Four storylines to follow in the Lake Erie League
Night in night out during the winter months there are few leagues in the state where the competition is as fierce as it is in the Lake Erie League.
This year should be no different. Here are four things to keep an eye on as the summer comes to an end and school nears.
How will Maple Heights’ backcourt gel?
Maple Heights won a lot of games last year thanks to the play of Alfonse Hale (2018), a 5’11” PG who averaged 25 a game and his backcourt mate Marcus Kimmie. The Maple backcourt should be even better this year as it added Garfield Heights transfer Julian Whiteside, who like Hale and Kimee is undersized, but explosive. All three played well in two playoff wins on July 26 at the Earl Boykins Summer League.
Can Cleveland Heights bounce back
The Tigers were a disappointing team a year ago at 13-10. But with a strong senior class led by Yahel Hill (2018), the No. 11 rated player in his class in the state, according to prephoops.com rankings, 6’4” Tyreke Smith (2018), Grayson Green (2018), 6’2” W, and at a handful of other seniors the Tigers should again compete for a title.
How will Lorain recover from loss of Naz Bohannon
The Titans lose All-Ohio performer Naz Bohannon, but welcome in a trio of 6’3” freshmen, led by Jae’Von Manning (2021). The Titans also return playmaking guard Devon Grant (2019) and sharpshooting Davion Dower, 6’0” (2018). It’s unsure whether Taveon Pierre-Louis (2020), a 6’6” was going to return to Lorain or transfer. If he were to return he would make Lorain all the tougher.
Warrensville’s backcourt will cause problem
The Tigers return all-district guard Brandon Rush (2018), a 6’ guard, and also welcome freshman Ranelle Arnold (2021), 5’9”, who has looked impressive in the summer league. That backcourt duo should cause plenty of headaches for opposing coaches.