COLUMBUS, Ohio -- High school basketball season officially started today, which means the best team of the year is upon us. As we released our Division I power rankings (you can find those at the top of the screen on our toolbar), it's time to take a look at Division II. Who cracks the top 10? Find out below.
1. DeSales
Last week: -/-
DeSales made an inspired trip to the regional finals last season before running into the buzzsaw that was eventual state champion John Glenn. Returning the most depth of any team in Division II, DeSales is looking for a state title. The key to that will be senior power forward Caden Sanchez.
2. Beechcroft
Last week: -/-
Beechcroft is arguably the deepest team in the City League. A talented group of juniors, led by wing guard Jelani Simmons, leads the Cougars into a highly-anticipated season.
3. Hartley
Last week: -/-
Hartley is expecting to have one of its best seasons in recent memory. The key to that will be junior wing guard Garrett Tipton, who is the top 2018 prospect in the Central Catholic League.
4. Bloom-Carroll
Last week: -/-
Bloom-Carroll has its sights set on a district title and out-of-town regional tournament appearance. The Bulldogs can get there if senior guard Gavin Brown and senior forward Matt Smith play at the level they are capable of.
5. Whitehall
Last week: -/-
Whitehall replaces a deep 2016 class that helped the Rams make back-to-back trips to the district finals. Returning, however, is senior guard CJ Prater, who is a poor man's Russell Westbrook in the Mid-State League.
6. Eastmoor
Last week: -/-
Eastmoor returns nearly everyone from last season, and is arguably the biggest and most athletic team across the board on the list. In order for the Warriors to return to an elite level, junior wing guard Taevion Kinsey needs to have a big season.
7. South
Last week: -/-
South has a lot to replace from last season, but expect the Bulldogs to come out hungry and competitive. Several senior role players from last season return, while sophomore point guard Treohn Watkins could be in for a breakout year.
8. Johnstown
Last week: -/-
Fresh off a district title last season, Johnstown returns to 2016-17 with some fresh faces and uncertainty. One thing that is for certain, though, is senior forward Kyle Matoszkia, who can flat out score in the post.
9. Centennial
Last week: -/-
The Stars, to put it in the words of junior forward Craig Burt, "are hungry this year." Burt is the do-it-all 6-foot-4 forward who could help Centennial make a run this season.
10. Heath
Last week: -/-
The Bulldogs crack the top 10 here as Heath returns a slew of rotation players from last season. Senior wing guard Denton Jacob is a lights-out shooter who could put up big numbers this season.