Local athletes were selected by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association as All-Ohio selections, with the final selections for both boys’ and girls’ basketball released.
All-Ohio girls basketball
The Division II girls’ basketball All-Ohio basketball teams were recently announced, which includes a pair of West Holmes seniors who were integral in the team’s success this season.
Keegan Uhl was named a Special Mention for the All-Ohio team this season, which capped off what was a special year for the player. She had already won the OCC Player of the Year Award, and was first team All-Conference and District. She averaged 9.1 points per game, 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 steals and two assists per game and led the Knights in nearly every category.
Allie McMillen was Honorable Mention for All-Ohio and was also a first team All-OCC selection. She averaged 6.8 points and led the Knights with 5.1 boards, 3.8 assists and 3.15 steals.
“Both Allie and Keegan have worked really hard through their whole high school careers to be the best that they could be,” said Coach Lindsy Belden. “They were huge reasons why our team had the success that it did. I am very happy for them and glad that they received this recognition.”
New Philadelphia junior Ellie Mason averaged 13.7 points and 8.8 rebounds, shooting 73% from the line and 40% from the field. She had 14 double-doubles and five games of more than 20 points last season. Coach Kevin Cornell said that with two key players out all season with injuries, she was a leader on the court and well deserving of the selection due to her consistent approach.
"She had a tremendous season for us and really grew as a leader of the team," Cornell said. "We are very excited to see what she and the team can accomplish next year! It's an honor an pleasure to coach a competitor like Ellie who wants to excel everyday. She is a three sport athlete which is rare in today's world, but she gives it her all in all sports."
Senior Monetta Hilory of Mansfield Senior was also a Special Mention for the All-Ohio team. Other local honorable mention All-Ohio selections were Wooster senior Grace Kostohryz and Lexington junior Makaree Chapman.
All-Ohio boys basketball:
Grant Bentley was named first team All-Ohio in Division III, capping off an incredible season and career at Northmor. He was also first team All-District and won the KMAC Player of the Year Award. Bentley led the conference in scoring, and averaged 19.4 points, 5.2 boards, 1.7 assists and 1.8 steals per game. He finished his career with 1,420 points, which was only 49 points behind the school record.
Jax Wenger was honorable mention in his junior year, and was integral to Northmor’s success down the stretch. He was injured to start the season, but once he returned to the lineup, the Golden Knights were a whole new basketball team. He was named first team All-KMAC and District 11. He averaged 14.2 points, five rebounds, 4.5 assists and two steals over a nine game period, showing no sign of rust even after coming back from a broken foot.
Fredericktown’s Gavin Toombs was named honorable mention for the Division III All-Ohio basketball team. The 6-foot-5 sophomore was one of the best players in the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference this season, earning first team all-conference honors. Toombs was also first team All-District 11.
He averaged nearly a double-double at 17 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. He also averaged about two assists, 1.5 steals and a block.
Senior Roman Gamble finished out a solid career at Utica, and was named honorable mention, as well. Night in and night out, Gamble was the top player for the Utica Redskins. He was a force on the glass, could fish out assists, play defense and was their most dependable scorer.
In Division II, sophomore Brayden Fogle was a first team All-Ohio selection after already being named OCC Player of the Year. The talented young forward was also a first team All-Northwest District selection. Fogle had height at 6-foot-6 and athleticism to boot, helping him to 14.9 points per game and 8.2 rebounds, while hitting 62% of his shots. He was also an adept passer at 2.1 assist per game. He was the top player on the Minutemen, who won the OCC title, sectional title and were district runners up. In the district semifinals, Fogle hit a rare three to put the game into overtime against No. 3 Willard, and he scored all 18 of his points in the second half and overtime. He then hit a jumper with less than two seconds on the clock to secure the win.
Junior Kyevi Roane of Mansfield Senior was named All-Ohio Special Mention. Roane was the top player the Tygers, leading them to a playoff berth as a No. 5 seed and an opening round win over Ontario where he scored 24 points. He then followed with a 22 points, 10 rebound showing to beat Bellevue in sectionals. While they lost to Shelby in the district semifinals, Roane played his heart out with 18 points and 12 boards. In the regular season he averaged 17.4 points, so when he hit the big stage, he shined the brightest.
Colton Slaughter was also an honorable mention All-Ohio selection, finishing a fantastic season and career for the Quakers. He was the top offensive player all season for New Philadelphia, and one of his best games came in the final game of the regular season when he went off for 35 points. He went on to lead the Quakers to a sectional title before falling to Tri-Valley in the district semifinals.
