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Findlay
16-9 (Northern Lakes League) Lost in District Semifinals 35-32 to Toledo St. John’s Who is Back: Will Cordonnier (Sr) - All District, Sam Ernst (Sr), Brady Lentz (Jr), Ryan Montgomery (Jr) Who is Gone: Jake Bishop- All District Burning Question: Can the Trojans start life in the Northern Lakes League positively? Outlook: The Trojans return plenty of pieces as they begin life in the NLL. Montgomery is a high level football prospect and will need to be monitored if he will play this upcoming season. Lima Senior 17-8 (Toledo City League) Lost in District Finals 80-42 to Perrysburg Who is Back: Jekel Cotton (Jr), Jagger Hutchins (Jr), Amari Addy (So), Shawn Foster (Fr), Noah Simpson (Fr) Who is Gone: Anthony Mosley- All District, Brandon Moore, Shalom Stout Burning Question: Will Lima forget about the disappointing District loss and bounce back? Outlook: Spartans are well coached and bring back plenty of offensive options in Cotton and Hutchins. If Addy can stay healthy and Foster brings what he has been hyped, there is no reason this team doesn’t win a District title. Sandusky 24-2 (Sandusky Bay Conference-Bay) Lost in Regional Semifinals 71-55 to Lutheran West Who is Back: Kobe Brown (Jr), Jason Henlon (Jr), AaZoriyon Bonner (Jr) Who is Gone: Daylen Green (1st Team All District), De’Mar Moore (2nd Team All District) Burning Question: How will the Flashes handle now in Division I? Outlook: If Sandusky was in Division II, they’d be a favorite in NW Ohio. Returning Brown and Henlon gives them a true chance to again win 20+ games and make some noise in Division I Toledo St. John's 20-9 (Catholic HS League-Michigan) Lost in State Semifinals 49-36 to Archbishop Hoban Who is Back: Jaylen Murphy (Sr), Jayden Jones (Jr), Nate Miles (So)- transfer from Emmanuel Christian, Kaeden Carruthers (So)- transfer from Emmanuel Christian, Race Kowalcyzk (So) Who is Gone: CJ Hornbeak (All-District), Mitchell Michalak, Marquez Frazier Burning Question: Can the Titans return to Dayton with the loss of Hornbeak? Outlook: Titans are joining a new league and will have a young core to build around. There is some talent in NW Ohio meaning the Titans could struggle to return to Dayton. Whitmer 16-9 (Northern Lakes League) Lost in District Finals 55-50 to Toledo St. John Who is Back: Antoine West (Jr)- All District, Makhi Leach (Jr)- transfer from Toledo Central Catholic, Tamarrion Davis (Sr), Elijah McLeod (Sr)- transfer from Wauseon, Tylin Patterson (Jr)- transfer from Emmanuel Christian Who is Gone: Pharell House, Deric Jaynes, Corvell Morgan, Ja’Vaughn Jones Burning Question: Is there a better combo in NW Ohio than West/Leach? Outlook: The Panthers will join the Northern Lakes League starting in 2023-24 and added several pieces through the transfer portal. Whitmer is the favorite to come out of NW Ohio and makes a strong case to make the State tournament in Dayton.
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Archbishop Hoban
26-3 Division I State Champions Who is Back: Jonas Nichols (Sr)- Akron Commit- NE Player of the Year, Sam Greer (So), Kenneth Scott (Jr)- transfer from GlenOak, Ace Brown (So) Who is Gone: Will Scott (1st Team All District), Logan Vowles, Andrew Griffith Burning Question: Can Hoban replace 3 starters and defend their title? Outlook: Nichols and Greer are a great 1-2 punch and can keep Hoban in the conversation with their defense. Replacing the 3 starters will be the biggest question mark, but the addition of Scott should help. Brecksville-Broadview Heights 23-4 (Suburban League National Division) Lost in District Finals 52-50 (OT) to St. Ignatius Who is Back: Luke Skaljac (Sr)- Miami (OH) commit- NE Player of the Year, Brady Ganley (Jr), Junior Kambomba (Sr)- transfer from Lutheran West Who is Gone: Chase Garito (2nd Team All District) Burning Question: Is Skaljac able to carry the Bees past the District Finals? Prediction: Bees return lots of scoring in Skaljac and Ganley. Addition of Kambomba brings defensive tenacity. Bees will be one of the best teams in the state and should be a contender to reach Dayton in March. Brunswick 17-7 (Greater Cleveland Conference) Lost in District Semifinals 63-56 to Cleveland Heights Who is Back: Tommy Morgan (Sr)- 1st Team All District, Quinn Barnett (Sr), Albert Shaker (Jr), Trey Drexler (So) Who is Gone: Maxx Dickinson (2nd Team All District) Burning Question: Does Brunwick have the “it” factor to get past the Districts? Outlook: The Blue Devils are going to be a favorite to win the GCC and will have enough experience to contend within the District. Brush 13-11 Lost in District Finals 49-43 to Walsh Jesuit Who is Back: Aliyy King (Sr), Daryl Bush (Sr), Yahir Hill (Sr), Damari Dammons (Jr) Who is Gone: Tyler Williams (All District), Marlon Barnes Burning Question: Will the Arcs get over the District hump? Outlook: Brush has been a standout program in NE Ohio but is losing two fantastic players from that team. King has a chance to be a breakout player and has good core pieces around him Garfield Heights 22-4 (Lake Erie League) Lost in Regional Finals 50-38 to Toledo St. John’s Who is Back: Marcus Johnson (So)- 1st Team All District, Calvin Little (Sr)- Fairmont State commit, Deandre Jones (Sr)- Kent State commit, Carter Jackson (Sr)- Canisius commit- transfer from St. Ignatius, Germainn Marshall (Jr), Chris Hill (Fr) Who is Gone: Jyles Brandon, Tommie Benn Burning Question: Is this the year the Bulldogs get over the hill and get to Dayton? Outlook: The Bulldogs are loaded with talent and bringing back so much. The additions of Jackson and Hill only make this team even more deadly offensively. Early favorites to reach Dayton. Glenoak 18-7 (Federal League) Lost in District Semifinals 81-46 to Archbishop Hoban Who is Back: Ja’Corey Lipkins (Sr)- 2nd Team All District, Jaylen Mcelroy (Sr), Bryce Broom (Jr), Reese Zerger (Jr) Who is Gone: Kenneth Scott- transfer to Archbishop Hoban Burning Question: Do the Eagles have enough returning to compete in a loaded NE Ohio? Outlook: GlenOak has one of the more exciting players in Lipkins and will bring back a core that should be one of the better teams in the Federal League Louisville 19-5 Lost in District Semifinals 49-48 to Walsh Jesuit Who is Back: Hayden Nigro (Sr)- 2nd Team All District, Beau Siegfried (Jr), Brayden Gross (Jr) Who is Gone: Will Aljancic (1st Team All District) Burning Question: Do the Leopards have the offensive firepower? Outlook: The Leopards defend well and run a half-court focused offense. A District title is not impossible, but will be tough without scoring. Maple Heights 18-6 (Lake Erie League) Lost in District FInals 40-39 to Medina Who is Back: Kenyon Giles (Sr)- 2nd Team All District- transfer from Rhodes, Alan Mallory (Sr)- transfer from Lutheran East, Davan Aniton (Jr), King Young (Fr) Who is Gone: Michael Lewandowski- transfer to Lutheran West, Darnell Aniton, Darius Davis, Jayvion Moore, Xavier Peterson Burning Question: Will the incoming players replace a talented senior class? Outlook: Mustangs look different with several incoming names to transfer and freshman but should be a competitive group. Massillon Jackson 19-7 (Federal League) Lost in District Finals 38-37 to Stow-Munroe Falls Who is Back: Kyle Monterrubio (Jr)- 2nd Team All District, Anthony Fuline (Sr), Mitch Finefrock (Jr) Who is Gone: Owen Woolbert (1st Team All District), James Bossart Burning Question: Can the Polar Bears repeat another District run? Outlook: Jackson is one of the better teams in NE Ohio year in and year out. Monterrubio could have a breakout season Mentor 19-6 (Greater Cleveland Conference) Lost in District Semifinals 64-58 to Nordonia Who is Back: Ian Ioppolo (Sr)- Findlay commit- 1st Team All District, Matt Biddell (Sr)- Walsh commit, Ryan Calo (Sr), Conner O’Brien (Sr), Kobe Frasure-Azzano (Jr) Who is Gone: Ryan Ioppolo Burning Question: How far will Ioppolo lead the Cardinals? Outlook: Mentor has plenty of seniors and is one of the best coached teams in the state. Could see this group winning a District title and battling for a Regional title. St. Edward 21-3 Lost in Regional Semifinals 44-40 to Archbishop Hoban Who is Back: Brian Sullivan (Sr), Wendell Henry (Sr), Max McClellan (Sr), Boden Grant (Jr) Who is Gone: Cameron Grant (1st Team All District), Lucas Perusek (3rd Team All District), Danny Lavelle, Ryan Hargett, Bevyn Coleman Burning Question: Who is the next big name to come out of Lakewood? Outlook: The Eagles always find a way to compete and will have to replace 2 All-District players. St. Ignatius 19-8 Lost in Regional Semifinals 38-37 to Garfield Heights Who is Back: Reece Robinson (Sr)- Cleveland State commit, Sam Springer (Sr)- Air Force commit, Jack Zapolnik (Sr), Damon Friery (Jr), Quinn Woidke (Jr), Sammy Dari (Fr) Who is Gone: Ace Buckner (1st Team All District)- transfer to La Lumiere (IN), Carter Jackson- transfer to Garfield Heights, Owen Macura, Bradyn Szczpaniak Burning Question: Can Joyce lead the Wildcats to the state title after 2 straight state appearances? Outlook: Iggy has the combination of guard play, size, and overall skill. Friery and Woidke have seen their stocks rise during AAU and the Wildcats have to be a favorite to reach Dayton yet again. St. Vincent St. Mary 19-7 Lost in District Semifinals 42-37 to Brush Who is Back: Jayson Walker (Sr), Sir Charles Gordon (Sr), John Whorton (Jr), Noah Chambers (Jr)- transfer from Shaker Heights, Aiden Monroe (Fr) Who is Gone: Lance Hayes (1st Team All District), Kevin Hamilton (1st Team All District), Darius Stratford Burning QUestion: Can the Irish replace a senior class that won 2 state titles during their run? Outlook: The Irish won’t look the same as previous seasons, but the addition of Chambers and Monroe as well as Whorton’s growth means the Irish will still compete for a District title. Big Walnut
13-11 (Ohio Capital Conference-Capital Lost in Sectionals 49-40 to Olentangy Berlin Who is Back: Trenton Minor (Sr), Conor Watters (Sr), Brody Hatfield (So), Owen Pollock (So) Who is Gone: Burning Question: Are the Eagles able to take the next step with experience back? Outlook: Big Walnut was a younger team a season ago with junior and freshmen leading them. Now a year experienced, could turn some heads with Minor especially taking bigger steps in his game Delaware Hayes 20-5 (Ohio Capital Conference-Capital) Lost in District Finals 54-39 to Olentangy Orange Who is Back: Jesse Burris (Sr)- Ohio commit- 1st Team All District, Landon Vanderwerker (Jr)- D4 District Player of the Year- transfer from Northside Christian, Jake Lowman (Sr), Carter Piatt-Brown (Jr), Chase Griggs (So) Who is Gone: Hezekiah Russell Burning Question: Is Vanderwerker the missing piece for the Pacers to get past the District Finals. Outlook: Hayes returns almost everyone and then added one of the best players in Columbus in Vanderwerker. Not only is this team a favorite in the OCC-Capital, they make a great case to win a District title. Hilliard Bradley 19-6 (Ohio Capital Conference-Central) Lost in District Finals 55-43 to Pickerington Central Who is Back: Cade Norris (Sr)- Illinois State commit- 1st Team All District, Jeb Bischoff (Sr), Ian Abrass (Sr), Gavin Lightning (So)- transfer from Bowling Green (KY), Ben Mirgon (Fr) Who is Gone: Burning Question: Can the Jaguars get over the District/Regional hump? Outlook: Bradley is going to be one of the best teams in Columbus this year with Norris leading their backcourt. Easily can win a District title and makes a case to get to Dayton. Marysville 10-13 (Ohio Capital Conference-Cardinal) Lost in Sectionals 68-40 to Hilliard Bradley Who is Back: Jason Moore (Sr)- Ashland commit, 3rd Team All District, Ryker Bowman (Sr), CJ Collins (Jr)- transfer from Dublin Coffman Who is Gone: Connor Smith Burning Question: Are the Lions ready to compete in the OCC? Outlook: Marysville has size and experience and added one of the best shooters in Central Ohio with Collins. Lions could be a sleeper in Central Ohio this season New Albany 9-13 (Ohio Capital Conference-Ohio) Lost in Sectionals 58-36 to Newark Who is Back: Braylen Nash (Sr)- 3rd Team All District, Miles Jackson (Jr), Marco Mattucci (So) Who is Gone: Will Powell Burning Question: Can Coach Casey continue the strong showing in the Summer? Outlook: Tim Casey takes over as the coach for the Eagles and has a good core returning. New Albany should be improved after excelling over the Summer, but is going to face challenges battling with the other teams in the District. Newark 19-8 (Ohio Capital Conference-Buckeye) Lost in Regional Semifinals 64-38 to Olentangy Orange Who is Back: Steele Meister (Sr)- Findlay commit, Ethan Stare (Sr), Braylon Morris (Jr) Who is Gone: Grant Burkholder (2nd Team All District) Burning Question: Do the Wildcats replace Burkholder and return to Regionals? Outlook: One of the most consistent programs in the state, Newark is returning a good core of players from a Regional qualifier last year and should again be one of the area’s best teams Northland 14-8 (Columbus City League-North) Lost in Sectionals 59-58 to Reynoldsburg Who is Back: King Kendrick (So), Nehemiah McMorris (Jr)- transfer from Gahanna Lincoln, Jaden Shoultz (So)- transfer from Wellington School. Who is Gone: Davion Bridges Burning Question: Is the addition of McMorris and Shoultz enough to get the Vikings momentum come tournament? Outlook: Northland will again be one of the best teams in the Columbus City League, but need Kendrick to really take another step if they are going to get past the large amount of OCC teams contending this year. Olentangy Orange 21-4 (Ohio Capital Conference-Central) Lost in Regional Finals 57-53 to Pickerington Central Who is Back: Devin Brown (Jr), Dylan Joy (Sr), Levi Davis (So) Who is Gone: Elias Lewis (All District), Mikey McCollum, Jordan Edwards, Nick Chapman, Jacob Zingg Burning Question: Do the Pioneers replace such a successful departed senior class? Outlook: Orange is losing quite a class, but their underclassmen a year ago were standouts with Brown and Davis leading the charge as potential breakout candidates. Pickerington Central 24-6 (Ohio Capital Conference-Buckeye) Lost in State Finals 53-47 to Archbishop Hoban Who is Back: Juwan Turner (Sr), Braylin Wells (Sr), Amare Spiva (Jr), Mondale Bradley Jr (Jr)- transfer from Pickerington North, Landon Evans (Fr) Who is Gone: Devin Royal (District Player of the Year), Gavin Headings, Andrew Hedgepath, Markell Johnson, Xavier McKinney-transfer to Reynoldsburg Burning Question: How do the Tigers replace the district player of the year and 2 other starters? Outlook: Pick Central always competes and finds a way to keep with the top teams. Turner is going to need to really be a leader for the Tigers to get back to Dayton. Pickerington North 19-7 (Ohio Capital Conference-Ohio) Lost in District Semifinals 44-40 to Delaware Hayes Who is Back: Arness Lawson (Jr) 2nd Team All District, Mykell Murphy (Jr), Favor McFadden (Jr), JR Bates (So) Who is Gone: Jeff Amapps, Mondale Bradley- transfer to Pickerington Central Burning Question: Is North a year away, or can they crash the party this year? Outlook: Having a player like Lawson will make the Panthers a tough out every night, but they likely are a year away from getting back to the District Finals. Reynoldsburg 12-12 (Ohio Capital Conference-Buckeye) Lost in Sectionals 76-73 to Delaware Hayes Who is Back: Noah Smith (Sr)- Tiffin commit, Jordan Fisher (Jr), Toby Nwokolo (Jr), Jordan Bowens (So), Xavier McKinney (So)- transfer from Pickerington Central Who is Gone: Burning Question: Can the Raiders stay healthy and take advantage of their talent on the roster? Outlook: The Raiders have 4 D1 prospects on their roster and have one of the deepest rosters in the area. If they can stay healthy, Reynoldsburg can be a contender to Dayton. Walnut Ridge 7-15 (Columbus City League-South) Lost in Sectionals 58-44 to Westerville South Who is Back: Dom Aekins (Sr)- Duquesne commit- 1st Team All District, LJ Foster (Sr)- transfer from Mifflin, Bryden Hodge (Jr), Marquis Lucas (So)- transfer from Linden McKinley, Deon Johnson (Fr) Who is Gone: Burning Question: Is the addition of Johnson and the transfers enough to help Aekins? Outlook: Aekins is one of the best players in Central Ohio and now has guys around him through transfer and adding Johnson. Scots should be one of the best teams in their division. Westerville Central 13-9 (Ohio Capital Conference-Ohio) Lost in Sectionals 53-50 (2OT) to Hilliard Davidson Who is Back: Devin Martin (Sr), Nick Patton (Sr), Dallas Tucker (Sr), Isaiah Brown (Sr), Josh Henderson (Jr), Maceo Harper (So) Who is Gone: Buba Bangura Burning Question: Do the Warhawks have the experience to compete with the amount of talent returning in Columbus? Outlook: The Warhawks have quite a few standout players and a strong overall core that they should be one of the better teams in Central Ohio as a whole Westville North 22-3 (Ohio Capital Conference-Capital) Lost in District Semifinals 60-55 to Westerville South Who is Back: Micah Young (Jr)- 3rd Team All District, Tai Perkins (Jr), Eyon Robinson (Sr), Navarion Adams (Sr), Tyson Perkins (Fr) Who is Gone: Carter Reese- 1st Team All District, Jordan Graham, Rex Mbouge Burning Question: Can North avenge the early postseason exit last year? Outlook: On paper, this is one of the most talented teams in Central Ohio. With Young and Perkins leading the backcourt, the Warriors make the best case to contend for a Regional title and could make a serious case to reach Dayton. Westerville South 21-6 (Ohio Capital Conference-Capital) Lost in Regional Semifinals 59-51 to Pickerington Central Who is Back: Kruz McClure (Jr)- 2nd Team All District, Tyler Kielmeyer (Jr), Amari Hodges (Jr) Who is Gone: Jadi Cunningham, Jujuan Ray, Jalen Wheeler Burning Question: Is South on pace for a multiyear run? Outlook: The Wildcats got to the Regionals a year ago and are returning a strong group of guys led by McClure, and are looking like a program that can put together another run this year. |
Written by: Tony PetersEdited and Published by: Seth Keim Archives
May 2024
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