Preseason Columbus City League North First Team

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Columbus City League north is as tough as it has been in a long time, with multiple teams feeling like they legitimately have a shot at representing the division in the Columbus City League championship game. There is one favorite, the Beechcroft Cougars, but the defending champion Linden McKinley Panthers, the experienced Northland Vikings, and the gritty Centennial Stars and Mifflin Punchers will all have a say so in the outcome of this division. There will be many deserving players that should be on this preseason team and the actual team at the end of the season. These players are not only the best at there position but they will be the ones that will determine the outcome of games this upcoming season. </span></p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="921776" first="JJ" last="Simmons"]; Junior- Beechcroft: </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">The floor general for the team that was on the biggest roll in the Columbus City League, finishing their season due to COVID-19. Simmons has everything a point guard could need, he has tremendous vision, a relentless motor and keeps his team under control in the most tense of moments. Defensively, Simmons takes on the responsibility of guarding the best perimeter player of the opposing team. With the Cougars all but assured a wonderful regular-season record, look for Simmons to be on this team at the end of the season.  </span></p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="919015" first="Makhale" last="Massey"]; Senior- Northland:</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> The most versatile perimeter scorer in the Columbus City League north, Massey could lead the entire Columbus City League in scoring this season. Massey has the tools and leadership required to lead the Vikings back to the Columbus City League championship game. His scoring ability is second to none in Columbus, being a three-level scorer at the highest level. In Massey’s senior year, if he can have his team in contention this season, he will find himself with a spot on this list.  </span></p> <p><b>Shamrion Rogers; Senior- Linden McKinley:</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Rogers is the most well-rounded perimeter player in the on the Panther team, with the ability to pass well, defend good, and score from all over the court. Rogers was apart of, a leader of, and the best player on the representative from the Columbus City League north. Now, with the target on the back of the Panthers’ jersey, Rogers looks to take his team back. If Rogers duplicates his sensational junior season, his name will not only be mentioned on this list but also many district and state lists. </span></p> <p><b>Mehki Bloodworth; Junior- East High School: </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">This writer’s upside pick of the season, Bloodworth transfers in from Michigan and landed at the best place for him to showcase his talents. The 6-foot-6 swing man showed this summer that he will be able to score and hang with the best in Columbus. Bloodworth showed good speed and athleticism, running the court like a deer and being able to finish in traffic. Defensively is where he will make his mark early in the season with his ability to anticipate shots and be able to block them. A pick based purely on upside, if Bloodworth’s impact is what many think it will be then he will find himself on this list at the end of the season. </span></p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="967166" first="Amani" last="Lyles"]; Junior- Beechcroft:</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> The easiest pick by far, unless Lyles falls off the face of the planet, he will be on this list. Lyles anchors the best defense in the Columbus City League and will still pour in 20 points with ease. Lyles had a beyond dominant summer and looks to continue it during the regular season. Amani looks to drive his Cougars to the Columbus City League championship and go even further this year.  </span></p>