Preseason First Team All State: Division I
It’s going to take a lot to make the First Team All State team in Division I this season. Competitive Balance has pushed several premier teams, and therefore players, into the top tier of Ohio high school hoops, meaning the First Team could be entirely made up of D-I prospects who average over 15 points per game on above average teams.
Based on the last couple seasons and how we see 2017-18 shaping up, here’s the ten players that we expect to comprise First Team All State in Division I. (Players are in alphabetical order.)
Despite playing half of the season and not putting up spectacular stats when he was on the floor last season, Bazley has improved too much to not make the list. The #1 player in Ohio’s senior class should lead Princeton to a strong record and average around a double-double in points and rebounds.
Jeremiah Francis
The North Carolina commit and our #1 junior in Ohio will have the ball in his hands a lot for Pickerington Central. When a talent like Francis has the chance to create as much as he will this season, big numbers are to be expected.
Alonzo Gaffney
After winning the Division III State Championship with VASJ, Gaffney has the chance to elevate Garfield Heights to the best team in Division I this year. He will have a major impact on both sides of the floor for the Bulldogs.
Dane Goodwin
Goodwin is many people’s preseason choice for Mr. Basketball in Ohio. As in years passed, Goodwin will likely average huge scoring numbers and lead Upper Arlington to a top ten finish in the AP State Poll.
Andre Gordon
The Sidney Yellow Jackets should move up to being one of the best teams in the Greater Western Ohio Conference on the shoulders of their do-it-all point guard Andre Gordon. If he repeats his 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists stat-line once again, all he’ll need is a few more wins to be First Team All State.
Christian Guess
Guess will be able to play the whole season in his second year at Shaker Heights, which should make all the difference for the Raiders in 2017-18. Guess always plays with an edge, but he could be especially hungry this season as one of the top uncommitted prospects in Ohio’s senior class.
Yahel Hill
If you’ve been following some of the preseason coverage on this site, you’ll know that we like Cleveland Heights to take a few steps forward. Hill leads a strong senior class. He’ll knock down threes from all over the yard and keep everyone involved when the defense pays too much attention to his scoring ability.
Jerome Hunter
The future Indiana Hoosier is the focal point for the top team in Central Ohio coming into the season. Hunter will benefit from playing with two players over 6’9” in Pick North’s starting lineup, as opponents may not be able to play their most physical player on Hunter.
Isaiah Speelman
Because of Hilliard Bradley’s balanced and talented lineups this season, Speelman will get some wide open looks and average around 20. If all the pieces mesh, Bradley won’t lose too many games and will likely be represented by him or Braden Norris on the First Team All State team.
Vincent Williams
Williams will likely lead the best team in Northwest Ohio, Toledo St. John’s, in points, rebounds, and assists. The Virginia Commonwealth commit can man the paint or push the break for the Titans, who will likely run through their regular season schedule without many blemishes.