Brock Netter

Brock is SOSA's primary writer and has worked for the Coshocton Tribune, the Kankakee Daily Journal (Ill.) and the Vinton-Jackson Courier. He's a two-time award-winning journalist, a lifelong WWE fan, a suffering Bengals fan and calls the sidelines his home.

BOYS HOOPS: 10 players to keep an eye on this winter

Keep your eyes on these ten names.

Brock Netter, Staff Writer

Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.

Fairfield’s Tytis Cannon will try and lead the Lions back to a district final this season.
CREDIT: *Derrick Webb/SOSA*

After an exciting fall sports season, we have our fingers crossed for the same this winter.

With the start of high school basketball season upon us, here’s a list of 10 boys players in our coverage area, and in no particular order, to keep your eyes peeled for this coming season.

NOTE: This certainly does not mean there aren’t other players who will have great seasons. This is simply a list of 10 players we’ve randomly compiled.

Evan Jarvis, Jackson

Last season, Jarvis played a huge role off the bench in Jackson’s run to a district final. Now, he’s a starter and has a lot of responsibility. He’s shown that he can be physical, finish tough at the rim and hit big shots at big moments. His added progression and how he takes on a leadership role will be key for the Ironmen.

Kyle Stonerock, Zane Trace

Zane Trace is lucky to have one of the top returning front courts in the area, one that features Stonerock. A third-team all-district selection last season after averaging 10 points per game, he’s one of three starters returning to the reigning SVC champion Pioneers. They can be a district contender in Division III, but Stonerock’s presence on the inside can help put them over the top.

Levi Stewart, Valley

Four starters are back for the district champion Indians, and Stewart presumably will set into that fifth starting spot. Towering above everyone at 6-foot-9, his presence on the inside and ability to corral rebounds can be the difference for a repeat performance as Valley moves up to a crowded Division III field.

Brody Clark, Westfall

The Mustangs can be sneaky good and catch a lot of teams off guard. Clark can be the catalyst to do that. With the ability to put the ball in the bucket, he forms a solid one-two punch alongside Casey Cline that can strike fear in their opponents. He already has a 27 point-game under his belt this season, and more performances like that could be on the horizon.

Ted Harrah, Fairfield Union

The Falcons have size. Like, a lot of size. Harrah isn’t the tallest of the bunch, despite standing at 6-foot-5, but he brings an inside presence that they’re truly going to need this year. With every single player back from last season, the Falcons have a chance to be a contender in Division II. Harrah taking on a larger role will certainly help their cause.

Adam Crank, Minford

Consistent. Calm. Clutch. Leader. Crank brings all of those intangibles every time he takes the floor. He has the ability to score 15 points per night, keep his team together on the court in moments of crisis and lead them to the promised land. He’ll have to take on more of a scoring role this winter, but it’s nothing he can’t handle.

Kade Kinzel, Oak Hill

It’s impossible to actually figure this out, but Kinzel might be the quickest player in the area. He’s twitchy and can beat most guards off the ball, getting to the hole in the blink of an eye — literally. But he’s also put in a lot of work to improve his outside game, which has already shown as he scored 26 points in the Oaks’ season-opening win. You’ll see his name a lot.

Kenny Sanderlin, Portsmouth

The OVC is a little more open this season, and Portsmouth certainly has a chance to take the title with Sanderlin leading the pack. A second-team all-district selection last season, his 16 points per game was second on the team and now is his turn to take the reins. He’s been a part of big moments since he was a freshman, so no spotlight is too big for him.

Drew Haggy, Western

Haggy’s high school career couldn’t have started any better. He was a starter on the best Indian team since 2007, winning 25 games alongside SOC I, sectional and a district titles before a regional runner-up finish. That was as a freshman. Now he takes on expanded responsibilities as a sophomore with three starters gone. So keep an eye on him.

Tytis Cannon, Fairfield

It’s Cannon’s show now, and it comes with some expectations. The Lions have been in the last three district finals, but have come up short in all three trips. A number of big-time players are gone, so a lot of responsibility will be placed on Cannon’s shoulders. He scored 14 points per game last season. Expect those numbers to rise.