West Liberty Hilltopper Basketball

[Columbuseer]

Fyi
jayce riccardo , canfield oh, commits to west liberty 2027.
6-7, d4 1st team all state as a jr.
16.6 ppg, 39% from three, 3.89 gpa

https://www.wkbn.com/sports/canfield...llege-program/

[Columbuseer]

Fyi
Jamie Muldowney Playing on Dublin 3x3 team. #2 in light green.
looks slimmer, quicker, but stronger.
https://youtu.be/xfS1cx4g7uA?is=OSGXrV3GcmdpbZRr

[bballfan03]

Yes, but if you look at those teams they beat - none of them played dazzling schedules really either.

We also cant put much into "ranking" anymore since teams change so much every year... coaches dont know what theyre voting for lol

[Columbuseer]

They were ridiculously overrated though. They played mainly nobodies and then got embarrassed in E8. Unless they have a whole new team (which we know is possible), as long as WLU is at leaat 80% their usual.. WLU by 15+

I hope you are correct in your prediction.
wasburn defeated 3 top 4 teams in Dallas Baptist, West Texas a&m, and Lubbock Christian. They were defeated by central MO 64-62 in their regional quarterfinal.
it appears they are serious about NIL
https://rallyfuel.com/schools/washburn

[bballfan03]

They were ridiculously overrated though. They played mainly nobodies and then got embarrassed in E8. Unless they have a whole new team (which we know is possible), as long as WLU is at leaat 80% their usual.. WLU by 15+

This feels like the first time in a while that Nova SE isnt playing in the HOF classic.

[bballfan03]

West liberty plays Florida southern and Washburn in hall of fame classic.
Washburn is in Topeka KS and has a beautiful 4100 seat arena. They were #1 in d2 attendance at approx. 2000 per game. They were #1 in polls for much of the year.
both teams will be a big challenge.

https://hilltoppersports.com/news/20...e-classic.aspx

They were ridiculously overrated though. They played mainly nobodies and then got embarrassed in E8. Unless they have a whole new team (which we know is possible), as long as WLU is at leaat 80% their usual.. WLU by 15+

[Columbuseer]

West liberty plays Florida southern and Washburn in hall of fame classic.
Washburn is in Topeka KS and has a beautiful 4100 seat arena. They were #1 in d2 attendance at approx. 2000 per game. They were #1 in polls for much of the year.
both teams will be a big challenge.

https://hilltoppersports.com/news/20...e-classic.aspx

[Columbuseer]

Fyi west lib boys basketball camp grades 4-12 jul 12-15
not 100% sure but think deadline may be july 8. Call them if interested

Here is application

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid...67766292414966

[boatcapt]

Only a good thing if we win the games If we lose all or even most of them, it will be a millstone around our necks that kills our season before the New Year ball drops

[Columbuseer]

Wlu is not shying away from tough non-conference opponents in Nov and Dec.

FL southern
washburn - #1 for much of last season
cal pa
west chester
shepherd
adelphi
Nova southeastern - two former hs teammates meet- Montgomery and Kayser

[boatcapt]

FYI
6-7 Owen Hill broke his foot during his senior season and required surgery after the season. He was 1st team all state Ohio his jr year, but made 3rd team his senior year due to missing so many games. He is still recovering and is not cleared to play this summer. He has a muscular frame that, with time in the weight room, would allow him to be a very physical presence in the future.

But the question, as it always seems to be with WLU "bigs," is how will he be used? All too often in the past the answer has been, a tall SG. If they use him like this, his "muscular frame" and "physical presence" will be wasted.

[Columbuseer]

Had a chance to see an open gym- a few incomplete observations from a dummy

- Pankey is deadly in the open court and makes some great interior passes in traffic at the rim for layups
- everyone has gotten stronger
- lattos is an animal on the boards
- Williams has gotten better and stronger
- Montgomery has improved range on 3.
- when Davis gets space he is deadly from three - 7 in a row
- Cody Schmitz belongs - “he’s here, he’s there, he’s everywhere!” Really high motor- rebounding, steals, driving, threes, backing down guys in the post with his strong 6-5 frame.
- one can tell Kai spears has played against d1 athletes as he knows how to score at rim against taller players. Good from three too.
- freshmen still adjusting but showing flashes.

[Columbuseer]

fyi
Where are they now ? Wlu transfers
hayden Abdullah d2 Lubbock Christian TX
Max hurray and Charlie hill - d3 Roanoke college VA
Daniel Burton naia central Baptist AR
cooper Kent d3 guilford college NC
xavier Harris had offer from d2 Cameron univ OK but no announced commitment
jp dragas d2 fl atlantic
d Augustino D1 Ohio univ

[Columbuseer]

FYI
6-7 Owen Hill broke his foot during his senior season and required surgery after the season. He was 1st team all state Ohio his jr year, but made 3rd team his senior year due to missing so many games. He is still recovering and is not cleared to play this summer. He has a muscular frame that, with time in the weight room, would allow him to be a very physical presence in the future.

[Columbuseer]

FYI
Jamie Muldowney is playing on the Dublin pro 3x3 team. They came in 3rd in Thessalonika tourney. Only losses were to #3 and #7 teams in the world. IMHO this is great experience as it develops good fundamental skills as it is largely positionless basketball. He should be in great shape too when he returns.