T.J. Peatross, NEO Spotlight - While the logical part of my brain wants to take the field, it's tough to go against Coach Brook Cupps and Centerville. The trio of Gabe Cupps, Tom House, and Rich Rolf are averaging nearly 45 points per contest this season and they've been on the big stage before. Over the last 30 plus years, only two teams have repeated as state champions in Division 1 (Cincinnati Moeller and Canton McKinley) but I predict that the Elks will be joining some prestigious company come March 20th. 

Corey Albertson, Triple Double Prospects - Centerville, no question. Coaching, experience and chemistry win in March; especially when you have seniors. Throw that in with one of the best pure winners in high school basketball in Gabe Cupps, and I just can't see this Centerville team losing.

Matt Goul, cleveland.com - The field. Centerville is the heavy favorite, but it's March. Anything can and something will happen that's unexpected. The Elks won two of their last three games by a combined three points to take the 2021 crown. That includes a one-point state final vs. Westerville Central, which won its regional on a ridiculous buzzer-beater. The top three teams I've had in my AP state poll vote -- the defending champs, Pickerington Central and Gahanna Lincoln -- are in their own tier, in my opinion. I'll take one of the Columbus teams and lean toward Gahanna, which found itself on the wrong end of that buzzer-beater vs. the Warhawks.

Michael Roth, Prep Hoops Ohio - The field, the southwest region is loaded. Just to make the final four Centerville will likely have to beat 2 or 3 teams from this list: Fairmont, Wayne, Sycamore, St Xavier, Fairfield, Elder, Moeller, Walnut Hills, Lakota East and I might be missing somebody else. Centerville could win the state title, but I'll take my chances on somebody knocking them off.

Jake Meisler, Spy Report - While Coach Cupps and his son have my respect, I’ll take the field in Division I.  Too many outstanding programs to weather out there, with what is maybe the biggest target on their back since Akron STVM in the LeBron days.

Zach Fleer, 270 Hoops - The field. I can't go against Central Ohio, although Centerville would be my state champion pick if I had a non-biased logical brain while typing this. I am still riding with Gahanna Lincoln. I think this is the year Sean Jones and the Lions finally break through.

Jake Spegal, 270 Hoops - As of now, I have to stick with Centerville over the field but this is a very difficult decision for me. There are teams with the talent to beat them, but the Elks combination of elite coaching, elite culture and high level talent makes it hard to bet against them. Central Ohio has two teams with the talent to beat them in Gahanna and Pickerington Central, however, Pick Central is really starting to click at the right time and matches up very well with Centerville.