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The Southwestern Buckeye League is proud to continue the SWBL Athlete of the Week program for the 2024-25 school year. The SWBL AOW is sponsored by Gameday Grille & Patio. This is Year 2 for the AOW campaign. Each Tuesday during the school year, a male and female scholar-athlete will be selected Athletes of the Week and announced on site. Winners will receive an award patch for their varsity jacket, a $25 gift card to Gameday and an SWBL AOW T-Shirt. An athlete may win the award once per season. Nominations will come from athletic directors, coaches and data (stats, results) entered on the SWBL website. Individuals may also submit nominations to swblsid@yahoo.com.

Boys: Connor Fitch, Eaton Soccer

Senior goalkeeper and four-time first team All-SWBL selection wrapped his career as one of the state’s best in history. His 806 career saves rank 13th in OHSAA history, while his 317 saves this fall ranks 19th for a single-season. His 40 saves in the season finale – a 1-0 loss to Oakwood – is tied for ninth in state history for a single-game. As a junior, he had 42 saves in a loss to Badin, which is tied for the sixth most stops in Ohio history for a single-game.

Girls: Evelyn Connor, Oakwood Basketball

Junior center averaged a double-double (13.3 points and 11.3 rebounds) as the Jills opened their season with wins over Tecumseh and Edgewood and a loss to Milton-Union. Added nine assists, six steals and five blocks in the three games. Doubles as a volleyball standout who is a three-time All-SWBL selection. Led the league in blocks (96) and was ranked in the Top 10 in kills (300) and aces (55) this past season. Has 637 career kills, 265 digs, 180 blocks and 95 aces.

Bellbrook (12-11, 5-3; Southwestern Runner-Up)
The Eagles are looking to reach .500 in Year 9 under head coach Donnie Tate (88-97 career record). Since winning seven straight SWBL titles (2005-2011), Bellbrook has one in the last 13 years. The Eagles must replace their leading scorer and rebounder (Kellen Soloman). “Five of our top six are back and we are talented offensively,” Tate said. “I expect we will shoot close to 25 threes per game. If we can get our defense where it needs to be we will compete within the league and the tough non-league schedule we put together.” Three starters and All-SWBL players return in senior guards Austin Webb (14.3 points) and CJ Scohy (9.3 points and 4.7 assists) and junior G Aiden Caswell (8.3 points and 4.3 rebounds). Webb is 150 points shy of 1,000 for his career. Depth could be an issue.
 
Brookville (18-7, 7-5; T-3rd in Buckeye)
Benji Hughes takes over as head coach at Brookville where the Blue Devils are coming off a district runner-up finish. This is his first season as a varsity head coach. “After finishing as district runner-up last year, we have high expectations again for this year,” Hughes said. “We graduated five seniors from last year's team but have players coming back and guys ready to step into new roles.” Key returners include senior G Dom King (all-league) and junior F Braedan Smart. King averaged 10.4 points, five assists and 4.9 rebounds last year, while Smart averaged 8.3 points.
 
Carlisle (14-9, 9-3; Buckeye Runner-Up)
Head coach John Giles enters his fourth season (45-23 record) at Carlisle amid high expectations. “We return an experienced group this season, highlighted by three-year starters Blake Lawson (senior G) and Brendon Rowe (senior F),” Giles said. “We need to continue to have a defense-first mindset as a program. Areas of improvement include taking care of the ball on offense and being more consistent as a team.” Lawson (first-team all-league) and Rowe (second-team all-league) combined to average over 31 points per game last year. Lawson also has 1,021 career points, putting him within striking distance of the all-time school record of 1,310 points. Other key contributors include junior G Drew Conger (honorable mention all-league), sophomore G Kolby Morgerson (started 17 games as a freshman), junior F Nate Rust and junior G Cody Svarda. Said Giles: “Our intensity and competitiveness in practice will dictate our ability to win close games and have a successful season.”
 
Eaton (9-14, 3-9; 6th in Buckeye)
Steve Sullender takes over the varsity program at Eaton after being the JV coach the last six seasons. He must replace 1,000-point scorer Ramy Ahmed who averaged 18.6 points per game last year. Filling some of that void will be senior G Conner Bach who is a three-year starter and was the team’s second-leading scorer last season (10.4 points). Also back is senior W Aaron Rogers (seven points and 4.9 rebounds). “I am super excited to lead the Eaton boys basketball program,” Sullender said. “We have an extremely smart group of boys that will allow us to do some creative things in scheme and adjustments. They have all played for me in their JV years, so they understand my expectations and communication style. They can process information quickly on the fly which will be crucial for those tight fourth quarter battles we will be in this season. We have a good group of senior leaders that will guide the way this year.”
 
Edgewood (6-17, 4-4; T-3rd in Southwestern)
Head coach Jason Osterman (26-43 at EHS) and the Cougars are looking to turn things around this year and compete for an SWBL Championship. “We have a good group of coachable kids that work hard and are good teammates,” Osterman said. “We will look to our lone senior Christian Harley to be a leader on both ends of the floor.” In addition to Harley, a guard, Edgewood will lean on junior G Tyson Daley and junior F Kale Reynolds.
 
Franklin (13-9, 6-2; Southwestern Champion)
The Wildcats were one of last year’s biggest surprises in the state. Franklin went from last in the SWBL (in 2002-2023) to league champs. “We are excited to build off last year's success behind a strong senior class and are excited to compete on our side of the SWBL,” head coach Davd Alford (16-29 in two years) said. “We’re hopeful to be in the mix again this season.” Senior G Kai Cook, the league’s reigning player of the year, headlines the returners. Cook surpassed 1,000-career points last year and has the opportunity to move into second all-time in school history in points scored behind Luke Kennard. Other returning starters include seniors Christian McGuire (G) and Lincoln Clark (F) and sophomore Tito Harrison (G).
 
Madison (7-16, 1-11; 7th in Buckeye)
Head coach Shane Richardson (32-58 in four years at MHS) said the plan for the Mohawks is to “be competitive in the league and surprise some teams come tournament time.” In order to do that Madison will play up-tempo on both sides of the ball, looking to disrupt teams defensively and share the ball in space offensively. Key returners are senior guards Grady Combs (13.3 points) and Kaleb Miller (5.6 points) and senior F Rocky Milsap. Combs was second team All-SWBL last season.
 
Monroe (10-13, 4-4; T-3rd in Southwestern)
Head coach Casey Popplewell (sixth season at MHS) and the Hornets return three All-SWBL senior selections in C Carson Poe, F MJ Mapp and G Kemper Atha. “We have a quite a few returners so our expectations are high, as they should be,” Popplewell said. “Health is always a concern for any team, and it's no different for us.” Senior G AJ Saunders will contribute heavily. “We want to care through communication with our teammates and bring others with us on our journey through the season,” Popplewell said. “We had a great summer and we are looking forward to the start of the season.
 
Oakwood (19-5, 12-1; Buckeye Champion)
It didn’t take head coach Braden Short long to make an impact at OHS. The second-year mentor led the Lumberjacks to the league title last year in his first season and was named the Buckeye coach of the year as a result. Oakwood is looking for its fourth straight league title. Key contributors for the Jacks will be seniors Luke Rubin (reigning Buckeye player of the year), Jackson Thobe and Lucas Stroud and juniors Sawyer Morgan and Owen Hoersting. Rubin averaged 17.1 points and 4.6 assists last season. “Practice has gotten off to a strong start with great competition,” Short said. “Our seniors and returning varsity players have led the way with strong leadership. We will look to add to the success of last season by finding ways to get better each day. Our end goal is to be playing our best basketball at the end of the season to make a long tournament run.”
 
Ross (8-15, 1-7; 5th in Southwestern)
Head coach David Lane enters his eight season at RHS (98-66 record) with a squad focused on a simple goal: “We will look to compete and play as hard as we can every single time we step on the floor and hope to compete for a SWBL title,” Lane said. Key returners are Will Schaefer, Peyton Hendricks and Mason Smith. Expect Ben Voegele to make an immediate impact after missing last season with an ankle injury. “We have a strong senior led group which consists of eight seniors with some underclassmen that can contribute,” lane said. “I think this can be a special group.”
 
Valley View (11-13, 5-7; 5th in Buckeye)
The Spartans return a dynamic sophomore duo in G Brody Denny and F Ty Fritz who earned first and second team All-SWBL honors last season, respectively. Denny led the league in scoring (22.6 points), while Fritz led it in rebounding (10.5) and blocks (3.2).
 
Waynesville (14-10, 7-5; T-3rd in Buckeye)
Head coach Travis Williams (fourth year at WHS) says his team is “Young and hungry.” The Spartans must replace four of their top five scorers. Key returners are senior F Caleb Sullivan and junior G Zevin Sesslar (honorable mention all-league). Said Williams: “We have a great group of young men who work hard every day and carry a high basketball I.Q.”

Bellbrook
Head coach Rob Johnson (22 years at BHS) and the Eagles are primed for another solid season. Key returners include junior swimmer Luke Henley (sprints), sophomore swimmer Eli Vawter (backstroke), junior swimmer Aidan Evans (backstroke) and senior divers Connor Spriggs and Mia Nazarenus (SWBL diving champion). Several new team members should make an immediate impact, including freshman swimmer Michelle Dean. “The key thing that makes our team great is our culture,” Johnson said. “Our team has always been supportive of our own team and our competitors. All team members want to see others do better. When a race ends, we all love to see the joy on a swimmer's face when they see the time drop they just earned. When a dive is done better than last time, it inspires other divers to step up their performance.” Both Bellbrook teams will compete in Division I this season. Johnson expects to see several school records set, specifically on the girls side.
 
Brookville
The Blue Devils look to continue their ascent under head coach Ashley George (four years at BHS). “I am optimistic, as I am each season, about our returning swimmers and the number of new swimmers we have joining the team,” George said. “I feel proud that for such a small school, we have such strong numbers (currently 27 swimmers). We have taken more swimmers to the Southwest District meet each year that I have coached here at Brookville and I am hopeful to continue that trend this year.” Key returners include junior Hunter Gisewite (freestyle), senior Hannah Gayman (IM) and junior Logynn Barr (breaststroke). Gisewite broke the 50 freestyle school record during the Southwest District meet free relay during the 2023-2024 season and hopes are high he will break the record in the individual event this year.
 
Eaton
The Eagles may be young, but they are capable. Optimism is high. “Our team is pretty young this year, but with the experience and talent of our returning swimmers and the talent of our young team members, I feel that we will have a very successful season,” head coach Kajsa Ruebush (eight years at EHS) said. Junior Jackson Chapin will be striving to compete at state in the 200 free and the 100 back. Sophomore Madelyn Peace has her sights set on competing in the 100 backstroke and advancing to the state meet. “Coaching swim in a small town, I have watched many of our team members swim from a very young age,” Ruebush said. “I am proud to now see them competing for Eaton and striving for success, and I cannot wait to see what they all can accomplish.”
 
Edgewood
Lauren Butts takes over as head coach after spending the last two as an assistant. “Our team is smaller this year, but all swimmers are highly capable of improving their skill,” Butts said. “The team may be small, but the talent is not.” Isaac Baxley is the only returning senior and will be a key component on relays and with leadership. Said Butts: “This season is all about being better, a better teammate, a better technical athlete and showing up with confidence.”
 
Monroe
Head coach Tracey Bachmann enters Year 2 at MHS with looking for some school records to fall as top performers improve their times. “Our goal is to have a swimmer and/or relay advance to districts,” Bachmann said. “In addition, we have a lot of newcomers to the sport of swimming so looking forward to having them ready to compete.” Monroe will lean on senior Dawson Hall and sophomore Q Wilcox.
 
Oakwood
First-year head coach Skyler Tavenner said the Jacks and Jills are “looking to have a strong season and looking to really make a splash around December/January and carry the momentum into the end of season.” Key returners are seniors Truman Brun (SWBL Co-Swimmer of the Year), Paige Simon, Natalie Riedel, Caleb Weatherly and Naomi Kisker; juniors Lilianna Ray and Nick Pennington (SWBL diving champion); and sophomores Grant Zhou, Elliot Simon and Audrey Havrilla. Brun has committed to Xavier. He finished third at the D-II state meet in the 50 free last season and was seventh in the 100 back. Oakwood, which has won 18 of the last 21 SWBL titles in girls swimming, is out to defend its title. The boys have won 17 of the last 19 league titles.
 
Ross
The Rams ended Oakwood’s string of five straight SWBL boys swimming titles last year and are out to defend their championship. Head coach Joe Stewart (11 years at RHS) returns a loaded roster. “The boys are hoping to repeat as SWBL champions and the girls are hoping to play spoiler and win our first SWBL title,” Stewart said. “We have lots of individual talent and we’re hoping to have several state champions on the men’s side.” Senior Cooper Burt (Ohio State commit) is looking to compete for a state championship in the 100 back and 100 fly, while senior Connor Bennett (Cincinnati commit/Co-SWBL Swimmer of the Year) is aiming for state titles in the 100 breast and 200 IM. Other key returners include junior Luke Mignery, sophomore Timmy Pfirrman, sophomore Isabelle Davis and junior Addy Sparks. Said Stewart: “We’re looking forward to growing the sport of swim at Ross, and showing all of Ohio that our team is to be recognized as an elite program.”

Bellbrook (16-8, 7-1; Southwestern Champion)
The Southwestern championship runs through Bellbrook, where the Eagles are looking to win their fifth title in a row and 16th in 22 years. Bellbrook is 43-3 in SWBL games the last four years. Head coach Jason Tincher (369-119 in 20 years) returns a solid nucleus including senior F Jordan Frantz (All-Ohio), senior F Izzy Painter, senior G Eva Koesters (All-SWBL), junior P Emmie Sears, junior G Zoe Howard, junior F Ainsely Gregory and sophomore F Lauren Fabrick. Frantz, a Wright State soccer recruit, led the team in rebounding (6.7) last year and was second in scoring (8.7), assists (2.9) and blocks. Faberick averaged 6.9 points and 4.3 rebounds as a freshman. Blending experience with some solid underclassmen is Bellbrook’s recipe for success. Look for freshman G Libby Bunsold to make an immediate impact. The Eagles must replace four-year starters Taylor Scohy and Alayna Meyer. The schedule did not get any easier, as the Eagles will play Fort Loramie, Mount Notre Dame, Versailles, Beavercreek, Wayne, Tri-Village and Kings in the non-conference. “We’re looking to reload and will continue to have high expectations for success,” Tincher said. “This team provides a lot of balance both offensively and defensively and so far has shown leadership from its seniors, a lot of team speed and quickness and a solid basketball IQ.” The Eagles drop down from Division I to D-III with the new OHSAA alignments.
 
Brookville (9-15, 4-8; T-5th in Buckeye)
The Blue Devils enter Year 2 under head coach Josh Kummer looking to continue to establish their defensive foundation, while also focusing on enhancing ball control and shooting efficiency. Key returners include seniors Hunter Gardner (G), Jordyn Oliver (F) and Grace Taylor (G) and sophomores Ellie Dafler (F) and Megan Luebke (F). Freshman Jolie Gudorf is one to watch. Summer training camps at Urbana, Eaton, Valley View and Transylvania University have laid the groundwork for better team cohesion, blending the talents of freshmen and seniors alike. The schedule, which now includes crossover games with all SWBL teams and out-of-conference games with Butler, Ansonia, and Tri County North, will further push the team to sharpen its skills. Said Kummer: “With a commitment to cutting down on turnovers and improving shooting, the Blue Devils are poised for a season of growth and competitiveness.”
 
Carlisle (10-13, 4-8; T-5th in Buckeye)
Head coach Tony Phillips (7th year at CHS) is excited about the upcoming season. “I think we will be a fun team to watch,” Phillips said. “We are a very athletic team on the perimeter and have size inside. We have a great mixture of experienced and youthful players. I think we will have a fun, competitive year.” Key returners include senior F Mackenzy Shackelford (4.3 points and five rebounds), senior G Justine Bowlin, senior C Britany Fleenor, sophomore G Brynn Gill (7.3 points) and sophomore C MaKenna Bicknell.
 
Eaton (1-22, 1-11; 7th in the Buckeye)
Nowhere to go but up for the Eagles. “We are looking to rebound from a rough season,” head coach Dave Honhart (110-132 in 11 years at EHS) said. “Our players work hard and are looking to get the program back to being in contention for double-digit wins and playoff contention.” Key contributors will be senior F Caroline Miller, senior G Charlee Ruebush, junior G Emilee Hargis and sophomore G Autumn Gillenwater.
 
Edgewood (11-12, 4-4; 3rd in Southwestern)
First-year head coach John Cecere takes over at EHS where the Cougars graduated four seniors and three of their top four scorers. Senior G Evelyn Henson (6.4 points) was the team’s third leading scorer last year, while senior G Kamdyn Buck added 4.8 points. Junior forwards Ella Allen and Madisyn Verhoff will contribute heavily. “The girls have been great to work with,” Cecere said. “They show up with a great attitude and work hard to get better everyday. Looking forward to watching the team develop this season.”
 
Franklin (9-15, 0-8; 5th in Southwestern)
The Wildcats and head coach Matt Abshear are looking to improve on last year’s record. A top three finish in the Southwestern Division is the goal. Key returners include junior W Olivia Truesdell (nine points per game), junior G Cam Parker, sophomore G Ellie Whaley and sophomore G Laila Black.
 
Madison (18-7, 8-4; T-Buckeye Runner-Up)
Tommy McGuire takes over as head coach after spending 12 years as an assistant. His team is short on varsity experience. Key returners include senior PG Malerie Bobbitt, junior F Liv Carpenter and sophomore G Ally Crim. Crim (4.2 points) was honorable mention all-league last year. “With a young team, we are focusing on our process and improvement every day,” McGuire said. “We want to get back to competing at the high level that our program has been competing at for the last 20 years.”
 
Monroe (11-12, 3-5; 4th in Southwestern)
Head coach Justin Clemmons returns for Year 2 at MHS intent on continuing to grow the roster. The Hornets have 21 girls in the program. Monroe also drops from Division I to D-III for postseason play. “We should be able to be 8-9 deep at the varsity level, which helps in terms of having a chance to compete within our league,” Clemmons said. “We will look to continue to take a positive step forward in terms of our competitiveness and ability to compete within our league.” Key Returners include juniors Maya Martinez (G), Emma Adolph (F), Ryan Buskirk (F) and Jordan McComas (F).  Sophomore F Ellie Buskirk will contribute heavily.  
 
Oakwood (12-11, 8-4; T-Buckeye Runner-Up)
Expectations are high at Oakwood where the Jills return three double-digit scorers and four All-SWBL players. “We hope to show improvement over last season with most of the team returning along with some younger players that should have a positive impact,” head coach Rich Bagienski, who returns for his fourth year at OHS (43-28) and 25th year overall (283-357), said. “The experience gained by a young team should prove to be beneficial entering an always tough SWBL conference schedule.” Senior Ashley Bowden (12.2 ppg) and juniors Caroline Roelle (12 points), Evelyn Connor (11.6 points), Riley Morrissey (2.6 points) and Emma Grant (4.4 points) headline the roster. Bowden was first team All-SWBL last season, while Connor and Roelle were second team. Morrissey was honorable mention.
 
Ross (17-7, 6-2; Southwestern Runner-Up)
Head coach Ben Buehner is looking to reach .500 heading into his sixth season with the Rams (54-64 at RHS and 156-130 in 15 years overall). Expectations are high. Ross returns two first team all-league players in senior G Lanie Lipps (All-Ohio) and junior F Carmen Bosse. Lipps (16.8 points per game last year) set the school’s career record for 3-pointers made last year and is closing in on 1,000 career points. Bosse averaged 10.9 points and 6.3 rebounds. Other key contributors will be senior G Caroline Chernock and junior F Mya Montgomery. “We are looking to continue the growth we have made the last few years as a program,” Buehner said. “We expect to prepare and play hard every game.”
 
Valley View (8-15, 5-7; 4th in Buckeye)
Head coach Steve Dickson starts Year 23 at VVHS with a career record of 319-183 in 26 total years. Key returners for the Spartans are senior G Rivers Lemke (All-SWBL), senior G Reese Riley, junior F Kaylee Sargent, junior C Avi Stevens, sophomore G Ava Gerhron and sophomore G Scarlett Holp.
 
Waynesville (24-1, 12-0; Buckeye Champion)
Head coach Tim Gabbard is back for a staggering 46th season at WHS (career record of 672-354). The Spartans return four of their top five scorers, including junior G Katie Berrey (two-time first team All-SWBL), junior G Maggie Stephenson (first team All-SWBL), senior P Tori See (first team All-SWBL) and senior W Avery Whitaker (second team All-SWBL). Berrey has committed to Cedarville University, while Whitaker is committed to West Virginia State. See is committed to Heidelberg.

Edgewood
Head coach Tim Pressler takes over duties for both the boys and girls at EHS. The girls squad – led by sophomore Cali Taulbee and junior Breanna Colfax –  will be young but has “lots of talent,” according to Pressler. The boys squad features three seniors, including Trent Stewart and Brandon Williams. Pressler believes the team “can be very competitive in the SWBL this year.”
 
Franklin
The Wildcats will lean on seniors Andrew Sanders and Caden Dill and junior Fred Baker. “We have several bowlers returning with past experience on the lanes,” head coach Jason Harris (seventh year) said. “The goal is to continue to grow Franklin bowling back to competing at the district level.”
 
Monroe
The Hornets boys team finished the regular season a perfect 20-0 last season and head coach David Rolph (15 years at MHS) expects another good run despite some graduation losses. “We are young, but we have the motivation to play at a high level,” Rolph said. Senior Cory Williams and sophomores Eli Putnam and Anderson Sargent headline the roster. According to head coach Candace Holmes (third year at MHS), the girls team will be young but possess lots of potential. Juniors Aryanna Horner and Ameerah Waruir will lead the charge.
 
Ross
Head coach Ed Roberts (14 years at RHS) has a talented mix of returners and newcomers on both the boys and girls squads led by seniors Daniel Schneberger and Ashley Farris, junior Blake Steward and freshman Molly Garrow. Said Roberts: “We should surprise several teams.” Reaching the state tournament is a goal.
 
Valley View
Head coach Adam Albright (seventh year) leads the VVHS girls program, which will follow the motto “We are here to have fun, learn, and be competitive.” Expect a big season. According to Albright several school records should be in reach, including most wins, most strikes in a year by a team and individual and best individual score in a match. A trio of juniors spearheads the roster – Kaydence Kinney, Morrigan Horner and Kim Braden. Head coach Mike Burns (fifth year) is back to lead the Spartans boys’ team, which will feature juniors Chris Ryczek and Noah Handy and sophomore Brooks Hopkins. “The bowling team is looking forward to another solid season with a strong group of returning players and an eager group of younger players joining the squad,” Burns said. “Our goal this season is to build upon our current strengths and consistently improve each week both individually and as a team.”