5 questions for the 2016-17 season: Division I
As we look ahead to the 2016-17 season, here’s a quick preview of Division I in Northeast Ohio: Offseason overview 1) Who will be the best local team in Division I? In what should be a pretty balanced Division I…
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Continue ReadingAs we look ahead to the 2016-17 season, here’s a quick preview of Division I in Northeast Ohio:
Offseason overview
1) Who will be the best local team in Division I?
In what should be a pretty balanced Division I field next year, St. Ignatius should have the slight edge over the competition to start the season. Big man Matt Davet leads a strong inside presence for the Wildcats, who were one shot away from the state tournament last season. The guards will be what makes or breaks this team next season.
2) Who will be the best player in Division I?
This is another open field for 2016-17, but the frontrunner is Ellet big man A.J. Gareri. Count Gareri as the most likely player in Northeast Ohio to average 20 points and 10 rebounds next season. He should lead a strong Ellet team that should make plenty of noise from out of Akron.
3) Who will be the sleeper team in Division I?
One team that may sneak up on a lot of others is Maple Heights. Led by fantastic guard Alphonse Hale, the Mustangs are a young group that got better in every game last season. They should contend for the Lake Erie League crown and could make a lot of noise at the district level.
4) Who is the sleeper player in Division I?
We saw towards the end of the 2015-16 season just how dangerous both Solon and guard Sincere Carry can be. Expect that play to carry over to next season, as Carry should be among the top guards in Northeast Ohio. He’s poised to make sure Solon’s regional run was no fluke.
5) So who wins the local Division III districts?
A lot of this will change, but I’ve got Lorain and Brunswick advancing to the Akron/Toledo regional, and Maple Heights, Solon and St. Ignatius advancing to the Cleveland regional.