Looking to notch its 25th straight wining season, Bellbrook is one of a handful of schools in state history with more than 700 wins. Reaching the program’s third state tournament and winning the first state title are attainable goals.
The path won’t be easy. And that’s by design.
Bellbrook (2-2), which went undefeated in the regular season last year en route to a 26-1 record and Division II district title, has already lost to defending D-IV state champion Waterford and undefeated Greater Catholic League Co-Ed North Division leader Carroll. The Eagles led both games in the fourth quarter.
Bellbrook plays at Franklin (1-1) on Saturday.
“We have some things to figure out,” Tincher said. “This is a new team from last year. The schedule is tough. We upped it a little more and that’s OK. These are games you want to be in. You just have to find a way to win them.”
The big difference between this team and last season’s is size. Gone is D-II state player of the year Gabby Ozude (6 feet 2), who is now a freshman player at Rice University.
“Energy,” Tincher said of a starting five that returns four regulars. “We’re counting on them to bring an in-your-face mentality and toughness that other teams we play can’t simulate in practice. We want to cause havoc.”
Junior Cassidy Hofacker, a two-time All-Southwestern Buckeye League Southwestern Division selection, is the conductor. Junior Bekah Vine (first team SWBL), senior Stephanie Dorn (honorable mention SWBL) and junior Cassidy Bereda are seasoned. Last year’s sixth man – junior Gabby Boyer (honorable mention SWBL) – fills Ozude’s vacated spot.
“We’re still a young team,” Tincher said. “We are experienced, though. That adds to the expectation level.”
So do results. In addition to last year’s regional semifinal appearance, Bellbrook’s JV and freshman teams each dropped just one game. The eighth grade team was undefeated. Those players have bolstered this season’s lineup.
Sophomore Olivia Greathouse and freshmen Kayla Paul and Brooklyn Hall have become key subs. Paul had eight points, 10 rebounds, six assists and three steals in a win over Eaton.
Hofacker, Bereda and Vine also starred on the Eagles’ D-II district champion soccer team. Vine was an All-Ohio goalie.
“Everyday in practice we’re putting them against each other,” Tincher said. “It’s a highly competitive atmosphere. They are going to make each other better. They earn their spot.”
Bellbrook has earned a spot among Ohio’s elite.
The Eagles opened the season ranked No. 7 in the MaxPreps preseason state poll. Ahead are games against Glen Este, Toledo Central Catholic, Northmont, Wilmington, Beavercreek, Miamisburg and Clinton-Massie. Next season Bellbrook will make its second appearance at the Classic in the Country.
“We have to find a way to finish,” Tincher said. “We’re good enough to win these games.”
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