CLEVELAND, Ohio — St. Ignatius, Lutheran East and Richmond Heights left Dayton last March with the nets and hardware as OHSAA state champions in boys basketball. It marked the end of an era in Ohio high school basketball, which transitions this season from the longstanding format of four divisions to seven.
That means more chances at state titles, but how does Northeast Ohio stack up?
Find out with the cleveland.com preseason rankings, which include previews for each team:
25. Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (22-3)
2023-24 finish: 22-3, Division II district finalist
Coach: Matt Futch (fifth season)
Returning starters: Niles Nuru (5-11, sr., PG), Charley Levak (5-10, jr., G), Joey Kopec (6-2, jr., F)
In the rotation: Brayden Harris (6-1, jr., G), Tony Collins (6-0, jr., G), Connor Gray (6-4, jr., F), Tyler Hysoli (jr.)
2024-25 alignment: Division III, North Coast Conference
Outlook: CVCA has come so close to reaching regionals in each of the last three seasons. Twice, the Royals fell to Glenville in the district finals with Darryn Peterson leading the way. Now, they are coming off a two-point loss to Villa Angela-St. Joseph in the district finals, but showed what they can accomplish without the Kansas commit (who transferred last year to Huntington Prep) on the roster. Nuru is a fourth-year starter, while Levak and Kopec helped the football team to the regional semifinals in football. They are among seven returning rotation players for Futch.
Schedule
Nov. 30 vs. Glenville at Cleveland Heights, Dec. 3 vs. Barberton, Dec. 6 vs. University School, Dec. 7 vs. Archbishop Spalding in Cranberry Twp. Pa., Dec. 13 vs. Padua, Dec. 14 vs. Archbishop Hoban at Barberton, Dec. 17 vs. Louisville, Dec. 20 at Holy Name, Dec. 28 vs. Providence in Jacksonville, Fla., Dec. 29 vs. Bolles in Jacksonville Fla.
Jan. 3 vs. Lake Catholic, Jan. 7 vs. Akron East, Jan. 10 at NDCL, Jan. 14 vs. Walsh Jesuit, Jan. 17 vs. Elyria Catholic, Jan. 24 at Padua, Jan. 28 at St. Vincent-St. Mary, Jan. 31 vs. Holy Name
Feb. 7 at Lake Catholic, Feb. 11 vs. Firestone, Feb. 14 vs. NDCL, Feb. 15 at Elyria Catholic
24. Green Bulldogs
2023-24 finish: 18-6, Division I district semifinalist
Coach: Mitchell Spotleson (first season)
Returning starters: Antonio Martin (5-11, sr., G, 12.4 points), Anthony Fortunato (6-1, sr., G, 6.1 points)
In the rotation: Sam Dubravetz (6-3, jr., G)
2024-25 alignment: Division II, Federal League
Outlook: Martin returned from an ACL injury with another strong football season, playing cornerback and receiver for the Bulldogs. He played 13 basketball games last season before the injury. Martin and Fortunato will be vital for a team that graduated leading scorers Brady Rollyson (now at Ohio State for baseball) and versatile 6-5 Jarrett Taylor. Spotleson takes over a Green program that has been one of Northeast Ohio’s most consistent under Mark Kinsley, who retired last spring. Spotleson played at Federal League rival Uniontown Lake, helping the Blue Streaks to a district title in 2014 and two league titles, before a college career at Malone University.
Schedule
Dec. 10 vs. Brunswick, Dec. 13 at Massillon Washington, Dec. 17 vs. North Canton Hoover, Dec. 20 vs. Uniontown Lake, Dec. 27 at Dover, Dec. 28 vs. Copley
Jan. 3 at Massillon Perry, Jan. 7 at Canton McKinley, Jan. 10 at Canton GlenOak, Jan. 14 vs. Massillon Jackson, Jan. 19 vs. Canfield, Jan. 21 vs. Stow-Munroe Falls, Jan. 24 at North Canton Hoover, Jan. 28 vs. Uniontown Lake, Jan. 31 vs. Massillon Perry
Feb. 4 vs. Canton McKinley, Feb. 7 vs. Canton GlenOak, Feb. 11 at Massillon Jackson, Feb. 14 at Austintown Fitch, Feb. 15 vs. Akron East, Feb. 18 at Firestone, Feb. 21 at Boardman
23. Brush Arcs
2023-24 finish: 13-10, Division I sectional qualifier
Coach: Chet Mason (10th season)
Returning starters: Damari Dammons (6-4, sr., G)
In the rotation: Dekhi Owens (5-8, sr., PG), Khalil Dudley (5-8, so., G), Quintez Matthews (6-5, jr., F), Prince-Ryleigh Johnson (6-1, jr., G), Jelani Carr (6-0, sr., G), Jayden Harris (6-2, sr., G), Jermaine Davis (6-3, sr., G), Reggie Smith (6-8, so., F), Jay Gilchrist (6-2, jr., G), Isaiah Parker (6-3, sr., G), Jerrell Carter (6-1, sr., G)
2024-25 alignment: Division III, independent
Outlook: Damari Dammons will be a fourth-year contributor for Mason, whose program has developed a strong program from the ground up. After an early postseason exit in Division I, the Arcs will be in the loaded new-look Division III.
Schedule
Nov. 30 vs. Benedictine at Cleveland Heights, Dec. 5 at SPIRE, Dec. 7 vs. Firestone at Shaker Heights, Dec. 10 vs. St. Edward, Dec. 14 vs. Lakewood, Dec. 17 at Bedford, Dec. 21 vs. Euclid at Garfield Heights, Dec. 27 vs. Toledo Start at Sandusky, Dec. 28 vs. TBD at Sandusky
Jan. 4 vs. Glenville at Cleveland Heights, Jan. 7 vs. Shaker Heights, Jan. 10 at Walsh Jesuit, Jan. 14 vs. Maple Heights, Jan. 23 at Cleveland Central Catholic, Jan. 26 vs. Cleveland Heights, Jan. 31 at University School
Feb. 2 at Youngstown East, Feb. 4 vs. Hawken, Feb. 6 vs. Andrews Osborne, Feb. 11 vs. Padua, Feb. 13 vs. Cleveland JFK
22. Berea-Midpark Titans
2023-24 finish: 17-8, Division I district semifinalist
Coach: Kevin Braaten (third season)
Returning starters: Tyson Clay (5-9, so., G, 10.0 points, 2.3 assists), Reid Braaten (6-3, so., G, 8.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 53 3s), Nick Reece (6-0, so., G, 6.6 points, 2.5 assists)
In the rotation: Diggy Maddox (6-0, jr., G, 5.0 points), Andre Alexander (5-8, so., G), Aidan Spraggins (6-2, sr., G), Cal Maloney (6-3, jr., G), Vinnie Weaver (6-2, jr., G), Manny Santiago (5-11, sr., G), Riley Jones (5-10, jr., G)
2024-25 alignment: Division I, Southwestern Conference
Outlook: Kevin Braaten started a slew of freshmen who will be sophomore guards, including Tyson Clay and son Reid Braaten. Expect that to pay dividends for this squad, which has speed but must overcome a lack of size and rebounding without senior forward Masyn Zahursky, who is committed to Bowling Green for football. The Titans added Santiago as a transfer from Padua and expect to be one of the top contenders in the SWC, chasing defending champ Elyria. Last season’s title race came down to their regular-season finale in Berea.
Schedule
Dec. 1 vs. Gilmour Academy at Baldwin Wallace, Dec. 3 vs. Valley Forge, Dec. 6 at Mentor, Dec. 13 vs. Avon Lake, Dec. 17 vs. Amherst, Dec. 20 at Midview, Dec. 23 at St. Edward, Dec. 27 vs. North Royalton
Jan. 7 at Avon, Jan. 10 vs. North Ridgeville, Jan. 14 at Olmsted Falls, Jan. 17 vs. Elyria, Jan. 21 at Avon Lake, Jan. 24 at Amherst, Jan. 31 vs. Midview
Feb. 4 vs. Avon, Feb. 7 at North Ridgeville, Feb. 11 at Brookside, Feb. 14 vs. Olmsted Falls, Feb. 18 vs. Lorain, Feb. 21 at Elyria
21. Hudson Explorers
2023-24 finish: 15-9, Division I sectional finalist
Coach: Michael Brown (second season)
Returning starters: Jayden Carlton (6-3, jr., G), Nathan Judy (6-4, jr., F)
In the rotation: Fisher Zappone (5-10, jr., G), Zach Christian (6-2, jr., G), Louie Castellarin (5-11, jr., G), Joe Gedeon (6-3, sr., G), Josh Zaffran (6-1, jr., G), Scotty Levy (6-2, sr., G), Caleb Fitz (6-4, sr., F), Max Luker (6-4, sr., C)
2024-25 alignment: Division II, Suburban League National Conference
Outlook: Coach Michael Brown’s Explorers got on the map last year with a December upset of Suburban League contender North Royalton and finished strong with another upset of league champion Brecksville-Broadview Heights. While Carlton and Judy are back after leading them in scoring as sophomores, they must overcome a void in the middle without 6-6 exchange student Nikola Mijovic.
Schedule
Nov. 26 vs. Woodridge, Nov. 29 vs. Canton Central Catholic, Dec. 3 vs. Aurora, Dec. 6 vs. Brecksville-Broadview Heights, Dec. 10 at Kent Roosevelt, Dec. 13 at Nordonia, Dec. 17 at North Royalton, Dec. 21 at Streetsboro, Dec. 28 at Highland
Jan. 3 at Stow-Munroe Falls, Jan. 10 vs. Wadsworth, Jan. 14 at Brecksville-Broadview Heights, Jan. 17 vs. Nordonia, Jan. 19 vs. Doylestown Chippewa, Jan. 21 at Twinsburg, Jan. 24 vs. North Royalton, Jan. 31 vs. Solon
Feb. 4 vs. Stow-Munroe Falls, Feb. 7 vs. Twinsburg, Feb. 11 at Norton, Feb. 18 at Wadsworth, Feb. 20 at Solon
20. Buchtel Griffins
2023-24 finish: 13-9, Division I district semifinalist
Coach: Rayshon Dent (fifth season)
Returning starters: Stevie Diamond (6-3, sr., G), Demetrice Coates (6-2, sr., F)
In the rotation: Chris Powell (6-3, jr., G), Max Bollin (6-4, sr., G), Arman Gable (5-9, sr., G), Tavione Iverson (5-11, so., G), Bishop Hafford (6-1, jr.), Isaiah McCray (5-10, sr., G), Greg Bodine III (6-1, jr., G), Xavier Wilson (6-5, sr., F), Knecose Mack (6-6, jr., G/F)
2024-25 alignment: Division IV, Akron City Series
Outlook: Buchtel added two big guards after last season’s district semifinal run, which ended against Glenville in Louisville. The Griffins could have one of the biggest additions for an area team with Powell, a Connecticut native and three-star guard who moved from New York. Bollin joined the team after two years at Holy Name.
Schedule
Nov. 30 vs. Newark at Reynoldsburg, Dec. 6 at Firestone, Dec. 8 vs. TBD at Shaker Heights, Dec. 10 vs. Akron North, Dec. 13 at Ellet, Dec. 17 vs. Akron East, Dec. 18 vs. TBD in Las Vegas, Dec. 19 vs. TBD in Las Vegas, Dec. 20 vs. TBD in Las Vegas
Jan. 4 at Dayton Dunbar, Jan. 5 vs. Huntington Prep, Jan. 7 vs. Richmond Heights at Ohio Dominican, Jan. 10 at Akron Garfield, Jan. 11 at Shaker Heights, Jan. 14 vs. Firestone, Jan. 15 at Lutheran West, Jan. 17 at Akron North, Jan. 24 vs. Ellet, Jan. 25 vs. TBD at Reynoldsburg, Jan. 28 at Akron East, Jan. 31 vs. Akron Garfield
Feb. 1 vs. Richmond Heights, Feb. 7 vs. TBD at City Series championship, Feb. 18 vs. Massillon Jackson at Canton Civic Center
19. Mentor Cardinals
2023-24 finish: 18-8, Division I district finalist
Coach: Bob Krizancic (31st season)
Returning starters: Marcus Sierputowski (6-2, sr., G), Kobe Frasure-Azzano (6-4, sr., F/G, 8.6 points, 7.2 rebounds)
In the rotation: Tony Katava (6-7, jr., F/G), Ayo Olulami (6-4, sr., G/F), Bernard Gnjatic (6-2, so., G), Evan Skrtic (6-1, so., G), Wade Simmons (6-2, so., G), Dominic Baroni (6-4, sr., G/F), Danny Gnjatic (6-0, so., G)
2024-25 alignment: Division I, Greater Cleveland Conference
Outlook: Leading scorers Ian Ioppolo and Matthew Biddell have graduated and are now at Findlay and Walsh. If that wasn’t enough, senior guard Ryan and Jake Calo are now at Lutheran West. However, few staffs can develop players like the one Krizancic has at Mentor. Frasure-Azzano is back as a third-year starter, while guard Sierputowski is primed to take over at a lead guard spot. The Cardinals must wait on his arrival after football season, where he excels at receiver on the top-seeded team in the Division I, Region 1 playoffs. “People love to focus on what you lose,” Krizancic said, “but we are focusing on what we have in the building. E love what our leadership of Kobe, Marcus, Tony and Bernard have been doing in the offseason with our young guys.”
Schedule
Dec. 6 vs. Berea-Midpark, Dec. 7 at Rhodes, Dec. 13 at Euclid, Dec. 14 at Massillon Washington, Dec. 20 vs. Shaker Heights, Dec. 27 vs. Aliquippa at Geneva College, Dec. 28 vs. Abington Heights at Geneva College
Jan. 3 at Cleveland Heights, Jan. 7 vs. Strongsville, Jan. 10 at Brunswick, Jan. 17 vs. Medina, Jan. 20 vs. Cornerstone Christian, Jan. 24 vs. Euclid, Jan. 25 vs. Villa Angela-St. Joseph, Jan. 31 at Shaker Heights
Feb. 4 at Strongsville, Feb. 7 vs. Cleveland Heights, Feb. 11 vs. Lutheran East, Feb. 14 vs. Brunswick, Feb. 15 vs. Glenville, Feb. 21 at Medina, Feb. 22 vs. Lakewood
18. Cleveland Heights Tigers
2023-24 finish: 14-10, Division I sectional finalist
Coach: J.R. Bremer (sixth season)
Returning starters: Bryce Darden (5-10, sr., G), Carter Armstrong (6-3, sr., G), Jay’Quan Stubbs (6-6, sr., F)
In the rotation: Tyshaun Harwell (6-4, sr., F), Jamel Stephens (6-5, jr., F), Iyan Bremer (6-2, sr., G), Charles Butler (6-2, jr., G), Steven Woodward (6-1, jr., G), Deon Solomon (6-3, jr., G), Amaury Gray (6-0, jr., G), Jhayce Boyd (5-10, jr., G), E’mere Atkins (6-1, sr., F), Christian Williams (6-4, jr., F), Sandale Jackson (6-7, sr., F)
2024-25 alignment: Division I, Greater Cleveland Conference
Outlook: The Tigers’ season ended with a close call, 79-76 in double overtime, at the Fieldhouse in Canton vs. McKinley. Since then, they took a hit to their scoring potential with senior guard Braylyn Irby transferring to Glenville, but big forward Jay’Quan Stubbs could still play despite his football commitment to Minnesota. One certainty is this: Cleveland Heights will bring a deep squad, and coach J.R. Bremer still has a quartet returning senior guards with Bryce Darden, Iyan Bremer and Carter Armstrong to go with 6-5 forward Jaymen Allen.
Schedule
Nov. 29 vs. TBD at Great Lakes Classic, Dec. 6 at Strongsville, Dec. 7 vs. TBD at Shaker Heights, Dec. 11 at Lutheran East, Dec. 14 vs. Shaker Heights, Dec. 20 vs. Medina, Dec. 21 at Garfield Heights
Jan. 3 vs. Mentor, Jan. 4 vs. TBD at ELB Invitational, Jan. 7 at Brunswick, Jan. 11 vs. Euclid, Jan. 21 vs. Strongsville, Jan. 24 at Shaker Heights, Jan. 31 at Medina
Feb. 4 vs. Brunswick, Feb. 7 at Mentor, Feb. 14 at Euclid
17. Medina Bees
2023-24 finish: 14-11, Division I district semifinalist
Coach: Chris Hassinger (11th season)
Returning starters: Luke Hassinger (6-1, sr., PG), Kellon Johnson (6-6, sr., F/G), Jase Holland (6-8, sr., F)
In the rotation: Bryce Zufra (5-9, sr., G), Everett Rodriguez (6-2, G), Brody Kopkas (6-5, G/F), Garrett Myers (6-5, G/F), Ryan Harubin (6-2, G), Beckett Miller (5-11, PG)
2024-25 alignment: Division I, Greater Cleveland Conference
Outlook: A Hassinger-coached team always finds a way to stick its nose in a conference-title chase, and that shouldn’t change with Johnson and Holland back in the lineup. Both bring versatility and athleticism to the Medina lineup with Luke Hassinger back at the point. A mid-December visit from Strongsville could be vital in setting the tone for the GCC title chase before the holidays.
Schedule
Nov. 30 vs. Rocky River at Baldwin Wallace, Dec. 6 at Shaker Heights, Dec. 13 vs. Strongsville, Dec. 14 vs. Wooster at Orrville, Dec. 17 vs. Toledo Emmanuel Christian, Dec. 20 at Cleveland Heights, Dec. 21 vs. Highland, Dec. 28 vs. Horizon Science Academy at neutral site
Jan. 3 vs. Brunswick, Jan. 7 at Euclid, Jan. 11 vs. Warrensville Heights, Jan. 17 at Mentor, Jan. 21 vs. Shaker Heights, Jan. 24 at Strongsville, Jan. 31 vs. Cleveland Heights
Feb. 3 vs. Garfield Heights, Feb. 4 vs. Euclid, Feb. 7 at Brunswick, Feb. 11 vs. Wadsworth, Feb. 14 vs. St. Vincent-St. Mary, Feb. 21 vs. Mentor
16. Glenville Tarblooders
2023-24 finish: 21-5, Division II district finalist
Coach: Bryon Ottrix Sr. (first season)
Returning starters: Theodore Castro (5-9, jr., PG), Arvell Nelson Jr. (6-4, jr., G)
In the rotation: Braylyn Irby (6-4, sr., G), Trevor McPherson (6-0, sr., G), Xavier Vickerstaff (6-5, sr., F), Lorenzo Staley (6-7, sr., F), Amir Lessears (5-11, sr., G), Jahi Hobson (6-1, so., G), Richard Stanley (5-9, sr., G), Garry Pritchett Jr. (5-8, fr., G), Javion Davenport (6-2, sr., F), Javion Sanderson (5-10, fr., G), Kingston Kenner (5-8, jr., G)
2024-25 alignment: Division IV, Senate Athletic League
Outlook: Longtime coach Michael Holt retired after last season, leading the Tarblooders to their third straight district final after consecutive regional runs. His trusted assistant, Ottrix, takes over the reins after taking on a growing role in recent years. He has Castro back for the defending Senate League champions as a third-year starter. The Tarblooders are awaiting several football standouts, including Nelson, who is coming off a midseason football injury. Ottrix also is high on Pritchett, who has made a splash with the football team as a ninth grader. While awaiting their return, Glenville has some additional pieces with Irby and McPherson as transfers from Cleveland Heights and Vickerstaff from Mayfield,
Schedule
Nov. 30 vs. CVCA at Cleveland Heights, Dec. 3 vs. Rhodes, Dec. 6 at Lincoln West, Dec. 8 vs. Bedford at Shaker Heights, Dec. 13 at Cleveland JFK, Dec. 17 at John Hay, Dec. 20 at East Tech, Dec. 21 vs. Wayne Memorial at Garfield Heights, Dec. 28 vs. Cleveland Central Catholic at Garfield Heights
Jan. 4 vs. Brush at Cleveland Heights, Jan. 5 vs. Lutheran West at Tri-C Metro, Jan. 7 vs. John Adams, Jan. 10 at John Marshall, Jan. 14 vs. Max Hayes, Jan. 17 at Garrett Morgan, Jan. 20 at Warrensville Heights, Jan. 21 at Bard, Jan. 22 vs. Orange, Jan. 24 vs. Campus International, Jan. 26 vs. Shaker Heights at Brush, Jan. 28 at Collinwood, Jan. 31 vs. TBD in potential Senate League semifinals
Feb. 4 vs. TBD in potential Senate League championship at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Feb. 15 at Mentor
15. Barberton Magics
2023-24 finish: 19-4, Division I sectional qualifier
Coach: Chad Hazard (second season)
Returning starters: Kardiay Tyler (5-10, sr., G), Kameryn Kennerly (6-3, sr., G), De’Arion Holley (6-7, sr., F)
In the rotation: Camdyn McNulty (6-3, so., F), Joey Ondo (6-1, jr., G), Colton Cline (6-1, jr., G), Vernon Reynolds (5-9, fr., G), Mark Tavanello (6-0, jr., G), Mareon Peters (6-2, so.), Anthony Vincent (6-2, jr.), James Peeple (5-10, so., G), Jesiah Cooper (6-2, sr.), Jamil Johnson (6-2, fr.), Tim Smith (6-2, jr.), Jordan Thomas (6-1, sr.)
2024-25 alignment: Division III, Suburban League American Conference
Outlook: A year after going 0-23, the Magics had the most improved season of anyone under Hazard, who has a big prospect in Holley (18.0 points, 11.0 rebounds last season) with two more returning starters in Tyler and Kennerly (11.0 points). They open the season with a trip to Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy after handing the Royals just their second loss in the regular-season finale.
Schedule
Dec. 3 at CVCA, Dec. 6 at Revere, Dec. 7 vs. TBD at Shaker Heights, Dec. 13 vs. Copley, Dec. 14 vs. Walsh Jesuit, Dec. 17 vs. Aurora, Dec. 20 vs. Cuyahoga Falls, Dec. 27 at Avon Lake
Jan. 3 at Tallmadge, Jan. 7 vs. Kent Roosevelt, Jan. 10 vs. Highland, Jan. 14 vs. Revere, Jan. 17 at Copley, Jan. 19 at North Canton Hoover, Jan. 24 at Aurora, Jan. 28 at Massillon Jackson, Jan. 31 at Cuyahoga Falls
Feb. 1 vs. TBD at the Battle at the Berkey, Feb. 4 vs. Tallmadge, Feb. 7 at Kent Roosevelt, Feb. 14 at Highland, Feb. 15 vs. TBD
14. Warrensville Heights Tigers
2023-24 finish: 18-7, Division II regional semifinalist
Coach: Demetrius “Mechie” Johnson Sr.
Returning starters: C.J. Williams (6-1, jr., G), Jalen Gum (6-6, jr., G), Wayne Chappell (6-5, sr., F)
In the rotation: Noah Chambers (5-9, sr., G), Jaylen Billingslea (5-11, so., G), Nick Parker (5-10, jr., G), Camden Hill (6-1, jr., G), Tabien Anderson (6-1, sr., F), Daron Miles (5-9, sr., G), Zyaire Chaney (6-1, sr., G), Braylon Jones (5-6, sr., G), Daveion Rawls (6-0, so., G), Qwayland Howard (6-8, fr., F), Tylin Bryant (5-10, sr., G), Artez Williams (6-3, so., F)
2024-25 alignment: Division IV, Lake Erie League
Outlook: In his first year back leading his alma mater, Johnson guided the Tigers to one of Northeast Ohio’s biggest turnarounds after four wins the previous season. They bring back Chappell and Williams, who both missed their run to the regional semifinals because of injuries. Warrensville also added Chambers, a St. Vincent-St. Mary transfer after he spent his first two years of high school at Shaker Heights. Gum has a high ceiling, while Billingslea and Parker add shooting.
Schedule
Nov. 30 vs. St. Ignatius, Dec. 3 vs. Orange, Dec. 10 at Euclid, Dec. 12 vs. Bedford, Dec. 17 vs. Lorain, Dec. 20 at Maple Heights, Dec. 22 vs. Lutheran East at Garfield Heights
Jan. 3 vs. Garfield Heights, Jan. 8 vs. SPIRE, Jan. 10 at Shaw, Jan. 11 at Medina, Jan. 14 vs. Archbishop Hoban, Jan. 17 at Lorain, Jan. 18 at Cornerstone Christian, Jan. 20 vs. Glenville, Jan. 24 at Bedford, Jan. 26 vs. St. Edward at Brush, Jan. 31 vs. Maple Heights
Feb. 4 at Fairview, Feb. 7 at Garfield Heights, Feb. 14 vs. Shaw, Feb. 15 vs. Cleveland Central Catholic
13. Villa Angela-St. Joseph Vikings
2023-24 finish: 18-8, Division II regional semifinalist
Coach: Ashen Ward (fifth season)
Returning starters: Jeremiah Martin (5-11, sr., G, 15.3 points, 5.6 assists, 1.9 steals), Sean Shenker (6-0, sr., G, 12.4 points, 69 3-pointers, 88% free throws), Antonio Brown (6-4, G/F, 11.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 46% field goals)
In the rotation: Jayveon Roe (sr.), Frankie Oriani (jr.), Lorenzo Oriani (jr.), O.J. Spikes (so.), Jaevon Hairston (so.), Julian Council (so.), Ronnie Taylor Jr. (so.).
2024-25 alignment: Division IV, independent
Outlook: Ward led his alma mater’s resurgence, pushing the Vikings to their first regional appearance since 2019 in his fourth year at VASJ. He isn’t bashful about expectations. The Vikings have their sights set on a 35th district championship and 17th regional championship in program history with the revamped seven-division format across the state.
Schedule
Nov. 29 vs. Shaker Heights at Cleveland Heights, Dec. 3 vs. Riverside, Dec. 6 at Mayfield, Dec. 10 vs. St. Ignatius, Dec. 13 at Warren Harding, Dec. 14 vs. Rhodes, Dec. 20 vs. Euclid, Dec. 22 vs. Lutheran West at Garfield Heights, Dec. 27 vs. Walnut Ridge in Columbus
Jan. 3 vs. Lutheran East, Jan. 4 at Benedictine, Jan. 7 at Lake Catholic, Jan. 10 vs. Eastlake North, Jan. 11 at Shaw, Jan. 17 vs. University School, Jan. 21 at Trinity, Jan. 25 at Mentor, Jan. 31 vs. Cleveland Central Catholic
Feb. 1 at St. Edward, Feb. 4 vs. Gilmour Academy, Feb. 8 at NDCL, Feb. 11 at Hawken
12. St. Vincent-St. Mary Fighting Irish
2023-24 finish: 13-13, Division I district finalist
Coach: Dru Joyce II (24th season)
Returning starters: DeCarlo Prince (6-3, jr., G), John Whorton (6-7, sr., C)
In the rotation: Geovanni Vinson (5-9, fr., G), Elijah Chapman (6-5, so., F), Anthony Piglia (5-10, sr., G), Justin Robinson (5-10, so., G), Ascen Lomax (5-8, fr., G), Caleb Hill (6-3, jr., F), Dante Kimble (6-5, so., F)
2024-25 alignment: Division III, independent
Outlook: Joyce missed enduring his first losing season in 23 years. Whorton and Prince are among his returning starters from a team that ran into Garfield Heights in the Division I district finals. The Fighting Irish will be in the new Division III with not only the Bulldogs but rival Hoban.
Schedule
Dec. 3 at Lutheran West, Dec. 7 vs. Flyght Academy, Dec. 14 vs. TBD at Chosen One’s Invitational in Las Vegas, Dec. 20 vs. Covington Catholic at Cincinnati Archbishop McNicholas, Dec. 21 at Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller, Dec. 27 vs. Youngstown Ursuline, Dec. 31 at St. Ignatius
Jan. 5 vs. Brunswick at Tri-C Metro, Jan. 10 vs. Lutheran East, Jan. 14 vs. St. Edward, Jan. 16 vs. Archbishop Hoban at the University of Akron Rhodes Arena, Jan. 19 vs. Fairfield at Flyin’ to the Hoop, Jan. 25 at Reynoldsburg, Jan. 28 vs. Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, Jan. 31 vs. Youngstown Chaney
Feb. 4 at Walsh Jesuit, Feb. 7 at Richmond Heights, Feb. 8 at Louisville, Feb. 11 vs. Shaker Heights, Feb. 14 at Medina, Feb. 15 vs. Canton McKinley, Feb. 18 vs. Prolific Prep at Canton Civic Center
11. Brecksville-Broadview Heights Bees
2023-24 finish: 20-5, Division I district finalist
Coach: Steve Mehalik (18th season)
Returning starters: Brady Ganley (6-2, sr., G), Steven Skaljac (6-0, jr., G), Ben Mehendale (6-7, jr., F/C)
In the rotation: Luke Sokolowski (6-2, sr., G/F), Carson Zabkar (6-0, jr., G), Stevie Markovic (6-0, sr., G), A.J. Hutton (6-2, jr., F)
2024-25 alignment: Division II, Suburban League National Conference
Outlook: Longtime starting point guard Luke Skaljac is now at Miami (Ohio). The Bees won’t be able to replace their All-Ohio guard, but Ganley and Mehendale are a strong starting point. Skaljac’s younger brother also emerged as last season progressed for Brecksville, which lost on a buzzer-beater to Archbishop Hoban in the district finals. The Bees have fallen in three straight district finals, which remains a motivating factor for the returning core. Chemistry had been Mehalik’s chief concern, but Ganley’s ascension as a ball handler through a productive summer has continued into November. That could keep Brecksville on top of the Suburban League after four straight titles with the potential for a deeper postseason run, as it moves to Division II in the OHSAA’s new seven-division format.
Schedule
Dec. 3 vs. Avon Lake, Dec. 6 at Hudson, Dec. 3 vs. Solon, Dec. 17 vs. Twinsburg, Dec. 20 at Nordonia, Dec. 26 vs. TBD at Nature Coast Tournament in Tampa, Fla., Dec. 27 vs. TBD at Nature Coast Tournament, Dec. 28 vs. TBD at Nature Coast Tournament
Jan. 3 vs. North Royalton, Jan. 7 at Wadsworth, Jan. 10 vs. Stow-Munroe Falls, Jan. 14 vs. Hudson, Jan. 17 at Solon, Jan. 21 vs. Riverside, Jan. 24 at Twinsburg, Jan. 31 vs. Nordonia
Feb. 4 at North Royalton, Feb. 7 vs. Wadsworth, Feb. 11 at Gilmour Academy, Feb. 14 at Stow-Munroe Falls, Feb. 15 vs. TBD, Feb. 21 vs. ISA
10. Archbishop Hoban Knights
2023-24 finish: 18-8, Division I regional semifinalist
Coach: T.K. Griffith (32nd season)
Returning starters: John Johnson III (6-0, so., G), Kenny Scott (5-11, sr., G), James McCarthy (5-11, sr., G), Sam Greer (6-6, jr., F)
In the rotation: Andrew Karhoff (6-3, sr., F), Nico Caporaletti (6-0, so., G), Owen Hamilton (5-9, so., G), Arri Caporaletti (6-0, so., G), Bub Jennings (6-2, sr.), Sam Kosko (6-2, sr.), Brady Lucey (6-0, jr., G), Tyler Shaheed, 6-3, sr.), Ethan Yukich (6-1, so.)
2024-25 alignment: Division III, independent
Outlook: The Knights got back to the regional semifinals after their Division I state championship run in 2022. They will be in the new Division III and no longer have standout point guard Jonas Nichols, who is now at Kent State after starting four years for Griffith. However, they have another potential four-year guard in Johnson, who emerged as a ninth grader last season. Scott and McCarthy are back, too.
Schedule
Nov. 29 vs. Berea-Midpark, Nov. 30 vs. North Canton Hoover at Brecksville, Dec. 12 vs. North Catholic, Dec. 14 vs. Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy at Barberton, Dec. 20 vs. Lutheran West, Dec. 21 vs. Worthington Christian at Capital University, Dec. 28 vs. Dublin Jerome at Columbus Convention Center
Jan. 3 at Youngstown Chaney, Jan. 7 vs. Louisville, Jan. 10 vs. Warren JFK, Jan. 11 at Akron East, Jan. 14 at Warrensville Heights, Jan. 16 vs. St. Vincent-St. Mary at the University of Akron Rhodes Arena, Jan. 18 vs. Solon at North Canton Hoover, Jan. 21 vs. Walsh Jesuit, Jan. 24 vs. Gilmour Academy, Jan. 25 at Brunswick, Jan. 28 at Holy Name, Jan. 31 vs. SPIRE
Feb. 1 vs. TBD at the Battle at the Berkey, Feb. 4 vs. Youngstown Ursuline, Feb. 8 vs. Canton Central Catholic, Feb. 11 at Nordonia, Feb. 14 at Canton McKinley
9. Lutheran West Longhorns
2023-24 finish: 24-3, Division II regional finalist
Coach: Jordan Duke (fourth season)
Returning starters: Matt Meyer (6-6, sr., F), Josh Meyer (6-6, sr., F)
In the rotation: Jakaris Shelton (5-7, so. PG), Ryan Calo (6-4, sr., G), Jake Calo (6-2, sr., G), Aiden Monroe (6-4, so., F), Omar Martinez (6-5, sr., F), Gavyn Kittelberger (6-1, jr., G), Mykel Robinson (6-4, jr., G), A.J. McGuinea (6-3, so.), Reid Robinson (6-3, so.), Seydou Djigo (6-8, jr.), Chase Kuszmaul (6-1, so.) Josiah Davis (6-2, jr.)
2024-25 alignment: Division III, independent
Outlook: The Longhorns graduated the state’s top backcourt in Division II boys basketball from last season with Jayson Levis and Derek Fairley. The duo nearly got Lutheran West back to the state final four before a 55-46 loss in the regional finals to Shelby. In their place is another pair of senior guards for the 2024-25 season in brothers Ryan and Jake Calo, twins who join an established pair of twin senior forwards in Matt and Josh Meyer. They give Duke a team with length, but also one that is learning how to play together with a sophomore point guard in Shelton, who emerged off the bench as a ninth-grader. Lutheran West also added Monroe from St. Vincent-St. Mary after losing 6-5 junior wing Kendyll Compton to Elyria.
Schedule
Nov. 29 vs. Youngstown Ursuline at Cleveland Heights, Dec. 3 vs. St. Vincent-St. Mary, Dec. 6 vs. Youngstown Chaney, Dec. 7 at Toledo Start, Dec. 14 vs. SPIRE, Dec. 17 vs. Maple Heights, Dec. 20 at Archbishop Hoban, Dec. 22 vs. Villa Angela-St. Joseph at Garfield Heights, Dec. 28 vs. Westerville South at Greater Columbus Convention Center
Jan. 5 vs. Glenville at Tri-C Metro, Jan. 7 vs. Holy Name, Jan. 10 at St. Edward, Jan. 15 vs. Buchtel, Jan. 18 vs. Harvest Prep at Ohio Dominican, Jan. 22 at Richmond Heights, Jan. 24 at University School, Jan. 28 vs. Twinsburg, Jan. 31 at St. Ignatius
Feb. 2 at Lexington, Feb. 7 at Lutheran East, Feb. 11 vs. Warren JFK, Feb. 12 vs. Andrews Osborne
8. St. Edward Eagles
2023-24 finish: 16-9, Division I district finalist
Coach: Eric Flannery (29th season)
Returning starters: None
In the rotation: J.T. Kelsheimer (5-11, jr., G), Bryan Vlosich (6-3, jr., G), Zach Hackleman (6-0, jr., G), Boden Grant (6-2, sr., G), Drew Yurcich (5-11, sr., G), Nate Yurcich (5-11, sr., G), Zymir Know (6-3, jr., G/F), Ian Murray (6-6, so., F)
2024-25 alignment: Division I, independent
Outlook: While the Eagles graduated a big senior class from their team, which reached the district finals against Brunswick, their upcoming junior class should be a good one. Vlosich emerged in January, and Flannery gave time to football standout Hackleman and Kelsheimer down the stretch as sophomores.
Schedule
Dec. 1 vs. NDCL at Baldwin Wallace, Dec. 3 at Lakewood, Dec. 7 vs. Trinity, Dec. 10 at Brush, Dec. 14 vs. North Canton Hoover at Massillon, Dec. 19 vs. Sandusky, Dec. 23 vs. Berea-Midpark, Dec. 27 vs. Pickerington Central at Columbus Convention Center, Dec. 28 vs. Pickerington North at Columbus Convention Center
Jan. 3 vs. St. Ignatius, Jan. 10 vs. Lutheran West, Jan. 11 vs. Fairview, Jan. 14 at St. Vincent-St. Mary, Jan. 17 vs. Walsh Jesuit, Jan. 24 at Louisville, Jan. 26 vs. Warrensville Heights at Brush, Jan. 28 at Padua
Feb. 1 vs. VASJ, Feb. 7 at St. Ignatius, Feb. 13 vs. Richmond Heights, Feb. 14 at University School, Feb. 21 at Toledo St. John’s Jesuit
7. Elyria Pioneers
2023-24 finish: 18-7, Division I district finalist
Coach: Brett Larrick (17th season)
Returning starters: Jayden Crutcher (6-5, sr., G), Taylor Blanton (6-0, sr., G), Jermiah Daniels (6-0, jr., G), Cam Bell (6-3, jr., F)
In the rotation: Kendyll Compton (6-5, jr., G), Pierre Alston (6-3, sr., F), Freshus Turner (6-5, sr., F)
2024-25 alignment: Division I, Southwestern Conference
Outlook: It took a meeting with eventual state champion St. Ignatius to stop Elyria’s breakout season, which included an SWC title and banner junior year for Crutcher. He is one of Northeast Ohio’s most dynamic guards at 6-5 and coming off an All-Ohio third-team selection after averaging 19.6 points per game. Fellow senior guard Blanton also is back. The Pioneers will play this season with heavy hearts, following the death of B.J. Todd in May. He starred at linebacker on the football team and expected to return this winter at forward for the basketball team. They added junior wing Compton from Lutheran West. While Elyria reached the Division I district finals, Compton played on a team that advanced to the Division II regional finals. Compton not only brings athleticism and shooting, but experience from that run, which could pay dividends for a team that caught fire down the stretch last season.
Schedule
Nov. 27 vs. Sandusky at Midview, Dec. 1 vs. Youngstown Chaney at Cleveland Heights, Dec. 7 vs. Solon, Dec. 13 at Avon, Dec. 14 at Bay, Dec. 18 vs. Olmsted Falls, Dec. 20 at North Ridgeville, Dec. 22 vs. Wayne Memorial at Garfield Heights, Dec. 28 vs. Youngstown Cardinal Mooney at Canton McKinley
Jan. 4 at Lorain, Jan. 7 vs. Avon Lake, Jan. 10 at Amherst, Jan. 14 vs. Midview, Jan. 17 at Berea-Midpark, Jan. 21 vs. Avon, Jan. 25 at Olmsted Falls, Jan. 31 vs. North Ridgeville
Feb. 4 at Avon Lake, Feb. 7 vs. Amherst, Feb. 11 vs. Westlake, Feb. 14 at Midview, Feb. 21 vs. Berea-Midpark
6. Brunswick Blue Devils
2023-24 finish: 23-5, Division I regional finalist
Coach: Joe Mackey (28th season)
Returning starters: Trey Drexler (6-0, jr., PG), Matt Morgan (6-3, sr., F), Aidan Shaker (6-5, sr., F)
In the rotation: Ethan Jean (6-2, sr., G/F), Sean Barnett (6-2, jr., G), Shawn Grabowski (6-1, sr., G), Aidan Evert (6-3, so., F), Drew Matus (5-11, fr., G)
2024-25 alignment: Division I, Greater Cleveland Conference
Outlook: No Brunswick team made it further than last season’s squad, which pushed eventual Division I state champion St. Ignatius to the limit before a 46-43 loss at Kent State. Coincidentally, Drexler picked up an offer this summer from the Golden Flashes. He also has an Akron offer and, with Shaker, will lead Mackey’s squad, which finished 4-0 at Midwest Live to cap a strong summer. Mackey expects this team to be deeper and better defensively, despite graduating standout former Tommy Morgan, who is now at Hillsdale College. Leading scorer Quinn Barnett is now at Walsh University, as those two losses to graduation will pose the biggest challenge to a Brunswick team that had been one of Northeast Ohio’s most efficient scoring squads the last two years.
Schedule
Nov. 30 vs. Avon Lake, Dec. 6 at Euclid, Dec. 10 at Green, Dec. 14 vs. Canton GlenOak at Massillon Washington, Dec. 27 vs. Akron East, Dec. 28 vs. TBD, Dec. 29 vs. TBD at Delaware Hayes
Jan. 3 at Medina, Jan. 5 vs. St. Vincent-St. Mary at Tri-C Metro, Jan. 7 vs. Cleveland Heights, Jan. 10 vs. Mentor, Jan. 17 at Shaker Heights, Jan. 18 vs. Faith Family Academy at Flyin’ to the Hoop, Jan. 21 vs. Euclid, Jan. 25 vs. Archbishop Hoban, Jan. 31 vs. Strongsville
Feb. 2 vs. Columbus Bishop Watterson at Smithville, Feb. 4 at Cleveland Heights, Feb. 7 vs. Medina, Feb. 14 at Mentor, Feb. 18 at Strongsville, Feb. 21 vs. Shaker Heights
5. Lutheran East Falcons
2023-24 finish: 23-5, Division III state champion
Coach: Sam Liggins (seventh season)
Returning starters: Chris Hill (5-10, so., G)
In the rotation: T.J. Crumble (6-7, jr., F), Dylan Zeigler (6-0, fr., G), Mal’si Pearson (5-11, jr., G), D.J. Jenkins (6-2, so., G), Jayden Nellemsbey (6-4, so., F), Muhammad Manigat (6-2, so., G), Ty Harrison Jr. (5-9, so., G), Devontey Perkins (6-7, so., F), Jerome Davis (6-4, jr., F)
2024-25 alignment: Division V, independent
Outlook: There are no seniors on Lutheran East’s roster. That is rare for most teams, and Liggins will experience coaching such a squad for the first time. His program is coming off a second straight OHSAA Division III state championship and third in four years, but this team will have a drastically different look. The Falcons also will be in the new Division V and without 6-foot-10 center Jesse McCulloch, who is now at Michigan State. Liggins joked “the McCulloch Era” is now over, but the Falcons do not lack talent. Crumble is back from Richmond Heights as a four-star prospect with several major college scholarship offers from Ohio State, Michigan and Virginia to Arizona State, Georgia Tech and LSU. Zeigler already has three offers from Creighton, Nebraska and Stanford while joining two returning guards in the backcourt with Hill and Pearson. Hill is the lone returning starter from last season’s state-title team.
Schedule
Nov. 30 vs. Olentangy Liberty at Reynoldsburg, Dec. 1 vs. Euclid at Cleveland Heights Great Lakes Classic, Dec. 6 vs. Bedford, Dec. 7 vs. Oak St. Mary at Novi Catholic Central Shamrock Classic (Mich.), Dec. 11 vs. Cleveland Heights, Dec. 19 vs. John Marshall, Dec. 22 vs. Warrensville Heights at Garfield Heights NEO Christmas Classic, Dec. 28 vs. Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin
Jan. 3 at Villa Angela-St. Joseph, Jan. 5 vs. Garfield Heights at Tri-C Metro, Jan. 10 at St. Vincent-St. Mary, Jan. 15 vs. Cleveland Central Catholic, Jan. 18 vs. Huntington Prep at Flyin’ to the Hoop in Dayton, Jan. 22 vs. St. Ignatius, Jan. 26 vs. SPIRE at Brush Chet Mason Invitational, Jan. 31 vs. Benedictine
Feb. 4 at Maple Heights, Feb. 7 vs. Lutheran West, Feb. 11 at Mentor, Feb. 14 vs. Rhodes
4. Strongsville Mustangs
2023-24 finish: 18-6, Division I district semifinalist
Coach: Kevin Sapara (fifth season)
Returning starters: Brayden Waypasek (5-9, sr., G, 14.8 points, 5.0 assists), Josh Byers (6-3, sr., G, 23.0 points), Nolan Beard (6-6, sr., F)
In the rotation: Ameer Nemeh (6-1, sr., G), Dean Alnazar (6-0, sr., G), Luke Slonaker (6-9, jr., F), Shane McIntyre (6-0, jr., G), Matt Heftke (6-2, jr., G), Abdul Awanda (6-1, jr., G), Brandon Byers (6-0 fr., G)
2024-25 alignment: Division I, Greater Cleveland Conference
Outlook: Time ran out on Strongsville in its 55-54 Division I district semifinal loss to Hoban, but the Mustangs bring back their leading leading scorer in Byers and sharpshooter in Wypasek. They also get a boost with forward Beard’s return from a football injury that kept him out for all of last season.
Schedule
Nov. 29 vs. Holy Name at Cleveland Heights, Dec. 3 at Nordonia, Dec. 6 vs. Cleveland Heights, Dec. 10 at Wadsworth, Dec. 13 at Medina, Dec. 20 at Willoughby South, Dec. 27 vs. East Tech at Joe Lynch Classic, Dec. 28 vs. TBD at Joe Lynch Classic, Dec. 29 vs. TBD at Joe Lynch Classic
Jan. 3 at Amherst, Jan. 7 at Mentor, Jan. 10 vs. Shaker Heights, Jan. 14 vs. Lakewood, Jan. 17 at Euclid, Jan. 19 at University School, Jan. 21 at Cleveland Heights, Jan. 24 vs. Medina, Jan. 31 at Brunswick
Feb. 4 vs. Mentor, Feb. 10 vs. SPIRE, Feb. 14 at Shaker Heights, Feb. 18 vs. Brunswick, Feb. 21 vs. Euclid
3. Garfield Heights Bulldogs
2023-24 finish: 25-2, Division I regional finalist
Coach: Sonny Johnson (20th season)
Returning starters: Marcus Johnson (6-1, jr., G)
In the rotation: D.J. Jackson (6-1, sr., G), Rayshawn Myers (5-11, so., G), Braylin Sullivan (5-11, sr., G), C.J. Williams (5-9, fr., G), Ari Jones (6-3, sr., G), Roderick Starling (6-3, jr.), Desean Williams (6-5, fr., F), Antonio Jones (6-5, so., F), D.J. Murphy (6-8, sr., F), Nasir Hines (6-9, sr., F), Tavon McClain (6-3, so., F)
2024-25 alignment: Division III, Lake Erie League
Outlook: No team ended last season in more controversial fashion than the Bulldogs, who lost to Toledo Whitmer on a last-second putback in the Division I regional finals. No team has a guard like Johnson, either. The Ohio State commit will lead Garfield Heights as state-title contenders in the new Division III, but can they overcome the graduation of point guard C.J. Little and forward Deandre Jones?
Schedule
Dec. 1 vs. SPIRE at Cleveland Heights, Dec. 4 vs. Shaw, Dec. 10 at Shaker Heights, Dec. 13 at Shaw, Dec. 19 vs. Lorain, Dec. 21 vs. Cleveland Heights, Dec. 28 vs. Richmond Heights
Jan. 3 at Warrensville Heights, Jan. 5 vs. Lutheran East at Tri-C Metro, Jan. 7 vs. Olentangy Orange at Ohio Dominican, Jan. 10 vs. Maple Heights, Jan. 14 vs. Holy Name, Jan. 16 at Bedford, Jan. 18 vs. Huber Heights Wayne at Flyin’ to the Hoop, Jan. 26 vs. Canton McKinley at Brush, Jan. 27 at Lutheran West, Jan. 28 vs. Bedford, Jan. 30 at Lorain
Feb. 3 at Medina, Feb. 6 vs. Warrensville Heights, Feb. 10 vs. Cleveland Central Catholic, Feb. 13 at Maple Heights
2. Richmond Heights Spartans
2023-24 finish: 19-9, Division IV state champion
Coach: Quentin Rogers (eighth season)
Returning starters: De’Erick Barber (5-11, sr., PG), Demarris Winters Jr. (6-2, sr., G), Dorian Jones (6-5, sr., G)
In the rotation: Chevy Dozier (5-11, jr., G), Joey Emory (5-10, sr., G), Mekhi Asberry (5-11, fr., G), Jordan Taylor (5-11, fr., G), Kyson Williams (6-1, sr., G)
2024-25 alignment: Division V, independent
Outlook: The three-time defending OHSAA Division IV state champions will now be in Division V with Lutheran East. They bring back their trio of guards —Jones, Barber at the point and Winters on the wing — for their fourth year running the show. All three have committed to colleges, led by Jones as an Ohio State commit. Barber is bound for UTEP, while Winters is committed to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The Spartans won’t have a home game until Jan. 22 against Lutheran West, one of just four matchups on their home court.
Schedule
Nov. 29 at Kettering Archbishop Alter at Ohio Valley Hoops Classic, Nov. 30 vs. Westerville North at Reynoldsburg, Dec. 13 at Canton Central Catholic, Dec. 22 vs. Newark at Capital University, Dec. 27 vs. Columbus Northland at Greater Columbus Convention Center, Dec. 28 at Garfield Heights NEO Christmas Classic
Jan. 5 vs. Reynoldsburg at Tri-C Metro, Jan. 7 vs. Buchtel at Ohio Dominican, Jan. 10 vs. TBD at Burger King Classic in Erie, Pa., Jan. 11 vs. TBD at Burger King Classic in Erie, Pa., Jan. 17 vs. Dynamic Prep (Texas) at Flyin’ to the Hoop, Jan. 19 vs. Archbishop Stepinac at Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass., Jan. 22 vs. Lutheran West, Jan. 24 at Sandusky, Jan. 25 vs. Olentangy Orange at Reynoldsburg, Jan. 27 vs. Toledo Whitmer
Feb. 1 at Buchtel, Feb. 2 at St. Ignatius, Feb. 7 vs. St. Vincent-St. Mary, Feb. 9 vs. Andrews Osborne, Feb. 13 at St. Edward, Feb. 17 vs. Louisville at Canton Memorial Fieldhouse
1. St. Ignatius Wildcats
2023-24 finish: 26-3, Division I state champion
Coach: Cam Joyce (sixth season)
Returning starters: Quinn Woidke (6-1, sr., G), Damon Friery (6-10, sr., F)
In the rotation: Kali Johnson (6-2, sr., G), Jimmy Thomas (6-1, sr., G), Pearce Gibbs (6-2, sr., G), Kyle Niehaus (6-4, sr., G/F), Conor Mangan (6-6, sr., F), Alex Mack (6-3, jr., G/F), R.J. Jones (6-5, jr., F), Sami Dari (6-2, so., G), Steph Bohanon (5-11, so., G)
2024-25 alignment: Division I, independent
Outlook: A pair of Division I college commits in Woidke (Kent State) and Friery (Dayton) return for the defending OHSAA Division I state champions, and they should be favored to repeat in Ohio’s top classification. Woidke’s college recruitment took off last year around this time after he returned from a shoulder injury, while Friery size and shooting make him a prospect with a high ceiling to match his frame. The Wildcats’ 66-56 victory in March against Centerville marked their first state crown in 23 years. Joyce needs just four wins to reach 100 for his career.
Schedule
Nov. 30 at Warrensville Heights, Dec. 7 vs. Westerville North, Dec. 10 at Villa Angela-St. Joseph, Dec. 13 vs. TBD at Gonzaga DC Classic, Dec. 14 vs. TBD at Gonzaga DC Classic, Dec. 15 vs. TBD at Gonzaga DC Classic, Dec. 21 vs. Akron Garfield, Dec. 22 vs. Reynoldsburg at Capital University, Dec. 29 at Canton McKinley, Dec. 31 vs. St. Vincent-St. Mary
Jan. 3 at St. Edward, Jan. 5 vs. Olentangy Orange at Tri-C, Jan. 11 vs. Buchtel, Jan. 16 vs. Centerville, Jan. 19 vs. Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller at Flyin’ to the Hoop, Jan. 22 at Lutheran East, Jan. 24 at Walsh Jesuit, Jan. 31 vs. Lutheran West
Feb. 4 vs. Richmond Heights, Feb. 7 vs. St. Edward, Feb. 14 at Louisville, Feb. 21 at Avon
On the cusp of the Top 25: Avon (17-8), Bedford (11-13), Cornerstone Christian (15-11), Crestwood (19-4), Hawken (15-6), Fairview (19-7), Lakewood (17-8), North Royalton (16-7), Padua (12-11), Rocky River (15-10), Tallmadge (8-16), Twinsburg (11-12)
Contact sports reporter Matt Goul on X (@mgoul), Threads (@mgoul) or email ([email protected]).