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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.
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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. Bishop Hartley
12-10 (Central Catholic League) Lost in Sectionals 72-66 to Eastmoor Academy Who is Back: Jaden Calloway (Jr)- 2nd Team All District, Pharez Nicholas (Jr)- 3rd Team All District, Denim Cook (Jr), Khani Thomas (So), Jakhi Calloway (So) Who is Gone: Burning Question: Is Hartley ready to take the next step and compete for a league title? Outlook: Hartley is a young team but they have plenty of talent and are the team to beat in Central Ohio right now. Bishop Ready 28-1 (Central Buckeye League) Lost in State Semifinals 60-50 to Buchtel Who is Back: Micah Germany (Sr), Andreas Gordon (Jr), Kayden Schaffer (Jr), Uthman Sherif (So) Who is Gone: Luke Ruth (District Player of the Year), Kaleb Schaffer (1st Team All District), Charlie Russell (1st Team All District) Burning Question: Will Ready be able to replace 3 All-District players? Outlook: The Silver Knights start life in a new league without the 3-headed monster that got them to the State Semifinals a year ago. Ready brings back all their role guys from that team and should continue to be a team to monitor in Central Ohio Eastmoor Academy 10-16 (Columbus City League-South) Lost in District Finals 61-47 to Bishop Ready Who is Back: James Nowell (Sr)- 2nd Team All District, Elijah Watkins (Sr), Sebastian Nelson (Sr) Who is Gone: Burning Question: Can Warriors replicate the tournament success again? Outlook: Eastmoor got hot in the postseason last year and return their top guys, including Nowell. Expect Eastmoor to compete again in the CCL. Granville 14-11 (Licking County League-Buckeye) Lost in District Finals 58-54 to River Valley Who is Back: Dante Varrasso (Sr)- 3rd Team All District, Jase Becker (Sr)- 3rd Team All District Who is Gone: Rex Rader Burning Question: How do the Aces look compared to Hartley and Eastmoor? Prediction: Aces should be the top team again in the LCL, but winning a District title will come down to their draw. River Valley 19-6 (Mid Ohio Athletic Conference) Lost in District Finals 62-54 to Bishop Watterson Who is Back: Carson Smith (Sr)- 2nd Team All District Who is Gone: Carson Myers (1st Team All District) Burning Question: Can Smith make up for the loss of Myers? Outlook: The Vikings made the District Finals a year ago with a powerful 1-2 punch in Smith and Myers. Now that the latter has graduated, it will be on Smith to continue for River Valley to return to the District Finals. Lexington
20-5 (Ohio Cardinal Conference) Lost in District Finals 75-67 to Sandusky Who is Back: Brayden Fogle (So)- 2nd Team All District, Elijah Hudson (Sr), Seven Allen (So)- transfer from Mansfield Madison Who is Gone: Baden Forup (1st Team All District), Hudson Moore Burning Question: Is Allen the missing piece the Minutemen need? Outlook: Lexington looked like the team to beat in NW Ohio last year but fell short. Fogle is bound for a breakout year, Hudson had a solid Summer, and Allen gives backcourt play to make Lexington the favorites out of NW Ohio and to claim a District title. Shelby 20-5 (Mid Ohio Athletic Conference) Lost in District Semifinals 76-74 (OT) to Lexington Who is Back: Alex Bruskotter (Sr)- Wright State commit- 1st Team All District, Casey Lantz (Sr), Bryson Baker (Sr), Isaiah Ramsey (Sr) Who is Gone: Burning Question: Can Whippets get over the hump in the District/Regionals? Outlook: Shelby returns almost all their production from last year and is going to be a favorite in NW Ohio. Getting their revenge on Lexington will be priority. St. Mary's Memorial 16-6 (Western Buckeye League) Lost in District Semifinals 56-55 to Van Wert Who is Back: Evan Angstmann (Sr), Jace Turner (Sr) Who is Gone: Austin Parks (District Player of the Year) Burning Question: Will the Roughriders be in the mix without Parks? Outlook: Memorial loses one of the best players in their history in Austin Parks, but return a great player in Angstmann to build on. Tiffin Columbian 18-6 (Sandusky Bay Conference-Lake) Lost in Sectionals 77-47 to Toledo St. John’s Who is Back: Brayden Boggow (Sr)- 3rd Team All District, Bryce Boggow (Sr) Who is Gone: Logan Beaston (1st Team All District) Burning Question: Does Columbian continue their success now in Division II? Outlook: The Tornadoes lose their top player in Beaston and took an early exit in the Sectional tournament. Returning the Boggow’s will be helpful in the division drop. Toledo Central Catholic 20-5 Lost in District Finals 48-34 to Rossford Who is Back: Isaiah Brenneman (Sr)- 2nd Team All District, Manny Johnson (So), Isaiah Mack-Russell (Fr) Who is Gone: Michael Greenlee (3rd Team All District), Makhi Leach- transfer to Whitmer, Chico Johnson, Noah Langford, KJ Johnson Burning Question: Will the Irish be able to replicate the 20-win season with some younger names being leaned on? Outlook: Johnson and Mack-Russell have shown they can flat out play even though they are underclassmen. The Irish have plenty of talent but their youth could be holding them back beyond Districts. Willard 15-9 (Sandusky Bay Conference-Bay) Lost in Sectionals 58-56 to Lexington Who is Back: Max Dawson (Sr)- Ashland commit- 1st Team All District, Cam Robinson (Sr) Who is Gone: Burning Question: Is Dawson able to carry this team through Districts. Outlook: Dawson has proven he’s one of the deadliest shooters in the state. His presence on the floor gives the Flashes a solid chance to be a challenger in NW Ohio. Buchtel
23-6 (Akron City Series) Division II State Champions Who is Back: Stevie Diamond (Jr), Zevin Gadson (Sr)- transfer from Firestone, Ebrahim Jabbi (Sr)- transfer from North Carolina Who is Gone: Khoi Thurmon (1st Team All District), Amire Robinson (1st Team All District). Marcel Boyce (1st Team All District), Jayden Maxwell, Malsi Pearson- transfer to Lutheran East Burning Question: Will the new additions replace 3 1st Team All District players? Outlook: Buchtel will again be the favorite in the Akron City League, but defending their title will depend on if Gadson and Diamond can replicate the scoring gone. Glenville 17-9 (Senate League) Lost in Regional Semifinals 64-56 (OT) to Gilmour Academy Who is Back: Damarion Witten (Sr)- Ohio State (football) commit, Ruel Tomlinson (Sr)- transfer from Walsh Jesuit, Lorenzo Staley (Jr), Theo Castro (So) Who is Gone: Damareyon Oliver- 2nd Team All District, Jakobi Laster Burning Question: How will the Tarblooders look with Castro out? Outlook: The Tarblooders might have to wait depending on their football team’s success. Depending on how long Castro is out, Glenville could be a challenger in NE Ohio again. Holy Name 21-2 (Great Lakes Conference-East) Lost in Sectionals 71-59 to Benedictine Who is Back: Max Bolin (Jr), Drew Styers (Jr) Who is Gone: Josh Pineiro (All District), Joey Abraham (All District), Dorrian Pettway, Keegan Fernlund Burning Question: Is Bolin ready to but the Green Wave on the map again? Outlook: Holy Name is losing a lot of production from a 2-loss team last year. Bolin and Styers are a great combo to lean on and can lead the Green Wave to a District title Jefferson Area 16-7 (Northeast 8) Lost in Sectionals 51-46 to West Geauga Who is Back: Joseph DeGeorge (Sr)- 2nd Team All District, Anthony Covetta (Jr)- 3rd Team All District Who is Gone: Grant Hitchcock Burning Question: Will the Falcons avenge their early loss in the postseason? Outlook: Jefferson is returning their top 2 players from a season ago. NE Ohio is more open this year and the Falcons can be a sleeper team. Lutheran West 25-4 Lost in State Championship 59-57 to Buchtel Who is Back: Jayson Levis (Sr)- 1st Team All Conference, Derek Fairley (Sr)- 1st Team All Conference, Matthew Meyer (Jr), Tino Yli-Junnila (Sr)- transfer from Hudson, Michael Lewandowski (Sr)- transfer from Maple Heights, Dylan Bartchak (Sr) Who is Gone: Boubacar Djigo, Junior Kambomba- transfer to Brecksville-Broadview Heights Burning Question: Is there a team in NE Ohio with the depth of the Longhorns? Outlook: If there is a favorite to start the season in Division II, it has to be the Longhorns. They have the depth and talent of any team in Division II. Preseason favorites to claim a state title. Tallmadge 15-9 (Suburban League) Lost in Sectionals 61-52 to East Cleveland Shaw Who is Back: Kaden Davis (Jr)- 2nd Team All District, Paul Rusinko (Jr) Who is Gone: Collin Dixon, Ty Hurst Burning Question: Can the Devils rebound from an early postseason exit a season ago? Outlook: Some of Tallmadge’s top talent were underclassmen last year. Now those guys are juniors and Davis had an exceptional Spring. Tallmadge might be a year away but could be a sneaky team Ursuline 22-3 (Steel Valley Conference) Lost in District Finals 74-68 to Gilmour Academy Who is Back: Jaden Payne (Sr)- 1st Team All District, Jared Klucinec (Jr), Jaylen Gunther (Fr) Who is Gone: Terrance Pankey (1st Team All District), Vinny Faluto (2nd Team All District), Dashaun Will Burning Question: Will the young players alleviate the loss of 2 All-District players? Outlook: Payne’s return will be huge for the Irish as they will have some young players to lean on this year. A return to the District title is completely doable. East Liverpool
17-8 (Buckeye 8) Lost in District Finals 72-51 to Maysville Who is Back: Preston Kerr (Sr)- 2nd Team All District, Cohen Pease (Jr)- 3rd Team All District, Preston Dawson (Sr) Who is Gone: Burning Question: Can the Potters get over the edge and claim a District title? Outlook: East Liverpool has most of their production back and should make a strong case to contend for the District title. St. Clairsville 11-13 (Buckeye 8) Lost in District Semifinals 58-41 to Tri-Valley Who is Back: Tyson Pastor (Jr)- 1st Team All District, Cole Thoburn (Sr)- 2nd Team All District Who is Gone: Luke Porter Burning Question: Will the Red Devils rebound after facing a down year? Outlook: St. Clairsville returns their top 2 guys from last season and have the tradition and coaching to find themselves back in the mix in East Ohio Tri-Valley 19-8 (Muskingum Valley League) Lost in Regional Semifinals 37-33 to Fairfield Union Who is Back: Max Lyall (Jr)- 1st Team All District, Terrell Darden (Sr)- 3rd Team All District, Erik Neal (Sr) Who is Gone: Burning Question: Can the Scotties again return to the Convo? Outlook: One of maybe two teams in the East District that can challenge for a Regional title. Fairfield Union
24-4 (Mid State League-Buckeye) Lost in Regional Finals 48-33 to Bishop Ready Who is Back: Caleb Schmelzer (Sr)- 1st Team All District, Caleb Redding (Sr)- 2nd Team All District Who is Gone: Ted Harrah, Brennen Rowles Burning Question: Is there a team in SE Ohio that can compete with the Falcons? Outlook: Falcons are returning their two best players and again are the favorites out of SE Ohio. With the right matchups, could be a sleeper in the postseason. Marietta 15-8 (Twin State League) Lost in Sectionals 47-30 to Fairfield Union Who is Back: Alex Kendall (Sr)- Findlay commit- 1st Team All District Who is Gone: AJ Graham, Isaac Koast Burning Question: Can Kendall be enough for the Tigers to get out of the Sectional round? Outlook: Kendall makes a case for District Player of the Year and will have to play at a high level to get Marietta a deep run. A supporting cast will be enough for the Tigers to be a challenger. Unioto 14-9 (Scioto Valley Conference) Lost in Sectionals 59-51 to Marietta Who is Back: Blake Hoops (Jr)- 2nd Team All District, K.B. Perkins (Jr)- 3rd Team All District, Zeke Schobelock (Sr) Who is Gone: Burning Question: Do the Shermans have the experience to compete in the District? Outlook: Shermans should be improved in the SVC and will be a team to monitor since they bring back much of their production. Sleeper team in SE Ohio. Warren Local 18-7 (Twin State League) Lost in Sectionals 83-73 to Washington Court House Who is Back: Trent Taylor (Sr)- 1st Team All District, Julian Stadelman (Sr)- 2nd Team All District Who is Gone: Burning Question: Is the return of Taylor and Stadelman enough to get Warren out of Sectionals? Outlook: Warren returns their top 2 players from last season and will be looking to improve this season Washington Court House 20-5 (Frontier Athletic Conference) Lost in District Semifinals 54-49 to New Lexington Who is Back: John Wall (Sr)- 2nd Team All District, Isaiah Haithcock (Sr)- 3rd Team All District Who is Gone: Tanner Lemaster- 1st Team All District Burning Question: Can the Blue Lions repeat last season’s magical season? Outlook: Washington CH has plenty of production to depend on and can again be a team to monitor in SE Ohio. Africentric
23-6 (Columbus City League-South) Lost in State Semifinals 48-47 (2OT) to Ottawa-Glandorf Who is Back: Cortez Freeman (Sr)- 2nd Team All District Who is Gone: Dailyn Swain (District Player of the Year), Preston Steele (3rd Team All District) Burning Question: Will the Nubians have enough to keep their state streak going? Outlook: Africentric loses a generational player in Swain and will miss his scoring output. Freeman however could be a leader on the offensive end and keep Africentric in the running for a District title. Columbus Academy 21-3 (Central Buckeye League) Lost in District Finals 78-56 to Africentric Who is Back: Theo Falkenheim (Jr)- 1st Team All District, MJ Jackson (Jr)- 3rd Team All District Who is Gone: Charlie Heywood Burning Question: Is this the year CA gets a District title? Outlook: Columbus Academy had underclassmen leaned on a year ago and still made the District Finals. Now a year older, this group is a scary team going into the year and are a favorite to contend with Harvest Prep/Worthington Christian. Harvest Prep 22-7 (Mid State League-Cardinal) Lost in State Semifinals 65-44 to Lutheran East Who is Back: Brandon Roddy (Jr)- 3rd Team All District, Adonus Abrams (Sr), London Foggie (Sr), Khalil Daniels (Jr) Who is Gone: Nyelle Shaheed (1st Team All District), Zyaun Hutson, Chris Towns, Judah Haynes-Lee Burning Question: Will the Warriors have enough talent around Roddy to go back to Dayton? Outlook: The Warriors have one of the better guards in Central Ohio in Roddy and have surrounded him with experience from the State Final 4 team last year. Should again be one of Central Ohio’s top teams. Northridge 18-6 (Licking County League-Cardinal) Lost in District Semifinals 64-44 to Harvest Prep Who is Back: Carter Mallernee (Sr)- 1st Team All District, Ethan Payne (Sr) Who is Gone: Justin Townley, Ian Travis Burning Question: Can Mallernee lead the Vikings to a District title with the depth in Central Ohio? Outlook: Northridge looked solid during the season and is returning their top guy in Mallernee. While there are some other pieces lost to graduation, the Vikings could still be a tough team in the LCL. Worthington Christian 21-5 (Mid State League-Ohio) Lost in District Finals 61-44 to Harvest Prep Who is Back: Sam Johnson (Sr)- Cedarville commit- 1st Team All District, Jonah Lewis (Sr)- 3rd Team All District, Michael Redd II (Jr) Who is Gone: Correll Amsbaugh Burning Question: Can the Warriors repeat their feat with a new coach? Outlook: Quintin Aden joins the Warriors from Independence and will take over a team with plenty of talent after a District runner up finish. Will be one of the best teams and makes a case to be a District champion. Bluffton
16-10 (Northwest Conference) Lost in District Semifinals 63-42 to Ottawa-Glandorf Who is Back: Wade Ginther (Sr), Marek Donaldson (Jr), Terron Boblitt (Jr), Blake Sommers (Jr)- transfer from Spencerville Who is Gone: Carson Soper Burning Question: Is the addition of Sommers enough to lift the Pirates? Outlook: Bluffton returns several starters and add a rising player like Sommers to make a dangerous team. Cardinal Stritch 22-4 (Toledo Area Athletic Conference) Lost in Regional Semifinals 62-43 to Ottawa-Glandorf Who is Back: Tommie Taylor (Sr), Owen Yost (Sr) Who is Gone: Christian Burton (1st Team All District), Breon Hicks (2nd Team All District), Kam Hughes Burning Question: Can the Cardinals replace the production lost with a new coach at the helm? Outlook: John Yost takes over as the head coach and will have solid guard play back in Taylor and Yost. Carey 19-4 (Northern 10 Conference) Lost in Sectionals 38-37 Liberty-Benton Who is Back: Carter Smiley (Sr)- All District, Alexander Putnam (Sr), Brayden Young (Sr) Who is Gone: Burning Question: Can the Blue Devils get out of Sectionals with the returning talent? Outlook: Carey has a strong trio of guys coming back from a 19-win team. Smiley and Young will be leaned on to provide leadership and scoring for Carey Emmanuel Christian 21-4 (Toledo Area Athletic Conference) Lost in District Finals 50-49 to Wayne Trace Who is Back: Jalen Brown (Sr), Antwoine Minster (Fr) Who is Gone: Jerry Easter II- District Co-Player of the Year- transfer to La Lumiere, Jamie Rivers Jr, Nate Miles- transfer to Toledo St. John, Kaeden Carruthers- transfer to Toledo St. John, Tylin Patterson- transfer to Whitmer Burning Question: Can Brown replace the lost production with 5 of the top 7 gone? Outlook: Even with a great player like Easter gone, Brown had a big Summer and showed glimpses of being an outstanding player in the TAAC. Margaretta 14-10 (Sandusky Bay Conference-Bay) Lost in District Semifinals 53-50 to Cardinal Stritch Who is Back: Julian Washington (So), Judah Keller (So) Who is Gone: Hayden Wiley Burning Question: Is Margaretta ready now to contend at the District level? Outlook: The Bears have 2 extremely talented sophomores that will be looked for for scoring this season. Margaretta could be a year ahead of schedule. Ottawa-Glandorf 26-4 (Western Buckeye League) Lost in State Finals 67-61 to Lutheran East Who is Back: Colin White (Sr)- Ohio State commit- District Co-Player of he Year, Caden Erford (Sr)- 2nd Team All District Who is Gone: Theo Maag- (3rd Team All District) Burning Question: Is this the year the Titans finally take home the state title? Outlook: O-G is returning the most skilled player in the state in White and have shown they can reload year after year. This could be the year O-G takes home a state title. Wayne Trace 19-8 (Green Meadows Conference) Lost in the Regional Finals 62-55 (2OT) to Ottawa-Glandorf Who is Back: Brooks Laukhaf (Sr)- Ohio Dominican commit- 1st Team All District, Kyle Stoller (Sr) Who is Gone: Tyler Davis Burning Question: Will the Raiders be able to get past O-G at the Regional level? Outlook: Laukhaf is one of the better shooters in the state and can carry this group pretty far. Another Regional run is certainly in the cards. Cuyahoga Heights
23-4 Lost in Regional Finals 84-50 to Lutheran East Who is Back: Braylon McClardy (Sr)- All District, Cade Davies (Sr) Who is Gone: Nate Biggers- All District, Eli Walton Burning Question: Are the Red Wolves competing again for a District run? Outlook: Heights made a nice run to the Regional Finals before running into Lutheran East. The Red Wolves have a nice duo in McClardy and Davies back and could again be a challenger in NE Ohio. Lutheran East 22-5 Division III State Champions Who is Back: Jesse McCulloch (Sr)- Michigan State commit, Anthony Bruce (Sr), Ronald Taylor (Sr), Kirr Knany (Sr)- transfer from ISA, Chauncey Brashers (Sr), Malsi Pearson (So)- transfer from Buchtel, Alex McCulloch (So) Who is Gone: TJ Crumble- (1st Team All District) transfer to Richmond Heights, Cody Head (1st Team All District), Nelson Johnson, Icare Bakadisula- transfer to Combine Academy (NC), Alan Mallory- transfer to Maple Heights Burning Question: Will the Falcons be able to repeat with the amount of guys gone? Outlook: The Lue is back to defend their title with McCulloch and the addition of Knany to be one of the biggest teams in Division III. Several departures through transfer changes how this team looks, but there are plenty of seniors add experience to repeat another title. Mentor Lake Catholic 17-10 (Crown Conference) Lost in Regional Semifinals 61-36 to Lutheran East Who is Back: Peyton Budrys (Sr)- 2nd Team All District, Cross Nimmo (Jr) Who is Gone: Aidan Fitzgerald (1st Team All District), Nick Brandt Burning Question: Can the Cougars build off their postseason success? Outlook: Cougars could be more competitive in the Crown Conference and could see themselves back in the Regionals. Trinity 14-10 Lost in District Semifinals 60-50 to Canton Central Catholic Who is Back: Eric Snow Jr (Sr), Aidan Duncan (Jr), Cooper Hughes (Jr) Who is Gone: Dom Locklear, Keenan Hughes Burning Question: Can Trinity battle within NE Ohio with their talent back? Outlook: With several returning pieces, Trinity makes a case to be a sleeper in NE Ohio. |
Written by: Tony PetersEdited and Published by: Seth Keim Archives
May 2024
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