News

BUCKEYE DIVISION

Brookville

Brookville (12-12, 6-6 SWBL) looks to build off a .500 season with one of the division’s more productive returning bats. Junior Rylan Eagle, who drove in 30 runs as a sophomore, provides middle-of-the-order stability. The Blue Devils showed offensive consistency last season but will need improved pitching depth to climb into the upper tier of the standings.

Carlisle

Carlisle (14-14, 10-2 SWBL) enters the season as a co-defending Buckeye Division champion after finishing 10-2 in league play last spring. The Indians paired a strong offense with one of the division’s best pitching staffs, allowing just 54 runs in conference play. Junior pitcher Grace Holt — 118 strikeouts last season — anchors the staff, while sophomore slugger Allisa Shotwell — seven home runs as a freshman — provides power. Carlisle remains a top contender with balance on both sides.

Dayton Christian

Dayton Christian (8-2, 6-2 MBC)) enters its first SWBL season with one of the most explosive returning lineups among league newcomers. The Warriors are led by senior Kallie Burr, who hit .750 as a junior. They return key production across the lineup. Senior Miah Curtner (18 RBIs) adds run-producing ability, giving Dayton Christian multiple offensive threats. The Warriors showed the ability to score consistently last season (222 runs) and will lean heavily on that strength as they transition into a deeper league. In the circle, development will be critical, with sophomores Kaylee Domigan and Aubrey Workman returning after gaining experience as freshmen.

Eaton

Eaton’s balance makes it one of the most complete teams in the division. Meredith Pieratt graduated after posting a 2.75 ERA with 12 wins and 133 strikeouts. Junior Ella Statzer (eight home runs) leads a capable lineup. Eaton (14-9, 8-4 SWBL) is well-positioned to challenge for the division title.

Madison

Madison (8-13, 5-7 SWBL) enters the season focused on defensive improvement after allowing 118 league runs last year. The Mohawks return experience but lack a top statistical leader from last season. Development in the circle and consistency in the field will determine their ability to compete.

Oakwood

Oakwood (7-20, 1-11 SWBL) returns one of the league’s top hitters in junior Kate Patterson, who hit .532 with 49 RBIs as a sophomore. The Lumberjacks showed offensive firepower but struggled defensively. Improved pitching and run prevention could help Oakwood take a step forward.

Valley View

Valley View (8-17, 2-10 SWBL) looks to rebound after a difficult season in which it allowed 117 league runs. The Spartans showed flashes offensively but lacked consistency in the circle. Development and depth will be key factors moving forward.

Waynesville

Waynesville (14-14, 10-2 SWBL) returns as a co-defending Buckeye Division champion but must replace significant offensive production following key graduations. The Spartans still possess a capable lineup after scoring 164 league runs last season. Pitching improvement and lineup balance will be critical in their pursuit of another title.

SOUTHWESTERN DIVISION

Bellbrook

Bellbrook (14-12, 5-3 SWBL) is anchored by sophomore pitcher Abigail Hebrank, who posted a 1.97 ERA with 200 strikeouts as a freshman. The Golden Eagles excel in low-scoring games but will need increased offensive production to challenge for the division crown.

Edgewood

Edgewood (10-19, 2-6 SWBL) returns junior pitcher Jaycie Broshear (2.56 ERA, nine wins), providing a solid foundation in the circle. The Cougars will need to improve offensive consistency after allowing 177 runs last season to move up the standings.

Franklin

Franklin (16-9, 4-4 SWBL) brings back a potent offense that scored over 200 runs last season. The Wildcats have depth at the plate but must improve consistency in league play to contend for the top spot.

Monroe

Monroe (14-6, 3-5 SWBL) features a strong returning core led by senior pitcher Hannah Witte (2.99 ERA, 10 wins, 107 strikeouts) and sophomore standout Rose Hensley, who hit .577 as a freshman. With production on both sides, Monroe is a potential breakout team.

Ross

Ross (20-7, 6-2 SWBL) enters as the favorite behind one of the league’s top all-around players in junior Paige Baker, who hit .516 while posting a 2.22 ERA with 12 wins and 156 strikeouts. Baker earned SWBL Southwestern Player of the Year honors last season. The Rams also return junior Meadow Webb (.515) and senior Kam Commins (six home runs), forming one of the SWBL’s most complete rosters.

Talawanda

Talawanda (19-8, 6-0 SWOC) makes its SWBL debut with one of the most statistically proven returning cores in the conference after a dominant run through the Southwest Ohio Conference. The Brave will be led by sophomore Maddy Cox (.493), junior Quinn Frieden (.414, 26 RBIs), and senior power hitter Audrey Hilbert (eight home runs). Senior Kaylee Griffin adds further lineup depth. With the graduation of ace Kylie Cobb, Talawanda will rely on internal pitching development, but its offensive production and winning experience position it as an immediate contender.

The 2025-26 SWBL Wrestling Championships took place on Feb. 21 at Carlisle High School. Brookville took the Buckeye Division team title, while Franklin won the Southwestern Division team title. Brookville’s Shawn Harris was named Buckeye Division Coach of the Year, and Oakwood senior Samuel Keyes was named Outstanding Wrestler of the Year. On the Southwestern Division side of things, Monroe senior Dylan Miller took home Outstanding Wrestler of the Year honors, while Franklin’s Hunter Bray was tabbed Coach of the Year. CLICK HERE for results. CLICK HERE to check out a photo gallery by SWBL photographer Layton Hartsough.

(Photos by Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools)

The Southwestern Buckeye League was well represented on the state’s biggest stage this past weekend as multiple swimmers and divers competed at the OHSAA State Championships at Canton’s C.T. Branin Natatorium, capping standout seasons with appearances among Ohio’s elite. Facing the top qualifiers from across the state, SWBL athletes turned in strong performances in both the pool and on the boards, showcasing the depth and growth of the league’s swimming and diving programs.

Congratulations to the following SWBL swimming and diving state competitors:

Division I

Boys

200 Medley Relay: Nolan Dean, Ross Melton, Luke Henley, Luke Snyder (Bellbrook), 1:39.03, 20th 

200 Freestyle Relay: Elijah Vawter, Nolan Dean, Luke Snyder, Luke Henley (Bellbrook), 1:28.68, 15th

Girls

200 Freestyle: Michelle Dean (Bellbrook), 1:48.62, 2nd

50 Freestyle: Abbie Curry (Talawanda), 23.88, 10th

100 Butterfly: Anna Gregg (Talawanda), 58.38, 21st

500 Freestyle: Michelle Dean (Bellbrook), 5:01.07, 3rd; Lillian Gaskill (Bellbrook), 5:06.16, 9th

200 Freestyle Relay: Anna Gregg, Madison Sparks, Casey Offenburger, Abbie Curry (Talawanda), 1:39.35, 17th

100 Breaststroke: Abbie Curry (Talawanda), 1:06.40, 21st

Division II

Boys

200 Medley Relay: Elliot Simon, Zihan Qian, Henry James, Liam Furhman (Oakwood), 1:39.48, 12th

200 Freestyle: Luke Mignery (Ross), 1:42.76, 5th

200 IM: Timmy Pfirrman (Ross), 1:58.03, 8th

100 Butterfly: Luke Mignery (Ross), 49.81, 4th; Henry James (Oakwood), 52.48, 12th; Elliot Simon (Oakwood), 52.68, 14th

200 Freestyle Relay: Luke Mignery, Jayden Beaudoin, Logan Gutzwiller, Timmy Pfirrman (Ross), 1:30.02, 13th

100 Backstroke: Jackson Chapin (Eaton), 55.85, 28th

100 Breaststroke: Timmy Pfirrman (Ross), 1:00.26, 15th; Elliot Simon (Oakwood), 1:00.54, 20th

400 Freestyle Relay: Henry James, Zihan Qian, Elliot Simon, Liam Fuhrman (Oakwood), 3:19.14, 12th; Luke Mignery, Jayden Beaudoin, Logan Gutzwiller, Timmy Pfirrman (Ross), 3:20.48, 14th

Girls

200 Freestyle: Audrey Havrilla (Oakwood), 1:58.58, 14th; Julia Crumback (Waynesville), 1:58.59, 18th

100 Freestyle: Julia Crumback (Waynesville), 54.27, 14th

500 Freestyle: Matilda Prizler (Oakwood), 5:04.94, 3rd

200 Freestyle Relay: Matilda Prizler, Sarah Eizenga, Audrey Havrilla, Callie Hayes (Oakwood), 1:40.77, 7th

100 Backstroke: Audrey Havrilla (Oakwood), 59.70, 13th; Callie Hayes (Oakwood), 1:00.71, 20th

400 Freestyle Relay: Matilda Prizler, Sarah Eizenga, Audrey Havrilla, Callie Hayes (Oakwood), 3:39.54, 7th

Diving: Mila Gelbart (Oakwood), 226.50 semis

The Southwestern Buckeye League recently announced its boys basketball all-league teams. Dick's Sporting Goods recognizes Waynesville senior guard Zevin Sesslar, who has been named the Southwestern Buckeye League Buckeye Division Player of the Year after a standout regular season for the Spartans. Sesslar averaged 13.5 points a game and led the league with 6 assists a game. He also averaged 2.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals per contest during the regular season.

Waynesville senior guard Lucas Rocha has been named the Southwestern Buckeye League Buckeye Division Defensive Player of the Year. Rocha routinely drew the opponent’s top scoring threat and helped set the tone for a Waynesville team built on pressure and discipline. He averaged 13.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 2.4 assists a game.

Brandon Philpot led the Waynesville Spartans to a strong regular season in the Southwestern Buckeye League, earning SWBL Buckeye Division Coach of the Year honors. The Spartans captured the Buckeye Division title outright with their 13-1 league record. Waynesville won its first league championship since the 2018-19 season.

CLICK HERE for all-league teams.

The Southwestern Buckeye League recently announced its boys basketball all-league teams. Dick's Sporting Goods recognizes Monroe sophomore guard Colt Howard, who was named the 2025-26 Southwestern Buckeye League Southwestern Division Player of the Year after leading the Hornets to a share of their second straight league title. Howard averaged 19.4 points, 1.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game, shooting 45.5 percent from the field, 37.7 percent from 3-point range and 86 percent from the line.

Monroe senior guard Bryant Lee was named Defensive Player of the Year in the Southwestern Division after anchoring the league's top defenses. Lee routinely guarded the opponent’s top scorer, using constant pressure and quick hands to disrupt offenses and spark transition opportunities. He finished the season averaging 3.4 steals — second-best in the league — and 5.0 rebounds a game.

Casey Popplewell was named Southwestern Buckeye League Southwestern Division Coach of the Year after leading Monroe High School to one of the most successful seasons in program history. The Hornets finished 18-5 and captured a share of their second consecutive SWBL championship — the program’s first back-to-back league titles since 1966-67. Monroe reeled off separate winning streaks of eight and six games during the regular season and established itself as one of the conference’s most consistent teams.

CLICK HERE for all-league teams.