Category Archives: Uncategorized

04.15.20
by

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

02.14.17
by

15 Day Juice Cleanse Journey

all-juice-logo

 

I have officially just completed a 15 day juice cleanse. This is something I have wanted to do for quite some time yet hadn’t found the appropriate time to do so until now. I had completed a couple 3 and 5 days cleanses in the past few years though and was satisfied with the results.

Continue reading →

02.21.16
by

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.

 

 

02.14.16
by

NW Ohio High School Hoops Power Rankings #7

ball through net

NW Ohio High School Hoops Power Rankings

Presented by @CoachDarrenK

2/15/16 – Poll #7

#1 Lima Senior

The Spartans are getting closer to running the table in the regular season – 2 games left vs Clay and a talented Mansfield Senior led by Mario Young.

#2 St John’s

The Titans have made it clear they are the best team in the Toledo area, yet only good enough for 2nd in the TRAC. One more vs rival CCHS before the state tourney. A Lima Sr/SJJ rematch in bracket play is not unlikely.

#3 Whitmer

Rarely does a team this talent only muster up a 3rd place league finish. This is not a knock on the Panthers, rather an indication of how strong the top of the TRAC is. Very nice ball club that is capable of a deep state tournament run if they rebound better.

#4 St. Francis

Coach Lewis deserves a lot of credit for steady improvements in each year he has been at the helm for the Knights. They have a very short bench but Coleman-Graham is a difference maker and when Burnham shows up, this is a solid club.

#5 Scott

The Bulldogs have won 6 league games in a row and 7 out of 8 overall. They have to be the favorite to win the City League tournament this week despite Rogers’ fantastic start. My attention is on the state tournament though, I would love to see Wells, Green, and Hawkins all play well in the same game – that could lead to a long tournament run in Division 2.

#6 Northview

Northview is trying to hold off Napoleon to win the NLL after dropping one in OT to Southview. The Wildcats should be able to take care of Bowling Green, the question is can a pesky Perrysburg club do them a solid by knocking off Napoleon.

#7 Napolean

The Wildcats have a tough Archbold squad in a non-league match-up before closing out the NLL vs Perrysburg and Maumee in their quest for at least a share of the league crown. A match up vs CCHS or Scott could be a tough one in the district semi’s for the #1 seed in the state tournament.

#8 Rogers

The Rams have lost 3 of 4 despite Cameron Copeland being named District Player of the Year in Division 2. They will have to win 2 this week, however Bowsher will not be an easy out in the Semi’s, to claim the City League Tournament crown, before hosting Shaker Heights in a non-league game to close out the regular season.

#9 Swanton

The Bulldogs have won 11 straight including a nice win over TAAC leading Ottawa Hills. This club has the fire power to be district champions in Division 3 if they play together and ride on the shoulders of junior, Gunner Oakes.

#10 Findlay

The Trojans are nice ball club likely heading to a 5th place finish in the TRAC but would certainly be a championship contender in all of the other area conferences. Meeting Northview should be a fun first round match-up in bracket play.

Knocking on the door:

Wauseon has won 9 straight and have put together a nice overall season and Springfield who have had some bad loses, but also own the best non-league wins in the NLL.

 

15 Unsigned Senior Basketball Prospects Hoping to Play Themselves into a College Uniform (alphabetical order by school)

  1. Jamarr Parker – Central Catholic
  2. Rico Stafford – Lima Senior
  3. Jaylin Thomas – Lima Senior
  4. Marquavious Wilson – Lima Senior
  5. Cameron Copeland – Rogers
  6. Larry Green – Scott
  7. Chance Hawkins – Scott
  8. Jay Wells – Scott
  9. Matt Schaffer – Southview
  10. Aaron Thompson – St. John’s
  11. Bryce McComb – Swanton
  12. Keith McClure – Toledo Christian
  13. Montrece Collins – Whitmer
  14. Sam Hickey – Whitmer
  15. Daijour Whittington – Woodward

 

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.

 

02.08.16
by

NW Ohio High School Hoops Power Rankings #6

BBALL Player Pic

NW Ohio High School Hoops Power Rankings

Presented by @CoachDarrenK

2/8/16 – Poll #6

#1 Lima Senior

            The Spartans continue to roll in their quest for a perfect regular season, 18-0.

#2 St John’s

The Titans have cruised past 5 in a row and face old City League foe Rogers this week before finishing up TRAC play.

#3 Whitmer

Can the Panthers use their depth to give Lima Senior their first loss this week before facing Perrysburg on back to back nights.

#4 Northview

            Northview can lock up the NLL race with two wins this week.

#5 (tie) Central Catholic

The Irish appear to be better than the Knights on paper, but St Francis rolled in the first meeting – rematch is Friday to settle this. CCHS may have the toughest remaining schedule in this poll.

#5 (tie) St. Francis

Coleman– Graham is playing well. Can the Knights win out their remaining 3 games to avoid having a losing TRAC record.

#7 Napolean

Lauf and company are having a nice year but a light non-conference slate has not benefitted the Wildcats in closing out tight NLL match-ups.

#8 Scott

The Bulldogs are peaking at the right time and may slip in to steal the City League from Rogers.

#9 Rogers

The Rams have dropped two straight league games after starting off 7-0. They have a tough task of trying to right the ship Tuesday at St. John’s.

#10 (tie) Ottawa Hills

The Green Bears are 15-1 thus far but a win vs Swanton, whom may be the toughest team on their schedule, would help legitimize this ranking.

#10 (tie) Swanton

The Bulldogs have won 9 straight but likely won’t win their league. They must beat Ottawa Hills on the road to hope to remain in the poll.

Big Win of the Week – Waite and Coach Rodriguez over Rogers

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
by

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
by

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.

01.17.16
by

NW Ohio High School Hoops Power Rankings #3

media

NW Ohio High School Hoops Power Rankings

Presented by @CoachDarrenK

1/18/16 – Poll #3

  1. Lima Senior

  2. St. John’s

  3. Whitmer

  4. Rogers

  5. Northview

  6. Napoleon

  7. Findlay

  8. St. Francis

  9. Southview

  10. (tie) Toledo Christian/Swanton

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
by

NW Ohio High School Hoops Power Rankings – #2

ID-10029922

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.