COLUMBUS, Ohio -- With as much parity as it has had in the last decade, the Columbus City League South is anyone's division in 2016-17. Losing a ton of talent to graduation, the City South is a young, talented and exciting division this season, with as many as six teams having a chance to compete for a title.

Let's take a look at how we see the division shaking out. With no real favorite, we see any of the top five teams having a chance to win the league.

Danny Corbett (Sr. PG, Briggs)

Starting in the Briggs backcourt since a freshman, there is not a more experienced player in the City League South than Corbett this season. After a junior season in which Corbett enjoyed a bit of a breakout, including twice being named 270 Hoops Player of the Week, the 6-foot point guard is looking to take his game to an even greater level as a senior. Looking to lead Briggs to its first division title since 1987, Corbett is poised to put up huge numbers for the Bruins this season. 

Marcus Johnson (Fr. SF, South)

One of the highest upside prospects in all of Ohio's 2020 class, Johnson looks to have an immediate impact for South this year. At 6-foot-3, Johnson is an elite-level athlete with tremendous bounce, already receiving his first Division I offer from Maryland-Eastern Shores earlier this fall. A terrific downhill slasher who can create around the rim, Johnson might just be the x-factor for South this winter. 

Danny Corbett (Sr. PG, Briggs)

Tre Baumgardner (Jr. PG, Africentric)

Taevion Kinsey (Jr. SG, Eastmoor)

Dibaji Walker (Sr. SF, Independence)

Mar'ye Taylor (Sr. PF, Walnut Ridge)

2015-16 record: 7-16 (4-10)

Result: Division II sectional semifinalist

Top returning players: Taevion Kinsey (6'4 SG / 2018), Tariq Brown (6'5 SF / 2018), Stanley Williams (6'7 PF / 2018), Stephon Williams (6'7 C / 2018), Tripp Hopkins (6'0 PG / 2018), Isaiah Hairston (6'4 SF / 2018), Tim Smith (6'3 SF / 2018)

Question: In a league with no true favorite, Eastmoor has the most talent. Will the Warriors get the job done?

Outlook: While Eastmoor came into last season with a lot of expectations, the Warriors took the bumps and bruises that come along with being a young team. One year older, the Warriors return nearly its entire roster from last season, and again have high expectations. With the most size, athleticism and depth of any team in the South division, Eastmoor must not get the job done. In the backcourt, junior wing guard Taevion Kinsey is an elite-level athlete that has the tools to dominate. Kinsey is joined on the wing by fellow junior Tariq Brown, who offers great length and versatility. In the post, twin tower juniors Stanley Williams and Stephon Williams are massive front court pieces that should form for a stellar frontline. Eastmoor returns junior forwards Tim Smith and Isaiah Hairston, who have both been varsity guys since their freshman years. The x-factor this season, however, could be on junior guard Tripp Hopkins, who looks to fill a huge need for the Warriors. Eastmoor struggled last season to handle pressure, as its backcourt lacked a true point guard, but with Hopkins' presence and improvement, that could be the  missing link to a team with a ton of talent, length and athleticism. In a league without a true favorite, Eastmoor is the smart pick to win the City League South based on talent alone. 

2015-16 record: 18-7 (13-2)

Result: Division I district semifinalist

Top returning players: Mar'ye Taylor (6'7 PF / 2017), Darrick Forrest (6'0 SG / 2017), Von Cameron Davis (6'3 SF / 2020), Qian Magwood (5'9 PG / 2020), Justin Vance (6'0 SG / 2018), Maurice Cooley (6'3 SG / 2018), Michael White (6'2 SG / 2018)

Question: How will Walnut Ridge rebound from losing virtually all of its production to graduation?

Outlook: Walnut Ridge enters this season on a totally opposite side of the spectrum from last year. With eight seniors a season ago, Walnut Ridge was experienced and battle-tested coming off a trip to the Division II state final four. This time around, the Scots are young, relatively unproven, but still talented. Walnut Ridge returns three varsity lettermen from last season, starting off with 6-foot-7 senior forward Mar'ye Taylor. Taylor brings length, athleticism and an ability to stretch the floor with outside shooting. Taylor is joined by fellow senior wing guard Darrick Forrest, who is a football standout and defensive presence for the Scots. Forrest and junior combo guard Justin Vance will man the wings for Walnut Ridge, as both two-sport stars play hard, are athletic and bring toughness for the Scots. In the freshman class, Walnut Ridge features two of the top 2020 players in the state in 6-foot-3 wing forward Von Cameron Davis and 5-foot-9 point guard Qian Magwood. Davis is an elite-level finisher inside, as he can play either forward position, and shows confidence going up against bigger and older players inside. Magwood, on the other hand, is the top freshman point guard in the City League, and is a big-time ball handler that has natural scoring ability. Junior wing Maurice Cooley is an intriguing piece for the Scots, as the 6-foot-3 wing brings an athletic scoring presence for Walnut Ridge. Cooley and fellow junior guard Michael White were impressive last season on the Scots' junior varsity squad, and should transition smoothly to varsity. If Walnut Ridge can get consistent production out of its freshmen duo, combined with the returning trio of Taylor, Forrest and Vance, the Scots could have a great chance to win its fourth-straight City South title. 

2015-16 record: 19-6 (11-3)

Result: Division II district finalist

Top returning players: Lamont Broomfield (6'4 C / 2017), Dez Robinson (6'3 SF / 2017), Bruelle Thompson (6'3 SF / 2017), Dashin White (6'3 SF / 2018), Treohn Watkins (6'1 PG / 2019), Marcus Johnson (6'3 SF / 2020)

Question: South is used to winning at this point. Can Treohn Watkins & Co. carry the torch?

Outlook: Making back-to-back trips to the Division II district finals, South is used to winning at this point. Graduating a talented 2016 class that won 69 games. With several returning pieces, how will the Bulldogs fare in 2016-17? Starting in the backcourt, South returns talented sophomore point guard Treohn Watkins, who was a rotation player for the Bulldogs as a freshman. Watkins is a talented ball-handler who can score, as he was the best JV point guard that we watched all last season. Watkins is joined by fellow underclassman and freshman wing Marcus Johnson, who looks to see immediate action for South. Johnson is an elite-level athlete who can score, rebound and defend, while also being a terrific slasher. In the senior class, South brings back 6-foot-4 post Lamont Broomfield, who has been a mainstay in the Bulldog rotation since his freshman year. Broomfield is joined by senior wing Dez Robinson, who was a big energy guy off the bench for South the last two seasons. Senior wing Bruelle Thompson is an emerging wing that could be due for a breakout season. The x-factor for South could be junior wing Dashin White, who has been a JV standout for the last two seasons. White, along with junior wing Jeremiah Green, could be two reserve players that could determine if South has enough depth to win big again this year or not. 

2015-16 record: 20-7 (9-5)

Result: Division IV regional finalist

Top returning players: Landon Martin (6'3 SG / 2017), Tre Baumgardner (6'1 PG / 2018), Jah Bennett (6'6 PF / 2018), Dorrian Holloway (6'3 SF / 2019), Coty Howard (6'2 SF / 2017)

Question: Africentric is as young as it has ever been. Will the Nubians take a step back in 2016-17?

Outlook: One of the best three programs in the City League South in the last decade, Africentric is in a transition year, as the Nubians graduated a deep 2016 class. However, the Nubians are not lacking for talent, as Africentric has a few talented pieces at a variety of spots. Starting with senior shooting guard Landon Martin, the 6-foot-3 wing is on the verge of what looks like a breakout season after a strong summer. Martin is joined in the backcourt by junior point guard Tre Baumgardner, who is one of the better lead guards in the area's 2018 class. In the front court, 6-foot-6 junior post Jah Bennett will man the Nubians in the post. Bennett has been on the varsity squad the last two years, and looks to possibly break out this season. Africentric receives a transfer from Eastmoor in the form of 6-foot-3 sophomore wing guard Dorian Holloway, who was a rotation player for the Warriors as a freshman. Holloway should provide an instant impact on both ends of the floor, and give Africentric more depth and athleticism. In a league that is wide open, Africentric has the talent to make a run, but it will be interesting to see if the Nubians' youth will cause for some growing pains. A favorite in Division IV to make another run to regionals, Africentric will look to return to the City League Championship for the first time since 2013. 

2015-16 record: 11-12 (8-6)

Result: Division I sectional semifinalist

Top returning players: Danny Corbett (6'0 PG / 2017), Sean Potencino (5'10 PG / 2017), Garrett Groupe (6'3 SF / 2017), Mark Randolph (5'8 PG / 2017), Terrence Yates (SF / 2018)

Question: Can Danny Corbett get enough help around him to make a serious run at a division title?

Outlook: With the league's most experienced and valuable player in senior point guard Danny Corbett, Briggs is looking to do big things this winter. While the Bruins may not have the size or depth that other teams in the league possess, Briggs is going to play extremely hard regardless and always give themselves a chance to win. Look for Corbett to put up big numbers across the board, alongside fellow senior guard Sean Potencino, who has some natural scoring ability off the dribble. Briggs also returns senior forward Garrett Groupe, who had a very strong junior season, as an undersized pick and pop four man who can consistently knock down outside jumpers. After graduating nine seniors from last year's team, Briggs will look for new contributors to step up this season and help the Bruins make a run to the top of the City League South. 

2015-16 record: 4-17 (1-13)

Result: Division II sectional semifinalist

Top returning players: Dibaji Walker (6'6 SF / 2017), Lendell Green (6'1 SG / 2017), Tylan Gilmore-Smith (6'0 PG / 2017), Tyrone Flowers (5'10 G / 2018), Jalen Pellon (5'11 G / 2018), Arthur Green (6'1 F / 2017), James Cockran (5'7 G / 2017), Donovan Moore (6'3 PF / 2017)

Question: Is Dibaji Walker good enough to lead Independence out from the bottom of the City South?

Outlook: After a four-win 2015-16 campaign, Independence enters this season with a lot of confidence. The Sixers return talent, length and some depth, and are looking to rise to the top half of the City League South. Led by senior wing Dibaji Walker, Independence will rely on its 6-foot-6 wing who is developing rapidly by the day. Walker has a chance to lead the Sixers in every statistical category, as Independence will need everything they can get from him. Outside of Walker, Groveport transfer Lendell Green is a big addition for Independence, as he brings a solid perimeter game on both ends of the floor. Independence returns several other guards in James Cockran, Tylan Gilmore-Smith, Tyrone Flowers and Jalen Pellon. Look for forwards Arthur Green and Donovan Moore to give the Sixers some strength inside. With talent, length and some depth, Independence has a chance to climb back to the top half of the City South, and even possibly compete for a league title. 

2015-16 record: 14-9 (8-6)

Result: Division I sectional semifinalist

Top returning players: Shamar Brown (6'4 SF / 2017), Demetrius Brown (6'0 SG / 2017), Dominic Farley (5'9 PG / 2020)

Question: West made huge strides as a program last season. Will the Cowboys continue their winning ways in 2016-17?

Outlook: West surprised nearly everyone in the City League last season by rattling off 14 wins and taking down some of the top powers in the City South. The Cowboys did that behind a deep senior class that played its best basketball in years. This season, however, West doesn't return as much size, athleticism and depth, which could hurt the Cowboys chances in 2016-17. West will be led by senior wing Shamar Brown, who has really come into his own this offseason, as the 6-foot-4 small forward is a stellar athlete that has a developing skill set. West will rely on Brown and fellow senior wing guard Demetrius Brown, whose football antics led the Cowboys to its first ever state football playoff appearance in school history. Demetrius Brown is a top of the line athlete that can slash to the bucket and knock down outside jumpers. The Brown duo will have to carry the load for the Cowboys this winter, as West is also expecting big things out of freshman point guard Dominic Farley, who could start from day one. With a lot of talent and production to replace, West will have its hands full in getting back to the top half of the division. 

2015-16 record: 3-18 (2-12)

Result: Division II sectional semifinalist

Top returning players: Davarius Walker (6'0 PG / 2017), DeQuan Henry-Gbor (6'1 PG / 2017), Mychal Keys (6'4 PF / 2018), Travis Geiger (6'4 PF / 2018)

Question: Will Marion-Franklin ever return as a basketball powerhouse in the City League?

Outlook: It wasn't that long ago that Marion-Franklin was one of the premier programs in the City League and a major threat to the area in March. For the last two seasons, the Red Devils have really struggled to win, dwelling at the bottom of the City South. Marion-Franklin will look to be better this season, led behind a talented senior backcourt trio of Davarius Walker and DeQuan Henry-Gbor. Both guards should put up big numbers to pace the Red Devils, as Marion-Franklin also returns junior forwards Mychal Keys and Travis Geiger, who have been varsity rotation players for the last two years. A very young team for the last two seasons, Marion-Franklin could be better this year than what we are expecting, as the City League South is anybody's division in 2016-17.