News

From Franklin Athletics

Coach Emily (Chapman) Briggs is returning to take over as head coach of the Lady Wildcats
basketball program pending Board approval. This past season, Briggs spent her time assisting the varsity team with Coach Rossi. Prior to Franklin, she was assistant coach and director of basketball operations at Wright State University, where former Wildcat Layne (Ferrell) Myers played for her for the 2023-2024 season. Briggs played 5 years of collegiate basketball — 4 years at Division 2 Cedarville University and 1 year at Division 1 Wright State University. 

Over her collegiate career, she tallied 1,578 points, 499 rebounds, and 395 assists. At Cedarville, she was named a two-time First Team GMAC, NCCAA All-American Second Team, and NCCAA Midwest Region First Team.

She graduated from Wright State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and a Marketing minor. She spent her high school years at Fairland High School, which has made multiple state tournament appearances over the past years. Briggs played on the 2015 state tournament team her freshman year.

Over her 4 years at Fairland, she tallied 1,378 points and ranks 19th in the State of Ohio for career 3 pointers made at 270, 20th for 3 pointers made in a season at 98, and tied for 5th at most 3 pointers in a game with 10. She was 3 time All District 13 First Team, District 13 POY, All-Ohio First Team, Academic All-Ohio Division III, and a McDonald’s All-American Nominee. She also played 4
years of volleyball and 1 year of softball. 

Outside of sports, Coach Briggs was recently married in August of 2025 and has 2 dogs and 2 cats with her husband, Alex. She enjoys coffee, being bad at golf, random art projects, and spending time with family and friends.

“I am so excited to be back at Franklin High School as the Head Coach. I can’t thank Coach
Rossi enough for bringing me to Franklin last year and making such a big impact on my life. I’d also like to thank Franklin AD Bob Knipper for believing in me to take on this role. It means a lot to have an athletic director and other staff members at Franklin who support me and are always there to help. Thank you to my husband, family, friends, and old high school coach Jon Buchanan for their support, guidance and love over the years. They all helped shape me into the player I was and the person and coach I am today. Most importantly, I would like to express my deepest appreciation for the student-athletes and their parents. From coming into Franklin as an outsider and only being involved for one year, they have all made me feel so welcomed, supported, and loved. It has truly been a blessing to get to coach the girls and get to know their parents. Those relationships are what matter to me. Along with that, I am so excited to bring my
joy and passion for the game and my knowledge of the game to the Franklin girls basketball program. To be in a head coach position has always been a goal of mine, and to do it at Franklin High School with these people is something I am so grateful for and something that I feel the Lord is calling me to do. I am committed to not only building into these young student-athletes on the court but also off the court. I can’t wait to get in the gym this summer and continue building the foundation for the future. As always, Go Cats!"

The 2026 SWBL Track & Field Championships took place earlier this month. The Southwestern Division event took place at Ross on May 13, while the Buckeye Division event took place at Carlisle on May 14.

Congratulations to all of our student-athletes who competed and placed during the event! CLICK HERE to see results. CLICK HERE to check out a Southwestern Division photo gallery. CLICK HERE to check out a Buckeye Division photo gallery!

From Dayton Christian Athletics

Dayton Christian Athletics is pleased to announce the hiring of Caleb South as its next Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach. Coach South currently serves as the varsity assistant coach at Troy High School, where since 2024 he has helped lead daily operations and was named D9 assistant coach of the year. Prior to Troy, he served as the varsity head coach at Bethel High School from 2021 to 2023, where he led the girls basketball program to its first league title in 40 years. He also gained valuable experience as a varsity assistant coach at Tri-Village High School.

In addition to his high school coaching background, South brings extensive experience in player development. He is the founder of CPS Training and has trained more than 50 Division I and Division II athletes. His work spans multiple platforms, including coaching on both the Adidas and Under Armour AAU circuits, with experience in both boys and girls programs.

Coach South is deeply committed to developing student-athletes both on and off the court. His leadership, passion for the game, and dedication to excellence align with the mission and values of Dayton Christian Athletics.

“We are excited to welcome Caleb South to our coaching staff,” said Kristin Blatz, Interim Athletic Director. “His vision, energy, and commitment to building a Christ-centered program will be a great addition to Dayton Christian. We look forward to the positive direction he will provide for our players and program.”

Dayton Christian Athletics invites families, students, and supporters to a meet-and-greet on May 26 at 5 p.m. to welcome Coach South and begin building relationships ahead of the upcoming season.

Dick’s Sporting Goods recognizes the fine student-athletes of the SWBL. Congratulations to Carlisle’s Elijah Dobbins and Bellbrook’s Landon Vennettilli for being named SWBL Players of the Year. Edgewood senior Carson Downie (Southwestern) and Carlisle senior Isaiah Brady Buckeye) were named SWBL Pitchers of the Year.

Bellbrook coach Jon Venters was named Southwestern Division Coach of the Year, while Oakwood’s Tyler Venters was named Buckeye Division Coach of the Year.

Oakwood (Buckeye) and Bellbrook (Southwestern) won their respective division titles outright during the 2026 regular season.

Click for ALL-LEAGUE TEAMS.

Dick’s Sporting Goods recognizes the fine student-athletes of the SWBL. Congratulations to Eaton’s Ella Statzer and Talawanda’s Maddy Cox for being named SWBL Players of the Year. Ross junior Paige Baker (Southwestern) and Carlisle junior Grace Holt (Buckeye) were named SWBL Pitchers of the Year.

Ross coach Christi Luckett was named Southwestern Division Coach of the Year for a third straight season. Brookville’s Mike Gardner was named Buckeye Division Coach of the Year.

Carlisle (Buckeye) won its sixth consecutive SWBL title, while Ross (Southwestern) won its third straight crown.

Click for ALL-LEAGUE TEAMS.