Statewide Boys Basketball Preview: Division II
By Kurt Stubbs (www.ohiohshoops.com)
The Division II season ended a year ago with a familiar name capturing the big, gold trophy. Dayton Dunbar won its third title in five years.
The Wolverines dethroned Akron SVSM, who was the 2009 state title. Dunbar was able to capture the title thanks to seniors Geron Johnson, Deon Stewart, Ryan Bass, Derrick Benson, and Delve’ Givens. However, with the returns of juniors Deontae Hawkins and Gary Akbar along with a plethora of youngsters look for the Blue and White to be back in the mix once again.
Dunbar gave Southwest Ohio its fifth D2 championship in the past 10 seasons. Since the inception of the four division system (1988), the SW owns seven D2 gold trophies.
Northeast Ohio’s owns the most D2 titles in the past 23 campaigns with 10. Akron SVSM, Cleveland Benedictine, and Cleveland VASJ have combine for seven of those 10.
The Northwest is third with four with its last coming in 2005 thanks to unbeaten Upper Sandusky led by the state’s all-time leading, Jon Diebler along with brother Jacob and former Mount Union quarterback (Greg Micheli).
The Southeast owns the other two including the first in 1988 by Portsmouth.
The East and Central both have yet to win a D2 championship. The Central has twice been state runners-up in 1992 and ’93 with Columbus St. Charles and Whitehall-Yearling, while the East has three runners-up in ’95, ’98, and ’99 with Cambridge, Dover, and Philo.
What does this season have in store? It appears youth will be served. Akron SVSM returns the most talent, but has big shoes to fill with the state’s top player (Jakarr Sampson) transferring to Brewster Academy (NH). Though, experience wise, no one should be able to match the Irish. Several kids were key contributors on SVSM’s ’09 state title team.
The Southwest appears to be the deepest district with the likes of Dunbar, Roger Bacon, Kettering Alter, Thurgood Marshall, Urbana, and Bishop Fenwick. The first four have either won or played for a championship in the past 10 years.
The Northeast should also be formidable with SVSM, Cleveland Benedictine, Akron Buchtel, Kenston, and a handful of others will be in the mix.
The Northwest will have plenty of parody with no team really standing out, while the Southeast and East should have some very good teams in Chillicothe, Vincent Warren, Waverly, Logan Elm, Thornville Sheridan, Zanesville, and Carrollton. In the NW, after dropping down from D1 due to unusual circumstances, Toledo Rogers and Toledo Waite could be a big factor.
The Central District has been carried by Columbus DeSales over the past five seasons; with the Stallions dropping off a bit will anyone be able to step up.
Regardless, D2 appears to be wide-open with Sampson changing addresses, but Akron SVSM is still the likely favorite. Though, we certainly won’t be surprised to see the winner come from the SW. Recent history tells us this could certainly be the case.
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OHSH/JJHUDDLE DIVISION IV PRESEASON POWER POLL
1. Akron St. Vincent- St. Mary’s
2. Dayton Dunbar
3. Cleveland Benedictine
4. Chillicothe
5. Cincinnati Roger Bacon
6. Kettering Alter
7. Dayton Thurgood Marshall
8. Zanesville
9. Akron Buchtel
10. Toledo Rogers
Next Five:
Chagrin Falls Kenston, Urbana, Bishop Fenwick, Akron Hoban, Dayton CJ
PRESEASON ALL-OHIO TEAMS
First Team
Ricky Johnson Jr. (5’9/Sr.), Akron SVSM
Desmond Ridenour (6’2/Jr.), Cleveland Benedictine
Tanner Gibson (6’1/Sr.), Zanesville
Deontae Hawkins (6’7/Jr.), Dayton Dunbar
Lorenzo Cugini (6’7/Jr.), Akron SVSM
Second Team
Damond Powell (5’11/Sr.), Toledo Rogers
Jaaron Simmons (6’0/So.), Kettering Alter
Cole French (6’5/Jr.), Eaton
Reggie McAdams (6’5/Jr.), Elida
Anthony Kukwa (6’4/Sr.), Perry
Third Team
Jazel Garrett (5’9/Sr.), Akron Buchtel
Jalen Ragland (6’6/Sr.), Chillicothe
Antonio Hearn (5’9/Jr.), Akron Kenmore
Jared Bryant (6’8/Sr.), Cincinnati Roger Bacon
Eric Truog (6’10/Jr.), Chagrin Falls Kenston
TEAM CAPSULES
Akron SVSM (17-7, lost in Regional Final)
Head Coach: Dru Joyce (10th Year)
League: Independent
Fun Facts: State Championships- 1984, 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2009
Returning Starters: Davonte Beard (6’2/Sr.), Lorenzo Cugini (6’7/Jr.), Ricky Johnson Jr. (5’9/Sr.)
Other Returnees: Kristian Taylor (6’2/Sr.), Aaron Carey (6’0/Sr.), Treyvon Crater (6’3/Jr.), Nick Wells (6’5/So.)
Newcomers: D.J. Blanks (6’1/Jr.), Victor Dorsey (6’6/Fr.), Satchel Pierce (6’8/So.),
OHSH on Akron SVSM: Akron SVSM has been the most well known basketball program in Ohio over the past 10-plus years and for good reason. It has not only captured four state championships since 2000, but it’s also the alma mater of two-time NBA MVP, LeBron James.
The Irish will once again be in the spotlight this season after finishing last season as regional runners-up to Cleveland Benedictine. However, there is one glowing absence from that team which is Jakarr Sampson (6’8/Sr.). The senior elected to play his final year of high school ball at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire.
For most schools this would be like flattening all four tires on your car, but the Irish have more than enough talent to still be considered one of the state’s best. Actually, we believe they are the best D2 team in Ohio from top to bottom. There isn’t another school in Ohio who could lose a national Top 25 player and still be in the conversation for a state title.
The Akron-based school returns four starters in Ricky Johnson Jr. (14.0 ppg.), Davonte Beard (10.0 ppg.), Lorenzo Cugini (16.0 ppg.), and Khristian Taylor (6’3/Sr.). Johnson and Beard were both starters on the 2009 state championship team as sophomores, while Cugini, Taylor, and Treyvon Crater all got on the floor.
Experience is certainly on the side of the Irish, and depth should be as well. Coach Dru Joyce has a plethora of options to choose from including senior Aaron Carey, Crater, junior D.J. Blanks, and sophomore Nick Wells among other talented younger players. Joyce has a nice sophomore and freshmen class, but it’s uncertain at this point on how many of those kids he will use. Freshman Victor Dorsey (6’6) may be a name which surfaces by the season’s end.
Dayton Dunbar (25-3, State Champions)
Head Coach: Peter Pullen
League: Dayton City League
Fun Facts: State Championship- 1987, 2006, 2007, and 2010
Returning Starters: Deontae Hawkins (6’7/Jr.) and Gary Akbar (6’5/Jr.)
Other Returnees: Javon Rice (5’9/Sr.), Damarion Geter (6’6/So.), RJ Williamson (6’2/Sr.)
Newcomers: Jacquan Sims (5’7/Jr.), Davion Young (5’8/Sr.), Breilun McCole (6’0/Sr.), Laquan Archie (5’9/Jr.), Tayvonne Hunt (5’10/Jr.), and Keontae Brown (6’4/Sr.)
OHSH on Dayton Dunbar: Dayton Dunbar has been the measuring stick of success in Division 2 over the last five to six years, and rightfully so. The Wolverines have claimed three state championships (’06, ’07, and ’10) in the past five seasons. Dunbar made the state tournament in 2005, but lost a high scoring contest to eventual champion, unbeaten Upper Sandusky.
Dunbar is once again coming off a state championship, but a lot of those stars are gone. Though, this is nothing new to Dunbar. The Wolverines watched Daequan Cook (Oklahoma City Thunder) graduate in 2006, but managed to capture gold the following season. Norris Cole II came virtually out of nowhere to star at guard in ’07 landing himself a scholarship to Cleveland State.
This team has the same kind of feel. With the sensational Geron Johnson departed along with Ryan Bass (Oakland), Deon Stewart, and Derrick Benson, the question arises as to who will be the next in line. Coach Pullen mentioned his team having talent at the guard position, but lacking in experience. We will buy that statement, but we won’t be surprised at all to see one, two, or three of the newcomers step in and put their name in Dunbar lure.
There is no easy way to ease guards into the action, but Dunbar will have two solid, experienced bigs in Deontae “Teddy” Hawkins (10.2 ppg.) and Gary Akbar (6.5 ppg.). Both Hawkins and Akbar started as sophomores.
Hawkins is long, athletic, and likes to play inside/out. Akbar, a lefty, is tough and prefers to eat up space in the paint. Akbar can also knock down shots. Both were members of All-Ohio Red’s 16-and-under national runners-up team.
Look for seniors Javon Rice and Roger “RJ” Williamson to tab plenty of playing time at the guard spots in the early going until the youngsters get going. Williamson (6’2) is a Michigan State football commit at defensive back.
Remember the name, Damarion Geter (6’6/So.). This kid has plenty of upside and could be a future star for Wolverines.
Cleveland Benedictine (22-5, lost in the state semifinals)
Head Coach: Rob Stircula (6th Year)
League: Independent
Fun Facts: State Championships- 1997 and 1998
Returning Starters: Desmond Ridenour (6’2/Jr.), Luke Heben (6’0/Jr.)
Other Returnees: Winston Grays (6’0/Jr.), Mike Roberts (6’6/Jr.), Mark Williams (6’8/So.), Westley Parr (6’7/So.), Ashier Poole (5’10/So.), Joe Fisher (5’9/Sr.)
Newcomers: Eric Coles (6’7/Jr.), T.J. Steele (5’3/Fr.), Steven Stone (6’3/So.), Gary Williams (5’8/Fr.), Sean Gooden (5’10/Fr.), TySean Powell (6’2/Fr.), Nick Meek (6’5/Fr.)
OHSH on Cleveland Benedictine: Cleveland Benedictine is coming off a terrific season, which saw them make the state tournament for the first time since losing to Philo in 1999. The Bengals led Dayton Dunbar 38-23 at intermission and appeared destined to play for the state championship. Though, Dunbar had other ideas outscoring ‘Benny (46-24) in the second half.
Benedictine is hungry, very hungry, but they will have to take care of its appetite with a different cast of characters. Gone from last year’s team are the school’s all-time leading scorers in Cameron Wright (Pitt) and the second leading scorer in Derek Jackson (Central Michigan). The two combined to score 2,996 career points. Also departed is Nick Harney (Akron), who played better than any Bengal in Columbus. Brian D’Amato (Mount Union) and Justin Thomas have also graduated.
How can we have a team which lost so much ranked so high? This goes to show you what kind of talent Benedictine possesses.
The offense will start with guards Desmond Ridenour (5.1 ppg.) and Luke Heben. Ridenour has D1 talent who is already drawing offers from mid-major schools. As a sophomore, Ridenour scored 16 points on 8-of-11 shooting in the state semis loss to Dunbar. Heben is steady and makes winning plays. He won’t score 30 points, but he has the ability to make plays for others and standout on the defensive end.
On the interior, sophomore big Mark Williams has potential and the intelligence to be a very good post player. Williams already has an offer from Indiana. He has a big body and knows how to play in the paint. Junior Mike Roberts is another name to consider. Roberts should really step up this season and become a household name.
Athletic sophomore Westley Parr (6’7) and Lakewood St. Edward’s transfer Eric Coles (6’7) also bring nice potential to the table. Parr is a bundle of talent, but it hasn’t translated into production to this point.
Sophomore Winston Grays will be called upon to knock down big shots. Grays is a deadly spot-up shooter who can be a zone-buster.
The rest of the crew is unproven at the varsity to say the least, but they have talent which can’t be taught.
Chillicothe (13-8, lost in the Sectional Final)
Head Coach: Gary Kellough (6th Year)
League: SEOAL
Fun Facts: 2008 D2 State Champions
Returning Starters: Jalen Ragland (6’6/Sr.), Malik London (6’9/Jr.), Zack Johnson (6’2/So.), Tyler Manion (5’9/Sr.), Isaac Beverly (6’1/Sr.)
Other Returnees: Max Corcoran (6’2/Sr.)
Newcomers: Milovic Dijovic (6’6/Sr.), Marcus Dunn (6’1/Jr.), Aaron Elliott (5’11/Jr.)
OHSH on Chillicothe: We must admit, having Chillicothe this high scares us a bit. The Cavaliers are without question very talented, but can they mesh, play with a sense of urgency, and put it all together. In 2008, when they won the state championship, they had a fearless leader in Anthony Hitchens to run the show and big man in Ray Chambers who could score.
This team, however, is still looking for a fierce leader like Hitchens but we aren’t sure there are any personalities of that type on this team.
Regardless, this team is talented and will be a tough match up for all teams in Southeast Ohio. The Cavaliers go-to-guys need to be assertive the entire game, if not, they will falter to a team with far less talent.
Senior Jalen Ragland (UTEP) needs to be the guy who performed against All-Ohio Red at the AAU state championships. If he is that guy, look out. Ragland has a silky, smooth stroke with the ability to light up the scoreboard. He is long, which makes him a tough guard on the perimeter.
Junior big Malik London (9.0 ppg.) is another kid with a bundle of talent. London is one of if not the best shot blockers in Ohio. He has the rare ability to time shots and swat the ball away in the air. If he is in the paint, nothing is safe. London’s offensive game has improved immensely, so for him to score 12 to 15 points per game this season is essential. The junior is considering Indiana, Iowa, Dayton, Nevada, Wake Forest, and Marquette.
Seniors Tyler Manion and Isaac Beverly along with sophomore Zack Johnson will round out the starting five. They don’t have to be great, but Johnson has the ability to score 15 points a game. Manion is a sneaky scorer as well.
Senior Max Corcoran also returns along with foreign exchange student, Milovic Dijovic (6’6). We were talking with Ragland and he believes Dijovic has a lot of talent. He eventually could be the x-factor for this team.
Cincinnati Roger Bacon (19-6, lost in the regional semifinals)
Head Coach: Brian Neal (5th Year)
League: Greater Catholic League- Central
Fun Facts: 2002 D2 State Champions
Returning Starters: Jared Bryant (6’8/Sr.), Jabriel Coaston (6’5/Sr.), Paul Byrd (6’2/Sr.), Gavin Schumann (6’0/Sr.)
Other Returnees: Rashad Peterkin (6’1/Sr.), Brian Bien (6’2/Sr.)
Newcomers: None
OHSH on Cincinnati Roger Bacon: Roger Bacon is tough, plain and simple. Though, they lost a bit of that toughness with the graduation of Jorian Hudson the Spartans still return four starters. Hudson was the GCL- Central Player of the Year.
Roger Bacon has a little bit of everything with exception of depth.
Jared Bryant (13.3 ppg./7.8 rpg.) is a proven commodity in the paint and will likely land with a D1 program. His offensive game has improved so look for him to be a huge force down low this season.
Bryant will be joined by forward Jabriel Coaston (9.8 ppg./5.8 rpg.).
The guards are led by one of the most underrated players in Southwest Ohio in senior Paul Byrd (10.4 ppg./3.2 rpg./3.2 apg.). Byrd is deceptively long with the ability to stuff the stat sheet. He will be joined in the backcourt by fellow classmate Gavin Schumann (5.8 ppg.).
Byrd and Bryant were both 1st Team All-GCL a year ago.
Rashad Peterkin (4.3 ppg.) should be the fifth starter giving the Spartans an all senior starting line up, which is a definite advantage over most squads.
Coach Neal mentioned depth as concern, which is the only hole we see in this team at this point.
Kettering Alter (12-11, lost in the Sectional Final)
Head Coach: Joe Petrocelli (47th Year)
League: Greater Catholic League- North
Fun Facts: State Championships- 1978, 1999, and 2001
Returning Starters: Max Zukowitz (6’0/Sr.), Joe Thuney (6’5/Sr.), Jaaron Simmons (6’0/So.)
Other Returnees: Trey Freshwater (6’1/Sr.), John LeComte (6’4/Sr.)
Newcomers: Jake Laravie (6’0/Jr.), Greg Heine (6’7/Jr.), Allen Jemison (6’2/Jr.), Joe Penno (6’0/Jr.), Jason Reboulet (6’3/Jr.), Malik Zaire (6’2/So.)
OHSH on Kettering Alter: Kettering Alter started last season just (4-7) before inserting then freshman Jaaron Simmons into the line up. The Knights went (8-4) following the arrival of Simmons, which is a big reason for the optimism surrounding this year’s squad.
Alter got wins over Kettering Fairmont, Dayton CJ, Bishop Fenwick, and Bellbrook during that stretch and nearly knocked off Roger Bacon as well as Dayton Dunbar in the sectional final. Proof, Simmons’ impact was felt immensely.
Simmons (10.7 ppg.), who is a D1 recruit, returns to the starting line up along with deadly three-point shooter Max Zukowitz (11.8) and big man Joe Thuney (6.5 ppg./11.7 rpg.).
Also, returning is three-point threat Trey Freshwater (5.1 ppg.) and John LeComte (2.6 ppg.).
The Knight will welcome in a stellar junior class which was part of an (18-2) jayvee squad. Sophomore Malik Zaire is another name to keep an eye on.
Alter will once again be challenged with a difficult schedule, but much like others, this will only have them ready for D2 tournament action. The GCL North will be very competitive this season with Dayton CJ, Bishop Fenwick, and Dayton Carroll.
Thurgood Marshall (20-5, lost in the Regional Final)
Head Coach: Darnell Hoskins (1st Year)
League: Dayton City League
Fun Facts: 2009 D2 State Runner-Up
Returning Starters: Jordan Watson (5’9/Sr.)
Other Returnees: Joe Thomasson (6’3/Jr.), Joe Ballard (6’5/Jr.), Mark Alstork (6’4/So.), Edmund Early (6’1/So.), Gary Green (6’4/So.), Sam Sanders (5’8/Sr.)
Newcomers: Eugene Whatley (6’7/Sr.)
OHSH on Thurgood Marshall: Thurgood Marshall will be ushering in a new era this year with first-year boss, Darnell Hoskins. The former Springfield head coach takes over for John Ralph who departed for Edison junior college.
Hoskins, who played college basketball at the University of Dayton, will inherit a squad with just one returning starter in senior Jordan Watson. Most will think No. 7 is bit too high for a squad with just one returning starter. We would see their point, but we can’t look past Marshall’s recent history and the talent of the underclassmen.
This ranking may be based on potential, but we will stand by it. The youngsters will need to gel and adapt to Hoskins’ new system, so a slow start won’t surprise us. By January, this will be a team no one is looking to play.
Watson (8.6 ppg.) is a much underrated guard who is very impressive. We look for the cat-quick senior to have a breakout year.
Along with Watson, juniors Joe Thomason and Joe Ballard will likely join the senior in the starting line up. Both are relatively unknown, but not for much longer. Thomasson is a lengthy guard with unlimited potential while Ballard (6’5) is a human highlight film who may be the best dunker in the state.
Sophomores Mark Alstork, Edmund Early, and Gary Green will be in the mix as well. Hoskins is high on all three prospects.
Seniors Sam Sanders and Eugene Whatley (6’7) will provide depth off the bench. Whatley is a cousin to the Miami Heat’s Chris Bosh.
Zanesville (17-7, lost in the State Semifinals)
Head Coach: Scott Aronhalt (21st Year)
League: East Central Ohio League
Fun Facts: State Championships- 1995, 1955, 1926
Returning Starters: Tanner Gibson (6’1/Sr.), Cole Carpenter (6’3/Sr.)
Other Returnees: Kade Haddox (6’0/Jr.), Ian McFarland (5’9/Jr.), Christian Myers (6’2/Jr.), and Josh Barker (6’4/Sr.)
Newcomers: Rian Burrell (6’3/Sr.)
OHSH on Zanesville: The Zanesville Blue Devils are one of the most successful basketball programs in the state of Ohio, and they should only further this belief in 2010-2011.
The Blue Devils are coming off an incredible tournament run a season ago, which ended with a one-point loss to Port Clinton in the state semis. Zanesville appeared to be heading to the state championship clinging to a 50-46 lead with just 49 seconds remaining in the game, but Port Clinton’s Allen Tigner scored the final five points of the game including the game-winner with just three ticks remaining on the clock.
Needless to say the Zanesville faithful was stunned, but it was amazing the Blue Devils were even in that position after barley escaping Maysville in the opening round then upsetting Carrollton and Columbus DeSales in regional play.
Aronhalt welcomes back two starters in Tanner Gibson (14.3 ppg.) and Cole Carpenter (7.8 ppg.) along with Columbus Beechcroft transfer, Rian Burrell.
Gibson earned 1st Team OHSH All-Ohio last season as a junior. Gibson scored 26 points on 9-of-15 shooting in semi-final loss to Port Clinton putting on a pull-up jumper clinic.
Carpenter is a solid, skilled athlete who should average double figures this season. Burrell is a welcomed addition with his ability lock down some of the best offensive players in the state with his length and lateral movement. His offensive game has improved as well.
The question we have does Zanesville have kids with the ability to step up and fill the other spots? History tells us they always find someone and this year should be no different.
Akron Buchtel (23-1, lost in the District Final)
Head Coach: Stephen White (8th Year)
League: Akron City Series
Fun Facts: 2010 D2 AP Poll Champions
Returning Starters: Jazell Garrett (5’9/Sr.), Shawntrail Smith (6’3/Sr.)
Other Returnees: Elijah Bell (6’2/So.), Tyler Jones (So.), Jason Ruffin (So.), Jalen Grice (So.), Jarod Wilson (Jr.), Mike Norwood (Jr.), Tyler Jones (5’11/Sr.), Nate Harris (6’2/Sr.), Sean Wiggins (Sr.), Shaq Riddick (6’6/Sr.), Lance Moss (6’2/Sr.), Jontell Garrett (Sr.)
Newcomers: Aaron Cosey (So.)
OHSH on Akron Buchtel: Akron Buchtel is a tough and gritty team that will get after you on defense. They proved this last year by running off 23-straight victories before falling to its nemesis, Akron SVSM in the district final.
Buchtel picked up some big wins last year including D2 state tournament participants, Cleveland Benedictine and eventual champion Dayton Dunbar. It was quite an impressive year for the Griffins, but losing in the district wasn’t exactly a storybook ending considering the loss came to rival, SVSM.
Buchtel lost some quality seniors from last year’s team including Jason Pitts (19.3 ppg.) and Myles Fitten (17.5 ppg.). They will likely have to replace the lost scoring by committee, but they may not be a prolem with the depth the Griffins posses.
Buchtel returns two starters in Jazell Garrett (13.0 ppg.) and Shawntrail Smith and 14 kids in all which played minutes last season. Garrett is highly underrated at the point guard spot, and is worth the trip to see to him play. The 5-foot-9 dynamo is an exciting player to watch who will be the catalyst of this team.
Look for sophomore Elijah Bell to have a breakout season, and step up as one of Buchtel’s new go-to-guys.
Toledo Rogers (14-7, lost in the District Semifinals)
Head Coach: Earl Morris
League: Toledo City League
Fun Facts: Former Purdue football head coach, Joe Tiller, is a Rogers’ graduate.
Returning Starters: Damond Powell (5’11/Sr.), Dominique Jackson (6’1/Sr.), J.R. Rayford (6’0/Sr.), Glandoy Hill (6’3/Sr.)
Other Returnees: None
Newcomers: Clemmye Owens (6’0/So.), Tony Kynard (5’10/So.), Devante Pratt (6’0/So.), Michael Gary (6’4/Jr.), Taylon Floyd (6’4/Jr.), and D.J. Tucker (6’2/Jr.)
OHSH on Toledo Rogers: Toledo Rogers will be looking to take advantage of a rarity in Ohio high school sports. The Rams were told they will now compete in Division 2 after the OHSA refigured the Toledo City League’s enrollment numbers with the recent closing of Toledo Libbey.
Rogers will benefit greatly from playing in a mainly Division 1 conference (Toledo City League). Not only is it a D1 conference, it’s a very good one at that with the likes of Toledo St. John’s, Toledo CC, Toledo Whitmer, and Toledo Bowsher. Toledo Waite will be joining Rogers in D2 with the shuffling of the numbers.
Rogers has plenty of talent to make a deep tournament run with a nice mixture of senior leadership to go along with some very talented sophomores. The Rams return four starters led by Damond “Flash” Powell (23.7) ppg.). The senior lit the scoreboard up as a junior trailing only Toledo Start’s Anthony Henderson (Bowling Green) in the league.
Powell will be joined in the starting line up by fellow classmates J.R. Rayford, Dominique Jackson, and Glandoy Hill. All four started last season.
Coach Morris is expecting big things from his sophomores which include Clemmye Owens, Tony Kynard, and Devante Pratt. Owens should really turn some heads.
Chagrin Falls Kenston (18-4, lost in the District Semifinals)
Head Coach: Josh Jakacki (4th Year)
League: Chagrin Valley Conference
Fun Facts: 2010 Conference Champion
Returning Starters: Justin Brownlow (5’9/Sr.), Jack Rolf (6’1/Sr.), and Eric Truog (6’10/Jr.)- 14.6 ppg.
Other Returnees: Pierce Cumpstone (6’5/Jr.), Cody Shell (6’1/Jr.), and Kyle Street (6’1/Jr.)
Newcomers: None
Urbana (13-8, lost in the Sectional)
Head Coach: Jeremy Dixon (7th Year)
League: Central Buckeye Conference- Mad River
Fun Facts: 1961 AA State Runner-up
Returning Starters: Anthony Marino- (6’0/Sr.)- 16.1 ppg., Brad Massie (5’10/Sr.)- 10.7 ppg., Cole Winner (5’10/Sr.), Clark Henson (6’2/Sr.), Zach Stillings (6’5/Jr.)- 14.1 ppg./8.5 rpg.
Other Returnees: Bret Buchanan (5’8/Sr.)- 4.3 ppg., Shane Underwood (6’2/Sr.), Jake Woodruff (6’1/Sr.), and Karl Singer (6’0/Sr.)
Newcomers: Royce Lucas-Taylor (6’5/Jr.) and Kyle Robb (6’0/Sr.)
Middletown Bishop Fenwick (16-5, lost in the Sectional)
Head Coach: Patrick Kreke
League: Greater Catholic League- North
Fun Facts: 1982 Class A State Champions
Returning Starters: Brent Langhorne (5’10/Sr.)- 12.0 ppg./5.3 apg., Evan Ludwig (6’2/Sr.)- 13.4 ppg., and Keith Brinkman (6’5/Sr.)- 5.5 ppg./5.8 rpg.
Other Returnees: Johnny Plump (6’0/Jr.)- 4.5 ppg. and Connor Ridge (6’2/Jr.)- 3.0 ppg.
Newcomers: None
Akron Hoban (11-9, lost in the Sectional)
Head Coach: T.K. Griffith
League: North Coast League
Fun Facts: 1989 D3 State Champions
Returning Starters: Greg McMullen (6’5/Jr.), Evan Pannell (6’0/Sr.), Lucas Sokol (6’2/Sr.)
Other Returnees: LaTroy Lewis (6’4/Jr.), Michael Reaves (5’10/Jr.), Nate Greczanik (6’2/Sr.), Kolin McMillen (5’11/Sr.)
Newcomers: Evan Luse (6’0/Sr.), Trevor Oldham (6’1/Sr.), Jake Howard (6’2/Jr.), and Sean Robbins (5’8/Jr.)
Dayton Chaminade Julienne (16-5, lost in the Sectional)
Head Coach: Joe Staley (26th Year)
League: Greater Catholic League- North
Fun Facts: State Championships- 1966 and 1970
Returning Starters: Tim Szabo (6’1/Sr.)- 3.1 ppg./4.7 apg.
Other Returnees: John Staley (6’4/Jr.)- 4.5 ppg. and Logan Daugherty (6’3/Sr.)
Newcomers: Michael Russell (6’1/Sr.), Andy Bole (6’6/Jr.), Chris McGuire (6’2/So.), Austin Piatt (6’0/So.)- Transfer, Phillip Kidd (5’9/Jr.), Aaron Lassalle (6’1/Jr.) and Justin Bibbs (6’3/Fr.)
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