Teams  to Watch

Barberton - Rising juniors Zane Ries and Jordan Greynolds, GlenOak transfer and son of Coach Jack Greynolds, will be looking to add to the team's successes so far here in June after an impressive showing at the University of Mount Union Shootout a few weeks ago.

Brush - There aren't  many teams in the area, if any, that have a more promising group of young and talented players quite like the Arcs out of Brush High School. While the future is certainly bright, Coach Chet Mason believes that his team can win right now, and with D.J. Dial and Tyler Williams leading the way, it is easy to see why he feels that way.

Elyria - One of the more interesting stories over the last few months of AAU and team activities has been the rise of class of 2018 forward Justin Koepp. Koepp, who stands at 6'6, is an athletic big who effortlessly runs the floor and finishes in transition. Although leading scorer Blake Furcron will be suiting up for Walsh University this upcoming season, Coach Brett Larrick returns a solid core led by Antonio Blanton and Josh Lotko.

Uniontown Lake - The Federal League has proven to be one of the top tier leagues throughout the state. Coach Tom McBride will have plenty of talent to work with in 16-17 as the Blue Streaks hope to once again make a run at a league-title.

Teams to Watch

Cleveland Heights - After a relatively slow start to the 15-16 season, Coach Jeremy Holmes and company will be heading into this upcoming season with a new start and some familiar faces. Point guard Yahel Hill is the straw that stirs the drink for Heights, and he will have to do continue to do so if they expect to overcome last season's woes.  

Ellet - What does Ellet have that no other Akron City team does? They return the reigning league MVP, A.J. Gareri. The 6'9 forward has a rare combination of size and skill, and has seen his recruitment heat up as a result. Lightning quick point guard Marquis Bridges  will also be a key-contributor for the Orangemen this season.

McKinley - The most winningest  program in the state of Ohio will be looking to add to that total in 16-17. With LePear Toles, Jordan Davis, and T.J. Lipkins out the door, insert Darryl Straughter. Straughter, one of the area's premier scorers from the guard spot will be asked to increase his responsibilities on both ends of the floor as he will be asked to do much more than score if this young McKinley team expects to sit atop of the Federal League.

Youngstown Ursuline - After a regional semi-final loss last season by the hands of St. Vincent St. Mary, Ursuline returns 6'6 big man Armon Nasseri and point guard Micheal Hughes. Hughes, who has missed the early part of Spring AAU due to injury, is just one of many talented guards in a loaded 2018 class. 

St. Vincent St. Mary - Over the last ten-plus years, there hasn't been a shortage of talent for Dru Joyce and his Fighting Irish staff. That wont change in 2017. Jayvon Graves and Jon Williams combine to make the best backcourt that the state of Ohio has to offer. The two have spent their summer touring with King James in the EYBL and they are hoping to use that experience to make another trip to Columbus come March.  

Shaker Heights - Coach Dan Young and the Red Raiders exceeded expectations last season, and as a result, they will be getting their opponent's best night in and night out. Christian Guess (Glenville) and Maurico Tate (Westlake) will be joining what was already a deep backcourt.

Stay tuned as NEO Spotlight will be providing full recaps of the events!