When it comes to coverage of high school boys basketball in Northeast Ohio, you’ll be hard-pressed to find more in-depth analysis than the writings of T.J. Peatross on his independent website: NEO Spotlight.
Peatross revealed his latest Top 25 on Dec. 12, updating his rankings for the first time since the preseason edition was posted on Dec. 1.
Here are some of the new revelations:
1. Massillon Jackson (1-0)
- Preseason Ranking: #1
- Last Week: Defeated Akron Firestone 73-39
- This Week: 12/13 vs. GlenOak, 12/16 @ Massillon Perry
- Outlook: The Polar Bears made their season debut on Saturday over at the K. Jack Greynolds Classic in a lopsided win over Akron Firestone, maintaining their number one ranking. Coach Debevec and company begin Federal League play on Tuesday before traveling to Disney for a tough, three-game stretch.
2. St. Vincent-St. Mary (2-0)
- Preseason Ranking: #2
- Last Week: Defeated Youngstown Ursuline, 72-55.
- This Week: 12/17 vs. Evanston, IL (LBJ Classic), 12/18 vs. #16 Warren Harding (LBJ Classic)
- Outlook: Dealing with the aftermath of last week’s game with Cleveland Central Catholic, Coach Dru Joyce and company managed to pickup a road win against Youngstown Ursuline on Friday. SeniorJayvon Graves has led the way offensively in the two wins, averaging over 26 points per contest.
3. St. Edward (3-0)
- Preseason Ranking: #3
- Last Week: Defeated Lakewood, 106-51. Defeated John Marshall, 94-43. Defeated #15 Cornerstone Christian, 88-73.
- This Week: 12/17 vs. Glenville
- Outlook: Coach Flannery and company are coming off of their first top 25 win over Cornerstone Christian. The Eagles face Glenville from out of the Senate League before partaking in a West Coast trip to San Diego.
4. Lorain (2-0)
- Preseason Ranking: #4
- Last Week: Defeated Vermilion, 66-57. Defeated Elyria Catholic, 87-68.
- This Week: 12/16 vs. Shaw, 12/18 vs. #10 North Canton Hoover (@ Canton CC)
- Outlook: The Titans haven’t played their best basketball out of the gate, but they were able to regroup and pick up two quality wins. Seniors Naz Bohanon and Jalil Little have led the push offensively while Octavius Wilson and Devon Grant have provided the group with some extra firepower.
5. Cleveland Heights (3-0)
- Preseason Ranking: #8
- Last Week: Defeated Richmond Heights, 71-38.
- This Week: 12/16 vs. Bedford, 12/17 vs. Gahanna Lincoln (LBJ Classic), 12/18 vs. Mt. Mission (Hoops 4 Heart Classic)
- Outlook: Cleveland Heights defeated two top 25 opponents opening weekend and followed it up with a one-sided win over Richmond Heights. The road ahead gets tougher for the Tigers as they play three games in a matter of three days, including a matchup with Columbus powerhouse Gahanna Lincoln.
6. Garfield Heights (3-0)
- Preseason Ranking: #9
- Last Week: Defeated Bedford, 72-44. Defeated Orange, 66-57.
- This Week: 12/13 @ Shaw, 12/18 vs. Westerville South (LBJ Classic)
- Outlook: The Bulldogs took a blow when Cleveland State signee Shawn Christian suffered an apparent knee injury in the team’s final preseason contest, but the Bulldogs have cruised to an early 3-0 start behind the leadership of Marreon Jackson. Looming on their radar is a meeting with Westerville South, a rematch of last year’s state semifinals bout.
7. Saint Ignatius (1-2)
- Preseason Ranking: #7
- Last Week: Lost vs. Archbishop Carroll (PA), 77-73. Defeated Erie McDowell, 81-58.
- This Week: 12/16 vs. Erie Strong Vincent (PA), 12/17 vs. Columbus Northland
- Outlook: St. Ignatius traveled out of state to secure their first win of the season in a 81-58 routing of the host school. Matt Davet has impressed early and the senior was complemented over the weekend by the hot shooting of senior Michael Spear.
8. Benedictine (1-0)
- Preseason Ranking: #10
- Last Week: Defeated #12 Cleveland Central Catholic, 64-43.
- This Week: 12/16 vs. #17 Hoban, 12/17 vs. Youngstown Ursuline (LBJ Classic)
- Outlook: Due to the high school football playoffs pushing back their game with Ignatius, and a series of suspensions spoiling their matchup with CCC, Benedictine is still awaiting their first real test.
9. Villa Angela-St. Joseph (2-1)
- Preseason Ranking: #11
- Last Week: Defeated #18 Lutheran East, 78-76
- This Week: 12/16 vs. #12 Cleveland Central Catholic
- Outlook: Despite a strong effort from Lutheran East, VASJ was able to defeat the Falcons 78-76 without their point-guard and leader, Gene Higgins. The junior tweaked his ankle on 12/2 against Euclid and it is uncertain when he will return to the lineup.
10. North Canton Hoover (2-0)
- Preseason Ranking: #12
- Last Week: Defeated Richmond Heights, 65-34. Defeated GlenOak, 66-49.
- This Week: 12/13 vs. #23 Uniontown Lake (live video stream game: here) 12/17 @ Carrolton, 12/18 vs. #4 Lorain (Hoops 4 Heart)
- Outlook: Hoover opened up league play in a dominant fashion as a strong second half pushed them to a double-digit win over GlenOak. The team will face an intriguing style clash, as they look to upset Lorain this weekend.
To see the rest of the Top 25, along with detailed descriptions of each team, click here and be sure to follow T.J. Peatross on Twitter.
You can see more of his work, including player of the week polls, prospect updates, and game recaps at NEO Spotlight.
Recent Comments