Division I Preseason First Team All Ohio
As promised, the preseason coverage won’t stop! We’re keeping it rolling all the way until the Nov. 29 start of the regular season. After last week’s overview of State Championship contenders, we’re back to our bread and butter of player coverage. Specifically, the most valuable players to their teams’ success.
Before we reveal our Preseason First Team All Ohio for each OHSAA division, here’s a couple things to keep in mind this week: these teams are made-up and not intended to reflect who will officially be First Team All State at the end of the season (admittedly a more prestigious honor). So, we’re not going to pick ten players for each team like the OHSAA does. We’re also basing our selections on talent (obviously), along with value and projected team outcome. On close calls, talent and projected individual production is a tie-breaker. But, team success and value to that success is most important.
So, in alphabetical order, here’s who we have for First Team Division I, and why:
Javohn Garcia (2019), 6’3” PG, Pickerington Central
On the fly following Jeremiah Francis’s preseason injury, Garcia found out how to make it work last season, culminating in a Final Four appearance. Losing eight regular season games, including dropping seven of nine from late-December through January, it was a season of ups-and-downs for Garcia and the Tigers.
After working through all the kinks as a junior, though, Garcia should hit the ground running in game one. Considering the loss of two starters and his experience, expect Garcia’s junior averages of 12.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists to inflate. Because of length and height, the Miami (OH) commit will also be among Ohio’s best at perimeter defense. Not only will he put up numbers, Garcia knows how to pace a game from the point guard spot. He’s the top player on a team who should win a lot of games this season, maybe even make it to State again.
Devon Grant (2019), 6’0” PG, Lorain
A Third Team selection last year at 21.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and 2.6 APG, Grant is the only real no-brainer selection for Division I. The unsigned senior really showed what he was capable of in their surprise Final Four run, dousing St. Edward and Toledo St. John’s with 63 total points in the Regional Tournament.
Near 30-point performances could become the norm for him in big games this season — the lead guard is simply so talented in creating space and shooting off the dribble.
We expect Lorain to be near the top of the AP State Poll all season. Important to his First Team selection, the ball and the NEO basketball world will be running through him all season.
Andre Gordon (2019), 6’2” G, Sidney
Similar to his lightning quick crossovers, Gordon pulled an okey-doke on Ohio basketball this week when his return to Sidney from Huntington Prep was announced. It looked like his hometown, or state for that matter, wouldn’t get the chance to be electrified by the Virginia Tech commit this season. Alas, though, Gordon is back after a summer of considerable improvement, and that’s after averaging 23.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists last season.
We’re sure his Sidney teammates couldn’t be happier about his return, considering the amount of talent they return from last year’s team. Along with Trotwood, Springfield, and Centerville, Sidney should hang near the top of the GWOC. That wouldn’t have been the case without him, which speaks to his value. Gordon was outstanding a year ago, now he’s a certified bucket. We wouldn’t be surprised to see his scoring average approach 30 per game. Meanwhile, he will be near the top of the conference in assists and rebounds amongst guards.
Miles “Deuce” McBride (2019), 6’1” G, Moeller
It shouldn’t be controversial to say that, among these five players, McBride will rank last in the five major statistical categories, maybe besides steals. Oh, and besides wins. The West Virginia commit will captain the reigning Division I State Champions this season, we believe, to another title.
It starts with McBride’s defensive ability on the wing, facilitated by instincts, quickness, and freakish length. But, on a relatively inexperienced varsity roster, we also believe McBride’s mid-range scoring ability off the bounce could be relied upon an inordinate amount, relative to Moe standards. Either way, his leadership will be the hallmark of their very successful season.
Worth noting: McBride played in just two games last season, logging 27 total minutes in the State Tournament after suffering an ankle injury during the preceding football season. However, we’re not too concerned after McBride appeared to return to form athletically in July with Indiana Elite. His ability to cut and explode is something to monitor, though.
Lunden McDay (2019), 6’3″ G, St. Vincent-St. Mary
The Irish’s move up to Division I means that several players need to up their games in order to continue their postseason success. McDay, an Ohio Univ. commit, showed that he’s certainly ready for an uptick in production this summer, and that’s after leading the team with 14.8 PPG last season.
McDay is a jack of all trades and a master of the fundamentals. HIs efficiency speaks for itself, posting shooting splits of 57-45-73 last season. Now equipped with a knock-down jumper that defenses must respect, McDay looks even quicker when he puts it on the floor. Plus, his defensive impact may be greater than any offensive output. McDay can defend multiple positions because of his IQ, length, and athleticism.
Finally, more than anything, we expect STVM to be excellent this season — placing them at no. 2 in our Division I preseason rankings. McDay’s principled style of play where he hardly ever makes the wrong play contributes to that winning basketball culture in Akron.