OHSAA Division II Preseason Top 5
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We’re breaking down each Division with our preseason predictions for who we think will be the best teams. In this article we’ll break down our top five teams in Division II. 1. Lutheran West Coming so close to a state…
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Continue ReadingWe’re breaking down each Division with our preseason predictions for who we think will be the best teams. In this article we’ll break down our top five teams in Division II.
1. Lutheran West
Coming so close to a state championship last season, Lutheran West returns a majority of their core from last season. Star guard Jayson Levis Jayson Levis 6'1" | CG Lutheran West | 2024 State OH is back alongside the Meyer twins at the forward positions. Dylan Bartchak Dylan Bartchak 6'0" | PG Lutheran West | 2024 State OH can light it up from the outside as well. They lost Junior Kambomba Junior Kambomba 6'3" | SF Brecksville-Broadview Heights | 2024 State OH to transfer but bring in Tino Yli-Junnila Tino Yli-Junnila 6'5" | SF Lutheran West | 2024 State OH to replace him on the wing. We’ll see if this team has what it takes to get back to Dayton and win that final game that eluded them last season.
2. Kettering Alter
Rj Greer Rj Greer 6'4" | SG Kettering Alter | 2025 State #167 Nation OH is the headliner as he comes from Springboro as one of the top players in the state. He’s joined by prime breakout candidate Brady Conner Brady Conner 6'6" | SF Kettering Alter | 2025 State OH and bigs Charlie Uhl Charlie Uhl 6'7" | C Kettering Alter | 2025 State OH and Matt Lunne Matt Lunne 6'6" | C Kettering Alter | 2025 State OH . Alter have all the pieces to become the latest GCL-Co Ed Team to make the Division II final four after Chaminade Julienne made it in 2021 and 2023 while Alter made it in 2022.
3. Akron Buchtel
The defending state champs have a new look squad with star Zevin Gadson Zevin Gadson 6'2" | SG Akron Buchtel | 2024 State OH returning to the Grifs. When I caught them at Midwest Live they had some new faces and some younger talent that was athletic and hungry to get after it. Steven Diamond Steven Diamond 6'3" | PF Akron Buchtel | 2025 OH and Dj Pride could see big roles this season and Buchtel always has some prospects emerge throughout the season.
4. Shelby
One of the top small-town programs over the past five or so years in Ohio, Shelby once again has a talented team. It all starts with the senior duo of Alex Bruskotter Alex Bruskotter 6'7" | PF Shelby | 2024 State #316 Nation OH and Casey Lantz Casey Lantz 6'5" | SF Shelby | 2024 State OH . Combine that with some seniors that can make shots and defend and this is a team that should contend for a final four berth this season.
5. Trotwood Madison
One of the historic programs in the Dayton area, Trotwood Madison is reloaded under legendary head coach Pete Pullen. The Rams have football commit Timothy Carpenter Timothy Carpenter 6'4" | PF Trotwood-Madison | 2024 State OH and got senior Delamarr Blanton Delamarr Blanton 6'0" | CG Trotwood Madison | 2024 State OH to transfer back this season as well. Sophomore guard Je’Carious Reaves Je’Carious Reaves 5'11" | PG Trotwood Madison | 2026 State OH will also provide a boost coming from Meadowdale. The Rams also have a lot of size in the paint, this will be one of the most talented teams in Division II this season.