 assists through 21 games and was named first-team all-state, all-district and all-league. Davidson finished 18-2-3 after losing to Cleveland St. Ignatius 4-0 in the state final.
Jack Ostrowski - Columbus Academy The sophomore forward played a key role in Columbus Academy’s march to a Division III district championship, scoring two goals in the Vikings’ 3-1 win over Fairbanks in a district final Oct. 31. Ostrowski led Academy with 16 goals and was named firstteam all-district and all-MSL-Ohio. The Vikings lost to Zanesville Rosecrans 2-1 in overtime in a regional semifinal Nov. 4 to finish 13-5-2.
Cole Popelas - Gahanna Led by this senior midfielder and three-year starter, Gahanna won a Division I district title and a share of its 12th consecutive league title. Popelas had four goals and nine assists and was first-team alldistrict and OCC-Ohio Player of the Year for the second year in a row for the Lions, who lost to Dublin Jerome 3-2 in a regional semifinal Nov. 4 to finish 16-4.
D.J. Reedus - Pickerington North
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Reedus, a senior forward, led Pickerington North to the brink of a Division I district title and a runner-up finish in the OCC-Ohio. A four-year letterwinner and three-year starter, Reedus had 16 goals and three assists this season and was named first-team allleague and all-district for the Panthers, who lost to Dublin Jerome 2-1 in double overtime in a district final. “D.J. played a big part in our finishing the season 14-2-3 (overall),� coach Darrin Monhollen said.
Matt Roldan - Westerville North The senior midfielder helped Westerville North to a second-place finish in the OCC-Cardinal and a berth in a Division I district final. A three-year starter, Roldan had six goals and five assists and was named first-team all-district and all-league for the Warriors, who lost to Dublin Coffman 2-0 in a district final to finish 13-4-3. “When I first saw Matt as a freshman, I knew that he was going to do great things for us,� coach Mark Price said. “I had very high expectations for him and he exceeded them. He got better and better each year.�
Antonio Romanelli - DeSales The senior midfielder led DeSales to its second consecutive Division II district, regional and state titles. Romanelli had 21 goals for the Stallions, who defeated Bay Village Bay 1-0 to finish 19-2-2. An Ohio Wesleyan recruit, Romanelli was named district Player of the Year for the third consecutive year and was first-team all-state the past two years. “He is laser-focused,� assistant coach Ben Brooks said.“He is so technically gifted, and you take that, coupled with his determination and his attitude, the sky is the limit for him.�
Shay Smith - Worthington Christian With Worthington Christian playing a schedule that included five eventual district champions and five Division I programs, the junior shined enough to earn Division III district Player of the Year honors. Smith, who saw time as a midfielder and forward, had 19 goals and four assists for the Warriors, who lost to Grandview 2-1 in overtime in a district final Oct. 31 to finish 11-6-2.A three-year starter, he was one of the Warriors’ leading scorers each of the last three seasons.
Kristo Strickler - St. Charles The junior forward was an all-around player for St. Charles, which won the CCL title and reached a Division I district final before losing to Hilliard Davidson 2-1 in overtime Oct. 31 to finish 14-3-1. Strickler, who missed six games with a hyperextended knee, had seven goals and four assists and was named first-team all-district and all-league, as the Cardinals went 4-0 in the CCL. “Kristo has all of the tangible, measurable skills, but he also has that thing that can’t be taught or learned,� coach Rick Ey said.
ThisWeek Community News
June 23, 2016
Page A5
2015-16 Winter Season Atheletes of the Year BOYS SWIMMING & DIVING
GYMNASTICS
HOCKEY
Darian Connors - Hilliard Bradley
Cameron Thatcher - Olentangy Liberty
The Hilliard Bradley senior was state runner-up on the balance beam, representing the highest finish of any area competitor at state. Connors scored a 9.4 on beam at state to finish behind Brecksville-Broadview Heights’ Alecia Farina (9.625). Connors, in her first prep season after competing at the club level, also reached state on vault and in the all-around. She tied for 16th (9.075) of 36 gymnasts on vault and finished 11th (35.9) of 33 in the all-around.
Thatcher, a senior diver at Olentangy Liberty, won his second consecutive Division I state title and built on his recordsetting junior season in the process. Thatcher scored a state meet- and pool-record 633.8 points, three points ahead of the previous record mark of 630.8 he set last year. In the district meet Feb. 19 at Ohio State, Thatcher won with a meet-record 645.3 points. Thatcher, a Stanford recruit, also was second at state as a sophomore and sixth as a freshman.
BOYS BOWLING
GIRLS SWIMMING & DIVING
Grant Powell - Dublin Coffman The senior goaltender helped lead Coffman to the state tournament for the first time since 2010. He posted 38 saves performance in a 3-2 double-overtime loss to Hunting Valley University School in a semifinal. Powell went 21-7-2 with a .908 save percentage and a 1.78 goals-against average and was named honorable mention all-state. Coffman finished 25-8-3, won its second district title by defeating Upper Arlington 5-2 on March 5 and won its first Blue Jackets Cup since 2009.
GIRLS BOWLING
Alex Fleetwood - Westerville Central
Katie Trace - Upper Arlington
Madison Stiffler - Whitehall
Fleetwood, a sophomore, led central Ohio with a 224 average and helped Westerville Central reach the Division I state tournament March 4 at Wayne Webb’s Columbus Bowl. He also led the Warhawks to two league titles, and his average surpassed Central’s program record of 223 set by Jay Foote in the 2007-08 season. Fleetwood, who bowls year-round, had a high game of 279 and high threegame series of 721.
Trace, a junior at Upper Arlington, won her first two Division I individual state titles this year to help the Golden Bears repeat as state champions.Trace won the 200-yard freestyle (1 minute, 47.23 seconds) and 500 free (4:49.5) on Feb. 27 at Branin Natatorium in Canton, and was on the winning 200 free relay (1:34.07) to help UA win its 11th overall state championship. Trace also repeated as district champion in the 500 free, won the 200 free and helped the 200 free and 400 free relays to championships.
The Whitehall sophomore capped an impressive season by winning the Division I individual state championship March 5 at Wayne Webb’s Columbus Bowl. Stiffler won the title with a 719 three-game series, finishing first of 195 bowlers. She also was named MSL Bowler of the Year for the second consecutive season. With Stiffler leading the way with a 204.5 league average, the Rams won their first Central Ohio High School Bowling Conference-South title since 2011.
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June 23, 2016
ThisWeek’s 2015-16 Super 12 Boys Basketball Team Mason Baich - Dublin Jerome Baich averaged 17.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists for Dublin Jerome, which lost to Upper Arlington 64-51 in a Division I district final to finish 22-4. The 6-3 senior guard is the program’s career leader in points (1,377), rebounds (479) and steals (152). Baich was named second-team all-district and first-team all-OCC. “What makes Mason special is how hard he plays the game, and if you look at his stats, they match up with anyone,” coach Jamie Pearson said.
TEAM CAPTAIN
The 6-6 senior forward helped lead Upper Arlington to its second Division I district championship in three years and the OCC-Central title. A Western Carolina recruit, Steger averaged 15.8 points, six rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.2 steals for the Golden Bears, who went 23-4, losing to Gahanna 52-40 in a regional semifinal. Steger was second-team all-district and first-team all-league. “Onno had a great season and he continues to get better,” coach Tim Casey said.
Last season, Towns shared Division I district Player of the Year honors with 2015 Newark graduate Jordan Dartis and was named ThisWeek Super 12 captain. Towns proved to be even better this season, averaging an area-best 31.6 points along with 11 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 3.5 steals.The 6foot-7 senior forward, who averaged about 10 more points than last season, shot nearly 80 percent from the free-throw line and better than 40 percent from 3-point range. Towns is just the fourth player to be named Super 12 captain two years in a row. “He always plays with a chip on his shoulder because he doesn’t feel he’s respected,” coach Sean Taylor said of Towns.“There’s always this guy who’s better or that guy, that he’s not quick enough. He’s put in the time and wants to get better. He’s one of the best players I’ve ever been
Jason Carter - Johnstown The 6-6 senior forward for Johnstown averaged 20.1 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.5 blocks and was named Division II district and league Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. Carter, an Ohio University signee, finished as the Johnnies’ career leader in points (1,578) and rebounds (937). Johnstown finished 23-4, losing to Cincinnati Taft 43-33 in a Division II regional semifinal.
B.J. Duling - Newark The addition of this 6-7 junior forward helped Newark go 18-7 after losing its all-time leading scorer in 2015 graduate Jordan Dartis. Duling, who transferred from New Albany, averaged 19.3 points and 8.8 rebounds, and made second-team all-district and firstteam all-OCC-Ohio for the Wildcats, who lost to Hilliard Davidson 52-51 in a district semifinal. Duling has committed to Kent State. “B.J. had a great season,” coach Jeff Quackenbush said.“B.J.’s best basketball is ahead of him. He will continue to get stronger.”
Seth Fuller - Dublin Coffman The 6-0 senior guard averaged 18.3 points and 2.5 assists and was named first-team all-district and OCC-Central Player of the Year for Dublin Coffman, which lost to Pickerington Central 60-43 in a Division I district final March 5 to finish 22-4. Fuller, who has signed with Elon University in North Carolina, is the Shamrocks’ all-time leader in 3-pointers with 193. “Seth’s desire to excel is as strong as any player that I have coached,” coach Jamey Collins said. “He did everything he could do to make himself into a complete player.”
Onno Steger - Upper Arlington
Seth Towns Northland
Jalen Tate - Pickerinton Central The 6-6 senior forward for Central averaged 17.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.1 steals and made second-team alldistrict and first-team all-league, as the Tigers won their fourth Division I district title and their fourth OCC-Ohio title in the past five years. A Northern Kentucky recruit, Tate had 1,139 career points. Central went 22-5, losing to Westerville South 78-66 in a regional semifinal, and shared the league title with Gahanna.
Nick Ward - Gahanna The 6-9 senior center for Gahanna averaged 19.4 points and 8.5 rebounds and was named OCC-Ohio co-Player of the Year and firstteam all-district. The Lions lost to Westerville South 68-59 in a Division I regional final March 12 to finish 25-3. Ward, who has signed with Michigan State, ranks second on the Lions’ all-time scoring list with 1,405 career points, trailing only 2011 graduate Stevie Taylor (1,464). Gahanna won two district titles during his four seasons.
Ibi Watson - Pickerington Central
able to work with.” After losing three starters from last year’s team that won 22 games and was a regional runner-up, Northland went 21-3 and won its ninth City League championship in 10 seasons. Seeded third, the Vikings lost to sixth-seeded Upper Arlington 42-37 in a district semifinal March 2. Towns leaves Northland as its all-time leading scorer with 2,018 points and as its record holder for points in a season with 759, which he scored this year.
The 6-5 senior guard for Pickerington Central averaged 19.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists and was named first-team all-district and all-OCC-Ohio. A Michigan recruit, Watson had a game-high 27 points in a 78-66 loss to Westerville South in a Division I regional semifinal. Watson totaled 850 points in two seasons at Central after scoring 810 in his freshman and sophomore seasons at Athens. His 1,660 career points rank ahead of the totals of former Central standouts Jae’Sean Tate (1,489) and Connor Kern (1,414).
Houston Smith - Africentric
Andre Wesson - Westerville South
The 6-8 junior center was a dominant force in the middle for DeSales, which won its first Division II district title since 2010. Sanchez averaged 13.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.9 blocks – all team-bests – for the Stallions, who lost to New Concord John Glenn 70-50 in a regional final to finish 21-7. Sanchez was named first-team all-district and all-CCL. “He improved tremendously this year,” coach Joe Bills said.“He does a great job offensively of gaining position, which leads to easy points.”
The Division IV district Player of the Year, the 6-5 senior forward led Africentric to a third consecutive regional final. Smith averaged 19 points, 13.5 rebounds and four assists for the Nubians, who lost to Wellington 65-58 in a regional final to finish 20-7. He will play for Bethune-Cookman in Florida. “The last three years, we’ve had big guys down low and could play Houston on the wing or (at) guard, and this year he’s welcomed the changes (to the frontcourt) and accepted the challenge of leading us in rebounding,” coach Michael Bates said.
The 6-7 senior wing player for Westerville South, who has signed with Ohio State, averaged 16.7 points and was named OCC-Cardinal Player of the Year and first-team all-district and second-team all-state for the Wildcats, who won the league title and finished 264 after beating Lima Senior 57-55 in the Division I state final. “Andre is special,” coach Ed Calo said. “He does everything that you want someone to do as a basketball player. He absorbs everything. He takes what you tell him and he takes it to a higher level. He’s a great team player. He’s just a dream to coach.”
C
Caden Sanchez - DeSales
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June 23, 2016
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ThisWeek’s 2015-16 Super 12 Girls Basketball Team Amani Burke - Eastmoor Academy The 5-9 senior guard led Eastmoor Academy to its fourth consecutive district championship and was named Division II district Player of the Year and first-team all-City League-South.Burke averaged 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists and 3.5 steals for the Warriors, who finished 22-5 after losing to Kettering Alter 60-34 in a state semifinal. “Her decision-making has always been good,” coach Charity Via said of Burke, who will play for Ohio University and is the younger sister of Utah Jazz guard Trey Burke. “It’s that maturity that has always made her less likely to become frustrated.”
Gina Conti - Grove City The 6-2 junior point guard for Grove City averaged a team-high 17.9 points and a team-best 9.1 rebounds. She also led the Greyhounds in free-throw shooting (80.8 percent) and was named OCCOhio Player of the Year and first-team all-district. A Wake Forest recruit, Conti had a game-high 24 points in Grove City’s 54-51 loss to DeSales in the first round of the Division I district tournament. The Greyhounds finished 12-11. “She meant the world to our team for a lot of reasons,” coach Dale Corbett said.
Adrian Crockwell - Reynoldsburg Reynoldsburg advanced to the Division I state tournament, and the addition of this 5-9 sophomore guard is a big reason why. Crockwell, who helped Newark reach state last season, averaged 12 points, 3.5 assists and three steals for the Raiders, who are 23-6 afer a 58-48 loss to Wadsworth in a state semifinal. She was first-team all-OCC-Ohio and second-team all-district. “She’s a gamer,” coach Jack Purtell said. “She has given us a boost with her knowledge of the game and gives us a dimension we didn’t have.”
Kortney Eisenman - Upper Arlington Eisenman, a 6-foot-3 senior center/forward, led the Golden Bears to their second Division I district championship in three years and is the school’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder. Eisenman averaged 14.5 points and 10 rebounds as UA went 20-7. The Bears lost to Reynoldsburg 40-31 in a regional semifinal. She finished her career with 1,129 points and 734 rebounds. “She’s so valuable. Even if she is not scoring, she alters the game,” UA coach Chris Savage said. “We do try to get the ball to her, but a lot of teams double- and triple-team her.”
TEAM CAPTAIN
Meche’la Cobb - New Albany
New Albany coach Jeff Blunt attributed Cobb’s outstanding senior season to one particular evolution in her game. “She was terrific on and off the court this year, and I think a lot of that comes from her going from being individualistic to more of a team-based player,” Blunt said. “As we picked up the pieces from this season, she was very concerned about missing her teammates and her coaches. She was a shoulder to lean on.” Cobb, a 6-foot guard, averaged 19.9 points, 10 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.2 steals and has been named the ThisWeek Super 12 captain. She led New Albany to a 14-11 overall record and a 9-5 mark in the OCC-Capital Division.The 16th-seeded Eagles lost to 11th-seeded Upper Arlington 59-47 in a district final Feb. 27. Cobb agreed with her coach’s assessment, and acknowledged that her change in approach came not from losing her junior season to a torn left ACL, but from increasingly being surrounded by her classmates as her varsity career progressed. “When I was younger, I was really focused on getting a scholarship,” said Cobb, an Ohio University recruit. “My freshman year was difficult. I was on varsity with a team filled with seniors, and in that situation you really don’t have much of a voice. As I got older, I was on a team more with girls my age, girls I’d been playing with for a long time.”
Jordan Horston - Africentric The 5-11 freshman point guard flashed her offensive potential by scoring 16 points in Africentric’s 60-46 win over Northland in the City League final Feb. 6, but she shined because of her allaround game. Horston was averaging 10 points, seven rebounds, more than six assists and nearly five steals through 26 games. Africentric was 24-5 after beating Marion Pleasant 59-37 in the Division III state final. Horston was firstteam all-City-South and all-district.
Kelly Meade - Olentangy The 5-9 senior guard was a key player for Olentangy for four seasons, helping the Braves compile an 80-22 record, win two OCCCapital championships and reach a Division I district final each of the last three years. This season, Meade averaged 15.4 points and was named firstteam all-league and all-district as the Braves went 22-4. She is Olentangy’s all-time leading scorer with 1,413 career points and holds the program record for points in a game with 34. She has committed to play for West Liberty.
Sommer Pitzer - Westerville South The 5-4 freshman for Westerville South emerged as one of the area’s top point guards. Pitzer averaged 15.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 steals and was named OCC-Cardinal Player of the Year and honorable mention all-district, as the Wildcats finished 14-9. “Sommer is the real deal,” coach Silas Williams said.“What a lot of people don’t see is how hard she works at the game. She is relentless, and has worked to improve her jump shot, her vision, her passing and her range.”
Bridgette Rettstatt - Worthignton Christian The 6-0 junior forward for Worthington Christian averaged 22 points and 10 rebounds and showed her ball-handling abilities by averaging 3.6 assists. Rettstatt, who helped the Warriors reach a Division IV regional final last season, also shot 78 percent from the free-throw line and 53 percent from the field this season and was named Division III district Player of the Year and first-team all-MSL-Ohio. She has 1,208 career points. Worthington Christian finished 15-8 and tied for second in the MSL-Ohio.
Alexa Fisher - Olentangy Liberty
Madison Greene - Pickerington Central
The 5-9 senior guard helped Olentangy Liberty finish 21-4 and earn a share of the OCC-Central title with Dublin Coffman. Fisher missed 10 games, including the first two recovering from an offseason knee injury, but she averaged 13.9 points, five rebounds and five assists and was named first-team all-league and secondteam all-district. Fisher, who finished with 1,016 career points, missed the final eight games with a foot injury. Liberty, which lost to Upper Arlington 4537 in a district semifinal Feb. 24, went 5-3 in those contests.
Jacy Sheldon - Dublin Coffman
The 5-5 freshman forward helped Pickerington Central win its first Division I district championship since 2009 and its first league title since 2008. Greene averaged 13 points, five assists, three rebounds and three steals for the Tigers, who went 23-4 overall and 14-0 in the OCCOhio. She was named first-team all-league and second-team alldistrict. Central lost to Newark 53-51 in a regional semifinal March 1. “She showed a lot of poise as a freshman,” coach Johnathan Hedgepeth said.
The 5-7 freshman guard helped Dublin Coffman earn a share of the OCC-Central title and reach a Division I district final, where it lost to Reynoldsburg 80-77 in overtimeto finish 22-4. Sheldon averaged 12 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists and made first-team all-league and second-team all-district. “She’s a complete player and she’s a better person and better teammate than the way she plays the game,” coach Randy Patton said.“She’s so unselfish, but yet she has such a high basketball IQ. She makes her teammates and coaches better.”
ThisWeek’s 2015-16 Super 12 Wrestling Team Ana Abduljelil - Whitehall The Whitehall senior won the program’s first state title since 1960, defeating St. Paris Graham’s Jeffrey Thomas 9-5 in the Division II state final at 113. Abduljelil, a three-time state qualifier who will compete for the University of Indianapolis, finished 46-2 on the season and went 167-12 in his career, breaking the program record for career wins held by 2007 graduate Corey Dulaney (160). “The state title proved to himself that he can overcome any obstacle that stands in his way and he can achieve all his dreams,” coach Steve Pennington said.
Jaren Ball - Hilliard Darby The sophomore made his second appearance in the Division I state tournament, going 5-1 and placing third at 160. Ball bounced back from a quarterfinal loss at state to win his final four matches and finish the season 45-5. “Jared has a vast background in wrestling, which serves as a fantastic foundation for his success on the mat,” coach Brendan Moody said. “But his true talent is his mental toughness and ability to block out any distractions or negativity and focus on being successful.”
Greg Brusco - Delaware A four-time state qualifier, the senior went 53-4 and placed third at 152 in the Division I state tournament. Brusco, who owns the program record for career victories (167), also won district and sectional titles and was the OCC-Capital Wrestler of the Year. “Greg is the most decorated wrestler ever for Delaware,” coach Josh Heffernan said. “What he has done in his four years on the mat has been amazing. People will always connect his name with the best to ever wrestle here, but I’m most proud of the growth he has made as a student and a young man.”
Dom Demas - Dublin Coffman The junior fell one win short of a second consecutive Division I state title and a perfect season, as he lost to Massillon Perry’s David Carr 8-4 in the final at 145 to finish 44-1. Demas, who won sectional and district championships this season, is 129-9 for his career. “Dom accomplished some great things this season,” coach Chance Van Gundy said. “He had an undefeated regular season and postseason until his state final match. He was able to come up big time and time again in our duals and tournaments.”
TEAM CAPTAIN
Kameron Teacher Central Crossing
Teacher is not your typical heavyweight wrestler. Despite weighing 283 pounds, the senior is fluid and nimble on – and off – the mat. Teacher displayed his nimbleness after winning the Division I state title by taking a direct route to the awards podium stage. “Kam has incredible balance,” coach Jamie Ramirez said. “Winning the heavyweight title, he was the last wrestler announced and he just jumped onto the stage without using the stairs. It was pretty awesome.” Teacher finished 47-0 and has been named ThisWeek Super 12 captain. He also was named the state tournament’s Most Valuable Wrestler after going 4-0 and winning his final by injury default over Elyria’s Kevin Vough. Teacher and 132-pounder Jaden Mattox both won titles to become the first Central Crossing athletes to win state championships in any sport. As a junior, Teacher won his first 49 matches before going 1-2 at state. He acknowledged that the atmosphere of the state tournament overwhelmed him, but he didn’t allow that to happen this season. “I didn’t pay attention to it,” said Teacher, who finished his career 147-28. “I told myself, ‘Don’t look up at the crowd. Just look at the mat and wrestle.’ It’s like wrestling in any other high school tournament. It’s just a bigger building.”
Kyle Lawson - Olentangy Liberty The Olentangy Liberty junior will have a chance to win four state titles after capturing his third by beating Wadsworth’s Joey Baughman 6-0 in the Division I state final at 160. Lawson, who finished the season 37-1, won Division II state titles for St. Paris Graham as a sophomore (152) and freshman (138). He came down with a case of poison sumac that sidelined him for two weeks this season but recovered in time for the postseason, in which he also won sectional and district titles.
Trevor Lawson - Olentangy Liberty The younger brother of Kyle Lawson made a name for himself this season. Trevor Lawson, a sophomore at Olentangy Liberty, couldn’t break into the lineup a year ago at St. Paris Graham but settled in at 170 for the Patriots. Lawson fell short of winning the Division I state title, losing to Pickerington Central’s Joseph Terry 7-5 in the final to finish the season 46-7. He lost to Terry 3-1 in a sectional semifinal but beat Terry 3-2 to win the district title.
Jaden Mattox - Central Crossing The Central Crossing sophomore won the Division I state title at 132, defeating Mason’s Zackary Donathan 4-3 in the final to finish the season 43-1. Mattox, who was state runner-up at 113 last season, also won sectional and district titles this season and has a 95-4 career record. “Jaden is just a phenomenal wrestler,” coach Jamie Ramirez said. “What makes him so good is he is one of the best scramblers that I have seen. He doesn’t panic, but just keeps wrestling, and it’s really hard to score on him.”
Brakan Mean - Olentangy Liberty The junior followed a Division I state runner-up finish at 106 a year ago by placing third in the same weight this season. Mead won all three matches at sectional by pin and posted three pins on his way to winning the district title.At state,he lost to BrecksvilleBroadview Heights’ Gabriel Tagg 6-4 in overtime in a semifinal but came back to win his next two matches and finished 45-3. “After he got beat (in a state semifinal), he was upset, but he had a good attitude,” coach Mark Marinelli said.
Gio DiSabato - Hilliard Davidson
Brendan Fitzgerald - Grandview
Joseph Terry - Pickerington Central
The sophomore made his second appearance in the Division I state tournament, going 4-2 and placing fourth at 106 to finish the season 55-3. DiSabato opened state with a 4-2 loss to Solon’s Jake Canitano, but avenged the loss by beating Canitano 5-3 in a consolation semifinal. DiSabato, who placed sixth at state last season in the same weight class, is 102-11 for his career. “Gio had another outstanding year,” coach Dominic DiSabato said.“Having 55 wins and placing fourth at state is an amazing accomplishment.”
The senior was the Division III state runner-up at 138, losing to Delta’s Dustin Marteney 7-6 in the final to finish 45-4.The Bobcats’ first four-time state qualifier, Fitzgerald owns a program-best career record of 156-21 and holds the record for career pins (128). Fitzgerald, who plans to walk on at Ohio State, won his second consecutive district title as well as his fourth league championship. “Brendan is just a hard-working kid who has a passion for wrestling,” coach Sam Mehling said. “He just loves the sport and he wrestles his best when he is out there having fun.”
The Pickerington Central senior won the Division I state championship at 170 in his first state appearance. Terry finished the season 45-4, defeating Olentangy Liberty’s Trevor Lawson 7-5 in the state final.A sectional champion and district runner-up, he finished with a career record of 159-24. “As the season went on, he got more confident in himself,” coach Jason Allen said.“He beat a couple real good wrestlers throughout the season and I could see his confidence rising throughout the year. ”
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June 23, 2016
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BASEBALL Cael Baker - Gahanna Lincoln
Andrew Jordan - Watkins Memorial
The junior catcher batted .476 with seven home runs and 50 RBI and committed just two errors in 30 games to help lead Gahanna, which finished 26-4 and won its first league championship since 2005. A University of Cincinnati recruit, Baker was named state Player of the Year as well as first-team all-district and OCCOhio Player of the Year, as the Lions reached a Division I regional final.
This senior capped his prep career June 4 by winning the 3,200 meters in a Division I state-meet record and Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium-record 8 minutes, 54.96 seconds. Jordan, who will compete at Iowa State, set seven Watkins Memorial track records this spring. “He’s a once-in-a-lifetime kid that I’m thrilled I had the chance to coach,� 38th-year coach Marty Dahlman.
BOYS VOLLEYBALL
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Dejon Clark - Pickerington North
Danny Logan - Upper Arlington The senior midfielder scored 46 goals to help lead Upper Arlington to its fifth Division I state championship in seven years and the program’s 16th title overall. Logan was named Player of the Year in the OCC-Buckeye, region and state as well as state Midfielder of the Year, as the Golden Bears finished 20-3 and defeated Cleveland St. Ignatius 17-5 in the state championship game June 4.
GIRLS TRACK & FIELD
Liza Hernandez - New Albany
Abby Steiner - Dublin Coffman
The senior attacker scored a school-record 83 goals and had 24 assists, nine interceptions and 141 draw controls to help lead New Albany to its first regional title since 2013. The Ohio State recruit, who also won 68 ground balls and caused 37 turnovers, was named first-team all-league, allregion and all-state. The Eagles finished 19-4, losing to Massillon Jackson 8-7 in a Division I state semifinal June 3.
This sophomore won three Division I state titles, capturing the 100 meters (11.87 seconds) and 200 (23.92) and anchoring the first-place 800 relay (program-record 1:38.53). Steiner also won regional and district in the 100 and 200, and holds program records in the 100 (11.6) and 200 (23.75). “She’s really, really fast and is one of the fiercest competitors that I have ever coached,� coach Greg King said.
SOFTBALL
BOYS TENNIS
Madi Huck - Delaware Hayes
Jacob Wareti - Columbus Academy
Huck stood out at the plate and in the circle. The senior was the pitcher of record in every game for the Pacers (23-1) and had a 0.50 ERA and 230 strikeouts in 140 innings. She also batted .556 with 13 home runs and 51 RBI. Huck was named the Gatorade Ohio Player of the Year and was first-team all-state for the second season in a row.
This senior placed third in the Division II individual state tournament and helped the Vikings finish third in the team tournament. Wareti posted a 105-19 career record. “He’s played on four (state tournament) teams and has an individual doubles title and a second and a third in singles,� coach Jeff Warstler said. “Jake will definitely go down as one of the most decorated players in the history of Academy tennis.�
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The senior setter and outside hitter recorded 352 kills and 235 assists to lead North to its first Division I state tournament appearance. An Ohio State recruit, Clark was named first-team all-OCCCapital, all-region and all-state for the second consecutive season and was runner-up for state Player of the Year. North went 22-6, losing to Centerville in a state quarterfinal May 28.
GIRLS LACROSSE Jane Dooley LPCC, NCC Psychotherapist
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State’s Gray Course, the Jerome girls golf team shot 635 to capture its fifth consecutive state championship. Also on Oct. 24, the Upper Arlington girls water polo team beat Sycamore 11-6 at Ohio Wesleyan to win its second consecutive title and 15th overall. The Thomas field hockey and DeSales boys soccer programs have been among the state’s best in their respective sports for much of the past three decades, and both added to their list of titles last fall. The Cardinals beat Hudson 3-0 on Nov. 7 at Upper Arlington to win their fourth title and complete a 20-0-1 season as Sarah Charley, Taylor Insley and Paige Lampman scored. The Stallions earned their fifth Division II championship when they beat Bay Village Bay 1-0 on Nov. 14 at Mapfre Stadium as Hector Gomez scored in overtime. Central Ohio celebrated its final championship of the fall in that season’s final event, when kicker Ben Hawk made a 40-yard field goal midway through the fourth quarter to help the Hartley football team beat Steubenville 31-28 on Dec. 5 in the Division IV state final in Ohio Stadium. “It’s a great honor to be called the very best, a feeling that so few teams are ever able to experience,� Hawks coach Brad Burchfield said.
Several individual, teams win in winter
gram celebrated Division II titles by Miranda Donley in the 50 free (23.12), McKayla Moffat in the 100 free (50.74) and the 200 free relay of Donley, Alicia Donley, Annie Moosavian and Eleanor Smith (1:35.7). The first weekend in March featured title celebrations in bowling, wrestling and indoor track. Whitehall’s Madison Stiffler won the Division I girls bowling title with a 719 series March 5 at Wayne Webb’s Columbus Bowl. That same day, Central Crossing’s Jaden Mattox (132 pounds) and Kameron Teacher (heavyweight), Liberty’s Kyle Lawson (160) and Pickerington Central’s Joseph Terry (170) won Division I state wrestling titles while Whitehall’s Ana Abduljelil (113) won a Division II championship. The Pickerington Central boys track team scored 54 points and the Gahanna girls track team finished with 56.5 points March 5 at the University of Akron to win state indoor titles. Meanwhile, the Africentric girls basketball team again showed its power at the smallschool level, beating Marion Pleasant 59-37 on March 12 to win the Division III championship. It gave the Nubians their fifth title in 10 seasons.
While the Westerville South boys basketball team experienced a state title for the first time, traditional powers like the Africentric girls basketball and Upper Arlington girls swimming and diving programs continued their success last winter. The Upper Arlington girls team won its second consecutive Division I team title, its 11th overall, by scoring 239 points on Feb. 26 and 27 at Branin Natatorium in Canton. Capturing titles for the Golden Bears were Katie Trace in the 200-yard freestyle (1:47.23) and 500 free (4:49.5), Erin Sheehan in the 100 butterfly (54.25) and the 200 free relay of Sheehan, Trace, Dakota Elliott and Anna Linzell (1:34.07). “Probably for the first time in my career, I am speechless,� coach Dan Peterkoski said after the state meet. “To watch a group of girls be counted out after the first event and fight their way back, this is pretty special.� Also in the Division I girls state meet, New Albany’s Nikki Watters won the diving title (507.2). In the Division I boys meet, Liberty’s Cameron Thatcher scored 633.8 points to win diving and Grove City’s Kalvin Koethke won the 50 free julrey@thisweeknews.com (19.97). The CSG swimming pro- @UlreyThisWeek