COLUMBUS, Ohio -- No player in the current Columbus City League was alive the last time a team not named Northland or Brookhaven won a North division title. I myself was just over a year old the last time it happened when Beechcroft won the City North title in 1994.

In 2016-17, the North division looks to come down to Northland and Beechcroft, as the two upper north side schools are the last two existing programs to win a division title in the last 23 years. Both have a great deal of returning talent, which could form for a very interesting winter.

Let's take a look at the Columbus City League North season preview, only on 270 Hoops.

Jejuan Weatherspoon (Jr. SG, Northland)

With the graduation of a talented 2016 class including Northland's all-time leading scorer Seth Towns, the time is now for Weatherspoon to become 'the guy' for the Vikings. A lengthy wing guard with great upside, Weatherspoon is currently the only player in the City League North with a Division I offer, which speaks to his ability on the floor. Look for Weatherspoon to put up big numbers this winter in leading the Vikings to yet another City title. 

William Mfum (So. SG, Northland)

Much like Weatherspoon, Mfum is on the verge of a breakout year. The best athlete in the City League, Mfum is coming off a strong summer and fall, where he emerged as one of the area's highest upside prospects in the 2019 class. After contributing off the bench as a freshman last season, look for Mfum's role to increase this year in the Northland starting lineup. 

Brandon Waugh (Sr. PG, Northland)

Jelani Simmons (Jr. SG, Beechcroft)

Jejuan Weatherspoon (Jr. SG, Northland)

Justin Curtis (Jr. SG, East)

Quentin Jones (Sr. PF, Northland)

2015-16 record: 21-3 (15-0)

Result: Division I district semifinalist

Top returning players: Quentin Jones (6'8 PF / 2017), Brandon Waugh (6'0 PG / 2017), Jejuan Weatherspoon (6'3 SG / 2018), Gabe Towns (6'7 PF / 2018), William Mfum (6'2 SG / 2019)

Question: Towns and Weatherspoon are the names that are known - but not who you are used to. Can Northland win yet another City title?

Outlook: It has been more than 10 years since the last time Northland lost a City League North game against any of the programs still in existence. In a run that has been truly historic, Northland will look to continue its dominance over the rest of the league. However, the gap between the Vikings and the second-best team is as close as it has been since 2014, when Brookhaven won the City League in its last year of existence. While the Vikings still possess the most talent of any team in the league, and have the most size, Northland will have its hands full this year with teams like Beechcroft and Centennial, who feel they have enough to take down the Vikings. For Northland, look for a backcourt of senior point guard Brandon Waugh and junior shooting guard Jejuan Weatherspoon to pace the Vikings. Sophomore wing William Mfum provides elite-level athleticism and lockdown perimeter defense, as Mfum also stars in the open floor, which will only help Northland's usually vaunted transition offense. In the front court, senior big man Quentin Jones has continued to improve, and could be prone for a huge season. Junior power forward Gabe Towns is finally out of the shadow of his older brother, which could open up for a breakout season for the 6-foot-7 post. Off the bench, Northland has several pieces, starting off with sophomore point guard N'Keeley Elmore, who despite being 5-foot-6, is an all-out warrior on both ends of the floor. With great size, guard play and athleticism, Northland has the pieces it needs to make yet another run for a division title, but the Vikings must be careful to not overlook any of its opponents in league play. Our money is on Northland winning yet another City title, but we would not be surprised to see Beechcroft possibly pull an upset in the North division. It will all come down to how badly Northland wants it.

2015-16 record: 14-9 (10-4)

Result: Division II sectional finalist

Top returning players: Jelani Simmons (6'4 SG / 2018), Datrey Long (6'2 SG / 2018), Na'elle Simmons (6'7 PF / 2019), Therron Jennings (6'4 PF / 2018), Teon Jennings (6'4 PF / 2018), James Richardson (6'4 SF / 2017)

Question: Beechcroft returns its entire starting five. Will the Cougars have what it takes to upset Northland and pull off a stunner for the ages?

Outlook: Beechcroft comes into the 2016-17 with great confidence and belief. The Cougars feel they have enough to make a run for a City title, led mainly with its deep 2018 class. Starting with junior guard Jelani Simmons, who has developed into an all-out knockdown shooter with great length, Beechcroft has talent at every position. Junior wing guard Datrey Long is a talented scorer who plays with a great motor, while junior forwards Therron Jennings and Teon Jennings provide for an impact around the basket on both ends of the floor. Beechcroft has even more length and athleticism with junior 6-foot-4 forward Elijah Bishop, who was impressive in our viewing of him at the Ohio State team camp this summer. Sophomore big man Na'elle Simmons is improving daily, and has great length at 6-foot-7. In the senior class, Beechcroft has yet another talented piece on the wing in James Richardson, who at 6-foot-4 is athletic and provides for an impact on both ends of the floor for the Cougars. In the backcourt, Beechcroft receives a transfer from East in the form of 5-foot-10 junior guard Noah Harris, who should help the Cougars this season. With the athleticism and depth to make a serious run, it will come down to Beechcroft's discipline and efficiency this season. This Beechcroft team could be very good if they are unselfish, which we see happening this season. While Northland is still our pick to win the City, Beechcroft would be our second most confident pick - regardless of division. 

2015-16 record: 11-12 (8-6)

Result: Division II sectional finalist

Top returning players: Craig Burt (6'4 SF / 2018), Kylen Gilbert (6'5 PF / 2017), Javantae Tribblett (6'0 PG / 2017), Gary Elder (6'0 PG / 2018), Myles Martinez (6'6 PF / 2019), Sean Tyson (5'10 PG / 2018)

Question: A perennial third place team in the City League, does Centennial have enough to make a run for a league title?

Outlook: A sleeper pick in the City League, Centennial returns a considerable amount of talent this season, despite a fairly deep senior class a season ago. Starting with the versatile junior forward Craig Burt, Centennial has size and scoring at a variety of positions. Burt is a do-it-all forward who is really effective when he's making plays at the rim. After having his junior season cut short due to injury, senior forward Kylen Gilbert is back this season for the Stars, as the 6-foot-5 forward is arguably Centennial's most athletic player. In the backcourt, senior guard Javantae Tribblett is the guy for the Stars, as he is a natural scorer who can get places off the dribble. Junior guards Gary Elder and Sean Tyson are also two talented pieces for Centennial, who may be coming in overlooked this season, but full of belief. A consistent pick for third place in the City League over the last few years, Centennial is looking to break through in 2016-17.

2015-16 record: 12-11 (7-7)

Result: Division II sectional finalist

Top returning players: D'Amonte Jones (6'7 PF / 2019), Faizon Tucker (6'3 PF / 2018), Damon Prater (6'0 SG / 2018)

Question: Linden has climbed out of the cellar of the league. Can the Panthers take the next step forward as a program?

Outlook: After finishing above .500 and winning a tournament game last season, Linden continued an upward movement of a program that was once the cellar dweller of the City North. With several talented pieces and one of the City's most dedicated coaches, Linden is looking to keep things moving in the right direction despite losing a lot to graduation. Back for the Panthers is the lengthy and athletic sophomore big man D'Amonte Jones, who is one of the very best in the 2019 class. Jones will have to increase his production this season, after showing flashes of promise last year as a freshman starter. Joining Jones in the front court is junior forward Faizon Tucker, who is a high-motor player who can make things happen around the basket. In the backcourt, Linden is expecting big things from junior guard Damon Prater, who has been one of the Panthers most improved players. Prater and fellow junior guard Cam Joyce should be the guys for the Panther backcourt, as Linden will be very young, but not lacking for talent. 

2015-16 record: 6-17 (4-10)

Result: Division I sectional finalist

Top returning players: Lamine Komara (6'5 PF / 2018), Rayshon Walker (6'0 PG / 2018), Sean Jones (6'1 SG / 2018), Lincoln Mullins (6'3 PF / 2018), Gerard Reynolds (6'4 SF / 2019)

Question: Last year was #TheRise. This year is #TheClimb. Can Whetstone compete with the upper half of the City North?

Outlook: One of the younger teams in the City, Whetstone is looking for a breakout year in coach Richie Beard's third season on the job. The Braves have more talent and depth than any in year's past, as the Braves will look for production out of a variety of places. Junior wing forward Lamine Komara is an improving four-man with a lot of length. Junior point guard Rayshon Walker is an experienced piece in the backcourt who can really shoot. Whetstone receives a transfer from DeSales in junior wing guard Sean Jones, who should see some immediate action for the Braves. In the front court, junior power forward Lincoln Mullins is the heart and soul of this team, as he brings attitude, toughness and effort. The x-factor for Whetstone is sophomore wing guard Gerard Reynolds, who is expected to make it back from injury sometime this season, after suffering a knee injury in the summer. If Whetstone can get Reynolds in the fold to compliment the pieces already around him, the Braves may have a chance to move into the top half of the City League North. 

2015-16 record: 7-15 (4-10)

Result: Division II sectional semifinalist

Top returning players: Justin Curtis (6'3 SG / 2018), Ke'zion Brown (6'4 SF / 2019), Solomon Mohamed (6'0 PG / 2018)

Question: It is now the Justin Curtis and Ke'zion Brown era at East. Can the Tigers become relevant again?

Outlook: After an up and down year last season, East is looking to rise to the top half of the City North. The Tigers will look to do that behind the play of talented junior wing Justin Curtis. With good size and athleticism, Curtis is a tough slasher who is very good in transition. Sophomore wing Ke'zion Brown has great length and versatility, and could really help East with a breakout year. In the backcourt, junior guard Solomon Mohamed is a solid facilitator that impressed in the fall at Coach Vic's Weekly Showcase. With good length on the wings, East will have to rely on its athleticism to win games this season, as the Tigers don't really have a true frontcourt piece. 

2015-16 record: 10-11 (9-5)

Result: Division I sectional semifinalist

Top returning players: Itika Wynn (5'11 PG / 2018), Brandon Bempah (6'0 PG / 2017), Tyjon Palmore (5'10 PG / 2017), Kelvin Frimpong (5'11 PG / 2018)

Question: Mifflin was one of the league's scrappier teams last season. Do the Punchers stand a chance in the City North this time around?

Outlook: Mifflin might be the smallest team in the City North this season, but you can bet the Panthers won't play like it. With a talented backcourt and several guards who play hard on both ends of the floor, Mifflin will look to make up for what it lacks in size, with heart and effort. Last season, Mifflin relied on its high-pressure defense, turnovers and transition offense to win nine league games, as the Punchers will have to do that once again in 2016-17. Junior guard Itika Wynn returns at the point guard position, while on the wing, senior guard Brandon Bempah is a talented shooter. Senior guard Tyjon Palmore returns after being a rotation player for Mifflin last season, while junior guard Kelvin Frimpong returns as one of the Punchers' best defenders. Senior forward Jalen Spencer is also back for Mifflin, as he could be the guy for the Punchers in the front court, despite not being very tall. In a league with a lot of size, Mifflin will have its hands cut out for them as the Punchers really don't have a legitimate post presence. 

2015-16 record: 1-19 (0-14)

Result: Division III sectional semifinalist

Top returning players: Unknown

Question: Will International be able to win a league game this season?

Outlook: Things are not looking up for International basketball this season. The Lions are 1-41 in the last two seasons, including an 0-28 record in league play.