December Power Rankings: Division I
After one month, let’s try to answer the most important question in high school basketball: Who’s the best team in Ohio? Here’s our top ten based on wins and losses in December, margins of victory, and talent level.
1. Garfield Heights (7-0)
Quality wins: Shaker Heights, Benedictine, St. Vincent-St. Mary
Point differential: +10.6
Top prospects: Alonzo Gaffney (2019), Meechie Johnson (2021), Brison Waller (2019), Alex Heath (2018), Donovan Forte (2018), Jesse Laster (2020), Taj’mal Toney (2018), Julian Whiteside (2018)
Notes: The Bulldogs have been playing without junior 6’9″ forward Brison Waller since he was injured early in their third game of the season.
2. Lakewood St. Edward (8-1)
Quality wins: Fairfax (CA), Lakewood, Cornerstone Christian, Lakewood, Brush
Loss: Archbishop Stepinac (NY)
Point differential: +14.8
Top prospects: Devontae Blanton (2020), Grant Huffman (2020), Montorie Foster (2020), Demetrius Terry (2019), Emmett Chambers (2018)
Notes: St. Eds has been without sophomore 6’3″ combo guard Grant Huffman since his injury in their first game of the season.
3. Archbishop Moeller (7-2)
Quality wins: Scott County (KY), Clark (NV), Eastmoor Academy, Purcell Marian, Oak Hills
Losses: Covington Catholic (KY), Long Island Lutheran (NY)
Point differential: +10.6
Top prospects: Jaxson Hayes (2018), Jeremiah Davenport (2018), Isaiah Payton (2018), Alec Pfriem (2019), Miles McBride (2019)
Notes: It is unclear whether or not Miles McBride, the #4 prospect in the junior class, will return this season.
4. Dayton Wayne (8-0)
Quality wins: Pickerington North, Trotwood-Madison, Fairmont, Miamisburg, Centerville, Lima Senior
Point differential: +13.4
Top prospects: Darius Quisenberry (2018), DeShon Parker (2018), L’Christian “Blue” Smith (2018)
5. Princeton (7-0)
Quality win: Oak Hills
Point differential: +30.6
Top prospects: Darius Bazley (2018), Darweshi Hunter (2018), Dominic Pierce (2018), Gabe O’Neal (2018), Aaron Ward (2020), Darion Henry (2020), Isaiah Kennedy (2020), Khalil Davis (2020)
6. Pickerington North (6-2)
Quality wins: Pickerington Central, Gahanna Lincoln
Losses: Dayton Wayne, South Bend Riley (IN)
Point differential: +22
Top prospects: Jerome Hunter (2018), Eli McNamara (2018), Dondre Palmer (2018), Ross Ryan (2018), Corey Baker (2018), Jack Sawyer (2021)
Notes: Senior transfers Ross Ryan and Corey Baker are yet to suit up for the Panthers.
7. Upper Arlington (7-0)
Quality wins: Chillicothe, The Wellington School
Point differential: +26.4
Top prospects: Dane Goodwin (2018), Max Martz (2019)
8. Solon (7-0)
Quality wins: St. Ignatius, Mentor, Brush
Point differential: +23.1
Top prospects: Sincere Carry (2018), Michael Bekelja (2019), Trent Williams (2019)
9. Toledo St. John’s (5-2)
Quality wins: De La Salle (CA), Rogers, Whitmer, Lima Senior
Losses: Crossroads (CA), Westchester (CA)
Point differential: +16.9
Top prospects: Vincent Williams (2018), Houston King (2018), Ryan Christie (2018), Elijah Kimmons (2020), Payton Moyer (2019)
10. Hilliard Bradley (6-1)
Quality wins: Cooper (KY), LaSalle
Loss: Hilliard Davidson
Point differential: +14.3
Top prospects: Matt Allocco (2020), Braden Norris (2018), Isaiah Speelman (2018), Chris Mayfield (2020), Jack Pugh (2021)
Honorable mention (alphabetical): Dublin Coffman, Pickerington Central, Shaker Heights, Springfield, Stow, Sylvania Southview