Coming off of a junior season where
Dwayne Cohill led Holy Name to a District Championship and averaged,
according to Cleveland.com, 22.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.5 steals, he could be considered the preseason favorite to win Mr. Basketball.
First of all, Ohio’s Mr. Basketball must have elite talent. Since 2001, only LeBron James (#1 NBA Draft pick) and Justin Fritts (Wheeling Jesuit) didn’t play Division I basketball.
Next, we considered projected team success. Again since 2001, 10 of the 17 Mr. Basketball winners led their high school team to the State Final Four that season.
Then, the most important piece of the formula considered is production. We’re considering the player’s projected role on their team to predict if they have the opportunity to fill up the scorer’s book. It’s especially imperative that you put up points, as the only Mr. Basketball to average under 20 points since 2001 was Jared Sullinger at 19.9 points per game in 2009. But, Sullinger made up for that tenth of a point by averaging 14.8 rebounds, being the #2 player in the country, and winning the Division I State Championship.
After being named First Team All State in Division II last season, how does the Dayton commit’s senior season project in each metric?
Talent: A+
Playing against the nation’s best with Ohio Basketball Club on the adidas Gauntlet, Cohill caused fits for opponents with his quickness. So, it’s safe to say that his offensive weaponry is going to translate onto hardwoods this winter. He can take over a game on both ends. Capable of putting up 40 points on any given night.
Team Success: B+
Holy Name went 23-4 a year ago, but they also graduated two college basketball players in Malique Burton and Sean Hickey. While Cohill is unquestionably the best returning Division II player in all of Northeast Ohio, there will be some pressure on Holy Name’s underclassmen to replace the production of Burton and Hickey.
While there’s not a team you can pencil in to be surely better than Holy Name this coming season, 20-plus wins is going to be tough.
Production: A+
As mentioned, Cohill’s teammates are going to have to step up. However, expect Cohill’s ridiculous senior season averages to be even more ridiculous than last season's. With the three-point shooting of Hickey and rebounding of Burton gone, Cohill could be close to 25 points and 10 rebounds this year.
It’s really this simple: When the primary ball-handler is as talented as Cohill, he’s going to put up ridiculous numbers at the high school level.
Cohill’s chances:
If Holy Name is one of the top teams in D-II and Cohill gets up to about 25 points, 10 boards, 5 assists, and 2.5 steals, he could run away with the award. And those are realistic expectations for Cohill’s senior campaign.
