High school girls basketball is back.
Greater Akron always leaves a mark on the OHSAA girls basketball landscape, and this year should be no different as numerous local players have already committed to play college ball.
Who should be watched as a hardwood star this winter? Here are 12 of the best from the local area:
The Baughman family has contributed to the Grizzlies in multiple sports over the years. Brooke is no different, and she will look to lead the Grizzlies again after earning all-district honors last season.
Callaway returned to Copley and led the team by scoring almost 19 points a game. The Walsh University recruit was a vital part of the Copley's 22-game winning streak and could be asked for more scoring this year.
Walsh lost a major talent in the graduated Megan Taraba, but Courtad returns to hold down the paint in coach Chris Esterak's full-court system . Look for Courtad to have larger role in Walsh's offense.
Speaking of centers, Dodds stepped into a leading role for the Bulldogs as a freshman . She put up 10.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game last season, and don't be surprised if she averages a double-double this winter.
Holmes led Ellet to its best season in decades , finishing undefeated in the City Series. She averaged 20 points for the Orangemen and is getting major interest from Mid-American Conference schools.
Hoover might be the best post player in Woodridge history, but she's not just a force in the paint. The Murray State recruit shot 37 percent from behind the 3-point line last year.
A torn anterior cruciate ligament ended Hurst's season in January last year. The Bulldogs point guard is healthy again and is capable of taking over any game she plays.
Look up "scrappy" in the dictionary and one might find King's picture. The Youngstown State recruit might be asked to take on a larger role in STVM's offense, but she already is one the top defenders in the area .
With Copley losing a bunch of talent to graduation , McKnight could step into a larger role after showing scoring touch her freshman year.
Highland wants to show Copley isn't only power in the Suburban League American Conference, and Morgan is key to that. Morgan filled up the stats sheet as a sophomore, including scoring 13.5 points per game.
Toughness is a necessity in the Federal League. Slates provided plenty for the Bulldogs her sophomore year, averaging more than 10 points and rebounds. Look for her to have a larger role in Green's offense.
Williams earned honorable mention All-Ohio honors last winter while playing next CVCA all-time leading score Gia Casalinova. This winter, Williams will be asked to lead the Royals offense, and the point guard is one of the most dynamic players off the drive in Greater Akron.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Greater Akron's 12 girls high school basketball players to watch
