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NEO Division 2 Preview

By T.J. Peatross, 11/29/16, 4:15PM EST

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In 2016, two teams from the area's stacked Division 2 field earned berths to the state semi-finals, both falling just short of their ultimate goal. A lot has changed since then, so join us as we take a closer look into what the division has to offer this time around.

Preseason 1st Team

Jon Williams (St. Vincent-St. Mary) 5'11 Sr., G - Williams is a heady guard with the court savvy to manage the game and make plays in the halfcourt. The Robert Morris commit is a knockdown shooter, capable of getting hot in a hurry.  

Dwayne Cohill (Holy Name) 6'1 Jr., G - Cohill nearly averaged 28ppg  last season, and we expect another big year for the explosive guard. Our pick for Division 2 Player of the year, Cohill is hoping to relive Holy Name's deep run during his freshman campaign. 

Jayvon Graves (St. Vincent-St. Mary) 6'2 Sr., G - After earning All-Ohio honors last season, Graves returns as one of a handful of seniors on a young and talented Fighting Irish squad, he announced his decision to join Buffalo back in October.

Marlon Moore (Cleveland Benedictine) 6'5 Sr., F - Moore is a powerfully-built forward with the athleticism and motor to put up big scoring and rebounding numbers. The senior signed a letter of intent to join West Liberty University, the number one ranked team in NCAA Division 2.

Miryne Thomas (Cleveland Central Catholic) 6'7 Sr., F - Thomas came onto the scene  a year ago after transferring to CCC from St. Martin de Porres. The long, athletic forward adds versatility and perimeter shooting for the Ironmen.

Preseason 2nd Team

Tyler Golphin (Cleveland Central Catholic) 6'1 Sr., G - The 6'1 guard is as dynamic of  a playmaker that you will find in the area. With the graduation Tervell Beck, there will be plenty of opportunity for Golphin on the offensive end of the floor. 

Jordan Fabry (Crestwood) 6'3 Sr., G - One of the top scorers in Division 2 last season, Fabry averaged 23.4ppg to go along with 9rpg. The senior is a tough-nosed guard who does a little bit of everything for Coach Jakacki and the Red Devils.

Jaylan Hewitt (Orange) 6'4 Sr., G/F - After going under-the-radar last season, Hewitt was one of the summer's breakout performers. Known for his ability to finish around the basket, the senior wing has shown a much improved perimeter game.

R.J. Sunahara (Bay) 6'6 Jr., F - Sunahara was a key piece to last year's final four run. At 6'6. the junior has a revving motor and solid athleticism that allows him to impact the game on both ends.

Pete Nance (Richfield Revere) 6'8 Jr., F - Perhaps the most skilled big in our area, Nance has been garnering the attention of low major and mid-major programs from across the Midwest. On a young Revere team, Nance will have to emerge as the team's vocal leader. 

Preseason 3rd Team

D.J. Hancock (Alliance, 6'0 Sr., G) - Hancock is a blur with the ball in his hands. The explosive guard attacks the lane as well as anyone and has a knack of creating extra opportunities for himself around the rim, he earned All-NBC honors a year ago.  

Alex Heath (Cleveland Central Catholic) 5'9 Jr., G - A transfer from D4 Lutheran East, Heath is a guard that fits well with the Ironmen's uptempo style of play. With Heath at the point, it opens up the floor for Golphin and junior Delshawn Jackson.

Andrew Carbon (Struthers) 6'1 Sr., G - One of the area's hidden gems, Carbon is a combo-guard with a lightning quick release and tight handle. The Struthers product is looking to capitalize off os his big season a year ago and carry his team back from an early exit a year ago. 

Marcus Ernst (Ashtabula Edgewood) 6'6 Sr., G/F - Ashtabula County is oftentimes overlooked when it comes to Northeast Ohio, but senior Marcus Ernst can flat out play. The 6'6 wing has a unique skillset considering his size and is coming off of a year where he averaged 17 points and 11 rebounds a night.  

Michael Karl (New Philadelphia) 6'5 Sr., F - Karl is a 6'5 forward with ideal size and a great frame. The Quakers will lean on the senior this season as they hope to make a late run. 

Honorable Mention

Jamari Patterson (Cleveland Benedictine 5'8 Sr., G), Jake Creadon (Padua-Franciscan, 6'3 Sr., G),  Marcus Martin (Clearview, 6'1 Sr., G), Sean Hickey (Holy Name, 5'11 Sr., G), Brendan Paul (Hawken, 6'2 Sr., G),  G'Warren Douglas (Shaw, 6'6 Sr., F),  Tyshaun Howard (East Tech, 6'2 Sr., G), Isaiah Washington (East Tech, 5'10 Sr., G), Chris Jefferson (Benedictine, 5'10 Jr., G)  Kevin Peterson (Padua-Franciscan, 6'5 Jr., G/F), Sarrick Sampson (Alliance, 6'4 Jr., F), Mason Lydic (Woodridge, 6'2 Jr., G), Erik Painter (Bay Village, 6'0 So., G), Delshawn Jackson (Cleveland Central Catholic, 6'0 Jr., G), Matt Francesconi (Tallmadge, 6'3 Jr., G), Jalen Warren (Orange, 6'2 Sr., G), Anthony Howell (Youngstown Ursuline, 6'5 Sr., F), Shawn Dunnings (Lake Catholic, 6'5 Jr., F), Jamiroquai Transou (Painesville Harvey, 6'5 Sr., F)


Top 10

1. 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)

St. Vincent-St. Mary is coming off a season in which they fell to John Glenn 76-72 in the Division Two state championship. The disappointment that comes with thinking about that game on March 19th has fueled  Coach Dru Joyce and company throughout the summer and preseason. The Fighting Irish have been bar none the most sound defensive team that I have watched over the last few weeks, having impressive showings against Cleveland Heights and Lyndhurst Brush. Seniors Jayvon Graves and Jon Williams return as the state's top backcourt and will be joined by a combination of two-sport athletes and talented underclassmen. Malik Wooldridge, DeAmonte King, and Justin Sampson have all pledged commitments to Division One football programs, Wooldridge and Sampson opting to stay home and suit up for the Zips.  Where the team lacks size, they make up for it with their physicality and discipline on the defensive end.

2. Cleveland Central Catholic

Mark your calendars for this Saturday, December 3rd as Cleveland Central Catholic host 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. 

3. 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), Ronnie James (5'9 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), Andy Barba (6'3 Fr., G)

Despite graduating their top two leading scorers from a year ago, Benedictine has reloaded. Coach Rob Stircula has sat back and watched the senior Marlon Moore blossom into a player whose skillset has closed the gap on his athleticism, but Moore has also matured as a leader who lets his intense play command the respect of his teammates. Moore and 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, form one of the area's top young backcourts. Senior Ronnie James brings a much needed sense toughness and experience to the table. We'll find out what this group is made of early on as they begin their season with a series of tough matchups.

4. 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 (6'3 Jr., 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.

5. 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 return player of the year candidate in Dwayne Cohill. The junior  is coming off a summer where he led his AAU team to the 16U Adidas National Championship. Cohill 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 marksman, 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.

6. Bay
  • 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)

The Rockets turned heads last season as they 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 averaged 21.6ppg a year ago and the now Cincinnati Bearcat 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 and is unsure when or if he will be able to suit up this season. Sophomore Erik Painter slides into 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 and will both see an increase in their responsibilities as the team learns how to capitalize off of last year's success.

7. Alliance
  • Last Year's Result: District Semi-Finalist (22-3)
  • Returning Starters: D.J. Hancock (6'0 Sr., G), Devernte Martin (5'10 Sr., G), Sarrick Sampson (6'4 Jr., F)
  • In the Mix: Zach Terrell (6'0 Sr., G/F), Dom Fletcher (5'9 Sr., G), Demarko Brooks (5'7 So., G), Tyler Williams (6'3 Jr., F), Anthony Thomas (6'0 Sr., G), Tyler Johns (6'1 Jr., G)

Year in and year out, the Aviators have proven to be a consistent program in Division 2. Coming off of a 20-2 season, Alliance enters the 2016-17 as the favorites to win the Northeastern Buckeye Conference, led by the duo of D.J. Hancock and Sarrick Sampson. Sampson, a 6'4 junior, emerges as one of the team's top options and with his size and ball skills, Coach Larry Kukura will need a breakout year for his big man on the inside. Senior Devernte Martin returns as a starter from last year's group and provides the team with a knockdown shooter from deep.

8. East Tech
  • Last Year's Result: District Semi-Finalist (22-4)
  • Returning Starters: Tyshaun Howard (6'2 Sr., G), Tyler Kelso (6'7 Sr., F/C), LeVar Briggs (6'5 Sr., F) 
  • In the Mix: Isaiah Washington (5'10 Sr., G), Aaron Pate (6'3 Sr., F), Jose Peraza (6'1 Sr., G), Julian Huff (6'2 Jr., G/F), Aaron Beddell (5'11 Jr., G)

Since Coach Brett Moore took the job over on E 55th, the Scarabs have been undoubtedly the top team in the Senate League, producing some of the area's most accomplished and coveted athletes. Markell Johnson, last season's player of the year according to Cleveland.com, opted to forgo an additional year of prep school and is currently at North Carolina State. Seniors Tyshaun Howard, LeVar Briggs, and Jose Peraza were key pieces on last year's team and are out to prove that they can carry the torch as the three of them look to win their fourth consecutive Senate League crown. Isaiah Washington made the move from league rival Rhodes and will join the team after 11 games, Washington averaged 23ppg as a junior. 

9. Padua-Franciscan
  • Last Year's Result: Sectional Semi-Finalist (12-11)
  • Returning Starters: Jake Creadon (6'4 Sr., G), Kevin Peterson (6'5 Jr., G/F), Cam Drum (6'6 Sr., F)  
  • In the Mix: Nick Pullar (6'1 Sr., G), Joe Monnin (6'3 Jr., G), Alex Ludwick (6'1 Sr., G), John Adamich (6'2 Sr., G/F), Mike Morsillo (5'9 So., G), Joe Pelesky (6'5 Jr., F)

A lot can change over the summer. Coach Brian Ansberry accepted the head coaching position at Padua back in April and wasted no time getting  to work. Ansberry has instilled a more uptempo style of play and the team has adjusted accordingly, beating some quality programs in the St. Ignatius Summer League. Seniors Jake Creadon and Cam Drum provide the Bears with a some outside shooting, while 6'5 junior wing Kevin Peterson adds his versatility and leadership from the gridiron.

10. Richfield Revere
  • Last Year's Result: Sectional Semi-Finalist (9-13)
  • Returning Starters: Pete Nance (6'8 Jr., F), Joe Boyer (6'0 Jr., G), Samson Albert (5'8 So., G) 
  • In the Mix: Kyle Tretter (6'5 Sr., F), George Russell (6'3 Sr., F), Daniel Miller (6'0 Jr., G), Hunter Drenth (6'6 Fr., F), Chris Richardson (6'3 So., F), Matt Grayem (6'1 So., F)

Revere has amped up their schedule from a year ago. With Garfield Heights, Cleveland Heights, and Shaker Heights all a part of their non-conference schedule, the Minutemen will have their hands full. Backcourt runningmates Joe Boyer and Samson Albert join junior Pete Nance to make up a solid core for Coach Rahas to work with over the next two seasons. Nance is expected to emerge as one of the area's top juniors and the 6'8 forward has all of the pieces in play to do just that. The team's depth and toughness on the inside will be tested throughout the course of the year. 

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