Preseason First Team All-Canton/Akron/Massillon
Considering team success and one’s individual influence towards winning, who will be the five faces of Canton/Akron/Massillon-area basketball this season? Sencire Harris (2022) | 6-5 PG | St. Vincent-St. Mary Harris, our no. 2 ranked sophomore in a loaded 2022 class, will likely…
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Continue ReadingConsidering team success and one’s individual influence towards winning, who will be the five faces of Canton/Akron/Massillon-area basketball this season?
Sencire Harris (2022) | 6-5 PG | St. Vincent-St. Mary
Harris, our no. 2 ranked sophomore in a loaded 2022 class, will likely not put up the same numbers as he did at North Canton Hoover last season. Although he has grown as a player, St. Vincent-St. Mary won’t require him to do everything.
Here’s the thing, though, this allows Harris to be special at his strengths while being more efficient.
For example, expect his halfcourt and transition defense to change games. As close games trickle on, we foresee Harris attacking the basket for high-percentage looks. He will also be electric in transition. Finally, despite a schedule that would crush the spirit of most teams, St. Vincent-St. Mary will enter the postseason as heavy favorites in Division II.
Kade Ruegsegger (2020) | 6-3 SG | Dover
Ruegsegger may not have the caché of the others on this list as a recruit. But, get this, he’s one of just five non-seniors on last season’s Division I First or Second Team All-Ohio.
Ruegsegger is an impressive scorer with long arms. He creates shots in few dribbles, which is aided by his ability to shoot in the mid-range or from distance. Creates mismatches because of his size and perimeter ability.
Malaki Branham (2021) | 6-5 SG | St. Vincent-St. Mary
Branham’s junior numbers will likely dwarf what he did individually as a sophomore — 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists. It’s simple: He’s just way better than he was a year ago, and therefore more empowered in their system. As the go-to scorer on one of the state’s top teams regardless of division, he will be asked to come up big in clutch moments. Meanwhile, he’s a very versatile defender with the ability to lock-up guards and forwards.
Chris Livingston (2022) | 6-5 SG | Buchtel
Livingston is the best prospect in the state. The best player in the state. And he leads one of the best teams in the state, Buchtel, who, as much as we’re on the STVM bang-wagon, has a legitimate shot to make another Cinderella run to states. Why do they have a shot? Livingston.
He will be in the discussion for Mr. Basketball each of the next three seasons. The sophomore averaged 23.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists as a frosh. The attention he draws frees up teammates and he has the vision to find them in the halfcourt. Overall, he’s pretty unstoppable … besides fouls. A sneaky thing to pay attention to is that Livingston was too often in foul trouble last season. Assuming he breaks that habit as a more experienced player in year two, his production should increase while they add a few wins.
Kobe Johnson (2021) | 6-3 G | Canton McKinley
The most dynamic player in the Federal League, Johnson will consistently put pressure on opponents with his slashing ability. He combines a tight handle with down-hill power to get wherever he wants on the court. Johnson also flashes elite passing ability when the defense collapses. He doubles as a very capable defender given his athleticism and size. Given our expectation that Canton McKinley will finish atop their league, Johnson is an obvious choice here.