Looking back at the biggest sports stories in NWO from 2023
Volume 2 Issue 51
Jim Leyland Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame
In early December it was announced that Perrysburg’s Jim Leyland would be elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Leyland was a manager for 22 years in the MLB. He made the World Series three times and won it all with the Marlins in 1997. He won Manager of the Year three times and also led the USA to its first World Baseball Classic title.
Anthony Wayne wins area’s first boys golf state title in 10 years
The Generals took the state title this year by three strokes. They were in fourth place following the first round but stormed back on day two to take the victory. This is the first state title in boys golf won by a Northwest Ohio school since 2013.
High school conference realignments announced
Ada and Leipsic announced they will be departing the Northwest Conference in favor of the Blanchard Valley Conference. This marks and end of Ada’s tenure in the conference which has lasted since 1947. Lima Central Catholic was announced to fill the hole left in the NWC. Lima Central Catholic has been an independent since 2013 when they left the Northwest Conference.
Zia Cooke makes WNBA debut
The most hyped girls basketball player in Northwest Ohio in a decade, Zia Cooke finished her college career at South Carolina and was drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks. Cooke appeared in 39 games for Los Angeles and averaged just under five points a game.
Scotty Buff sets national record
Toledo St. Francis senior set a national record of 44.97 in the 100 yard butterfly at the state championships this year. He bested the previous national record by half a second. He also became the first Northwest Ohio athlete to win back-to-back state titles in the butterfly. He is committed to compete collegiately at Florida.
Leading Updates
Phil Hoskins (Toledo/Whitmer) activated to Arizona Cardinals roster from practice squad.
Notable Game Updates
On December 27th Natasha Howard (Toledo/Waite) had 12 points and 11 rebounds in a Fenerbahce win over Galatasaray.
On December 28th Nigel Hayes-Davis (Toledo/Whitmer) had 24 points in a Fenerbahce loss to Anadolfu Efes.
On December 29th Dantez Walton (Lima/Lima Central Catholic) had 20 points in an Al Hilal loss to Al Ahli.
On December 30th Zavier Simpson (Lima/Lima Senior) had 29 points and 11 assists in a Motor City loss to Capital City.
Interesting Reads
Anthony Wayne-Springfield softball showdowns are games of the year
Video: 9 local sports plays that made ‘SportsCenter’ in 2023
Just For Fun
Local athletes to win a College Football National Title
