The CVC produced one of the 4 state champions in Ohio (Richmond Heights) and celebrated what very few conferences could celebrate. They again could have another state champion in 2023 as the Spartans, as you will see, are back again…
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The CVC produced one of the 4 state champions in Ohio (Richmond Heights) and celebrated what very few conferences could celebrate. They again could have another state champion in 2023 as the Spartans, as you will see, are back again and loaded for another run. See what the rest of the conference will look like below.
(Chagrin Division)
- Perry– The Pirates look to be one of the favorites in the division and are returning their top production. This could be a team that has a lot of upside as they move down to Division III this upcoming season. Jake Cubbison (Sr) is back and was 1st Team All-District last season and will have support from Brayden Richards (Jr) as well.
- Edgewood– 17 win team last year and they will have back Zach Vencill (Sr) from that team. I like their chances for at least the #2 spot as long as they can hold off Chagrin Falls.
- Chagrin Falls– Tigers have back their big man James Kosmides (Sr) from a team that was competitive last year. Now moving down to Division III.
- Geneva– Return one of their top role guys from a season ago in Anthony Kosicek (Sr).
- Kirtland– Right in the middle of the conference but will need more production to compete.
- Pepper Pike Orange– Could challenge Kirtland and Geneva with the return of Dominic Anekwe (Jr)
- West Geauga– Bring back Jerry Kline-Ruminski (Sr) from 4 win team.
- Lakeside– Not bringing back enough to contest West Geauga at the bottom.
(Metro Division)
- Richmond Heights– Last year’s Division IV state champions bring back a nice core group from a season ago. While they lose 3 All-District players ad their size, the Spartans have an elite sophomore class led by Dorian Jones (So), DeErrick Barber (So), and Demarris Winters (So) that will be leaned heavily on. Also add Hosea Steele (Jr) from Cleveland Heights for some added depth. Spartans should not only be the favorites to win another state title this year, but could be the favorite for the next 2 years.
- Lutheran West– One of the better teams in the CVC after Richmond Heights last year and they are slated to return their top 2 in Boubacar Djigo (Sr) and Derek Fairley (Jr). Added 2 transfers in Jayson Levis (Jr) from Berea-Midpark and Dylan Bartchak (Jr) from Garfield Heights. Djigo was injured during the offseason so there is questions on when he will be back. But the Longhorns should still be one of the top teams even in his absence.
- Cuyahoga Heights– Red Wolves are moving up to Division III but lack the depth to compete with Richmond Heights or Lutheran West. Nate Biggers (Sr) is back for them and will be leaned heavily on.
- Trinity– Young team a season ago with plenty of talent. Unfortunately transfer portal took 2 of their top 3 to bigger schools. Aidan Duncan (So) is the lone return guy and has a lot on his plate to keep the Trojans competitive.
- Brooklyn– Pretty successful season last year but not sure who all they are going to have back to challenge again.
- Independence– Moving down to Division IV and losing their top guy in Kyle Zygmunt.
- Wickliffe– Struggled in the conference and not returning any notable players to remain in the running.
(Valley Division)
- Cardinal– 14 win team last year and returning 2 All-District players for this season. Rest of the division doesn’t appear to have as much talent so this could be enough to take the title with ease. Jake Bean (Sr) and Troy Domen (Jr) will be the leaders for this team.
- Beachwood– Under .500 last year, but I like the senior combo of Nathan Lurie and Josh Jones back. The Bison should be able to compete with their athleticism and could give Cardinal a battle at the top of the division.
- Grand Valley– Injuries hurt them a season ago but should have Nate Boiarski (Sr back for his senior year after missing the whole season. Will miss the production from Hagan Hajduk.
- Berkshire/Crestwood/Harvey/Hawken– It’s hard to place these last 4 teams accurately. Berkshire doesn’t have enough coming back to compete with the duos at the top of the division. Crestwood only won 1 game last year and again doesn’t look like they’ve got a ton back. Harvey also struggled a year ago only winning 2 games. Hawken was just under .500 but doesn’t have enough back for me to feel comfortable putting them in a locked spot yet.