Federal League Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Federal League is arguably my favorite conference/league in Northeast Ohio. Featuring some of the more legendary programs from the area, the league consistently produces District champion teams seemingly every year. 2022 saw 2 teams in the District Finals with 2023 giving a chance to again have 2 teams clinch District titles again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol><li><strong><em>Canton McKinley</em></strong>- The Bulldogs are returning almost everyone from a team that was runner up in the Federal League last year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1219842' first='Jahlil' last='Graham']</strong> (Sr) returns after a phenomenal year at the PG position and will have <strong>Tra'Sean Foster</strong> (Sr) also back as both were All-District last year. Young players <strong>Je'cis Moody</strong> (So) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1497737' first='Reed' last='Sims']</strong> (So) will contribute right away and gives the Bulldogs a lot of optimism moving forward to claim an outright title in 2023.</li><li><strong><em>Green</em></strong>- Last year's league champions move down a spot as they lose their top 2 players from a District championship team. The cupboard isn't empty however as the Bulldogs return athletes <strong>Brady Rollyson</strong> (Jr) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1404818' first='Jarrett' last='Taylor']</strong> (Jr) from a season ago. Not only this, but the Bulldogs return one of the best 2025s in the state in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432035' first='Nikola' last='Bundalo']</strong> (So) who could see some serious numbers based on his performances in the AAU/offseason.</li><li><strong><em>Lake</em></strong>- The Blue Streaks bring back experience, although much of their experience is older than other teams in the league. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1392313' first='Chance' last='Casenhiser']</strong> (Jr) is back after an All-District campaign along with <strong>Landyn Roth</strong> (Sr) from last year. Lake competed throughout the season and 2023 will likely be much of the same. </li><li><strong><em>Massillon Jackson</em></strong>- The Polar Bears had a ”down” year last season and yet they still ended up in the District Finals last year. While they lose 3 key contributors from that team, there is plenty of young talent that performed well during AAU as well as some senior leadership. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1090157' first='Owen' last='Woolbert']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1475106' first='James' last='Bossart']</strong> are back with the experience for the Polar Bears, as well as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1462536' first='Mitch' last='Finefrock']</strong> (So) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1462537' first='Kyle' last='Monterrubio']</strong> (So) from AAU. Repeating a District title is going to be quite a feat to repeat. But this program has the history and potential.</li><li><strong><em>GlenOak</em></strong>- Young team last year and it showed at times. With much of their returning talent being underclassmen, the Golden Eagles are bringing back quite a bit, but the youth could spell trouble again this year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1346364' first='Ja'Corey' last='Lipkins']</strong> (Jr) will be returning and is one of the best players in Northeast Ohio and will be looked upon as a leader for the sophomores, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2300373' first='Reese' last='Zerger']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2328301' first='Bryce' last='Broom']</strong>. Lot of upside for sure.</li><li><strong><em>North Canton Hoover</em></strong>- One of the top teams last year, Hoover takes a step back losing their top 2 guys who were both All-District performers. The rest of the league appears to have 1-2 guys coming back with some experience which could hurt Hoover. </li><li><strong><em>Massillon Perry</em></strong>- Brings in a new coach after a 1 win season. <strong>Joel Brown</strong> (Sr) will be back after being the top player last year, and will add <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1201867' first='Zander' last='Sabin']</strong> (Sr) from Tuscarawas Central Catholic. Not going to see massive strides in one year, but will certainly be better than last year.</li></ol> <!-- /wp:list -->