Columbus Early Top 5 D1
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Although it’s only July, it’s never too early to preview next season. Division I is loaded with so many great teams out of Columbus and picking the top 5 was definitely difficult. Any of these teams have the potential to one up each other before we even start playing in November.
- Pickerington North– The Panthers have arguably one of the best starting 5 in all of Ohio. Specifically their frontcourt is loaded. Jerome Hunter (#3 2018) is a monster in the paint and along with Ross Ryan (#20 2018) transferring in from Centerburg, the Panthers have an incredible rebounding group. Elijah McNamara (2018) is another lengthy frontcourt player that will provide even more help.
- Pickerington Central– You really could do a coin flip between Pick Central and North for the #1 team. Although the Panthers have the starters, the Tigers have the depth. Jeremiah Francis (#1 2019) is one of the best PGs in the country and leads the Tigers as a phenomenal offensive weapon. Add the extra experience with Adrian Nelson (2018), Juan Elmore (2018), and Cole Landis (2019) and this team is elite. The Tigers have 7 other players ranked in Prep Hoops rankings creating one of the top rosters in Ohio.
- Northland– The Vikings are such an athletic team. Jejuan Weatherspoon (#32 2018) returns alongside Gabe Towns (2018) to form an incredible backcourt. Add William Mfum (2019) as well and the Vikings are definitely a guard oriented team capable of outrunning any team they face. Historically one of Columbus’ top teams, Northland will again challenge for the #1 spot in the city.
- Upper Arlington– The Golden Bears look to rebound after losing in the Regionals in 2016-17. Led by Notre Dame commit Dane Goodwin (#4 2018), the Bears are another powerful team from the OCC. Goodwin can do it all, shoot, rebound, and everything in between. He is a dynamic player with a bright future. Add Max Martz (#15 2019) as well and Upper Arlington is another powerful team capable of taking the city’s #1 ranking by November. Goodwin and Martz are one of the top duos in the city and likely the state as well.
- Hilliard Bradley– If you want to see a dynamic shooting display, look no further than the Jaguars from Bradley HS. Braden Norris (#24 2018) is one of the best shooters in the state and is arguably one of the best guards overall as well. Already receiving interest from multiple D1 schools, Norris is talented but one of his returning teammates is just as talented. Isaiah Speelman (#37 2018) is another sharpshooter however he plays in the post rather than on the perimeter. This team is well coached and do the fundamentals properly thus making them a strong contender in the city.