Season Preview: Columbus City League-North

Onto preview one of my favorite leagues in Central Ohio. The Columbus City League has a ton of players that can absolutely play, but may not get the attention they should at times. First we kick it off with the City League North division. This division will be interesting this season, as Northland is always solid with a storied past. But, other teams have some players that matchup well with them. Expect to see a lot of close games, per usual. <h3>First Team:</h3> Robert Dorsey (5’9” / PG 2022 / Northland): The next guard up for Northland actually broke onto the scene last year, but this season he will actually man the lead guard spot. If you want Dorsey to score he can do that, need a pass put on the right spot he can do that too. A prospect that draws attention with the ball in his hands and knows what to do with it. Tough for his size and finishes around the rim through contact. Stepping into a role he is fit for, Dorsey will go above and beyond. JJ Simmons (5’10” / G 2022 / Beechcraft): Simmons broke onto the scene as a freshman, an instant impact for Beechcraft. The lead guard plays the game how it should be, operates with a noticeable solid basketball IQ. Simmons will be one of the better scorers in the City League this season with his work on-ball. Can get just about any shot off he wants already, creating space whether it’s a mid range or three ball. The Cougars lost some important pieces to graduation and will need a player to take a step forward, that player will be their standout sophomore. Chance Groce (6’5” / WG 2021 / Linden-McKinley): The easy player of the year pick in the North is Chance Groce. Versatile guard that can play or guard multiple positions. Works with or without the ball and can do everything that Linden needs him to do. Big time slasher that can destroy the rim, or shoot it off the bounce. I think this season will give us a more complete feel of what Groce can do over the length of 20+ games. I think his numbers could take a jump across the boards. Makhale Massey (6’3” / W 2021 / Northland): Northland lost their biggest producer to graduation, that means it’s time for someone else to step up. Massey is a prime target to do so, as he was very good for the Vikings last season. Big time athlete that can finish tough around the cup and above the rim. With or without the ball he gets good looks at the rim that he converts on. Capable shooter from deep. If there was a player to watch for most improved this would probably be my pick, as Northland will heavily need him. Jaylen Gilbert (6’4” / WF 2021 / Centennial): I watched Gilbert a couple of weeks ago on the Gridiron and man he’s an athlete! Last season he was solid for the Stars, around 13 points a game. Only watching him once last season, I expect to see him much more this winter. Gilbert plays a grown man style of game inside and outworks everyone else on the boards. A player that legit can go for 15 and 15 any given night. Boxes out how he should, athletic enough to go up and finish, strength is a big help too which he has it. Expect to see the stud junior in the high teens this year in terms of scoring. <h3 class="p1"> Second Team:</h3> Mehki Jarrett - Mifflin - Jarrett is an underrated player in the city league. Smaller guard, but shouldn’t be overlooked for that reason because he can absolutely go. Jarrett can turn it up in the open court, getting others involved or finishing at the rim tough. I like the use of his floaters, up and unders and other dribble drive moves. I watched the senior last month and he showed an improved jumper as well. This is just a preseason list, but I think it’s right to include Mehki. Devan White - Northland - Last season White impressed me as a rotational player that could come in and give good energy. The guard can work with or without the ball and knockdown shots. The senior will step into a bigger role this season, which should be a good fit for the Vikings. Devan gets after loose balls, plays defense well and works well in the half court. Potential x-factor for the Vikings. Isaiah Ingle - Northland - Ingle was solid for the Vikings last year, but still a raw talent. Usually the tallest player on the floor, that can impact the game on both ends. The senior has what it takes to be a defensive menace as well as a force inside on the post. I expect the Northland big to get more inside touches this season as he continues to develop his offensive game. Lason Walker - Linden-McKinley Mikal King - Mifflin Special Mention: Kelvin Gilliam - Centennial <h4>Projected League Winner Is Northland. </h4> The Vikings lost N’Keeley Elmore to graduation but return a ton of players from last season that won the north division. Rob Dorsey, Makhale Massey, Devan White and Isaiah Ingle all return with experience that will be huge. A good mix of underclass and upper class players will be huge for the Vikings, which they have.