Greater Cleveland Conference (GCC) Preview
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Statistically, the GCC might have had one of the more successful outcomes in terms of postseason success as 4 of the 6 member schools advanced to the District Finals. While only 1 advanced further than Districts, the fact this many…
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Continue ReadingStatistically, the GCC might have had one of the more successful outcomes in terms of postseason success as 4 of the 6 member schools advanced to the District Finals. While only 1 advanced further than Districts, the fact this many qualified says a lot about the conference and competitiveness. Expect another competitive year this season and a few teams that could challenge.
- Mentor– The Cardinals split the conference title last year, but should be able to claim an outright title this season with so much coming back. Ryan Ioppolo Ryan Ioppolo 6'4" | SF Mentor | 2023 State OH (Sr) and Ian Ioppolo Ian Ioppolo 6'6" | PF Mentor | 2024 State OH (Jr) played major roles a season ago and both return along with Kobe Frasure (So) and Matt Biddell (Jr) who played well in the offseason. Mentor is well coached and get after it defensively, the two things needed to compete not just in the GCC but for a District title.
- Medina– It’s hard to pick one team over another at this level, but the Bees have a great combination of returning talent and underclassmen to lean on. Carter Hipp Carter Hipp 5'10" | PG Medina | 2023 State OH (Sr) was a key contributor last year and played well during the Summer. Sophomores Darnell Davis and Kellon Johnson Kellon Johnson 6'4" | PF Medina | 2025 OH will see their roles change and will need to step up immediately to keep up with Mentor and the rest of the GCC.
- Solon– The Comets were the next team that excelled with returning talent, getting 2 of their top 3 back from a team that was tied for the #2 spot last year. Returning is Rayquan Thompson Rayquan Thompson 6'0" | PG Solon | 2023 State OH (Sr) who was a 2nd Team All-District player last season, along with teammate Cameron Brown Cameron Brown 6'3" | SF Solon | 2024 State OH (Jr). The Comets will miss the production from Sam Marbury, but should be right in the mix still.
- Strongsville– Mustangs are returning their best player in Justin Wypasek Justin Wypasek 5'10" | PG Strongsville | 2023 State OH (Sr) from a team that showed they could compete in the conference. Brayden Wypasek Brayden Wypasek 5'11" | PG Strongsville | 2025 OH (So) should see an increased role and Strongsville will be one of the better shooting teams in the conference. This brings upside with high volume scoring, but could spell problems against some of these gritty defensive teams near the top.
- Brunswick– Blue Devils might have been in the District Finals last year, but they lost 3 of their top 5 from that team do-it-all Brayden Hamilton. Albert Shaker (So) and Tommy Morgan (Jr) are both returning but replacing that lost production won’t be easy and could be the reason they fall at the #5 spot.
- Euclid– Comparatively, not near as deep as the rest of the conference.Xavier Vann (Sr) is returning and will have big shoes to fill as they lose their top guy from last year in Clayton Cunningham. Challenging the top half of the conference will be difficult.