PREBLE COUNTY — In Preble County, basketball seems to be in a transitional period. New coaches and young rosters make up the bulk of county teams. But while several teams build for the future, there were still several bright spots.
Jacob Bassler, a senior at Twin Valley South, was awarded first team All-Cross County Conference honors for his play this season. The Panthers finished 7-5, tied for fourth in the CCC, and were led by Bassler who averaged 17.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. He was also second in assists, charting 2.7 per game as well.
His teammate, J.J. Utz – another senior – was named second team in the CCC. He was South’s best defender and was second on the team in scoring, averaging 10.9 points while leading the team with 3.5 assists.
Another Panther, Mike Meyers, earned a special mention in the conference as well. He was third in scoring with nine points per game and was second in rebounding, pulling down 4.7 boards per game.
Tri-County North only won three games on the season – including two in conference – but had huge production out of senior Kurt Brinson. He was second team All-CCC and averaged 13.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. He was the team’s most consistent scorer and lead the Panthers in rebounds.
North also had another senior in Garrett Woodyard earn a special mention in the conference. Woodyward had 8.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. He was a four-year letterman for the Panthers.
Chase Thompson from National Trail also made the list as a special mention. Thompson averaged 8.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and two assists per game. He also finished the season 15 steals.
