OHSAA DII Watchlist Part 1
In this article:
We’re previewing each of the divisions in the OHSAA to give our readers an expectation on which teams have the best chance to make a deep playoff run. We already have broken down our top 10 teams in Division II…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWe’re previewing each of the divisions in the OHSAA to give our readers an expectation on which teams have the best chance to make a deep playoff run. We already have broken down our top 10 teams in Division II and this will be our first watchlist of teams that just missed the cut.
Akron East
Akron East had a great season last year and graduate both of their all-state members in Mike Woodall and La’Grand Sowell but I think they’ll still be a tough team to battle in 2023-24. 2025 prospects De’Arion Holley and Kardiay Tyler will be key pieces this season.
Youngstown Ursuline
A team that’s been on the cusp of a deep playoff run the past few seasons, this might be the year that they get over the hump. Senior Jaden Payne Jaden Payne 6'7" | PF Ursuline | 2024 State OH is a mismatch in the paint and freshman Jaylen Gunther Jaylen Gunther 5'11" | PG Ursuline | 2027 State OH and Jace Riccardo Jace Riccardo 6'6" | SF Ursuline | 2027 State OH are ready to contribute right now to winning.
Holy Name
After a 20 win season, Holy Name is set for another big season. Maxwell Bollin Maxwell Bollin 6'3" | SG Holy Name | 2025 State OH is their star wing who is set to take command of the team as a Junior with a full season to play.
Hawken
A bit of a sleeper pick here, Hawken might be a year early on this list with Daron Hill Daron Hill 6'2" | SG Hawken | 2026 State OH and Gregory Price Gregory Price 6'1" | CG Hawken | 2026 State OH getting set for big Sophomore seasons. They once again play a tough schedule and are a team to keep an eye on come playoff time when they get more experience.
Gilmour Academy
One of the winningest Division II programs over the past two seasons, the Lancers graduated some key pieces but after deep playoff runs they have earned the respect to be a team to watch despite looking at who left for the college level from last year’s squad.