For the seasons in the past, the Michigan Region has stood tall against all others. While that still stands true, one region is quickly gaining on their northern counterparts. The Ohio Region is quickly expanding and boasts the most teams currently active in a state, with 9 member teams. With so many teams, it isn’t a surprise that the state has plenty of top tier talent to offer.
Here is your 2018 All-Ohio Team:
1. Jeff Starr (OSU) MVP
I hope this one doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone, but Jeff Starr is once again your All-Ohio team Most Valuable Player. Jeff is one of those once in a lifetime talents that comes around once in a generation, his unrivaled skill and experience made him one of the best players that OSU and the league have ever seen. This man can do it all, his catching is only bested by his canon that we call his arm. Jeff has seen the Buckeyes at their best, and their worse in his tenure as their captain these past few seasons. When the chips are down, the one player that I would trust on the court is Jeff Starr. One of the most well known and loved players to ever step foot on an NCDA court. Jeff, here’s to you. I hope the rest of your life is GLORIOUS.
-Colby Briceland
2. Tyler Paalman (Kent)
Tyler Paalman is one of the most dangerous players that I have ever seen, and he’s just getting started. This guy really does have all that it takes to be the best. He is the only player in the league that I won’t solo throw, and/or try to catch. His catching and throwing abilities are second to non that I have ever seen. He is truly one of the best players that I have ever had the honor of playing against. Tyler has a few years left ahead of him and I am excited to see how his career unfolds as he helps to lead Kent State to the next level. In his short time in the league and at Kent, Tyler has had a great impact in both regards. I truly believe that he will go down as one of the best to play the game. It is a shame that more don’t know who he is, because he is my frontrunner for Ohio MVP and one of my favorites for league MVP come next season.
-CB
3. Adam Hynes (OU)
Coming in at #3 is Adam Hynes who is named All-Ohio a second straight year (#5 last year). Representing the Ohio Bobcats, who enjoyed their most successful season in program history, Adam put together his best season out of his six-year career as well. It’s hard to find players who can gun it at over 70 miles per hour. It’s hard to find players who have a deep appreciation for strategy and the small details on the court. It’s extremely hard to find players who fit both bills, but Adam is just that. Adam is more than just a strong thrower, he has a deep understanding of the game and features respectable hands on top of that. Too many times hard throwers in the league rely on nothing but their arm and fail to grow to their full potential, Adam has showed us in his past two years at OU that there are exceptions to the rule. Being the final year of his career, Adam can walk away from the league knowing that he gave everything he had as player, teammate, and friend to all those he touched. He’ll be missed at OU, but big things are to come for that squad. Farewell to one of the long-time greats of the region.
-Reid Manger