Category Archives: Sports

04.15.20
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No Hoops Dreams in 2020

Darren Kohne's Basketball Boot Camp

Typically this time of year, I am still riding the natural high of “One Shining Moment” and the greatest month in sports coming to and end: Basketball Season! However this year is quite different with our country facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hoop Dreams have seemed to come to a near halt. Normally my schedule is already filled with, scouting, trainings, camps, clinics, pre-draft combines, group workouts, motivational presentations, talk radio spots, and anything else that has to do with the game of basketball, but 2020 is going to take a different path. We are all being challenged to take a unique approach in order to be remain productive in actively pursuing our livelihoods.

Since in past years I have received a pretty high amount of requests for my event shirts and apparel, I have teamed up with Jupmode Toledo on their “Here for Good” campaign in their effort to help local businesses stay afloat. So if you would have any interest in one of the ever so popular Darren Kohne’s Basketball Boot Camp T- Shirts please claim yours by clicking the link.  Any proceeds received will be used towards one of my many charitable projects. Please share

02.21.16
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NW Ohio High School Hoops Power Rankings #8

basketball_on_fire

NW Ohio High School Hoops Power Rankings

Presented by @CoachDarrenK

2/22/16 – Regular Season Final Poll #8 –

#1 Lima Senior

A 22-0 regular season is in the books. It’s Columbus or bust now for the Spartans.

#2 St John’s

The Titans have put together another nice campaign. 3 wins in bracket play and you could see another Lima Senior match-up. It’s very hard to beat a good team 3 times.

#3 Whitmer

The Panthers have 7 seniors who have sacrificed to make this a great year. They will not bow out easily as each win prolongs their high school careers.

#4 St. Francis

A first round re-match with Springfield from just over a week ago, this time with their floor general in uniform.

#5 Northview

A 6 game improvement from last year led the Wildcats to the NLL championship. As a 6 seed they face Findlay who finished 5th place in the TRAC yet received the #5 seed in the bracket. Should be a great opening round match-up.

#6 Findlay

The Trojans lost 4 of their final 6 to close out the regular season, but are 2-1 this season vs the NLL. They will have to knock of the champions if they want to advance.

#7 Bowsher

The Rebels took the long way to the City Championship, but they got it winning last week’s tournament and owning the leagues best overall record at 14-8. They draw a discipline Southview club in the first round.

#8 Scott

The Bulldogs simply got outplayed in the City semi’s. This team has the ability to bounce back and make a nice tournament run but they must ride Jay Wells more; he needs more touches. If they advance, CCHS will be a very tough 2nd round match-up.

#9 Swanton

On paper the Bulldogs should claim the Division III district championship on 3/5. Can they take care of business and win 3 straight to cut down the nets.

#10 (tie) Springfield

The Blue Devils are playing well because they have both inside and perimeter weapons that compliment each other. An up and down team this season, which group will show up now that it’s win or go home.

#10 (tie) Napoleon

Probably the 3rd best team in the NLL, the Wildcats earned the #1 seed in the Division II bracket. They are going to have to knock off some quality teams to climb the ladders at BGSU in a couple weeks.

One team not in poll that has the ability to make a run to a district championship: Central Catholic

Northern Buckeye (8), Northern Lakes League (8), Northwest Ohio (9), TRAC (8), Toledo Area, (8) Toledo City (6) – 47 total teams considered

Disclaimer: This poll is the sole opinion of Coach Darren Kohne who has over 20 years of experience coaching, scouting, recruiting, and evaluating at the high school, collegiate and professional levels. This is an unofficial poll produced in good nature to help provide positive recognition and shed light on the quality basketball teams in NW Ohio as well as promote spirited interscholastic competition.

 

 

01.31.16
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NW Ohio High School Hoops Power Rankings #5

Xavier Simpson

Junior Xavier Simpson drives toward the basket against a Lima Central Catholic defender at Lima Senior High School.

NW Ohio High School Hoops Power Rankings

Presented by @CoachDarrenK

2/1/16 – Poll #5

  1. Lima Senior

Big week for the Spartans knocking off cross town rival Lima CC as well as St Francis and a pesky CCHS on their way to a 15-0 record.

  1. St. John’s

The Titan’s had a great week going 3-0 against Springfield, Whitmer, and a very strong Lakewood St Ed’s club. Senior Aaron Thompson had a big time week to lead SJJ.

  1. Rogers

The Rams continue to run through the City League again knocking off pre-season favorite Bowsher, though without Dalonte Brown.

  1. Whitmer

The Panthers showed little resistance this week in their only game vs St. John’s. There is a lot of talent and depth on Coach Brown’s roster. Look for a terrific re-match with CCHS this week.

  1. Napoleon

The NLL is currently the hottest league race in the area and Coach Good’s team remains on top of the standings. Anthony Wayne and Northview on deck this week.

  1. Northview

Got surprised by an up and down Springfield team with Rick UpChurch in the house. 2 must win home games this week for the Wildcats vs Perrysburg and Napoleon.

  1. Central Catholic

Tough week going 0-2 vs two very good ball clubs. The Irish are primed and ready for a big finish to this season.

  1. St. Francis

The Knights have a must win at home vs Findlay this week and then will host the Johnnies on Bancroft for the first time in 40+ years.

  1. Ottawa Hills

The Green Bears avenged their only loss of the year beating Toledo Christian by 10 to improve to 13-1 overall.

10a. Swanton

8 wins in a row for the Bulldogs but Swanton’s 2 games back in the NWOAL due to some early season league defeats.

10b. Southview

The Cougars have dropped 2 out of 3 but still sit only 1 game back in the NLL race with 5 games to go.

Can play their way in with two wins this week: Findlay and Scott.

 

Northern Buckeye (8), Northern Lakes League (8), Northwest Ohio (9), TRAC (8), Toledo Area, (8) Toledo City (6) – 47 total teams considered

Disclaimer: This poll is the sole opinion of Coach Darren Kohne who has over 20 years of experience coaching, scouting, recruiting, and evaluating at the high school, collegiate and professional levels. This is an unofficial poll produced in good nature to help provide positive recognition and shed light on the quality basketball teams in NW Ohio as well as promote spirited interscholastic competition.

01.25.16
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NW Ohio High School Hoops Power Rankings #4

Rim & Ball

 

NW Ohio High School Hoops Power Rankings

Presented by @CoachDarrenK

1/25/16 – Poll #4

  1. Lima Senior

The Spartans have the most talented roster with the best overall player. They are undefeated but not unbeatable. Huge cross-town match up this week with 15-0 Lima CC.

  1. St. John’s

The Titan’s haven’t been playing their best as of late but are still the 2nd best team in this poll. All 4 of their loses are to teams that are undefeated on the year.

  1. Whitmer

The Panthers are a very talented club with at least 9 solid players, whom are playing much better together. Individual sacrifice is the key for this teams overall success. Hickey and company are a very dangerous group.

  1. Rogers

The Rams have a little bit of everything on their roster and have really bought into to their new system. Copeland has emerged as a tough leader who brings a lot of moxie to the court. Bowsher and Scott rematches are on the horizon to determine the top dog in the City League.

  1. Northview

After a rocky start, the Wildcats have won 9 in a row. Jeremy McDonald is doing a terrific job, in his first year, of raising the level of expectations with his kids and they are performing.

  1. St. Francis

The emergence of Kenny Coleman-Graham has been the difference for the Knights this year. The supporting caste needs to be more consistent and Kenny will have to manage his fouls better for SFS to hold this spot.

  1. Southview

Don’t look now, but after losing his entire starting line-up, Bruce Smith has the Cougars right back in the NLL championship hunt. Senior, Matt Schaffer just might be the best catch and shoot guy in the region.

  1. Napoleon

I felt this team was grossly under-rated in the pre-season polls, being picked 5th in the NLL. The Wildcats must have agreed, running off 9 straight to start the year on their way to a 10-2 overall record thus far.

  1. Central Catholic

Love the mix of talent and athleticism on this team. Football success led to a late start to hoops season and likely the inconsistent play. The Irish are starting to click though winning 4 straight. The return of Triplett should help their perimeter scoring as well.

10a. Swanton

The Bulldogs have won 7 in a row and 10 of 11. This veteran club has 3 stars who can lead them on any given night in: Gilsdorf, McComb, and Oakes.

10b. Ottawa Hills

All they do is win. The Green Bears are 12-1 overall. Probably not better than Bowsher or Findlay who are on the outside looking in but absolutely deserve to be in this poll. Key rematch with Toledo Christian on 1/29.

 

League Rankings

The league races are heating up and here is how they stack up against each other this season:

  1. Three Rivers Athletic Conference (TRAC)
  2. Northern Lakes League (NLL)
  3. Toledo City League

 

Top College Prospects

There is a plethora of talent in NW Ohio that will surely keep the college scouts on high alert. Though several seniors have already committed, here are the top unsigned talents:

  1. Dalonte Brown – Bowsher – Jr.
  2. Jarius Ward – Lima Senior – Jr.
  3. Vincent Williams – St. John’s Jesuit – So.

 

Northern Buckeye (8), Northern Lakes League (8), Northwest Ohio (9), TRAC (8), Toledo Area, (8) Toledo City (6) – 47 total teams considered

Disclaimer: This poll is the sole opinion of Coach Darren Kohne who has over 20 years of experience coaching, scouting, recruiting, and evaluating at the high school, collegiate and professional levels. This is an unofficial poll produced in good nature to help provide positive recognition and shed light on the quality basketball teams in NW Ohio as well as promote spirited interscholastic competition.

01.11.16
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NW Ohio High School Hoops Power Rankings – #2

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Courtesy: freedigitalphotos.net

NW Ohio High School Hoops Power Rankings

Presented by @CoachDarrenK – Twitter/Youtube

1/11/16 – Poll #2

  1. Lima Senior
  2. St. John’s
  3. Whitmer
  4. Rogers
  5. Findlay
  6. Napoleon
  7. Springfield
  8. Bowsher
  9. Northview
  10. St. Francis

In The Hunt: Scott, Southview, Toledo Christian, Wauseon, Swanton

Who’s Hot: Northview, Elmwood, St. John’s

Tough Week: Springfield

Northern Buckeye (8), Northern Lakes League (8), Northwest Ohio (9), TRAC (8), Toledo Area, (8) Toledo City (6) – 47 total teams considered

Disclaimer: This poll is the sole opinion of Coach Darren Kohne who has over 20 years of experience coaching, scouting, recruiting, and evaluating at the high school, collegiate and professional levels. This is an unofficial poll produced in good nature to help provide positive recognition and shed light on the quality basketball teams in NW Ohio as well as promote spirited interscholastic competition.

01.05.16
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NW Ohio High School Hoops Power Rankings – #1

BBALL

NW Ohio High School Hoops Power Rankings (Boys)

Presented by @CoachDarrenK

1/4/16 – Poll #1

  1. Lima Senior
  2. St. John’s
  3. Springfield
  4. Whitmer
  5. Rogers
  6. Napoleon
  7. Findlay
  8. Scott
  9. Southview
  10. Central Catholic

First Four Out: Swanton, Bowsher, St. Francis, Toledo Christian,

Biggest Surprises: Springfield, Cardinal Stritch, Woodward

Expecting More: Rossford, Bowsher, Perrysburg

 

Northern Buckeye (8), NLL (8), NWOAL (9), TRAC (8), TAAC, (8) Toledo City League (6) – 47 total teams considered

Disclaimer: This poll is the sole opinion of Coach Darren Kohne who has over 20 years of experience coaching, scouting, recruiting, and evaluating at the high school, collegiate and professional levels. This is an unofficial poll produced in good nature to help provide positive recognition and shed light on the quality basketball teams in NW Ohio as well as promote spirited interscholastic competition.

02.05.15
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Thank You, For Helping Me Fill My Glass, Coach!

Fall Meyer Pic

It was late fall during my 5th grade year of elementary school and my closest friend from class suggested that I try out for the basketball team with him and some of our other classmates. Now, I had shot around a couple times on a 6-foot hoop that my neighbors had nailed to their tree, but had never played in even a pick up game of basketball at that point in my life.

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08.15.14
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Professional Basketball Combine

BBALL Player Pic

The Overseas Basketball Combine is an awesome experience and opportunity for basketball players of all walks of life to keep their hoop dreams alive. This weekend players traveled from around the country to Tampa, FL for a three day event with the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of catching some decisions makers attention that could lead to a contract to play professional basketball somewhere on this planet.

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07.17.14
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The Vegas Hoops Gamble

Fabulous_Las_Vegas_sign

Las Vegas is a place where people come from around the world to experience an atmosphere and excitement that they cannot regularly have at home. There is entertainment, nightlife and of course gambling in the most luxurious of settings. Whether a complete amateur or a seasoned professional, everybody hopes to hit the jackpot and leave this city with much more than they arrived with!

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