COLUMBUS, Ohio - After a decorated 2016 class in Central Ohio graduated this past month, gone with it are a plethora of talented basketball players. In a class that saw more than 10 players sign Division I scholarships in Central Ohio, 2016 raised the bar to a new level in Columbus.

However, the prominence that 2016 brought with players like Seth Towns, Nick Ward, Ibi Watson and Andre Wesson, that star power looks to be sure to return in 2018 and 2019. Central Ohio's rising sophomores and juniors are a talented bunch, with rising junior studs such as Dane Goodwin and Jerome Hunter, who have each earned big-time offers and interest.

In 2019, a 'Big Four' in the area is led by Gahanna's Jordan Mitchell, who was offered by Ohio State in the winter. Following Mitchell is Pickerington Central point guard Jeremiah Francis, Worthington Christian forward Taylor Currie and Westerville North guard Jeremiah Keene, who have all received high-major interest up to this point.

For as much star power as 2018 has, 2019 might be deeper, as there is not much of a drop off from No. 6 on in the class' top 30 players. Athletic wings such as Gahanna's Josh Corbin, Northland's William Mfum and Independence's Javohn Garcia each have big-time potential, while the City League North has two promising 6-foot-7 big men in Linden's D'Amonte Jones and Beechcroft's Na'elle Simmons. 

Always a hotbed for talent, Central Ohio is as good as ever in 2018 and 2019, and 270 Hoops is more than excited to track the area's top players for the next few years.