Back in June, we posted preseason rankings that saw Massillon Jackson at the number one spot. Not much has  changed in that regard as the Polar Bears have followed up a busy summer with an impressive month of November. With Lorain locked in and St. Edward loading up as Jackson's counterparts in Division One, St. Vincent-St. Mary has managed to go under-the-radar and emerge as the number two in our fist poll this season. 

Take a look at the NEO Spotlight Preseason Top 25 as we enter the 2016-17 season!

1. Massillon Jackson

• Last Year’s Result: District Finalist (21-5)
• Returning Starters: Kyle Young (6’7 Sr., F) Logan Hill (6’5 Sr., F)
• In the Mix: Jaret Pallotta (6'5 Jr. G/F), Kyle Nicolas (6'2 Sr., G), Ethan Stanislawski (6'1 Jr., G), Michael Zitney (6'7 Sr., C), Anthony Mazzeo (6'0 So., G)

Coach Debevec returns Kyle Young and Logan Hill, who both earned All-State honors a year ago, and a number of players with experience on last year's district finals team. Juniors Jaret Pallotta and Ethan Stanislawski join the two bigs and their athleticism adds a new dynamic on the defensive end that wasn't there last season. Kyle Nicolas, a Ball State University baseball commit, is a consistent deep threat that will round out the starting lineup. The Polar Bears have had some impressive showings throughout the preseason and have earned the top spot in NEO.

2. St. Vincent-St. Mary

• Last Year’s Result: State Runner-Up (26-4)
• Returning Starters: Jayvon Graves (6’2 Sr., G), Jon Williams (5’11 Sr., G)
• In the Mix: Malik Wooldridge ( 5'9 Sr., G), Justin Sampson (6'2 Sr., F),  DeAmonte King (5'11 Sr., G), Scott Walter (5'9 Jr., G), Tyrus Toney (5'10 Jr., G), Chris Painter (5'9 So., G), Keyshawn Jones (6'4 So., F),  Lundon McDay (6'2 So., G), Marcus Johnson (6'3 Fr., F) Domonic Moegerle (6'3 Fr., F)

The Fighting Irish have been bar none the most sound defensive team over the last few weeks, having impressive showings against Cleveland Heights and Lyndhurst Brush. Jayvon Graves and Jon Williams return as arguably the state's top backcourt and will be joined by a combination of gridiron stars and talented underclassmen. Where the team lacks size, they make up for it with their physicality and discipline on the defensive end, anchored by 6'2 senior Justin Sampson. 

3. St. Edward

• Last Year’s Result: District Finalist (16-8)
• Returning Starters: Tommy Schmock (6’0 Sr., G), Jack Sullivan (5’10 Sr., G), Kelvin Calhoun (6’5 Sr., C)
• In the Mix: Will Henry (6'5 Jr., F), Michael Dowell (6'1 Jr., G), Devan Morrow (6'5 Sr., F), Emmett Chambers (6'7 Jr., F), Elliott Tirbaso (6'4 Jr., G), Richard White (5'9 Jr., G), Demetrius Terry (6'0 So., G), Devontae Blanton (6'4 Fr., F), Grant Huffman (6'1 Fr., G), Montorie Foster (6'0 Fr., G)

St. Edward has turned some heads so far this season with their new look roster. Freshmen Grant Huffman, Devontae Blanton, and Montorie Foster join sophomore Demetrius Terry as underclassmen who will see time this year. The Eagles have a combination of youth and experience that is only rivaled by St. Vincent-St. Mary. Coach Flannery has assigned Tommy Schmock the task of running the show as he transitions into the team's lead guard, he signed a letter of intent to play at Findlay. Seniors Kelvin Calhoun and Jack Sullivan will join Schmock in the team's starting lineup as they did a season ago. 

4. Lorain

• Last Year’s Result: Regional Semi-Finalist (22-4)
• Returning Starters: Naz Bohanon (6’5 Sr., F) Jalil Little (6’1 Sr., G)
• In the Mix: Shayne Smith (6'2 Sr., G), Devon Grant (6'0 So., G), Octavius Wilson (6'2 Sr., F), Daesean Brooks (6'4 Sr., F), Taevon Pierre-Louis (6'4 So., G/F)

In the last two seasons, Lorain has fallen short of making their first final four appearance since the Admiral King and Southview merger, but Coach Rositano and company are out to make sure it doesn't stay that way. The Titans feature an experienced senior class and the group followed up an impressive summer in which they won the Earl Boykins Summer League by playing at a high level throughout the month of November, oftentimes playing without Naz Bohanon and Daesean Brooks. The team combines an unselfish brand of basketball on the offensive end with a gritty, tough-nosed defense on the other end. 

5. Warren Harding

• Last Year’s Result: Regional Semi-Finalist (23-4)
• Returning Starters: Derek Culver (6’8 Sr., F/C) TiRyn Frank (5’10 Sr., G), Lynn Bowden (6’1 Sr., G)
• In the Mix: Mike Hughes (6'1 Sr., G), Andrew Ziegler (6'2 Sr., G), Dom McGhee (6'1 So., G), Lynn Williams (6'1 Sr., G), Marlin Richardson (5'11 Sr., G)

The Raiders of Warren G. Harding will look to push the tempo and use their athleticism to put pressure on opposing defenses. The team added Mike Hughes from Youngstown Ursuline and Andrew Ziegler from Renaissance School at Olympic (NC). The two guards help fill a void left behind by senior Gabe Simpson, the school's all-time leading scorer. Senior Derek Culver understands the task that lies ahead and has embraced the challenge with open arms. The 6'9 West Virginia commit has been locked in all preseason, dominating games on both ends of the floor against quality teams. 

6. Cleveland Central Catholic

• Last Year’s Result: District Finalist (17-7)
• Returning Starters: Miryne Thomas (6’7 Sr., F), Tyler Golphin (6’0 Sr., G), Delshawn Jackson (6’0 Jr., G), Dyshawn Jackson (5'11 Jr., G)
• In the Mix: Alex Heath (5'9 Jr., G), Dion Ivory (6'0 Sr., G), Armond Lillard (6'5 Sr., F), Dwight Love (6'6 Jr., F), Cameron Cunningham (6'3 Sr., G), Jerry Coleman (6'2 Jr., G), Nate Fuentes (6'0 Jr., G)

Mark your calendars for this Saturday, December 3rd as Cleveland Central Catholic hosts St. Vincent-St. Mary in a statement game that is sure to bring forth a sold out crowd. On paper, the Ironmen go as deep as any team in the area and with the acquisition of junior guard Alex Heath,  they are a threat to knock off the Irish. Tervell Beck, currently at Point Academy Prep, was the team's top player a year ago, and as a result, the team will lean on seniors Tyler Golphin and Miryne Thomas. Junior Delshawn Jackson started some games last year for Coach Duke and is coming off of a strong summer where he showcased an improved ability to score the ball. 

7. St. Ignatius

• Last Year’s Result: Regional Finalist (20-7)
• Returning Starters: Matt Davet (6’6 Sr., F) Austen Yarian (6’8 Sr., F)
• In the Mix: Devin Jackson (5'10 Sr., G), Luke Wiskes (6'4 Jr., F), Michael Spear (6'2 Sr., G), Josh Ozanne (6'2 Jr., G)

Without the size and length of last year's group, the team dynamic changes quite a bit for the Wildcats as we enter the new year. Seniors Matt Davet and Austen Yarian provide a high-low attack as they will be accompanied by an assortment of new faces. Devin Jackson was the team's backup point-guard last season and will be asked to step up as a facilitator. Jackson has a number of quality shooters around him, led by senior Michael Spear. Junior Luke Wiskes is a fluid athlete who runs the floor and brings additional size and length to complement Davet and Yarian. 

8. Cleveland Heights

• Last Year’s Result: District Semi-Finalist (9-16)
• Returning Starters: Yahel Hill (6’0 Jr., G), Jaylen Harris (6’5 Sr., F), Tyreke Smith (6’4 Jr., F)
• In the Mix: Grayson Green (6'2 Jr., G/F), Cory Hicks (6'3 Sr., F), Javon Roberts (6'2 Jr., G), Keith Jackson (6'4 Jr., G)

Last season didn't go as planned for Cleveland Heights as the Tigers fell victim to the brute strength of their schedule. Similar to a year ago, Coach Holmes is fortunate enough to have a number of strong, athletic forwards in the frontcourt with Grayson Green, Tyreke Smith, and Jaylen Harris. Green, the least experienced of the three, is coming off of a breakout summer where the team was forced to go out on the floor without some key pieces. While Smith and Harris were gearing up for camp and practice on the gridiron, the team watched juniors Javon Roberts and Cory Hicks blossom.

9. Garfield Heights

• Last Year’s Result: State Semi-Finalist (23-5)
• Returning Starters: Marreon Jackson (5’11 Sr., G), Shawn Christian (5’11 Sr., G)
• In the Mix: McRay White (6'6 Sr., C), Jesse Laster (6'1 Fr., G), Brison Waller (6'8 So. F), Leonard Cottrell (6'4 Sr., G/F), Jermaine Johnson (6'7 Sr., F),   Donovan Forte (6'6 Jr., F), Julian Whiteside (5'10 Jr., G)

Marreon Jackson and Shawn Christian return from last year's starting five and are two upperclassmen who will have no choice to lead by example, especially early on. Garfield Heights will be without Leonard Cottrell, Donovan Forte, and Brison Waller for the first 11 games of the year. Julian Whiteside and McRay White will see an increase in their responsibilities from a year ago as the two enter the team's starting lineup for the first time in their careers. The Bulldogs will have two of the best guards on the floor in every game they will play this season and the group will certainly hold their own until their frontcourt trio returns.

10. Cleveland Benedictine

• Last Year’s Result: Regional Finalist (22-5)
• Returning Starters: Marlon Moore (6’5 Sr., F), Chris Jefferson (5’10 Jr., G),
• In the Mix: Jamari Patterson (5'8 Sr., G), Landon Robinson (6'3 Sr., G), Mario Caywood(6'5 Jr., F), Bryan Washington (6'6 Jr., F), Davin Zeigler (6'0 So., G), Devon Fox (6'0 So., G)

Coach Rob Stircula has sat back and watched senior Marlon Moore blossom into a leader and a player whose skillset has closed the gap on his athleticism. Moore and guard Jamari Patterson are projected to be the lone seniors in the starting lineup, joined by junior Mario Caywood and two of the handful of guards that Coach Stircula has at his disposal. Sophomore Davin Zeigler is an explosive playmaker and when paired with Chris Jefferson, the two form one of the area's top young backcourts. Senior Ronnie James brings a much needed sense toughness and experience to the table.

11. Villa Angela-St. Joseph

• Last Year's Result: State Runner-Up (23-6)
• Returning Starters: Gene Higgins (5'8 Jr., G), Danny McGarry (6'5 Sr., F)
• In the Mix: Alonzo Gaffney (6'7 So., F), William Butler (6'1 Sr., G), Terrance Lawler (5'10 Sr., G), Andre George (5'9 Sr., G), Noah Newlon (6'3 Sr., G)

Over the last several years, Villa-Angela-St. Joseph, along with Lima Central Catholic, have had their way in Division 3, the two teams have played for the state championship in each of the last three seasons. After winning the title in 2015, the Vikings were not expected to make another run late last season. But they did. With Lima CC edging out the Vikings a year ago, Coach Kwasniak and staff are tuning out all the hype. Alonzo Gaffney is one of the Midwest's most coveted prospects in the 2019 class, and junior guard Gene Higgins, who had a breakout sophomore campaign, enters this season as the leader of a group that is at the top of the D3 charts.

12. North Canton Hoover

• Last Year's Result: District Semi-Finalist (13-11)
• Returning Starters: Eric Sarbaugh (5'11 Sr., G), Nathan Fox (6'4 Sr., F), Eli Blackledge (6'7 Jr., F)
• In the Mix: Cameron Telesz (6'4 Sr., G/F), Matt Chuffar (5'10 Sr., G), Trent Spaulding (6'3 Sr., F/C), Nick Bunnenberg (6'0 Jr., G)

North Canton Hoover is looking to bounce back from a season that was cut short in the district tournament by the hands of Canton McKinley. The Vikings feature a duo of talented bigs on the inside with Nathan Fox and Eli Blackledge, son of head coach Todd Blackledge. The two combined for an impressive 50 points in a four-point win over Mentor in the school's annual foundation game. Senior wing Cameron Telesz is a skilled wing with the ability to change the outcome of games with his versatility and scoring ability. With the Federal League once again being one of the state's most competitive conferences, the Vikings should be battle tested come March.

13. Mentor

• Last Year's Result: District Finalist (15-11)
• Returning Starters: Jack Korsok (6'2 Sr., G),  Caden Kryz(6'3 Jr., G), Allen Simms (6'4 Sr., F), Manning Trubisky (6'2 Sr., G),
• In the Mix: Xavier Cheek (6'9 Sr., F), Matt Koski (6'5 Jr., F), Shane Zalba (5'9 Jr., G), Tadas Tatarunas (6'5 Jr., F), Chad Blessing (6'3 Jr., G), Ben Gingrich (5'9 Jr., G), Luke Floriea (5'9 Fr., G)

After a 64-62 loss to Solon in last season's district final, Mentor enter the 2016-17 season with a great amount of depth and experience. While the team lacks a traditional inside presence, senior Allen Simms and junior Tadas Tatarunas, also the team's starting quarterback, fit effortlessly into the uptempo style of basketball that the Cardinals are accustomed to playing.  Jack Korsok will serve as the team's first option on the offensive end and the crafty senior guard will be joined by Manning Trubisky and junior sharpshooter, Caden Kryz. Xavier Cheek will see an increase in his minutes from a year ago and freshman Luke Floriea will provide the team with another primary ballhandler.

14. Medina

• Last Year's Result: District Finalist (19-7)
• Returning Starters: Ben Geschke (6'1 Sr., G), Luke Schaefer (6'3 Sr., G/F), Jackson Sartain (6'0 Sr., G)
• In the Mix: Tyler Kaminski (6'7 Jr., F), Colin Szumski (5'11 Jr., G), Sam McKee (6'6 Sr., F/C), Dylan Fultz (5'10 Jr., G), Jimmy Daw (6'4 Sr., F)

The Bees enter their first season without their former centerpiece in Jon Teske, but Coach Chris Hassinger returns a strong core from a year ago that will compete in a well-balanced Greater Cleveland Conference. Seniors Ben Geschke and Jackson Sartain provide an outside punch that will be tough to match, and Luke Schaefer's inside-out game will round out the team's offensive attack. With Teske's departure, Tyler Kaminski slides into the starting lineup and the 6'7 junior brings with him a much needed inside presence. 

15. Archbishop Hoban

• Last Year’s Result: District Semi-Finalist (18-6)
• Returning Starters: Garrett Houser (6’1 Jr, G), Collen Gurley (6’2 Jr., G), Cartier Bickley (6'3 Sr., F), Brian Cuppett (6'3 Sr., F), 
• In the Mix: Matt Salopek (6'2 So., G), Isaiah Jackson (5'10 So., G), Brad Reece (5'11 So., G ), Jake Snyder (6'0 So., G), Jabari Taylor (6'2 Sr., F), Quan Easterling (6'2 So., F)

In two days, the Hoban team will play for their second consecutive state championship in Division 3. Junior Garrett Houser is yet to join his hoops teammates as the wideout serves as a top target for quarterback Danny Clark on the gridiron. Houser and fellow junior Collen Gurley, combine to be one of the area's top rising backcourts. Overall, the team features nearly 10 two-sport athletes that help the Knights play their fast and physical style of play.  

16. Canton McKinley

• Last Year’s Result: Regional Finalist (22-6)
• Returning Starters: Darryl Straughter (5’9 Sr., G)
• In the Mix: Andre Leavell (5'11 Sr., G), Isaiah Smith (6'5 Sr., F), Kwuasy Toles (6'2 Sr., F), Deontae McCollum (5'9 Jr., G), Ethan Collins (6'4 So., G/F), Jaedyn McCallup (6'4 Jr., F), Josh Chandler (6'1 Jr., F), Tymere Straughter (6'0 Jr., G), 

Despite graduating a number of starters from last season, the Bulldogs from Canton McKinley will be battle tested by the time the postseason rolls around. The team will be participating in a handful of showcase events, including an appearance in the LeBron James Classic against Toledo St. John.  Darryl Straughter is the league's top guard and one of the area's top scorers at the point-guard position. He will be joined by senior Andre Leavell and junior Deontae McCollum on a team that will rely on their defensive pressure and dynamic guard play to win games.

17. Brecksville-Broadview Heights

• Last Year’s Result: District Semi-Finalist (18-3)
• Returning Starters: Matt Dimitrijevs (6'1 Sr., G), Jared Bazil (6'6 Sr., C)
• In the Mix: Kenny Ganley (6'3 So., G), Michael Rose (6'4 Jr., F), Sam Wiglusz (6'0 Jr., G), Griffin Stevens (6'0 Sr., G), Cam Seibert (6'1 Jr., G), Marko Jakovljevic (6'7 Sr., F)

Sophomore Kenny Ganley is a rising star at the point guard position. At 6'4, Ganley has big shoes to fill as he slides into the starting lineup and replaces last year's playmaker and the Suburban MVP, Dan Auble. Matt Dimitrijevs gives Ganley a legitimate catch-and-shoot threat, while 6'6 Jared Bazil is a traditiional low-post with the ability to either score or distribute off the block. Senior Marko Jakovljevic will be in the rotation and may play alongside Bazil at times. Junior Michael Rose is a strong, wing who adds toughness and slashing from the perimeter. 

18. Cornerstone Christian

• Last Year's Result: State Champions (17-12)
• Returning Starters: Mike Bothwell (6'3 Jr., G), Tre Williams (6'1 Sr., G)
• In the Mix: Brandon McQueen (6'1 Sr., G), Martell Ferrell (6'5 Jr., F), Jeremy Owens (6'1 Jr., F), Titus Wheeler (6'0 Jr., G), Kyle Hudson (5'9 So., G), Elijah Cutting (5'7 So., G), Ronny Bakos (6'0 So., G), Adam Lambert (6'1 Jr., G), Osato Iduwe (6'8 So., C)

Despite finishing the regular season with a below .500 record, the Patriots won when it mattered the most. Junior Mike Bothwell led the way and helped earn the school's first state championship. Coach Dan Selle returns the majority of his core from their ring season. Euclid transfer Martell Ferrell, who was with the team as a freshman,  will reunite with his former teammates after sitting out the first 11 games. Ferrell is a long, wiry forward who adds versatility and athleticism in the frontcourt. Brandon McQueen is embracing his new role in the starting lineup and is looking to piggyback off of his stellar play in the state tournament.

19. Uniontown Lake

• Last Year's Result: District Finalist (18-7)
• Returning Starters: Joe McBride (6'1 Sr., G)
• In the Mix: Jimmy Kirven (5'9 Sr., G), Niko Perrin (5'9 Sr., G), Drew Delap (6'1 Sr., G), Josh Hutcherson (6'5 Sr., C), Jeremy Brady (5'11 Jr., G), Matthew Spottleson (6'4 Jr., F), Michael Spottleson (6'4 Jr., F), Jake Maranville (6'0 So., G) 

Seniors Chandler Vaudrin, Drew Myers, Jack Lostoski, and the rest of the 2016 Blue Streak class saw their run cut short by the hands of Warren Harding in the District Final over at Alliance. Coach McBride welcomes back his son Joe, the lone starter from last year, and a handful of heady guards that are capable of making plays. Senior guard Jimmy Kirven is one of Stark County's top three-point marksman and the Spottleson twins join senior Josh Hutcherson to give the Blue Streaks some size on the interior.

20. Lutheran East

• Last Year's Result: Regional Semi-Finalist (20-6)
• Returning Starters: Keandre Graves (6'3 Jr., G), Tyler Powell (6'0 Sr., G)
• In the Mix: Maurico Tate (6'1 Sr., G), Jordan Burge (6'2 Jr., G), Justin Motley (6'7 Sr., C), Travis Sanders (6'2 Jr., G), Carlos Taylor (6'4 Sr., C), Timothy Blevins (5'9 Fr., G), Kaylin Heard (6'2 So., G)

I'm sure Coach Anthony Jones and his staff have December 16th starred on their calendars as they are itching to face a familiar in Cornerstone Christian. The two split last season with Lutheran East losing the latter of the two matchups. Julian Hicks and Alex Heath, two starters from a year ago, opted to transfer this summer but the team welcomes in Maurico Tate, Jordan Burge, and Justin Motley, all three will be eligible to play right away according to Jones. Keandre Graves returns from last year's starting unit a year ago and is looking forward to playing with his new teammates.

21. Shaker Heights

• Last Year’s Result: Sectional Finalist (8-15)
• Returning Starters: Dale Bonner (6’1 Jr., G), J’Van Beasley (5’11 Sr., G), Amani Redus (5'11 Sr.,G ), George Evans (6'4 Sr., F), Isiah Wright (6'0 Sr., G)
• In the Mix: Christian Guess (6'5 Jr., G), Kevin Bishop (6’4 So., F), James Williams (6'2 Sr., G), Nick Ferguson (6'5 Fr., F),  Naj Hardaway (6'2 Jr., G), Isiah Wright (6'2 Sr., G), b.J. Carter (6'2 So., G)

A few things have changed for Coach Danny Young and the Raiders as we head into the 2016-17 season. Jordan Burge and Maurico opted to leave the program and make the move to Lutheran East, but the team returns some solid guard play and picked up a do-it-all transfer in Glenville wing Christian Guess. Dale Bonner is capable of having a breakout junior season, and the wiry guard will have plenty of opportunity early on as the team waits on Guess. Senior George Evans and sophomore Kevin Bishop will have to play bigger than their size may allow on a team that lacks depth on the inside.

22. Orange

• Last Year's Result: District Semi-Finalist (19-6)
• Returning Starters: Jaylan Hewitt (6'4 Sr., F), Jalen Warren (6'2 Sr., G), Jordan Thompson (6'0 Sr., G)
• In the Mix: Randy Crosby (5'10 Sr., G), Revelation Sanders (6'3Jr., F), Caleb Zwick (5'8 Jr., G), Joey Castle (6'2 Sr., G), Nick Garofoli (5'10 Jr., G), Marvin Davies (6'1 Fr., F)

Coach Derrick Zeigler and his team let it be known that they're here to stay after the team secured some notable wins this summer, Seniors Jaylan Hewitt and Jalen Warren are two guys that can score the ball and the duo gives Coach Z a bit of flexibility on the offensive end. With the loss of Donyell Marshall Jr., one of the top shot blockers in the country as a junior, the Lions will lack a true rim protector and be forced to rely on their defense as a collective unit. Randy Crosby slides into the lead guard spot and has shown some flashes throughout the preseason.

23. Holy Name

• Last Year's Result: Sectional Finalist (8-16)
• Returning Starters: Dwayne Cohill (6'1 Jr., G), Ralph Vance (5'11 Sr., G), Brandon Styers (5'11 Jr., G), Sean Hickey (5'11 Sr., G), Nick Opincar (6'4 Sr., F)
• In the Mix: Malique Burton (6;9 Sr., C), Jon Minnich (6'2 Jr., F), Andreus Harhalos (6'2 Jr., F), Joe Petrilla (5'10 Jr., G), Calvin McPherson (6'0 So., G) Collin Gray (6'0 Sr., F), Chris Miller (5'8 Jr., G)

Coach Jeff Huber and staff have all but one player returning from last season and feature a player of the year candidate in Dwayne Cohill. The junior  is coming off a successful summer and is hoping that his success on the circuit carries over into his high school season with the Green Wave. Malique Burton made the move to Holy Name a year ago, but due to the OHSAA's transfer policy, he was required to sit. The 6'9 big man will likely find his way into the starting lineup that is surrounded by shooters. Senior Sean Hickey is one of the state's top long ball threats, shooting 46% from the arc as a junior. Holy Name has the pieces in play to turn things around and make some noise come March.

24. Bay Village

• Last Year's Result: State Final Four (24-4)
• Returning Starters: Jack Jelen (5'10 Sr., G), R.J. Sunahara (6'6 Jr., F), Erik Painter (6'0 So., G)
• In the Mix: Daniel Brajdic (6'0 Jr., G), Nick Cady (6'3 Sr., F), Max Showalter (6'2 So., F), Park Altieri (5'11 Sr., G), Christian Dupps (6'4 So., F), Brent Hull (6'1 Jr., G)

Last season, the Rockets relied on their high-powered offense as the team won the Bowling Green regional and earned a spot in Columbus, the school's first appearance in the Division 2 state semi-finals. John Koz, currently at Cincinnati, was the catalyst to Bay's deep run. The team will also be without senior point-guard Jack Jelen for the majority of the year, Jelen suffered a torn ACL this summer. Sophomore Erik Painter emerges as the team's lead guard spot and will be asked to run the show. Painter and junior R.J. Sunahara make up a formidable inside-out punch that will be depended on early to lead the way. 

25. Oberlin

• Last Year’s Result: Regional Semi-Finalist (19-7)
• Returning Starters: Caleb Hughley (5’9 Sr., G), Donald Johnson (6’5 Sr., F)), Justin Smith (6’2 Jr., G), Dave Payne (6'1 Sr., G ), Zion Hicks (5'9 Sr., G)
• In the Mix: Mark Robinson (5'9 Sr., G), Devan Yarber (5'10 Jr., G ), Kurt Russell Jr. (Sr.), Jordan Anderson (5'10 Sr., G)

Coach Kurt Russell and Oberlin will rely on experience during the 2016-17 season as the Phoenix return practically the entire roster from last year's  group. A heartbreaking double overtime loss to St. Thomas Aquinas cut their season two games short of the state semi-finals. Senior Caleb Hughley brings energy and toughness to the floor and is the catalyst behind the team's scrappy play. Donald Johnson provides Coach Russell with a reliable inside presence, and junior Justin Smith adds a great deal of versatility and rebounding from the guard spot.  

Akron Ellet

The odds on favorite to win the Akron City Series, the Orangemen are led by seniors Marquise Bridges and A.J. Gareri. Gareri, an Ohio University commit, is coming off an injury that sidelined him for the second half of the summer, but the 6'9 forward has the versatility and skillset to be a matchup problem night in and night out. Ellet has non-league contests against three schools in our top 25.

Copley

The Indians had undoubtedly the game of the year last season when their district semi-final matchup with Uniontown Lake took 5 overtimes to determine a winner. Having went 22-0 a year ago and having perhaps the best regular season in school history, backcourt duo of Brian Roberts and Austin Brenner return to help lead the Indians, our pick to win the Suburban League-American division.

Elyria

Coach Larrick returns four of his five starters from last season, but will be without the team's leading scorer in Blake Furcron, the 6'5 wing is currently at Walsh University on a redshirt season. Antonio Blanton is perhaps the top shooter in Lorain County and junior Justin Koepp is a blossoming young big with the potential to have a productive season. Josh Lotko and Darquan Woods gives the team some size and athleticism on the outside. 

Lyndhurst Brush

Our dark horse team, Coach Chet Mason and his Arcs squad have some of the top underclassmen that the state has to offer. Sophomores D.J. Dial and Andre Harris each have a year of varsity experience under their belts and the two understand that the time to win games is now. Junior Tyler Williams and standout freshman John Hugley give Brush a pair of big bodies on the inside.

Malvern

Coach Dennis Tucci brings back three starters from last year's group, including one of the top one-two punches in the area with Jaret Majestic and Mark Mayle. It was Majestic's 38-point outburst that helped put the Hornets into the division's top 16.  If things pan out, the team will get their shot to knock off either Cornerstone or Lutheran East in what is undoubtedly the toughest Division 4 regional in the state. 

Maple Heights

After finishing 5-5 in the conference last season, the Mustangs are on track to bounce back and compete for a top spot in the Lake Erie League. Juniors Alfonse Hale and Marcus Kimmie complement one another well, and where the two lack size, they make up for it with their ability to score the basketball. Hale was the team's returning scorer a year ago, and senior Tyree Harris is a strong guard who is capable of leading the team in rebounding from the wing position. Maple Heights will be hosting the inaugural Great Lakes Classic this weekend.

Solon

The Comets took a hit earlier this Fall when junior guard Sincere Carry suffered an apparent knee injury. Carry, who is expected to return in January, is one of the top point-guards in the Class of 2018 and played through an unrelated injury down the stretch of last year. Senior Jason Steele and David Gulley are two guards that Coach DeCesare can depend on to score, but the team will miss Carry's leadership and game management. 

Stow-Munroe Falls

Coryon Rice returns to a Bulldogs backcourt that will be without senior sharpshooter in Nathan Bower-Malone, the 5'10 guard is currently a freshman at Mount Union. Rice is a slashing guard who has a knack of getting into the lane, and this year the junior is surrounded by a pair of improving forwards. Sophomore Evan Bainbridge and junior Mason McMurray are two athletic bigs capable of stretching the floor offensively and opening up the paint for Rice and senior Logan Lindsay.

St. Thomas Aquinas

St. Thomas Aquinas is looking for their fifth consecutive district title and a chance to get back to Columbus for the first time since 2014. Aquinas has earned a reputation of scoring the basketball in a hurry, but without Jacob Paul, last year's leading scorer, the team will rely on a balanced attack, led by seniors Logan Newman , Jaret Knox, Andrew Duplin, and Bryson Knott.