Preseason First Team All-Canton/Akron/Massillon

<p>Considering<strong> team success</strong> and one’s <strong>individual influence</strong> towards winning, who will be the five faces of Canton/Akron/Massillon-area basketball this season?</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/sencire-harris/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sencire Harris</a> (2022) | 6-5 PG | St. Vincent-St. Mary</strong></h6> <p>Harris, our no. 2 ranked sophomore in a loaded 2022 class, will likely not put up the same numbers as he did at North Canton Hoover last season. Although he has grown as a player, St. Vincent-St. Mary won't require him to do everything. </p> <p>Here's the thing, though, this allows Harris to be special at his strengths while being more efficient.</p> <p>For example, expect his halfcourt and transition defense to change games. As close games trickle on, we foresee Harris attacking the basket for high-percentage looks. He will also be electric in transition. Finally, despite <a href="https://www.cleveland.com/highschoolsports/2019/11/st-vincent-st-mary-locked-in-for-division-ii-return-2019-preseason-basketball-tour.html">a schedule that would crush the spirit of most teams</a>, St. Vincent-St. Mary will enter the postseason as heavy favorites in Division II.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kade-ruegsegger/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kade Ruegsegger</a> (2020) | 6-3 SG | Dover</strong></h6> <p>Ruegsegger may not have the caché of the others on this list as a recruit. But, get this, he's one of just five non-seniors on last season's Division I First or Second Team All-Ohio.</p> <p>Ruegsegger is an impressive scorer with long arms. He creates shots in few dribbles, which is aided by his ability to shoot in the mid-range or from distance. Creates mismatches because of his size and perimeter ability. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/malaki-branham/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Malaki Branham</a> (2021) | 6-5 SG | St. Vincent-St. Mary</strong></h6> <p>Branham's junior numbers will likely dwarf what he did individually as a sophomore — 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists. It's simple: He's just way better than he was a year ago, and therefore more empowered in their system. As the go-to scorer on one of the state's top teams regardless of division, he will be asked to come up big in clutch moments. Meanwhile, he's a very versatile defender with the ability to lock-up guards and forwards.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/chris-livingston/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chris Livingston</a> (2022) | 6-5 SG | Buchtel</strong></h6> <p>Livingston is the best <em>prospect</em> in the state. The best <em>player</em> in the state. And he leads one of the best teams in the state, Buchtel, who, as much as we're on the STVM bang-wagon, has a legitimate shot to make another Cinderella run to states. Why do they have a shot? Livingston. </p> <p>He will be in the discussion for Mr. Basketball each of the next three seasons. The sophomore averaged 23.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists as a frosh. The attention he draws frees up teammates and he has the vision to find them in the halfcourt. Overall, he's pretty unstoppable ... besides fouls. A sneaky thing to pay attention to is that Livingston was too often in foul trouble last season. Assuming he breaks that habit as a more experienced player in year two, his production should increase while they add a few wins.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kobe-johnson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kobe Johnson</a> (2021) | 6-3 G | Canton McKinley</strong></h6> <p>The most dynamic player in the Federal League, Johnson will consistently put pressure on opponents with his slashing ability. He combines a tight handle with down-hill power to get wherever he wants on the court. Johnson also flashes elite passing ability when the defense collapses. He doubles as a very capable defender given his athleticism and size. Given our expectation that Canton McKinley will finish atop their league, Johnson is an obvious choice here. </p>