The Favorites: Division I
Based on program cultures and talent, we believe there are eight teams in Division I that should be considered the favorites to make it down to The Schott for the Final Four. If any of these teams win the State Championship, it would come as no surprise. This Division is the most loaded top to bottom, but there are some obvious powerhouses that stick out at the top as dominate teams.
Archbishop Moeller
Moeller was undefeated last season heading into the State Championship game, which they lost to Massillon Jackson. They’ve since graduated key players Keegan McDowell, Riley Voss, and Caleb Canter.
But, as expected, Moeller has reloaded in a major way. Two players off last year’s bench have proven to be D-I quality forwards in Jaxson Hayes (Texas) and Jeremiah Davenport (Wright State). Both of those players should create a defensive frontline that dominates the glass and contests most every layup. Also, Alec Pfriem has transferred in, another defensively stout forward that scores efficiently within 15 feet. We also haven’t even mentioned their two returning starters in Miles “Deuce” McBride and Isaiah Payton, who combine for one of the most reliable backcourts in Ohio. Also, don’t underestimate the motivational factor of losing the State Championship by one point a year ago.
Pickerington North
Pickerington North was more of a sleeper a season ago, making it all the way to the Regional Finals and finishing 21-7.
They’ve been the beneficiary of player movement in the offseason. Pick North welcomed Corey Baker and Ross Ryan via transfer, making for one of the most talented and largest starting lineups in Ohio. They’ll start three players that are 6’7” or taller, with all of them having offensive skill and quick enough feet to defend a lot of players. While taking advantage of mismatches should be their primary attack, they can always fall back on the safety net that Indiana commit Jerome Hunter will provide. With an improved 3-point shooting threat, Hunter has become a nearly indefensible weapon. Hunter enters his senior season alongside three classmates who’ve been Tigers from the start in Dondre Palmer, Elijah McNamara, and Ty Wiley.
Pickerington Central
The Tigers represented the Columbus area in the Final Four a year ago. After losing North Carolina Tar Heel 7-footer Sterling Manley, they’ll have to rely more on guard play to repeat as Regional Champs. Luckily for them, another Tar Heel is groomed to take the reigns in Jeremiah Francis. The point guard is an all-around stud. Francis has a lot of backcourt mates to keep involved as they have slashers in Adrian Nelson, Javohn Garcia, and Conner Maciag, as well as shooters with Josiah Fulcher and Jaidon Lipscomb. Against other premier opponents, finding reliable players in the painted area will be crucial, so look out for Juan Elmore and Coleton Landis to play pivotal roles.
Garfield Heights
Garfield Heights has more depth of talent than anyone in Northeast Ohio and possibly the entire state. Their entire roster may consist of future college players. All five members of their senior class have committed (Alex Heath, Donovan Forte, Keandre Graves, Juliun Whiteside, and Taj’mal Toney). They also have plenty of underclassmen talent with guys like Jesse Laster, Meechie Johnson, and Brent Darby Jr.
But the two players who are expected to push the Bulldogs to the next level in 2017-18 is the wing/forward combination of Alonzo Gaffney and Brison Waller, who stand 6’8” and 6’9” respectively. Not only are they tall, they’re extremely athletic and skilled. It will be difficult for anybody to get a clean layup off against them. Also, Gaffney can get a shot up over anyone at any moment, causing one of many mismatch nightmares for Garfield Heights opponents.
Hilliard Bradley
Bradley had a strong one-loss regular season last year and finished the season in the Final AP State Poll. Yet, they were dropped by Upper Arlington in the District Final.
This will be the last hurrah for the senior duo of Braden Norris and Isaiah Speelman. Their production can be counted on once again here, which should bring them darn-near 20 wins in itself. The difference this season is a bevy of emerging underclassmen to surround Norris and Speelman. The 2020 class at Bradley has a similarly potent duo in Matt Allocco and Chris Mayfield, who are both tough and skilled. Also, 6’5” freshman Jack Pugh should play a big role, including helping Speelman on the boards.
Toledo St. John’s
St. John’s returns pretty much everyone besides Lake Erie’s Harrison Riggs from a team that ended ranked #5 last season and was eliminated by Massillon Jackson in the Regional Finals.
The Titans have replaced Riggs with Ryan Christie, who transferred in from Toledo Central Catholic. Otherwise, as mentioned, they’re totally back and experienced. St. John’s is led by VCU commit Vincent Williams, who is as versatile of a 6’4” player as you’ll find. St. John’s will likely take advantage of his versatility by building an offense that allows him to be creative and run the show. Williams is complimented by a pure scoring guard in Houston King.
As you may have noticed, St. john’s is the only team from Northwest Ohio mentioned in this article. They have a clear advantage over any other team in the area.
Upper Arlington
UA ended the season 24-2 last year, making it all the way to the Regionals before losing to Pick North.
Their biggest advantage is Dane Goodwin. It’s that simple. The Notre Dame commit has a more accomplished high school career than any other player in Ohio right now and many are expecting him to add a Mr. Basketball award to that legacy this season. His three-level scoring and efficiency gives them a chance in any game. Max Martz has also blossomed into a clear D-I prospect and has established himself as a top ten player in Ohio’s 2019 class. Martz is clutch and can also score it from anywhere. Contributions from sophomore Max Mollman and freshman Kobe Buford could make a big difference for UA this season.
Cincinnati Princeton
Sure, Moeller is the favorite to come out of Southwest Ohio this season. But, it would not be a complete shocker to see Princeton beat them in the postseason and represent Cincy in the Final Four.
First of all, Syracuse commit Darius Bazley has established himself as one of the best players in America this summer. He’s been dominating whatever competition is thrown at him lately. A big night from him could spell disaster for any opponent. Darweshi Hunter will also play a major role for Princeton, as he was the leading scorer last season. The third senior of this group, Domonic Pierce, is a team-first type of player who is going to plug whatever gaps need to be filled on any given night.
Princeton’s frontcourt size may be inexperienced, but they will play a major role if they’re going to make a leap. Watch out for 6’6” wing/forward Aaron Ward, 6’4” forward/center Darrion Henry, and 6’5” forward Jaheim Thomas to contribute in their second high school season.