State title contenders in Division I

<p>The high school basketball season officially starts this week and it's never too early to think about state title contenders. Here are my favorites in Division I.</p> <p>Centerville: Obviously this list starts with the defending state champions who return their 3 leading scorers from last season. They almost even added [player_tooltip player_id="1219809" first="Mike" last="Sharavjamts"] to the fold, but [player_tooltip player_id="867934" first="Gabe" last="Cupps"], [player_tooltip player_id="809612" first="Tom" last="House"] and [player_tooltip player_id="921745" first="Rich" last="Rolf"] is more than enough firepower to repeat as state champions.</p> <p>Gahanna: Gahanna was a Tasos Cook miracle shot away from making it to the final 4 last season and they once again are favorites in Columbus. Between the best guard in the area with [player_tooltip player_id="616810" first="Sean" last="Jones"] to one of the top big duos in the state with [player_tooltip player_id="921759" first="Javan" last="Simmons"] and [player_tooltip player_id="921739" first="Joshua" last="Whiteside"], the Lions are loaded.</p> <p>Saint Ignatius: It seemed like the Wildcats were a year ahead of schedule when they made the state final four last season. I think reasonable expectations would've been to make it this year, we'll see if the Wildcats can do it again. They have a nice balance of senior and underclassmen production with [player_tooltip player_id="1082243" first="Jonathan" last="Effertz"], [player_tooltip player_id="921773" first="CJ" last="Yarian"], [player_tooltip player_id="1222346" first="Calvin" last="Little"] and more.</p> <p>Brush: The Arcs have the talent to finally make a deep playoff run under Chet Mason. [player_tooltip player_id="809624" first="Elmore" last="James"] is one of the most impactful players in the state and with [player_tooltip player_id="809619" first="Antwone" last="Woolfolk"] and [player_tooltip player_id="814555" first="Tyler" last="Williams"] down low, Brush has talent everywhere. Throw in additions with [player_tooltip player_id="1076533" first="Marlon" last="Barnes"] and some freshman, Brush is one of the most talented teams in the state.</p> <p>Fairfield: After winning the GMC in 2021, Fairfield is loaded again and might be the best team in the Cincy area. With [player_tooltip player_id="809630" first="Logan" last="Woods"], [player_tooltip player_id="867933" first="Deshawne" last="Crim"] and lots of size I really like the Indians this season.</p> <p>Elder: I think the GCL-South will be super competitive this season and I think any of Elder, Moeller and St Xavier could win not only the conference but also the region. With [player_tooltip player_id="1138753" first="Sean" last="Keller"] and [player_tooltip player_id="921762" first="Andrew" last="Harp"], Elder has the experience this season.</p> <p>Moeller: Never bet against Moeller and the rumors of their downfall have been greatly exaggerated. [player_tooltip player_id="921744" first="Evan" last="Mahaffey"] is a high major talent as a senior and they have so much underclassmen talent that's been waiting their turn to play on the varsity level.</p> <p>St Xavier: The third GCL-South school I'd put in the top 10 teams in the state, St Xavier has a great program and were honestly one of the more underrated teams in the state last season. Kobe Rodgers and Joe Kirby are gone, but [player_tooltip player_id="1195129" first="Louie" last="Semona"] and a group of guys who fit their system well will have them competing once again.</p> <p>Saint Edward: Ed's was competing for a state title when COVID cancelled the 2020 tournament, Saint Edward had a lot of new faces last season but still came incredibly close to another regional title. [player_tooltip player_id="921749" first="Michael" last="Bova"] is a senior and they have a lot of size and shooting once again surrounding him.</p> <p>Pickerington Central: The clear second-best team in central Ohio, Pickerington Central has a ton of depth and size which is a good combination in the playoffs. [player_tooltip player_id="867951" first="Devin" last="Royal"] and [player_tooltip player_id="867953" first="Sonny" last="Styles"] bring the star power and there's a lot of complimentary pieces that have the talent to contribute.</p> <p>Other teams to watch: Massillon Jackson, Dublin Jerome, Lima Sr, Findlay, Brecksville-Broadview Heights, Garfield Heights, Walnut Ridge, Solon</p>