Northeast Ohio’s top state title contenders
November 25, 2015 The high school boys basketball season begins on Friday, and it's never too early to look at state title contenders. Here's a quick look at some of the top teams in Northeast Ohio: Division I Best chance…
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Continue ReadingNovember 25, 2015
The high school boys basketball season begins on Friday, and it's never too early to look at state title contenders. Here's a quick look at some of the top teams in Northeast Ohio:
Division I
Best chance to win it all: Garfield Heights
The Bulldogs were in the state semifinal last year and bring back almost all of their key contributors. Seniors Frankie Hughes and Willie Jackson are one of the best duos in the state, while junior Marreon Jackson should control the backcourt for the Bulldogs. If this team finds a suitable replacement for Branden Johnson down low, it could be hoisting a state contender.
The rest of the contenders
Massillon Jackson – Smart, veteran team that is led by a terrific duo in Kyle Young and Logan Hill.
Medina – Jon Teske plus talented 3-point shooters equals a dangerous team.
St. Ignatius – Deep team with new coach, but must identify a go-to scorer.
Bedford – Lots of talent back and great offensive balance, but has yet to prove it can win big game.
Cleveland Heights – The pieces are there, but it depends how quickly it develops.
Lorain – Gone is Devon Andrews, but Naz Bohannon leads a hungry squad.
Warren G. Harding – With Derek Culver, this team will almost always have the best player on the floor.
Division II
Best chance to win it all: St. Vincent-St. Mary
It's another year of great guards for the Irish. Butler commit Henry Baddley leads the way for an experienced and hungry St. Vincent-St. Mary team that is looking to make up for last year's regional final loss. Depth and low-post play is an issue at the start, but this should be as tough an offense to slow down as any that will be out there.
The rest of the contenders
East Tech – It's the year of Markell Johnson for the Scarabs, which figure to be a strong defensive unit.
Cleveland Central Catholic – Still some key pieces from last year's state runner-up, including Tervell Beck.
Holy Name – If the talent develops quickly around Dwayne Cohill, this could be a special squad.
Poland Seminary – Always a threat, but can they get over the private school hump?
Division III
Best chance to win it all: Beachwood
This is the year Beachwood has been waiting for. The Bisons bring back their starting lineup and add a key transfer in Desmond Crosby. This should be a breakout season from senior Maishe Dailey, who already has the eye of a few dozen Division I colleges. This is about as balanced a team as you'll find, and it's only weakness might be that it plays in Ohio's toughest Division III district.
The rest of the contenders
Warrensville Heights – Great backcourt makes them a regional favorite in any other part of the state.
Division IV
Best chance to win it all: Cornerstone Christian
An improving program for the last few years, this might be the group that breaks through and finds its ways down to Columbus. This is a team that plays an exciting, attacking style on both ends of the floor and has great coaching. Sophomore Michael Bothwell leads an impressive core that should make noise for years to come.
The rest of the contenders
Lutheran East – Great, young core that should get to Columbus at some point in the near future.