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DDN boys basketball preseason ratings

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Updated 12:58 AM Friday, December 2, 2011

Division I

1. Northmont (15-7): With first-team All-GWOC picks Jamal Trammell and Devon Carter back, the Bolts earn the early bull’s eye as the top team to beat.

2. Troy (16-7): Returning starters Cody May (14.2 points), Zach Martinez (8.9) and Zach Rohr will be joined by top sub Tyler Miller (8.8) as starters. However, not playing is Marcus Foster, who’s headed to UC to play football.

3. Wayne (22-2): Juan Ford (7.5) and Keith Clements (6.1) are returning starters and likely will be joined in the lineup by senior Malcom Pittman (4.2) and Marcus Bonner. There’s not much height and too many incoming freshmen to extend a 38-game GWOC win streak much longer.

4. Trotwood-Madison (18-6): New head coach Rocky Rockhold takes over after being former coach Mark Baker’s varsity assistant the last three seasons. As if losing Andre Yates to Dunbar wasn’t enough, the Rams are in the D-II state title football game again. As many MAC teams can attest, that means a late start for football-playing basketball players.

5. Springboro (14-8): The Panthers shared the GWOC South title — their third straight — with Fairborn. Returning starters include highly coveted 6-10 junior Maverick Morgan and senior guard Jack Mapes.

Division II

1. Dunbar (22-3): Three names, Deontae “Teddy” Hawkins (Wichita State), Andre Yates (Creighton) and Greg Akbar (Cleveland State). Some Marshall payback and another state title trophy are the Wolverines’ marching orders.

2. Thurgood Marshall (22-6): Joe Thomasson, Joe Ballard, Mark Alstork and Edmond Early are returning starters from last year’s team that fell in the D-II state title game.

3. Alter (16-6): Junior guard Jaaron Simmons (17.4) and senior Jake Laravie (10.9) are two good reasons why the Knights should defend their GCL North title.

4. Chaminade Julienne (10-13): With rugged middle man John Staley (17.7) as the go-to production, the Eagles should make a run at Alter.

5. Franklin (11-10): Senior 6-8 twins Justin and Jacob Rossi are a load. But the key is 6-4 Luke Kennard, rated by some as the state’s No. 1 freshman.

Division III

1. Greeneview (20-3): The Rams will be without senior standout Ronnie Drinnon, but there’s plenty returning in 6-7 junior Evan Bradds and senior guard Eric Green, son of longtime coach Bill Green.

2. Miami East (21-2): Leading scorer Gunner Shirk (11.5) and Josh Snyder, both guards, provide a solid backcourt for the Vikings.

3. Waynesville (16-7): Luke Creditt was the football team’s high-end QB and will be counted upon to deliver in hoop, too. He led the Spartans in scoring last season. There’s also good height in Victor Boggs and Mitch Gossard, both 6-6.

4. Preble Shawnee (18-3): Long-range senior shooter Austin Jarbo returns to the Arrows after sitting out football. Jake Adams also is back to provide proven guard play.

5. Dixie (10-11): John Isaacs (12 points, 10 rebounds) and Luke Bowling (12.0) were first-team All-SWBL. Senior Ryan Gabbard also is back after being a top sub at Wayne last season.

Division IV

1. Minster (18-6): Doug Huber (13.0), Devon Poeppelman (8.0) and Adam Niemeyer (4.0) make a solid foundation for the Wildcats to build upon. Minster fell to Houston in the regional final last season.

2. Fort Loramie (17-6): The Redskins don’t have their customary height advantage, with 6-5 Austin Luebke their tallest player. Still, coach Karl Ratermann’s club should contend for a SCL title.

3. Jefferson (19-4): Senior forward Jalen Ware is the only returnee with any significant playing time. The Broncos are down to just 61 boys in school, but it’s still hard to crack Jefferson’s talented lineup.

4. Franklin-Monroe (24-2): The Jets probably are a season away from another great run because Jaden Horner is the only senior on a team loaded with freshmen (2) and sophomores (4).

5. Houston (20-6): Adam Mullen and Luke Winner are the only holdovers from last year’s team that fell in the state semifinals to Harvest Prep.

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