CLEVELAND, Ohio — The good news for Benedictine and Cleveland Central Catholic is they are back in Division II.
Better news for them: they are not in the same district.
Bad news for everyone else? The competitive balance shakeup that is now an annual occurrence for OHSAA members brought both schools back after a year in D-I. Benedictine is in the Stow District it last won in 2016. Central Catholic, which made the regionals by winning that district in 2017, will now play in the North Ridgeville District.
Check out the Bengals, Ironmen and Division II's top programs in this cleveland.com boys basketball preview.
Here are cleveland.com's top 10 Division II teams to watch throughout the regular season, leading up to district tournament play. The Northeast District Athletic Board assignments for this season's tournament pools can be found here.
Coach: Rob Stircula (10th season)
2017-18 record: 18-6, 9-1 North Coast League Blue Division (Division I Euclid Sectional finalist)
Returning starters: Davin Zeigler (6-3, Sr., PG, 19.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists), Eric Buckner Jr. (5-10, Jr., G, 9.0 points, 4.0 assists), Jashun Cobb (6-0, Jr., G, 9.0 points, 4.0 assists), Andy Barba (6-6, Jr., G/F, 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists)
In the rotation: Kevin Bishop (6-6, Sr., F/C), B.J. Busbee (6-2, So., G), Rory Kilbane (6-3, Sr., F, 5.0 points, 6.0 rebounds), Jakeith Scott-Choice (6-2, Sr., F), Joseph Sandman-Sieman (6-2, Sr., F), Chris Gales (6-3, So., G/F)
Outlook: The Bengals are back in Division II as a result of the OHSAA's yearly competitive balance shakeup. That could bode well for them with two Mid-American Conference commits in Zeigler (Bowling Green) and Barba (Miami). The team graduated one of the area's better defensive guards in Chris Jefferson, but it has more experience at the position with last season's emergence of Buckner and Cobb as sophomores. Both saw an increase in playing time while Zeigler missed seven games midway through the season because of injury. Benedictine also added Bishop a transfer from Shaker Heights, where he played since his freshman season. Busbee was one of the area's top scoring players on junior varsity, averaging 21.0 points. In addition to the move back to Division II, Benedictine is in a new division within the NCL, which expanded to three divisions. The Bengals will be in one of the divisions with Archbishop Hoban, Cleveland Central Catholic and Villa Angela-St. Joseph. CCC and VASJ played in the White Division last season, and Benedictine faced each of them just once. Now they will play at least twice, not counting the postseason.
Coach: Matt Moran (fifth season)
2017-18 record: 18-7, 7-3 North Coast League (Ashtabula Lakeside District finalist)
Returning starters: Luke Frazier (6-3, Jr., PG, 15.3 points, 3.1 assists, 2.2 steals), Sean Fitzgerald (6-3, Sr., G, 7.5 points, 4.2 rebounds), Luka Eller (6-9, Jr., G/F, 19.7 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.1 blocks)
In the rotation: Ryan Boruszkowski (5-10, Sr., G), Christian DeMitro (5-11, Jr., G), Vinny Cremonese (6-4, Sr., F)
Outlook: Lake Catholic has made major strides the last two seasons, including a regional appearance in 2017 with Frazier and Eller as freshmen. Both are approaching 1,000 career points, Eller could take over the career scoring lead at Lake Catholic, and both have a long list of mid-major college scholarship offers. Add in Fitzgerald, who hit more than 50 3-pointers last season, and depth with DeMitro and others, Lake Catholic is a squad that could return to Canton for regional and contend for a run to Columbus. The NCL's realignment also pushed the Cougars away from former division rival Benedictine. Instead, it will get Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin, Padua and Walsh Jesuit twice in divisional play.
Coach: Babe Kwasniak (ninth season)
2017-18 record: 18-9, 7-1 North Coast League White Division (Canton Regional finalist)
Returning starters: Jaden Hameed (5-11, So., G), Jordan Calhoun (6-1, Sr., G), Graham Koppelman (6-4, Sr., F), Latrace Jackson (6-8, Sr., F)
In the rotation: Khalil Mitcham (6-6, Sr., F), Jonah Waag (5-11, So., G), Jason Priah (6-3, Sr., G), Sean Johnson (5-11, Jr., G), Julius Cummings (6-1, Sr., F)
Outlook: VASJ's incredible run of five straight appearances in OHSAA state title games came to an end against last season's eventual Division II state champion St. Vincent-St. Mary. The shuffling of competition continues for VASJ, which moved up last season to D-II. STVM is now in D-I, and the Vikings' regular-season schedule got a little stiffer with the NCL's new three-division format. As a result, VASJ will face Benedictine and Archbishop Hoban twice in addition to normal NCL rival Cleveland Central Catholic. The biggest question mark is how this team replaces point guard Jerry Higgins, a three-year starter and four-year varsity player now at The Citadel. It is a common theme for many of the area's top programs, moving on from standout point guards. VASJ's answer comes in the form of a trio with Calhoun (son of Youngstown State coach Jerrod Calhoun), Hameed and Waag. This team's identity could be made on the defensive end, and it should be able to pressure teams up front with Jackson and Mitcham to clean up on the inside.
Coach: Matt Futch (second season)
2017-18 record: 16-9, 9-1 Akron City Series (Canton District finalist)
Returning starters: Anthony Hunt Jr. (6-4, Sr., F), Jonathan King (6-6, Sr., G/F, 14.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.8 blocks)
In the rotation: Chris Livingston (6-5, Fr., G), Noah Peoples (6-2, So., F/G), Robert Young-Jones (5-9, So., G), Martavien Johnson (5-8, So., G), Ronnell "Tae" Perie II (6-1, So., G), Vernon Smith (6-7, So., F), Addison Singletary (6-6, Jr., F), Cordell Livingston (5-10, Fr., PG), D'Lawrence Scott (5-5, So., G), T'kai Coleman (6-4, Jr., G/F)
Outlook: Considered one of the top freshmen in the country, Chris Livingston brings uncanny star power. Futch guided the Griffins last year to the district finals, only to meet eventual state champion St. Vincent-St. Mary. STVM is now in D-I, and the Griffins are much stronger. In addition to Livingston, Buchtel brings back King after an all-district effort that also earned him runner-up for City Series MVP. Johnson is an Archbishop Hoban transfer, and Smith has high potential to match his 6-foot-7 frame.
Coach: Jordan Duke (fourth season)
2017-18 record: 18-6, 7-1 North Coast League White Division (Division I Solon District semifinalist)
Returning starters: None
In the rotation: Tevin Jackson (5-9, Jr., PG), Taryl Davis (6-5, Sr., F), Trevon Wells (6-4, Sr., F), Josh Ortiz (6-0, Sr., G), Rayshawn Ford (6-3, Sr., F), Quintin Stephens (6-6, Sr., C), Kyle Robinson (6-2, Sr., G), Isaiah Thomas (6-4, Sr., F), Deshaun Nettles (6-8, Jr., F), Arthur Fayne (6-2, Jr., G), Jaden Williams (5-11, Jr., G), Kenan Johnstone (6-2, Jr., G), Cameron Egnor (6-0, Jr., G), Charles Knuckles (6-3, Jr., G), Terran Mack (6-5, Jr., G)
Outlook: The Ironmen are back in Division II, but with a new district alignment. They will play in the North Ridgeville District tournament instead of the Stow District with Benedictine like in previous years. There is a new cast on the court for Duke, who seeks new leadership following the graduation of three-year starting guards Delshawn and Dyshawn Jackson. A strong candidate for that role is Tevin Jackson, who transferred last spring from St. Ignatius and will be eligible for the whole season. Central Catholic alum and former NBA player Earl Boykins will make his return Nov. 30. Boykins is bringing his Douglas County team from Denver for a Cleveland tour, which includes matchups with East Tech and Brecksville the following day.
Coach: Dan DeCrane (first season)
2017-18 record: 17-7 (Stow District semifinalist)
Returning starters: C.J. Charleston (5-11, Sr., PG, 19 points, 5.0 assists, 4.0 rebounds), Connor O'Toole (6-3, Jr., G, 8.4 points, 3.8 assists)
In the rotation: Ryan Coan (5-11, Sr., G/F), Andre Rodgers (6-1, So., G)
Outlook: Gilmour has one of the top backcourts in the area, led by Charleston and O'Toole. A record-breaking run could continue for Charleston, who last summer won state long jump and relay championships in track and field, then ran for more than 2,500 yards this fall on the football field. He enters his senior season on pace to break the school record for points (1,260) set last season by Declan Kirincic. DeCrane returns to the area after a successful stint in Columbus at Bishop Hartley, which won 20 games last season and made it to a district final. DeCrane is a 2003 Archbishop Hoban graduate, coached there as an assistant along with stops at St. Edward and Akron East. The Lancers also enter the North Coast League and will play in the White Division with Warren JFK, St. Thomas Aquinas and Trinity. They graduated size with Kirincic, but have potential with up-and-coming players from a 19-3 JV team.
Coach: John Szalay (27th season)
2017-18 record: 16-7, 15-1 Patriot Athletic Conference Stripes Division (North Ridgeville Sectional finalist)
Returning starters: Javon Todd (5-10, Sr., G, 14.0 points, 4.0 assists), Jamir Billings (5-11, So., G, 7.0 points), Jaylen Paschel (6-2, Sr., G/F, 10.0 points)
In the rotation: Josiah Hitchens (Sr.), Jordan Reed (Jr.), Joshua Cordero (Sr.), Dylan Rebman (Sr.), Chase Christensen (Jr.), C.J. Fleming (Jr.), JoJo Norris (Jr.)
Outlook: Clearview can push the tempo with a trio of returning starters on the perimeter, led by Todd after an all-district performance last season. A nonconference schedule that includes Division I state semifinalist Lorain, Elyria and Division II regional qualifier Bay should test Clearview for the postseason. The Clippers are looking for a third straight PAC championship to close their run in the Stripes Division. Next year, they will be part of the new eight-team Lorain County League.
Coach: Dean Rahas (17th season)
2017-18 record: 20-5, 9-3 Suburban League American Division (Canton regional semifinalist)
Returning starters: Samson Albert (5-9, Sr., PG, 8.0 points, 5.4 assists), Chris Richardson (6-5, Sr., G/F, 9.0 points, 5.0 rebounds), Hunter Drenth (6-8, Jr., F, 10.2 points, 5.0 rebounds)
In the rotation: Sean Leyden (6-0, Sr., G), Grant Scherler (6-1, Jr., G), Andrew Cooke (6-2, Jr., F), Julian Kent (6-2, Jr., G), Andrew Rinn (6-2, So., G), Jim Salamone (5-10, So., G)
Outlook: The conversation around Revere the last few seasons began with Pete Nance, who is now at Northwestern. The cupboard is not bare, with a promising big in Drenth and energizing point guard in Albert. Richardson sent the Minutemen to last season's regionals with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer against Warrensville Heights in the district championship. Revere could push the pace more than it did in previous seasons and put together an impressive scrimmage performance at Garfield Heights.
Coach: Jeff Javorek (fourth season)
2017-18 record: 19-4, 12-2 Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division (Ashtabula Lakeside Sectional finalist)
Returning starters: Peyton Bissler (6-2, Jr., G, 16.0 points, 5.0 assists), Stephen Javorek (6-3, Sr., F), Josh Irwin (6-5, So., F, 16.0 points, 12.0 rebounds)
In the rotation: Marco Formichelli (5-10, Sr., G), Jack Musser (5-9, Sr., G), Aidan Pitcock (5-10, Jr., G), Jackson Gruber (5-9, Sr., G), Harrison Gruber (6-0, Jr., G), Gabe Phan (6-6, Sr., F), Shaun Podojil (6-5, Sr., F), Elijah Cutting (5-10, Sr., G)
Outlook: West Geauga is on the upswing, even after a 19-win season. The big reason starts with Irwin, who already has a Bowling Green offer and made visits to Ohio State and several in-state mid-majors. And the Wolverines have more talent and size around the CVC MVP. Glenville upset the defending CVC champions in the sectional finals. Both are back in that district with private school powers Lake Catholic and Villa Angela-St. Joseph.
Coach: Jared Shetzer (sixth season)
2017-18 record: 20-7, 11-1 Great Lakes Conference (Bowling Green Regional finalist)
Returning starters: Erik Painter (6-1, Sr., PG, 16.2 points, 4.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds), Max Showalter (6-3, Sr., G/F, 6.3 points, 3.5 rebounds), Christian Dupps (6-4, Sr., F/C, 5.8 points, 3.1 rebounds)
In the rotation: Jack Maxwell (6-4, Sr., G, 6.9 points), Cade Gergye (6-4, Sr., G, 4.4 points), Francis Sherman (6-4, Sr., F/C), Brett Thompson (6-5, Sr., C), Cooper Lyons (6-3, So., G), Ashton Price (5-10, So., PG), Jake Martin (6-1, Jr., G), Mitch Cooke (6-2, Jr., G), Zak Crabb (6-4, Jr., C), Jack Manak (5-9, Sr., G)
Outlook: Bay won its second district title in three years, falling short of a return to the state final four with a team led by versatile 6-7 R.J. Sunahara, who is now playing at Fairmont State. Back is one of the area's better point guards in Painter. Showalter is a top athlete with football accolades, and Maxwell has small-college interest. This team will still have length, as Shetzer expects most of his starting lineup — with the exception of Painter — to be at least 6-3. The coach is 13 victories shy of 100 for his career.
Northeast Ohio is much deeper than just the top 10 teams. Keep an eye on these programs. Most of the information below was provided by coaches who answered preseason questionnaires.
Coach: T.J. Henderson (second season)
2017-18 record: 8-16, 2-10 Suburban League American Division (Stow Sectional finalist)
Returning starters: Justin Gentile (5-10, Sr., G), Jack Arnold (6-2, Sr., F)
In the rotation: Cooper Bizjak (5-11, Sr., PG), Gabe Elsawy (5-10, So., G), Ethan Hays (6-2, Jr., G/F)
Outlook: The Greenmen ran into Pete Nance and district champion Revere at the end of last season. They move on this season following the graduation of leading guard Cade Huffman, but aim to push the pace on both ends. Gentile, Elsawy and Bizjak lead that charge.
Coach: Cory Emerine (first season)
2017-18 record: 6-16, 4-12 Patriot Athletic Conference Stars Division (North Ridgeville Sectional semifinalist)
Returning starters: Jacob Cole (6-1, Sr., G, 12.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists), Tyler Horvath (5-10, Jr., G), Cody Mortenson (6-2, Sr., G), Connor Baughman (5-11, Sr., G), Dylan Smith (5-9, Jr., G)
In the rotation: Jonathon Wright (Jr.), Exavier Ortiz (So.)
Outlook: Emerine takes over for legendary coach Phil Argento. This should be an athletic, guard-oriented attack with some depth that looks to make a jump in the final season of the PAC.
Coach: Tom Harrington (fourth season)
2017-18 record: 17-7, 12-4 Patriot Athletic Conference Stars Division (North Ridgeville Sectional finalist)
Returning starters: Brock Brumfield (5-11, Sr., G, 12.0 points, 4.0 assists), Anthony Watkins (5-11, Sr., G, 13.0 points, 4.0 assists)
In the rotation: Mike Knoll (6-7, Sr., F), Cam Imes (6-2, Sr., G), Aaron Drew (6-1, Jr., G)
Outlook: Buckeye's quest for the final PAC Stars Division title begins with two returning all-conference guards in Brumfield and Watkins. Knoll could be one to watch with his size and athleticism. He has interest from several area colleges, including Wooster, John Carroll and Baldwin Wallace. He will be a mismatch throughout the PAC. Along with Brumfield and Watkins, this should be a high-scoring team with solid shooting.
Coach: Dave Bargar (14th season)
2017-18 record: 15-9, 10-4 Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division (Stow Sectional finalist)
Returning starters: Jenson Yonker (6-3, Sr., F, 12.5 points, 5.1 rebounds)
In the rotation: Cam Owen (5-7, Jr., G, Josh Norton (6-2, So., G), Cole Weiss (6-3, Sr., F), Xavier Perez (5-10, So., G), Mike Vandertill (6-1, Sr., G), Jack Amendola (5-9, Sr., G)
Outlook: Chagrin Falls' season ended with a close and tough end at Warrensville Heights, which lost at the buzzer in the district finals. That 51-45 loss to Warrensville, sparked by a 14-1 run in the fourth quarter, illustrates how close Bargar's club was to making a potential deep tournament run. He has just one returning starter, but the formula is there with an unselfish style that could buoy the Tigers in CVC contention.
Coach: Chad Murawski (third season)
2017-18 record: 14-10, 7-7 Western Reserve Conference (Ashtabula Lakeside Sectional finalist)
Returning starters: Ben Sulka (6-2, Sr., G, 14.0 points)
In the rotation: Mikey Corsillo (5-11, Sr., PG), Jake Skilton (6-0, Sr., G, 6.0 points), Jacob Hougan (6-8, Sr., F/C), Nathanael Sulka (6-2, Fr., G)
Outlook: Chardon graduated a scoring machine in Alex Sulka, now playing college basketball at Muskingum, but it brings back Ben Sulka and has an up-and-coming freshman in Nathanael Sulka. Chardon should have some depth to it, making for a contender in the WRC.
Coach: Ryan Barry (second season)
2017-18 record: 20-5, 12-4 Patriot Athletic Conference Stripes Division (North Ridgeville District semifinalist)
Returning starters: Luke Howes (6-2, Jr., PG, 15.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 3.3 steals), Noah Mesaros (6-3, Jr., F, 8.5 points, 5.5 rebounds)
In the rotation: Martin Lowry (6-3, Jr., G, 8.8 points, 2.5 steals), Marty Rehor (5-9, Jr., G), Ethan McQuate (5-9, So., G), Zach Evans (5-9, Sr., G), Malachi Turner (6-6, Sr., C)
Outlook: Following a school record for wins, what does Fairview have in mind for an encore? It has the talent to match that historical mark, led by Howes — who is closing in on 1,000 career points with another year to go. This team has proven its ability to get to the rim and shoot, so it could be one of the area's higher-scoring teams. Nonconference tests will include a trip to North Olmsted, Bay at home and a trip to Rocky River. The Bay and Rocky River matchups are glimpses into rekindled rivalries. Fairview moves next year to the Great Lakes Conference following the disbanding of the PAC.
Coach: Alan Januzzi (fourth season)
2017-18 record: 5-18, 5-11 Patriot Athletic Conference Stars Division (North Ridgeville Sectional semifinalist)
Returning starters: Austin Urban (5-11, Sr., G, 8.6 points), Alex Angle (6-1, So., G, 3.5 rebounds), Jacob Schmitz (6-6, Jr., F, 4.5 points, 3.5 rebounds)
In the rotation: Casey Kelley (6-0, So., PG), Mitchell Hodges (6-6, So., F), Jackson Talbott (6-0, So., G)
Outlook: Firelands has some size with a mix of youth and athleticism, including a football standout in Angle. Urban is the only senior on the roster for Januzzi, one of the more decorated coaches in Lorain County with 213 career victories and a state final four run in 2003 at Open Door.
Coach: Michael Holt (18th season)
2017-18 record: 15-9, 11-2 Senate Athletic League (Ashtabula Lakeside District semifinalist)
Returning starters: None
In the rotation: Byron Ottrix (So., G), Kelvon Gibson (Sr., G), Terry Taylor (Sr., F)
Outlook: The defending Senate League champions should face stiff challenges from East Tech and Rhodes, to name a few. Holt played a senior-laden team this season, but opposing coaches say they are high on Ottrix.
Coach: David Wojciechowski (seventh season)
2017-18 record: 11-13, 6-8 Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division (Ashtabula Lakeside Sectional finalist)
Returning starters: Tyrelle Early (5-10, Jr., G, 7.0 points, 3.0 assists), Daylin Davis (6-0, Sr., G, 12.0 points), Devon Holbert (6-3, Jr., G/F, 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists), David Dobbins (6-2, Sr., F, 9.0 points, 5.0 rebounds), Bishop Thomas (6-3, Jr., F, 13.0 points, 4.0 rebounds)
In the rotation: Ethan Hatch (6-3, Jr., F), Jalen Cunningham (5-9, Jr., G), Roderick Coffee (6-2, Fr., G), Jeriah Norris (Fr.), Jaylin Amos (5-10, Sr., G)
Outlook: Harvey is ascending, and five returning starters help. Wojciechowski also has depth, and two freshmen in the fold who could garner attention, led by Coffee. He has already received mid-major college interest. That mix of talent and depth will be put to the test early with a CVC road game Dec. 8 at West Geauga.
Coach: Jeff Huber (ninth season)
2017-18 record: 21-3, 11-1 Great Lakes Conference (North Ridgeville District finalist)
Returning starters: Quentin Richardson (5-11, Jr., PG, 7.7 points, 3.3 assists, 2.1 steals), Calvin McPherson (6-0, Sr., G, 7.6 points, 2.1 assists)
In the rotation: Joe Schmock (5-9, Sr., G, 7.6 points), Aidan Hickey (5-10, Sr., G, 4.2 points), Matt Crane (6-5, Sr., F), Tony Carter (6-5, Jr., F), Jack Kenneally (6-5, Fr., F), Sam Esposito (5-9, Jr., G)
Outlook: Dwayne Cohill is now playing at the University of Dayton following a record-setting career at Holy Name. Huber's squad played at such a high pace last season, it developed a swagger that should trickle down with the returning core. Richardson leads that group after a breakout sophomore season in which colleges took notice. More recently, he impressed this fall during the NEO Spotlight Super 60 at Walsh University. What can keep Holy Name a contender in the GLC and district tournament is it still has plenty of ball handlers, including Richardson and Schmock. Their ability and speed can create mismatches.
Coach: Jeff Holzhauer (seventh season)
2017-18 record: 19-5, 13-3 Patriot Athletic Conference Stars Division (North Ridgeville District semifinalist)
Returning starters: Ethan Sokolowski (6-0, Jr., PG, 12.0 points, 4.0 assists), Kevin Mealwitz (6-0, Sr., G, 8.0 points, 4.0 assists), Matt Mealwitz (6-0, Sr., G, 5.5 points, 3.1 assists)
In the rotation: Mason Strader (6-7, Sr., F/C), Ashton Waite (6-1, Sr., G), Jacob Shackelford (6-0, Jr., G), Dylan Naylor (5-8, Jr., G), Kollin Rodick (5-11, Jr., G)
Outlook: Brody Kuhl helped make Keystone one of the area's hottest teams down the stretch last season. The 1,000-point scorer has since graduated. The Wildcats ran into Holy Name to close their season. This season, Holzhauer enters eight wins shy of 100 for his career and has three returning starters, led by Sokolowski for an athletic group that can shoot. Plenty of toughness also comes over from the football team with Shackelford (the quarterback) and Naylor (a two-way standout at running back and defensive back). Like the aforementioned PAC teams, Keystone will join the LCL next year.
Coach: Gene Schindewolf (34th season)
2017-18 record: 17-8 (Division III Wooster District finalist)
Returning starters: Ethan Wright (6-0, Jr., G, 5.0 points, 4.0 steals), Sam Hettich (6-4, Sr., F/C, 5.0 points, 5.0 rebounds)
In the rotation: Cameron Adkins (Sr., G), Spencer Bagwell (Sr., C), Tyler Young (Sr., G)
Outlook: The Panthers move up a division because of competitive balance after losing a district championship game to Principals Athletic Conference-rival Tritway. They graduated 3-point record holder JoJo France, but are on pace to give Schindewolf his 500th career win. He enters the season with 492 career victories, including 444 at Manchester.
Coach: Tim Schmotzer (first year)
2017-18 record: 3-20, 0-10 North Coast League Blue Division (Ashtabula Sectional semifinalist)
Returning starters: Donny Gatto (5-11, So., G), Dan Martin (6-3, Sr., F), Anthony Rabil (6-2, Sr., C)
In the rotation: Frank Martin (5-10, Jr., G), Dane Berschig (6-1, Jr., F)
Outlook: Schmotzer heads east after 26 years guiding mostly west-side schools, including North Olmsted and most recently Normandy. He has 295 career victories while taking over an inexperienced NDCL squad, which could benefit from a reshuffling of the NCL to three divisions. The Lions will get home-and-away matchups with Lake Catholic, Walsh Jesuit and Padua.
Coach: Brian Ansberry (third season)
2017-18 record: 10-14, 2-8 North Coast League Blue Division (North Ridgeville Sectional finalist)
Returning starters: None.
In the rotation: Mikey Morsillo (5-10, Sr., G), Nick Frostino (6-2, Sr., G), John Monnin (5-11, Sr., G), Akinlana Popoola (5-9, Fr., G), Dan Peterson (6-4, So., F), Sam Ehrbar (6-2, So., G), Matt Bildstein (6-1, Sr., G), Jason Freeman (6-2, So., G)
Outlook: Padua returns no starters, but it has experienced players in Morsillo and Frostino. The Bruins also will be one of the youngest teams in the NCL, with strong freshman and sophomore classes, and Ansberry plans to push the pace.
Coach: Nick Gallo (first season)
2017-18 record: 8-15, 3-7 Patriot Athletic Conference Stripes Division (North Ridgeville Sectional semifinalist)
Returning starters: Jalen Barnes (5-9, Jr., G), DeAnte Furry (5-9, Sr., G)
In the rotation: Isaac Dotson (5-8, Fr., G), Jimmy Browning (6-1, Sr., G), Angel Ortiz (6-2, Sr., F)
Outlook: Barnes and Furry will push the pace for the Longhorns, whose strength is their perimeter defense. Furry is coming off a productive football season, while Barnes is the college prospect of the bunch in basketball. Lutheran West will join the Chagrin Valley Conference next season as a result of the PAC's breakup.
Coach: Ashen Ward (second season)
2017-18 record: 6-16, 5-9 Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division (Stow Sectional finalist)
Returning starters: Harrison Pyner (5-9, Jr., G, 12.0 points), Nicholas Walters (6-1, Jr., G, 6.0 points, 3.0 assists, 2.0 steals)
In the rotation: Donald Hughes (6-6, Jr., F), Ray Bonner (6-0, Sr., F), Max Leikin (6-3, Sr., C), Scott Minor (5-9, Jr., G)
Outlook: Ward begins his second season in charge of the Lions after helping VASJ on its historic state tournament run. They open the season against Twinsburg on Nov. 30 for the Great Lakes Classic at Cleveland Heights. A week later, they play host to Warrensville Heights and then defending CVC champ West Geauga. Ward will learn much about his group within the first few weeks of the season.
Coach: Mike Matisi (first season)
2017-18 record: 3-20, 0-12 Portage Trail Conference County Division (Youngstown Sectional semifinalist)
Returning starters: None
In the rotation: Jake Klouda (5-10, Jr., PG), Conner Muldowney (6-3, Jr., F/C), Danny Boyd (6-2, Jr., F)
Outlook: Matisi takes over the Pirates looking to build a team that can play fast and improve in a league with favorites Mogadore and Rootstown.
Coach: Michael Murray (ninth season)
2017-18 record: 10-14, 4-8 Great Lakes Conference (North Ridgeville Sectional finalist)
Returning starters: Cristain Dean (6-3, Jr., G, 8.0 points, 4.2 assists), Grant Eversman (6-2, Sr., G, 8.0 points), John Ruma (6-3, Sr., G, 7.0 points), Luke Coyne (6-5, Sr., F, 9.5 points, 6.5 rebounds)
In the rotation: Conor O'Toole (5-10, Jr., G), Tommy Ruma (5-10, Jr., G), Finlay Stamer (6-4, Jr., F), Ryan O'Donnell (6-6, Sr., C)
Outlook: Consider Rocky River a candidate to be one of the area's most improved teams. With four returning starters, decent size and an athletic, quick core, the Pirates should be a GLC title contender. They also should be a tough postseason out at North Ridgeville, and their shooting ability adds to it. In addition to four returning starters, Murray's group brings back two letterwinners off the bench and a transfer from Germany in Stamer.
Coach: Reggie Harwell (second season)
2017-18 record: 9-13, 4-8 Lake Erie League (Ashtabula Lakeside Sectional finalist)
Returning starters: Bernard Manuel (5-11, Sr., G, 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals)
In the rotation: Jerome Polk (6-1, Sr., G), Ramon Hassan (6-5, Sr., F), Randy Harris (So., F), Jaquon Pampley (Jr., G)
Outlook: Shaw ran into regional qualifier Villa Angela-St. Joseph in the postseason and graduated leading guards Elijah and Emmanuel Perdue, but the Cardinals have an experienced starting point with Manuel. Harwell is in his second season and calls this group "a team of survivors." They open on the road vs. John Hay and Lutheran East. The rigors of the LEL should serve them well as the postseason nears.
Coach: Nick Marcini (ninth season)
2017-18 record: 9-14, 8-6 Portage Trail Conference Metro Division (Stow Sectional semifinalist)
Returning starters: Deonte Lewis (5-9, Sr., G, 5.7 points, 2.1 assists), Krys Riley-Richardson (6-2, Jr., F, 2.4 points, 4.1 rebounds)
In the rotation: Arnold Jenkins (5-8, Sr., G, 6.0 points), Hunter Schuller (6-2, Sr., F), Jalen Hardy (6-2, Sr., G/F), Devin Reese (6-2, Fr., G/F)
Outlook: Streetsboro has an athletic group with some depth, which was added by Hardy's transfer from Division I state finalist Solon. The Rockets lack size and experience, but a full-court pressure defense could bail them out.
Coach: Ric Blevins (sixth season)
2017-18 record: 18-6, 12-2 Portage Trail Conference Metro Division (Stow District semifinalist)
Returning starters: D.J. Snyder (5-9, Sr., G), Michael Massey (5-10, Sr., G), Joe Mehalik (5-11, Sr., G), Elijah Arnett (6-0, Sr., F)
In the rotation: Ikye Leggette (6-1, Sr., F), Jabron Driskill (6-0, Sr., G), Josh Fleming (5-10, Jr., G), Josh Decker (6-1, So., G)
Outlook: The school's all-time leading scorer in Mason Lydic graduated. The four starters around him are back, which provides the firepower for Woodridge to defend its share of the PTC crown. In addition to those four, Woodridge has seven returning players from last season's core lineup in all.
Contact sports reporter Matt Goul on Twitter (@mgoul) or email ([email protected]). Or log in and leave a message below in the comments section.
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