State title contenders in Division I
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The high school basketball season officially starts this week and it’s never too early to think about state title contenders. Here are my favorites in Division I. Centerville: Obviously this list starts with the defending state champions who return their…
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Continue ReadingThe high school basketball season officially starts this week and it’s never too early to think about state title contenders. Here are my favorites in Division I.
Centerville: Obviously this list starts with the defending state champions who return their 3 leading scorers from last season. They almost even added Mike Sharavjamts Mike Sharavjamts 6'8" | PF ISA | 2022 State #179 Nation OH to the fold, but Gabe Cupps Gabe Cupps 6'1" | PG Centerville | 2023 State #80 Nation OH , Tom House Tom House 6'5" | SF Centerville | 2022 State OH and Rich Rolf Rich Rolf 6'6" | PF Centerville | 2022 State OH is more than enough firepower to repeat as state champions.
Gahanna: Gahanna was a Tasos Cook miracle shot away from making it to the final 4 last season and they once again are favorites in Columbus. Between the best guard in the area with Sean Jones Sean Jones 5'10" | PG Gahanna | 2022 State #102 Nation OH to one of the top big duos in the state with Javan Simmons Javan Simmons 6'7" | C Gahanna | 2022 State OH and Joshua Whiteside Joshua Whiteside 6'7" | C Gahanna Lincoln | 2022 State OH , the Lions are loaded.
Saint Ignatius: It seemed like the Wildcats were a year ahead of schedule when they made the state final four last season. I think reasonable expectations would’ve been to make it this year, we’ll see if the Wildcats can do it again. They have a nice balance of senior and underclassmen production with Jonathan Effertz Jonathan Effertz 6'0" | PG St. Ignatius | 2022 State OH , CJ Yarian CJ Yarian 6'10" | C St. Ignatius | 2022 State OH , Calvin Little Calvin Little 6'2" | PG Garfield Heights | 2024 State OH and more.
Brush: The Arcs have the talent to finally make a deep playoff run under Chet Mason. Elmore James Elmore James 6'4" | SG Brush | 2022 State OH is one of the most impactful players in the state and with Antwone Woolfolk Antwone Woolfolk 6'8" | C Brush | 2022 State OH and Tyler Williams Tyler Williams 6'8" | C Brush | 2023 State OH down low, Brush has talent everywhere. Throw in additions with Marlon Barnes Jr. Marlon Barnes Jr. 6'6" | SF Brush | 2023 State #161 Nation OH and some freshman, Brush is one of the most talented teams in the state.
Fairfield: After winning the GMC in 2021, Fairfield is loaded again and might be the best team in the Cincy area. With Logan Woods Logan Woods 6'4" | SG Fairfield | 2022 State OH , Deshawne Crim Deshawne Crim 6'2" | PG Fairfield | 2023 State OH and lots of size I really like the Indians this season.
Elder: I think the GCL-South will be super competitive this season and I think any of Elder, Moeller and St Xavier could win not only the conference but also the region. With Sean Keller Sean Keller 5'11" | PG Elder | 2022 State OH and Andrew Harp Andrew Harp 6'5" | SF Elder | 2022 State OH , Elder has the experience this season.
Moeller: Never bet against Moeller and the rumors of their downfall have been greatly exaggerated. Evan Mahaffey Evan Mahaffey 6'6" | SF Moeller | 2022 State #160 Nation OH is a high major talent as a senior and they have so much underclassmen talent that’s been waiting their turn to play on the varsity level.
St Xavier: The third GCL-South school I’d put in the top 10 teams in the state, St Xavier has a great program and were honestly one of the more underrated teams in the state last season. Kobe Rodgers and Joe Kirby are gone, but Louie Semona Louie Semona 6'7" | PF St Xavier | 2022 State OH and a group of guys who fit their system well will have them competing once again.
Saint Edward: Ed’s was competing for a state title when COVID cancelled the 2020 tournament, Saint Edward had a lot of new faces last season but still came incredibly close to another regional title. Michael Bova Michael Bova 6'2" | CG St. Edward | 2022 State OH is a senior and they have a lot of size and shooting once again surrounding him.
Pickerington Central: The clear second-best team in central Ohio, Pickerington Central has a ton of depth and size which is a good combination in the playoffs. Devin Royal Devin Royal 6'6" | PF Pickerington Central | 2023 State #49 Nation OH and Sonny Styles Sonny Styles 6'4" | SF Pickerington Central | 2023 OH bring the star power and there’s a lot of complimentary pieces that have the talent to contribute.
Other teams to watch: Massillon Jackson, Dublin Jerome, Lima Sr, Findlay, Brecksville-Broadview Heights, Garfield Heights, Walnut Ridge, Solon