Preseason First Team All State: Division II
Many of the best teams in Ohio’s Division II this season will play an up-tempo style of basketball. It’s not simply a lack of post players, there’s just a surplus of talented ball-handlers in this division who will have teams designed around their skills.
Based on the last couple seasons and how we see 2017-18 shaping up, here’s our ten players that we expect to comprise First Team All State in Division II this season. (Players are in alphabetical order.)
Cameron Brooks-Harris
The 6’7” Marshall commit is a walking mismatch for Zanesville. His length and athleticism will provide a presence in the paint on the defensive side. Also, Brooks-Harris’ improved 3-point shooting ability will open up driving lanes.
Dwayne Cohill
On a guard-heavy team that will push the basketball, Cohill will shine and put up ridiculous scoring numbers. We also expect Cohill to average around five rebounds and five assists on one of the top Division II teams in Ohio. The Dayton commit the frontrunner for Division II Player of the Year.
Amari Davis
In order to stay atop the mountain in the Dayton area, Trotwood will need Davis in a major way now that Torrey Patton has graduated. Davis should have the ball in his hands more often as a creator in the half-court on top of what he produces in the fast break. Also, Trotwood should win enough games again to be in or around the top ten in the AP State Poll.
Jerry “Gene” Higgins
After winning the State Championship last season in Division III, VASJ will face a higher level of competition in the postseason. Their top returning player, Higgins, will continue being their motor as a quick ball-handler that simply makes plays.
Taevion Kinsey
Eastmoor Academy has a pretty solid chance of representing Columbus at the Division II Final Four. Kinsey, easily their top player, returns once again with many of the role players that went on the run last year. Kinsey is another guard who could average around five rebounds and assists in 2017-18, while pushing 20 points per game too.
Pete Nance
Nance should have enough firepower by himself to lead Revere to a better record than last season’s 13-12. The Northwestern commit will likely average a double-double in points and rebounds while being a premier shot blocker and passer in the high post. Not too many guys on the schedule who stand a chance at defending Nance’s blend of skill, size, and grace.
Austin Rotroff
Good luck finding a team in Northwest Ohio’s Division II class that can compete with Rotroff and the Wauseon Indians. Rotroff’s game-changing ability as a low-post playmaker and rim protector gives Wauseon the looks of a team that will hang around the top of the Division II rankings all year.
Giovanni Santiago
After averaging nearly seven assists in his first season playing in the U.S., Santiago is surrounded by an even more impressive group of capable scorers. The Hughes point guard will dictate tempo by playing at a high speed on the best Division II team in Cincinnati. Both his assist and scoring totals will be enough to earn him these honors.
RJ Sunahara
Bay could’ve been included in our Division II Sleepers piece; and Sunahara could’ve been included in our Preseason Mr. Basketball Candidates series. The Fairmont State commit averaged 23.3 points and 12.4 rebounds a game last season. As alluded to, Bay will creep near the top ten of the AP State Poll this season.
Garrett Tipton
As a recruit, Tipton blew up in July, eventually deciding to sign with Bellarmine. Now, Tipton can focus on his legacy at Bishop Hartley, where they could make noise in Central Ohio. Defenses may not be able to double team or help over because of Morgan Safford on the opposite wing. Therefore, Tipton could score the ball at a high level.