Boys Basketball
Under new head coach Mr. Mitch Spotleson, the boys’ basketball team looks to repeat their Federal League title chances in the 2024-2025 season. “We’re gonna go in here and try to win every single game,” he said. “People can say, ‘Oh, you lost this much scoring, or the Federal League brings back a lot,’ but for us, it’s like, well, let’s surprise some people.”
This year, the Fortunato twins, seniors Anthony and AJ, bring essential physicality and leadership. “Anthony is gonna just be a scorer—his physicality, his ability to shoot the ball—we’re gonna need that big time to stretch the floor,” Spotleson said. “And AJ, his physicality, defensive toughness, that’s something our younger kids need to be around.”
The team’s preseason scrimmages are intense and challenging, designed to simulate the competitiveness of the regular season. “We’ve upped our scrimmage schedule… putting ourselves in situations so we don’t walk into game one like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is a different level,’” Spotleson said. With a blend of juniors like David Szarnicki, Hayden Lewis, and sophomore Mason Helmick expected to step up, alongside a few promising sophomores, there’s a healthy dose of competition in practice. “Our practices have been competitive,” he noted. “We’re giving opportunities to a lot of guys to play bigger roles and gain experience.”
Spotleson joins Green’s staff after the retirement of longtime head coach Mark Kinsley, and he brings plenty of experience with him. Spotleson was named the player of the year by the Federal League, Northeast Inland District and District IV Coaches. He earned first team All-Ohio honors. Spotleson averaged 19.3 points and 8.0 rebounds per game for Lake, helping them win their first district title and reach a regional final.
Girls Basketball – A move to d2
“We’ve been playing with each other since we were in fourth grade, so everything just ties really well together,” senior guard Meredith Viar said.
The goal is always to make it to Dayton for the girls’ basketball team. The trip has been something the team has not been able to accomplish in years previous, but there is new competition for the Bulldogs after moving to Division II.
“Our transition is really good. Our defense is going to be really good this year. I just think we’re going to be a really well-rounded team,” Viar said.
The on-court play of the team is fast paced, and they have many tools to do so. Senior Sydney Shocklee earned NE Inland district honors thanks to her efforts last season, and senior Jenna Slates earned first team honors as well. Along with district honors, they earned Federal League acknowledgements too; this time, the honors included junior Armahni Wagler.
The basketball team will begin their Federal League play on Dec. 4, where they will play the Canton McKinley Bulldogs.
Swim
The girls’ swim team closed last season on a high note, highlighted by an impressive 8th-place finish in the 200 free relay at the state meet. Led by Olivia Scheibelhoffer ‘24, Laina Swartzwelder ‘25, Eliana Edwards ‘24, and Sydney Peterson ‘24, the relay team shattered the school record three times, with a final time of 1:38.43, earning first-team all-Ohio honors.
Swartzwelder, primarily swimming individually, broke the school’s 200 freestyle record at the Northeast Classic with a time of 1:56.9, a midseason highlight that demonstrated her skill in the lanes. As a senior this year, Swartzwelder is eager to lead a new wave of dedicated swimmers.
“Our team is a lot smaller this year, but we have a lot of new swimmers with a lot of potential and dedication, and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish this year.” Swartzwelder said.
With a strong foundation, they are ready to build on last year’s success.
Gymnastics
The Bulldogs gymnastics program celebrated a historic season last year, placing 14th out of 34 teams in the district finals, and securing their first-ever placement in the all-around state competition. Junior Reese Genet led the way, impressively earning 3rd place on both beam and floor, showcasing her skill and poise under high-level competition.
“I’m really excited for this coming season because last year was very successful for us and I believe we’ll be stronger and be even better this season.” senior Lindsay Morgan said.
The team’s success did not stop there; they dominated at the Federal League meets, claiming first place overall at both Jackson and GlenOak’s invitational tournaments. Building on last season’s momentum, the program looks poised for even more milestones as they continue to establish themselves as a competitive force in the region.
Comp Cheer – We’re going to Disneyland!
The Green competition cheer team had an incredible season last year, capturing the state championship with a victory over their biggest rival, Lake, and continuing their winning streak by beating Jackson earlier in the season. Their achievements culminated in a trip to Disney for UCA Nationals, where they proudly placed fifth in the nation. This year, they are off to another strong start, recently earning first place at UCA regionals, which has secured their return to Disney in February.
“After a great season, we headed to Disney and placed fifth in the nation, and then this year, recently getting first at UCA regionals, we are excited to continue the season headed to states and nationals,” Junior competition cheerleader Sarah Saley said.
Dance Team
The GHS Dance Team are aiming for another successful competition season, and have some hardware coming into it.
Participating in the OASSA (Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators) dance competitions, they competed in plenty of styles during regionals; these include lyrical, hiphop, kick, jazz, and pom. The girls ultimately took home the state championship in the large kick section of the competition.
In regards to their basketball halftime performances, the team is ready as ever to put on a show in between halves. Classic dance routines, fun bonding events, and of course riding the train, are all on the menu.
