Early Teams to Watch for 2018-19: D-II
It is only mid-April and already my mind is on next season, sad but true. And the one question that I keep asking myself is, who will be among the top teams in Cincinnati for the 2018-19 season? And while I may not have all the answers, I have a good feeling these following programs will be among the best in the Queen City. Today we look at the D-II teams in the city, were all the teams listed have experience on the perimeter.
Aiken- The Falcons surprising post-season run this season may be a pre-cursor for what is to come. Coach Ty Cass will have one of the best backcourts in the city in Jakada Stone (BTC Trojans/2021) and 2019 D’Arris Dean (PHO #117), both of whom can put the team on there back. But the key to the roster is 2019 F Tremaine Smith (PHO #57/RGB Ohio Unity). At 6’8, Smith can effect the game in a variety of ways and is among the most athletic players in the state. The Falcons have the start of what can be a good team next season.
Wyoming- The Cowboys were upset in the 1st round of the playoffs by the previous talked about Aiken. But I expect next year to be much different for Coach Tim Edmonds squad. Wyoming will return one of the top scoring combos in the city in University of Findlay commit Joey Edmonds (2019 PHO #32/Cincy Lakers) and high-scoring 2020 W/F Evan Prater (PHO #16/OBC). The two combined to average 39.6ppg last season. Add in talented 2021 G Isaiah Walker (Cincy Royals), and you have the start of an outstanding team. Then add in the fact that role players Deante Gray (2020/Ohio Phenoms) and Elijah McGee (2020) should play with much more confidence in there 2nd varsity season, and you have what should be a top 5 team in the city pre-season.
Taft- The Senators have been one of the most consistent programs in the state for the past decade, and do not expect that to change next season. Taft brings back starters DeMarco Bradley Jr. (2019 PHO #77/All-Ohio Red EYBL), Chris’Seon Stringer (2019 PHO #67 All-Ohio Red EYBL) and 2019 W/F Donta’e Mosley. Coach Bradley also had a lot of young talent on the JV level that should help the Senators continue their winning ways. Taft should again be in contention for another Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference title.