Toledo City League Preview

<p>Expect a lot of Rogers and Start talk for these next couple of minutes.</p> <p>That's actually about all you're going to get as nine of our 10 All-Conference selections come from those two schools. The two also appear destined to meet in the City League championship and the gym for all three of their meetings should be absolutely electric.</p> <h5><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>First Team</strong></span></h5> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dasean-nelson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DaSean Nelson</a> (2020) | 6-7 PF | Rogers</strong></h6> <p>The conference's leading returner in points and rebounds (and presumably blocks, but we don't have that data), Nelson should produce at a high volume once again. A pogo stick leaper with a strong build, Nelson is impossible to keep off the glass. Finishes with force and explosion. Extremely high motor. We don't expect him to take a backseat whatsoever despite two talented transfers who play a similar position.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ketaan-wyatt/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ketaan Wyatt</a> (2020) | 6-3 PG | Rogers</strong></h6> <p>In our eyes, Wyatt is the Rams' most important player. An experienced lead guard who — other than the coaching staff — carries the most responsibility in making sure the pieces fit. We believe it will work as Wyatt is an unselfish point guard who sets up high-percentage looks for his teammates. His length is an asset defensively. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jamiya-neal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jamiya Neal</a> (2021) | 6-6 SF | Rogers</strong></h6> <p>An elite athlete on the wing, Neal is capable of being a lead guy. There's no question about that. But he probably doesn't need to be <em>that</em> guy for Rogers. While we expect Neal to fuel a few BCSN highlight packages with dunks, his influence may be felt more via his remarkable defensive versatility. Either way, he affords Rogers great lineup flexibility and should average double-figures even if he's not focused on scoring. Mismatch.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/caleb-smith/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Caleb Smith</a> (2020) | 6-4 SF | Start</strong></h6> <p>Skilled scorer who likes to get into the mid-range for high-percentage pull-ups. Absorbs contact when he gets into traffic. Smith will be one the biggest bodies for the Spartans, so we expect him to be productive on the glass, too. </p> <h6><strong>TaVaz Lawler-Showers (2020) | 5-11 G | Start</strong></h6> <p>Transfer from Michigan who may lead the team in scoring. Lawler-Showers, a lefty, is crafty around the basket. Handles the ball extremely well and creates separation often. Capable of pulling up from distance. Fast.</p> <h5><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>Second Team</strong></span></h5> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/adrian-michael/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Adrian Michael</a> (2020) | 5-11 G | Start</strong></h6> <p>The ultimate team guy. Need statistical proof to back that claim? How about this: the 5-foot-11 Michael averaged 6.3 rebounds last season. Lot of those boards came on long rebounds and loose balls that he hustled to get. Very active player who likes to pressure on defense. Has experience in this Start system. Unselfish passer but capable of hitting shots from outside. </p> <h6><strong>Dominic Chizmar (2022) | 6-2 SG | Toledo Woodward</strong></h6> <p>Athletic shot-maker who can spot-up for the triple or attack the basket. Chizmar also makes plays on defense by remaining active and challenging shots at the rim. Springy athlete with length.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/steve-coleman/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Steve Coleman</a> (2021) | 6-4 SF | Rogers</strong></h6> <p>Maumee Valley transfer with elite power and athleticism. He is very effective around the basket, which makes playing alongside Nelson, Neal, and Jackson very interesting. Coleman should take over games for stretches, though, and appears to be working on his jumper so he can provide spacing. Very impactful defender given his athleticism, strength, and effort.</p> <h6><strong>Dashad Floyd (2020) | 6-1 SF | Start</strong></h6> <p>Productive and high-motor player who can defend multiple positions, including posts. Displays skill and patience around the basket as a finisher. Remarkably good rebounder at 6-foot-1. Not going to be intimidated by the size of Rogers whatsoever. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/nate-houston/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nate Houston</a> (2022) | 5-11 G | Rogers</strong></h6> <p>Houston should benefit from the defense collapsing on his teammates. He will be asked to capitalize on open 3-point opportunities. He can also defend quick guards and take-over point guard responsibilities when Wyatt takes a quick break on the sideline. Very athletic. </p> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>Honorable Mention:</strong></span> Curtis Jackson (Rogers)</em></p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Potential Breakout Players</span>: </strong>Aric McCrimmon (Bowsher), Cameron Moran (Start), Tony Kynard (Rogers), Kevion Mack (Start)</em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h5><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>Predicted Finish:</strong></span></h5> <p>1. Start — I don't know if it's going to be a stall-ball tactic or if they're just going to play mistake-free ball, but look, I'm not picking Rogers over Start and this coaching staff led by Matt Wortham. Rogers has all the buzz right now but the Spartans are bringing back immense perimeter talent in their own right. Finally, their experience and familiarity with each other is a big advantage. </p> <p>2. Rogers — All that about Start is not to say that we're counting Rogers out — although I'm sure I'll be labeled a hater by the Rams faithful for picking them to finish second. They have a top six full of Division I and Division II collegiate talent. Their ceiling for the Division II OHSAA tournament, by the way, is very high. </p> <p>3. Toledo Woodward</p> <p>4. Bowsher</p> <p>5. Scott</p> <p>6. Waite</p>