COLUMBUS, Ohio -- It has been no secret for the last few years that the OCC-Ohio is Columbus' powerhouse division, and arguably the best in the state. In 2016-17, there is no doubt that the Ohio is the supreme place for basketball. With high-major prospects on all three top teams, the Ohio division will be up for grabs this winter. Who will finish on top?

Sterling Manley (Sr. C, Pickerington Central)

The hottest prospect in Ohio, Manley is our pick for OCC-Ohio Preseason MVP. At 6-foot-11, Manley is a dominant presence in the post, as he can control the game on both ends of the floor, a major reason why North Carolina offered him earlier in the fall. Returning to the floor as a Tar Heel commit, the first in Columbus in more than 40 years, Manley is looking to lead Pickerington Central to its first state final four since 2012.

Jordan Mitchell (So. SF, Gahanna)

The lone returning player for Gahanna with starting varsity experience, the 6-foot-7 swing forward Mitchell is our pick for OCC-Ohio Underclassman of the Year. After helping lead Gahanna to the regional final with his versatility and elite-level defense, Mitchell is thrusted into a much higher role of importance this year. Despite only being a sophomore, Mitchell will have to be the leader for Gahanna, as he brings a level of experience that no other player on the roster has. Look for a huge season out of the top prospect in Central Ohio's 2019 class.

Jeremiah Francis (So. PG, Pickerington Central)

Jordan Mitchell (So. SF, Gahanna)

Jerome Hunter (Jr. SF, Pickerington North)

Reece Strohm (Sr. SF, Reynoldsburg)

Sterling Manley (Sr. C, Pickerington Central)

2015-16 record: 22-5 (12-2)

Result: Division I regional semifinalist

Top returning players: Sterling Manley (6'11 C / 2017 /  North Carolina), Jeremiah Francis (6'2 PG / 2019), Darius Coker (6'3 SF / 2017), Adrian Nelson (6'6 SF / 2018), Juan Elmore (6'4 PF / 2018), Jah Blevins (6'5 SF / 2018)*, Jalen Horton (5'9 PG / 2017)

Question: The odds-on favorite to win the region early on, can anyone stop an extremely deep PC team that is filled with mid-to-high D1 talent?

Outlook: The talent pipeline at Pickerington Central is alive and well and stronger than it has ever been at the moment. A team loaded with Division I talent, Pickerington Central, on paper, is the most likely pick to make a run to the state tournament. Starting off with 6-foot-11 senior center Sterling Manley, the Tigers have a matchup in the front court that no team, other than Westerville South, will be able to stop. Manley's partner in the backcourt is stud sophomore point guard Jeremiah Francis, who played a major role in the Tigers' district title run last year. The Tigers return more experience with senior wing forward Darius Coker, a football standout that brings athleticism, toughness and a bit of versatility. In the backcourt, senior point guard Jalen Horton is a small, but scrappy guard who can really handle the ball, facilitate and defend. Junior forward Juan Elmore plays a Draymond Green type role for the Tigers, as an undersized four man who can do a little bit of everything. The X-factors for Pickerington Central, however, are on junior wings Adrian Nelson and Jah Blevins, two mid-major Division I talents that are as long and as athletic as they come. Nelson, at 6-foot-6, is growing more talented by the day, while Blevins, who comes in from defending Division II state champion John Glenn, only adds more depth and versatility to a team oozing with it already. Look for freshman guard Josiah Fulcher to contribute with his outside shooting, while sophomore wing guard and Independence transfer Javohn Garcia will factor in as yet another talented piece who plays hard and makes an impact on both ends. Sophomore big man Coleton Landis adds size off the bench at 6-foot-7, and is tough enough to bang inside with the area's best front court players. With all of this talent, can Pickerington Central co-exist and make a deep run? Our money is on the Tigers to do just that. 

2015-16 record: 25-3 (12-2)

Result: Division I regional finalist

Top returning players: Jordan Mitchell (6'7 SF / 2019), Nate Ward (6'6 SF / 2018), Chase Rankin (5'11 PG / 2018), Josh Corbin (6'2 SG / 2019), Ezra Manjon (5'10 PG / 2019), Basit Seidu (6'4 PF / 2017)

Question: Losing almost 80 percent of scoring from 2015-2016, do the young and athletic Lions have enough to compete deep into March yet again?

Outlook: Gone is a tremendous 2016 class that won more than 80 games in the last four years. Back, though, is five-tool sophomore forward Jordan Mitchell, who has been described as a "Rolls Royce" prospect by the honorable Kurt Stubbs. Mitchell has superstar potential and will need to play at that high of a level in order for Gahanna to continue its winning ways. Mitchell is joined on the wing by junior forward Nate Ward, who has made great strides in his development since the end of last season. At 6-foot-6, Ward is long, athletic and versatile, as his confidence level is through the roof right now. On the other wing for the Lions is sophomore guard Josh Corbin, arguably the division's top shooter. Nicknamed "Knockdown Corbin," the sophomore guard is going to play an important role for Gahanna this season. In the backcourt, look for junior guard Chase Rankin to man the point guard spot for Gahanna, while sophomore guard Elijah Thomas and sophomore guard Ezra Manjon should see considerable floor time. In the front court, senior post Basit Seidu is back for the Lions, as he provides toughness and strength underneath at 6-foot-4. Look for junior power forward Mike Reeves to see some time, as the 6-foot-6 post has continued to improve. While very talented, Gahanna is still young and inexperienced, and may face some growing pains early. However, the Lions have one of the state's top coaches, which could create a deep tournament run once again for Gahanna. 

2015-16 record: 11-13 (7-7)

Result: Division I district semifinalist

Top returning players: Jerome Hunter (6'7 SF / 2018), Eli McNamara (6'8 PF / 2018), Dondre Palmer (6'4 SF / 2018), Ty Wiley (5'9 PG / 2018)

Question: Jerome Hunter has become arguably the best player in the area. Will that equate to 18+ wins for Pick North?

Outlook: Since the end of last season, so far in Ohio it has been the spring, summer and fall of Jerome Hunter. Turning heads all AAU season long, Hunter's stock has exploded, as the 6-foot-7 forward fields offers from some of the region's best high-major programs. Turning into a dominant force who can score from anywhere and provide for an impact on the defensive interior, Hunter has a chance to put up huge numbers for the Panthers this winter. Pickerington North will need it anyway. In order for the Panthers to take the next step forward as a program, Hunter will have to continue to dominate, while fellow juniors Eli McNamara and Dondre Palmer will need to contribute consistently. McNamara picked up his first Division I offer earlier in the fall from Stony Brook, as the 6-foot-8 power forward is really blossoming into one of the state's most skilled and versatile wing forwards. Palmer, a model of consistency and motor, brings tremendous energy and belief, and looks to have a big year. Outside of the big three, junior point guard Ty Wiley is back, alongside senior wing guard Matt Lanier, who is arguably the team's best shooter. While not possessing the depth of its rival Pickerington Central, North has arguably the best player in the entire division in Hunter, which could create for an interesting division race this February. 

2015-16 record: 9-14 (6-8)

Result: Division I sectional semifinalist

Top returning players: Reece Strohm (6'6 SF / 2017 / Walsh), Treauhn Williams (6'6 PF / 2018), Jamiel Goliday (5'10 PG/ 2018), Ben Fort (6'2 SG / 2019), KJ Walker (5'10 PG / 2017)

Question: Will Reynoldsburg be on the outside looking in at the Ohio's elite once again?

Outlook: Always one of the Ohio division's most competitive teams, Reynoldsburg is looking to improve on a challenging 2015-16 campaign. Led by senior wing and Walsh commit Reece Strohm, who has been a starter for the Raiders for the last three years, Reynoldsburg is looking to crack the top three of the division with its talented cast. Complimenting Strohm is rising 6-foot-6 junior big man Treauhn Williams, who has emerged this offseason as one of the area's better post prospects. In the backcourt, the Raiders have an assortment of talented pieces, as senior guard KJ Walker provides play-making ability and experience, while junior guard Jamiel Goliday is as tough as they come. The X-factor for the Raiders is sophomore wing guard Ben Fort, a long and athletic wing who could really help Reynoldsburg if he is to have a breakout season. With enough pieces to be competitive, it will be interesting to see how Reynoldsburg fares in an Ohio division that is as elite as they come at the top. 

2015-16 record: 8-15 (3-11)

Result: Division I sectional finalist

Top returning players: PJ Jones (6'2 PG / 2018), Anthony Tyree (6'4 PF / 2017), Josh Burgett (6'4 PF / 2017)

Question: Does Grove City have enough to crack the top four of the league?

Outlook: After a tough 2015-16 campaign, Grove City, who played for a district title in 2014, is looking to redeem itself with a young and fairly talented cast. Led by junior point guard PJ Jones, who has been a mainstay in the Greyhounds' lineup since his freshman season, Grove City is looking to at least crack the top four of the Ohio division. Jones, a terrific shooter and facilitator, will be a solid 1-2 punch with senior forward Anthony Tyree, who enjoyed a bit of a breakout season last year as a junior. Tyree, who began his career at Franklin Heights before transferring to Pickerington North and then to Grove City, returns to the same lineup as the year before for the first time in his career. Look for that type of stability to only enhance Tyree's game this season, which will help Grove City improve on last year's results. Outside of Jones and Tyree, senior forward and football standout Josh Burgett gives the Greyhounds some size inside, while 6-foot-4 senior forward Isaiah Dewberry should help Grove City as well. Senior guard Zach Sammeth looks to also contribute, as the Greyhounds have a decent amount of depth this time around. 

2015-16 record: 7-16 (1-13)

Result: Division I sectional semifinalist

Top returning players: Jacob Arter (6'2 PG / 2017), Chandler Dawson (6'3 SF / 2017), Rocky Jorgenson (6'4 PF / 2017)

Question: Will Lancaster ever be able to seriously compete in a talent-heavy Ohio division?

Outlook: For Lancaster, another tough season looks to be on the horizon for the Gales, who have struggled to compete with the rest of the division in recent years. Fortunately for Lancaster, senior guard Jacob Arter is one of the Ohio division's best, and should put up big numbers for the Gales. One of the area's youngest teams a year ago, Lancaster should have a chance to be better than they were in 2015-16. Senior forward Rocky Jorgenson gives the Gales some size at 6-foot-4, while senior wing Chandler Dawson should compliment Arter in the scoring column. With a bit of size and returning depth, Lancaster's outlook is better this season than many in year's past. For Lancaster to compete and climb out of the cellar of the Ohio, Arter will have to put up big numbers night in and night out to give the Gales a fighting chance.