Team most likely to return to Dayton?

Peatross (NEO Spotlight) - While I do believe that Pickerington Central will be the favorite in Central Ohio next year, my gut is telling me to go with the Fighting Irish of Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary.  Coach Dru Joyce and company have made the Final 4 six of the last seven seasons; the only year they've missed being 2020 where the postseason was cut short as a result of COVID-19.

Albertson (Triple Double Prospects) - I'm tempted to say Cleveland Saint Ignatius has the best chance to return next year, due to all of the young talent on their roster. However, if I can only pick one team then it only feels right to go with Pickerington Central. The Tigers seem to get it done every single year with a "next man up" attitude every time they graduate a star player on to the college ranks. Add in the fact that Devin Royal will be one of the potential front-runners for Ohio Mr. Basketball next season as a senior, and I really like Pickerington Central's chances (much to the delight of Kurt Stubbs). 

Stubbs (Around the State Podcast) - Pickerington Central will lose Sonny Styles and Josh Harlan, but the rest of the group returns including Devin Royal, Markell Johnson, Gavin Headings, Rasheem Biles, Juwan Turner, Andrew Hedgepeth, and RJ Keuchler. All four Division III participants return several key pieces and Richmond Heights with Jones and Barber will be a threat once again in Division IV along with Tri-Village with a solid core of juniors.

Goul (cleveland.com) - Richmond Heights gets a nod over St. Ignatius in this category for the simple fact that no Division IV school can boast two freshmen the caliber of point guard DeErick Barber and 6-foot-4 Dorian Jones. Both are getting Division I looks already, and Jones has some offers. They play well beyond their years, and Quentin Rogers has transformed that program into a powerhouse. St. Ignatius made it last year ahead of schedule in Division I and still has three sophomore guards among its top players. The Wildcats will remain a state title contender in Division I as long as they have Cam Joyce running that basketball program.

Roth (Prep Hoops Ohio) - STVM, Dru Joyce will find a way.

Spegal (270 Hoops) - I am going to go with Pickerington Central here. While they will lose Sonny Styles, the Tigers will return Devin Royal and a handful of 2023 prospects who have gained a ton of experience this year. I believe the Tigers will be the clear favorite in Columbus next season, giving them the best shot to return.

Fleer (270 Hoops) - Pickerington Central. Despite Sonny leaving early to go make NIL money as a stud freshman hybrid on Ohio State's defense, the Tigers still have a lot of talent returning. Every rotation player outside of Josh Harlan and Styles will be back next season. Continued improvement from Royal, Headings, Turner, Johnson, Hedgepeth will make this team super dangerous when they're all seniors. And if they get a stud freshman or two, it'll add even more to a great mix of size, versatility and talent.