Yes, it is the most wonderful time of the year when we at Captain Brinn love to make predictions and focus on Ohio High School Volleyball! We think you will be impressed with our coverage this year of the tourney and our content and invite you to participate by leaving comments and also joining the Captain Brinn Social Community and conversing and posting videos and photos from tourney games. The Captain Brinn Network is powered by you!
Starting on Thursday we will post our Division Previews and will also be posting an exclusive blog story and interview with Olmsted Falls' Coach Dawn Moses. Of course, we all know Olmsted Falls is undefeated and #2 in our poll. Check out the blog on Thursday for that story.
Next week, our tournament coverage continues with exclusive stories and interviews with Division 2 #1 Tippecanoe's head coach Patrick Carus. We also will be getting a behind-the-scenes preview and perspective straight from OHSAA Assistant Commissioner Dr. Deborah Moore! Plus, we have much, much more in the works! We go straight to the top now for our information and are bringing attention to girls' athletics in Ohio!
What do you want to see in our volleyball preview and tourney coverage? Post your suggestions or email us at captainbrinn@gmail.com.
Showing posts with label Tourney Preview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tourney Preview. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Captain Brinn's Division 4 Tournament Preview and Regional Capsule Breakdowns
With tournament action getting under way, Captain Brinn wanted to provide all of his avid readers with a tournament preview for not only Northwest Ohio, but also the remaining 3 regionals. Sit back and enjoy! As many already know, the State Final Four has temporarily moved from the cozy confines of Brookside Park in Ashland, to the more professional and glitzed Firestone Stadium in Akron, home of the Racers. While this move was met with controversy, it is only temporary until the Ashland crew complete their remodeling. Taking a look at the Northeast regional, there are a few teams who stand out to me.
First and foremost, Dalton is back on the scene for the third straight year. After capturing the past two state titles, Dalton hopes to be one of Ohio's select few by garnering a third straight. Head skipper Jessica Miller is only in her sixth year at the helm of the Lady Bulldogs, but has already found herself sitting in the driver's seat for one of Northeast Ohio's best softball programs. Dalton returns standout pitcher Andrea Arnery, who played the role of the spoiler and what some argued the MVP of Dalton's huge defeat of state power Convoy Crestview in the state semi-final just one year ago. Her instrumental relief of first team All-Ohio pitcher and now standout player for Kent St, Jessi Carmichael, was astounding and was definitely a catalyst in defending their state title. Dalton has taken many jabs to the face and sustained many chinks in the armor losing to great competition in prestigious tourneys such as the Wendy's Classic and the Loudonville Champion's Challenge. However, when it comes time to playing D4 teams in the crunch, you can never count against Dalton. They are eerily similar to Ohio's past champions in Gibsonburg who won three straight titles in '01, '02, and '03. Warren JFK, currently ranked #6 in my poll, dropped down to D4 from D3 this season. They have showed they are very capable of defeating some of the top D4 teams in the state. They battled Poland Seminary and lost 3-2 in the bottom of the 7th inning, but also defeated then ranked #9 D3 power Youngstown Ursuline 3-2 this season under standout pitcher Rachel Pico. They would have to meet undefeated and #14 McDonald in their District Final showdown if both teams advance. The winner of this district would have the opportunity of taking out #4 Dalton in regional semi's at Kent St University. In the bottom half of this region, your top teams are looking to be Kirtland, Southington Chalker, and of course perennial power Strasburg Franklin. I look for #2 Strasburg Franklin to advance to regionals to play either Chalker or Kirtland. Strasburg has been consistent and steady all season long, minus a few hiccups against D1 state ranked Marysville and to Pickerington and the fiery Licking Valley squad. My picks: Dalton vs Warren JFK and Kirtland vs Strasburg Franklin.
Moving on to the SE/Central Regional, this regional is very difficult to ascertain as there are multiple teams who are good but are not outstanding. The top half breaks down with what appears to be the Portsmouth Clay invitational! I don't see any of those teams knocking off the Panthers. They have played some higher division competition and lost, but they have a one loss record to date against all D4 competition. There may not be a lot to do in Portsmouth, but most of Ohio knows they can play softball. Clay was a huge power in the 1980s making numerous trips to the state final four, while capturing three state titles, '83, '81, and '80. If they make it out, they will most likely take battle with New Washington Buckeye Central or Ashland Crestview. Buckeye Central has pulled the biggest upset thus far in the D4 tourney with the 4-0 drubbing over steadfast #8 Crestline, our '04 state champ. Crestline was young this season, but overall had a successful year. Whomever comes out will take on Clay, which will not be an easy task. In the bottom half, I see #13 Danville making it out and advancing to regionals to battle Willow Wood Symmes Valley. My picks: Portsmouth Clay vs New Washington Buckeye Central and Willow Wood vs Danville.
Venturing over to the Southwest Regional, we see a few familiar faces in #11 North Lewisburg Triad and #5 Rockford Parkway. Triad has been to the D4 Final Four the past two seasons only to come up short both times. They return a boat load of players as well, but have had many bumps in the road against large school competition, especially at the Wendy's Classic. Against D4 competition, they are a huge threat! They play in a great league with D3 state ranked West Liberty Salem as well as previously ranked South Charleston Southeastern and Mechanicsburg. Triad is not to be taken easy. Ansonia proved they were not the only softball school in Darke County this year, no offense to Greenville's mentor Jerrod Newland. Ansonia has just rolled through the competition this season and have their eyes set on the Final Four. They may not have the experience as others, but they do have some great pitching and hitting. I expect them to advance to play Triad in Regional Semi's, in what could be the best D4 game of the year! The bottom half of the regional sports Rockford Parkway, the only team this season to have defeated the #1 Convoy Crestview Knights. Parkway is lead by a freshman pitcher Emily Crowell, who also manufactures a good bat for only being a young frosh. They will most likely take on Allen East. I look for Pleasant Hill Newton to battle Cincy Reading to advance to play Parkway in the Regional semi's. My picks: Triad vs Ansonia and Parkway vs Pleasant Hill Newton.
Finally, moving up I-75 to the Northwest regional which pits some very familiar faces to the state softball landscape. North Baltimore will take on Patrick Henry to advance to regionals. I look for North Baltimore to pull through, although Patrick Henry proved they can compete with the best after defeating top 10 ranked Continental just a few short weeks ago. Findlay regional constant #9 Antwerp should throttle Hilltop to advance as well. Antwerp is lead by senior hurler Brynn Schlatter who has made her way to the top of the Antwerp softball record charts. She has made a huge impact upon the Archer program over her 4 year tenure. She would like nothing more than a coveted marquee matchup against Convoy Crestview. Antwerp is looking to make their 4th straight trip to regionals. In the bottom half, we see #1 Convoy Crestview taking on Riverdale and New Reigel vs Hopewell Loudon. Interesting that we have two state basketball final four teams here in Crestview and New Riegel who got their season off to a late start due to their long tourney runs! Crestview is vying for their 7th Final Four appearance in only 9 years, and their 4 straight! No one has been more consistent over the past decade than Convoy Crestview in all of D4. Crestview showcases All-Ohio players Eickholt and Etzler, and soph ace hurler Chelsey Lare. The Knights have usually been known for their dominant pitchers (Keri Perkins, Jamie Perkins and Anna Kay Myers), but this season they are taking pride in their offensive game as they have amassed nearly 20 homeruns. My picks: Antwerp vs North Baltimore and Convoy Crestview vs New Riegel.
Let the games begin!
First and foremost, Dalton is back on the scene for the third straight year. After capturing the past two state titles, Dalton hopes to be one of Ohio's select few by garnering a third straight. Head skipper Jessica Miller is only in her sixth year at the helm of the Lady Bulldogs, but has already found herself sitting in the driver's seat for one of Northeast Ohio's best softball programs. Dalton returns standout pitcher Andrea Arnery, who played the role of the spoiler and what some argued the MVP of Dalton's huge defeat of state power Convoy Crestview in the state semi-final just one year ago. Her instrumental relief of first team All-Ohio pitcher and now standout player for Kent St, Jessi Carmichael, was astounding and was definitely a catalyst in defending their state title. Dalton has taken many jabs to the face and sustained many chinks in the armor losing to great competition in prestigious tourneys such as the Wendy's Classic and the Loudonville Champion's Challenge. However, when it comes time to playing D4 teams in the crunch, you can never count against Dalton. They are eerily similar to Ohio's past champions in Gibsonburg who won three straight titles in '01, '02, and '03. Warren JFK, currently ranked #6 in my poll, dropped down to D4 from D3 this season. They have showed they are very capable of defeating some of the top D4 teams in the state. They battled Poland Seminary and lost 3-2 in the bottom of the 7th inning, but also defeated then ranked #9 D3 power Youngstown Ursuline 3-2 this season under standout pitcher Rachel Pico. They would have to meet undefeated and #14 McDonald in their District Final showdown if both teams advance. The winner of this district would have the opportunity of taking out #4 Dalton in regional semi's at Kent St University. In the bottom half of this region, your top teams are looking to be Kirtland, Southington Chalker, and of course perennial power Strasburg Franklin. I look for #2 Strasburg Franklin to advance to regionals to play either Chalker or Kirtland. Strasburg has been consistent and steady all season long, minus a few hiccups against D1 state ranked Marysville and to Pickerington and the fiery Licking Valley squad. My picks: Dalton vs Warren JFK and Kirtland vs Strasburg Franklin.
Moving on to the SE/Central Regional, this regional is very difficult to ascertain as there are multiple teams who are good but are not outstanding. The top half breaks down with what appears to be the Portsmouth Clay invitational! I don't see any of those teams knocking off the Panthers. They have played some higher division competition and lost, but they have a one loss record to date against all D4 competition. There may not be a lot to do in Portsmouth, but most of Ohio knows they can play softball. Clay was a huge power in the 1980s making numerous trips to the state final four, while capturing three state titles, '83, '81, and '80. If they make it out, they will most likely take battle with New Washington Buckeye Central or Ashland Crestview. Buckeye Central has pulled the biggest upset thus far in the D4 tourney with the 4-0 drubbing over steadfast #8 Crestline, our '04 state champ. Crestline was young this season, but overall had a successful year. Whomever comes out will take on Clay, which will not be an easy task. In the bottom half, I see #13 Danville making it out and advancing to regionals to battle Willow Wood Symmes Valley. My picks: Portsmouth Clay vs New Washington Buckeye Central and Willow Wood vs Danville.
Venturing over to the Southwest Regional, we see a few familiar faces in #11 North Lewisburg Triad and #5 Rockford Parkway. Triad has been to the D4 Final Four the past two seasons only to come up short both times. They return a boat load of players as well, but have had many bumps in the road against large school competition, especially at the Wendy's Classic. Against D4 competition, they are a huge threat! They play in a great league with D3 state ranked West Liberty Salem as well as previously ranked South Charleston Southeastern and Mechanicsburg. Triad is not to be taken easy. Ansonia proved they were not the only softball school in Darke County this year, no offense to Greenville's mentor Jerrod Newland. Ansonia has just rolled through the competition this season and have their eyes set on the Final Four. They may not have the experience as others, but they do have some great pitching and hitting. I expect them to advance to play Triad in Regional Semi's, in what could be the best D4 game of the year! The bottom half of the regional sports Rockford Parkway, the only team this season to have defeated the #1 Convoy Crestview Knights. Parkway is lead by a freshman pitcher Emily Crowell, who also manufactures a good bat for only being a young frosh. They will most likely take on Allen East. I look for Pleasant Hill Newton to battle Cincy Reading to advance to play Parkway in the Regional semi's. My picks: Triad vs Ansonia and Parkway vs Pleasant Hill Newton.
Finally, moving up I-75 to the Northwest regional which pits some very familiar faces to the state softball landscape. North Baltimore will take on Patrick Henry to advance to regionals. I look for North Baltimore to pull through, although Patrick Henry proved they can compete with the best after defeating top 10 ranked Continental just a few short weeks ago. Findlay regional constant #9 Antwerp should throttle Hilltop to advance as well. Antwerp is lead by senior hurler Brynn Schlatter who has made her way to the top of the Antwerp softball record charts. She has made a huge impact upon the Archer program over her 4 year tenure. She would like nothing more than a coveted marquee matchup against Convoy Crestview. Antwerp is looking to make their 4th straight trip to regionals. In the bottom half, we see #1 Convoy Crestview taking on Riverdale and New Reigel vs Hopewell Loudon. Interesting that we have two state basketball final four teams here in Crestview and New Riegel who got their season off to a late start due to their long tourney runs! Crestview is vying for their 7th Final Four appearance in only 9 years, and their 4 straight! No one has been more consistent over the past decade than Convoy Crestview in all of D4. Crestview showcases All-Ohio players Eickholt and Etzler, and soph ace hurler Chelsey Lare. The Knights have usually been known for their dominant pitchers (Keri Perkins, Jamie Perkins and Anna Kay Myers), but this season they are taking pride in their offensive game as they have amassed nearly 20 homeruns. My picks: Antwerp vs North Baltimore and Convoy Crestview vs New Riegel.
Let the games begin!
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