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.

In case you didn’t already know, basketball season is officially here. The rest period is over and it’s officially back to the grind.

The boys basketball season starts on Friday. So before tip-off, 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.

Boston Campbell, Jackson

Don’t sleep on Jackson, led by the headstrong Campbell. He’s the only senior on the team. But he’s a three-year starter who had the best season of his career last winter, scoring 13 points per night. He’s surrounded by sophomore talent, so his leadership will be his biggest intangible. He can put the Ironmen into Division II contention.

Bransyn Copas, North Adams

Must-see. That’s how Copas should be described. He’s worth triple the admission and although all game plans are centered around him, it’s never stopped him before. After leading the Green Devils to their first district title since 2009 with 17.2 points per night, he certainly has another postseason run on his mind to add to his legend.

Jace Copley, Valley

Is there a more deadly shooter from deep than Copley? Probably not. But this year might be a little different. Despite his 21 points per game last season, he’s the only returning starter from a team that won 18 games. Valley’s offense is going to run through him this winter, giving him the ultimate green light. With how good of a shooter he’s proven to be, that’s never a bad thing.

Fairfield’s Larkin Friend looks to the lead his Lions back to the district tournament.
CREDIT: *Derrick Webb/SOSA*

Larkin Friend, Fairfield

Down the stretch last season, Friend’s defense was a key cog in the Lions’ fourth-straight district final appearance. Now, his offensive game figures to take a leap after averaging 8.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 6.6 assists. Well-rounded. The Lions will be in serious contention for a district title, and Friend will be the x-factor.

Bennett Kayser, Minford

The Falcons’ reign atop the SOC II doesn’t appear to be in jeopardy, considering Kayser is still suiting up in the red and black. The 6-foot-6 rising star averaged 14.8 points and nearly nine rebounds per game last season. Minford made a district final. But Kayser’s ability to take the next step can be the difference between another appearance and the title.

Caleb Schmelzer, Fairfield Union

Make no mistake about it … Division II runs through Fairfield Union and Schmelzer intends to keep it that way. After averaging 15 points and 7.2 rebounds last season, the Falcons won 24 games and made history with their first-ever regional final appearance. Schmelzer will have to up his game again if a repeat season is to happen. But he’s never backed away from a challenge.

Braden Schreck, Ironton

Quick with the ball, decisive and confident with his shot. This team has the potential to make a lot of noise, and Schreck is the guy who makes it all happen. He was their leading scorer last season at 18 points per game alongside nearly six rebounds. Last year was his coming out party. This is the year he elevates to star status.

K.B. Perkins, Unioto

The Shermans are unquestionably the preseason favorite in the SVC, and Perkins can be the guy who takes them to another level. He nearly averaged a double-double last season with 9.7 points and 10.9 rebounds. While Unioto returns every starter, if Perkins takes the leap possible, an SVC title will be the first of multiple championships.

Unioto’s KB Perkins will look to help Unioto compete for an SVC title this season.
CREDIT: *Derrick Webb/SOSA*

Slater Search, Circleville

He’s a double-double machine. Literally. Search’s production led the Tigers to 12 wins while he averaged 10.4 points and 10.4 rebounds per game last season. He’s part of a 1-2 punch alongside Briley Cramer, one that’s underrated, yet highly productive. Don’t be surprised to see Search’s name across headlines throughout the season.

Joe Wray, Westfall

Last season, Wray broke the school record at Circleville for assists in a game with 14. That’s the type of vision he brings in both half court sets and in transition. Now he’s at Westfall, aiming to help the Mustangs win their first SVC championship in quite some time. Last season, he averaged 4.9 points and 4.9 assists. Expect those numbers to crescendo.