Akron City Series Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The City Series has been relatively dominated by one program in recent history. Buchtel, fresh off of an undefeated City Series campaign in 2023, again looks to be the favorite with the amount of talent on their roster. See below for a look at the Series as a whole.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Contender</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Buchtel</em></strong>- The Griffins were undefeated in the City Series and didn't face many issues in league games last year. After falling in the District Finals last season, Buchtel will look to advance further this season with the majority of their team returning and a few transfers as well. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='867954' first='Khoi' last='Thurmon']</strong> (Sr), <strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1203906' first='Christian' last='Harmon']</strong> (Sr),<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1163453' first='MJ' last='Boyce']</strong> (Sr) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='867950' first='Amire' last='Robinson']</strong> (Sr) all are back and bring elite athleticism and skill. The Griffins also add <strong>Lavelle Sharpe</strong> (Jr) who transfers over from CVCA. The only major blow is the departure of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1359618' first='Braylin' last='Wells']</strong> who transfer to Pickerington Central. There's really no reason to believe Buchtel can't win the City Series again and be a contender in Division II as a whole this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rest of the League</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Akron East</em></strong>- Dragons lose one of the best players in the league last year in Eric Holley III, but bring back some experience with <strong>Tristan Anderson</strong> (Sr). Lack the depth to challenge Buchtel however.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Firestone</em></strong>- Bringing back some pieces including <strong>Dondi Harper</strong> (Sr) that should allow them to still be competitive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Ellet</em></strong>- <strong>Chase Merring</strong> (Sr) returns and the Orangemen will be in the same boat as Firestone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Kenmore-Garfield</em></strong>- Not much info I could find on them but they were solid in City Series play during the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Akron North</em></strong>- Only won 3 games a year ago, but will have back <strong>Lamar Dampier</strong> (Jr) who was one of the better young players. Should improve from 3 wins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->