MaxPreps 2012-13 Ohio preseason boys basketball Fab 5

MaxPreps 2012-13 Ohio Boys Basketball Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard

1. Thurgood Marshall (Dayton)
Head coach: Darnell Hoskins
2011-12 finish: 14-11, D-II Regional Semifinalist

The Cougars might not reside in Ohio's largest classification, but just because they're Division II doesn't mean they aren't legit. Marshall, which has been D-II state runner-up twice in the last four years, is a favorite for its first state title. The Cougars go 15 deep. Keeping the team first is key. The leading returning scorer is senior Mark Alstork (6-4, 185 pounds, 14.5 ppg), while the leading returning rebounder is senior Gerry Green (6-6, 260, 8 rpg), who is a major college football prospect. Senior guard Edmond Early Jr. (6-1, 165, 7.8 ppg, program's best on-ball defender) and junior point RaChaun Martin (5-10, 150, 3.7 apg) headline the backcourt. The wild card is 6-7 freshman Derrick Daniels who is getting high-major D-I interest already. Said Hoskins, who played collegiately at Wisconsin and Dayton: "High expectations are being placed on us and with just cause. We understand that and are ready to accept responsibility."

View the MaxPreps Preseason Xcellent 25 National Boys Basketball Rankings



2. Central Catholic (Toledo)
Head coach: Jim Welling
2011-12 finish: 17-5, D-I District Semifinalist

The Irish will try to ride the momentum of their highly successful football team, which is making a deep postseason run. Getting into basketball shape is the early hurdle. Louisville tight end commit Keith Towbridge (6-5, 240) is TCC's top returning scorer (14 ppg) and rebounder (8 rpg) and was first team All-Three Rivers Athletic Conference last year. Also back are All-TRAC HM selections and seniors Deontae Cole (6-6, 190, 8 ppg, Northern Kentucky commit) and Cliff Bussey (6-1, 175, 8 ppg). Juniors Deshone Kizer (6-5, 190) and Nate Harris (6-6, 210) add depth. Kizer is one of the country's top 2014 quarterback prospects and owns mid-major basketball offers. Harris averaged eight points and seven rebounds last year. Coming off the bench is senior Jayme Thompson (6-2, 183) who is headed to Ohio State on a football ride.

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3. Walnut Hills (Cincinnati)
Head coach: Ricardo Hill
2011-12 finish: 19-3, D-I District Semifinalist

According to Hill this is "easily the most anticipated season in the history of the school." The lineup is loaded. Senior Akron commit Isaiah Johnson (6-9, 280) returns after averaging 17 points and 12 rebounds en route to Fort Ancient Valley Player of the Year honors. Also back are a trio of All-Conference senior guards in Sterling Gilmore (6-1, 170, 9 ppg), Ricardo Hill Jr. (5-10, 155, 8 ppg) and Khari Burton (5-8, 145, 7 ppg). The key addition is Dontonio Wingfield Jr., a transfer from Lockland and the son of former NBA player and University of Cincinnati standout Dontonio Wingfield. Wingfield (6-6, 210) averaged 19 points and eight rebounds last year and is committed to Ohio University. Keep an eye on senior post Jordan Tyson (6-10, 220) a move-in from Columbus who was injured last season. Walnut Hills will test itself against a schedule that includes Huntington Prep (W. Va.) and Roselle Catholic (N.J.).

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4. St. John's Jesuit (Toledo)
Head coach: Ed Heintchel
2011-12 finish: 15-7, D-I District Semifinalist

The Titans have been to the state tournament six times under Heintchel but are looking for their first title after three runner-up finishes. This could be the year. St. John's returns a solid nucleus led by reigning Three Rivers Athletic Conference Player of the Year and senior centerpiece Marc Loving (6-8, 200). The small forward is Ohio's top prospect, has committed to Ohio State and is on pace to become the school's all-time leading scorer and rebounder. Loving averaged 23 points and nine rebounds as a junior. Keep an eye on senior Austin Gardner (6-0, 12 ppg, 4 apg) and junior Anthony Glover (6-0, 5 ppg). Perimeter play is a strength.

View last season's Ohio boys basketball Freeman Rankings

5. St. Ignatius (Cleveland)
Head coach: Sean O'Toole
2011-12 finish: 16-6, D-I District Semifinalist

The Wildcats will be led by senior posts Derek Sloan (6-5, 13 ppg, 9 rpg) and Alec Papesch (6-7, 12 ppg, 8 rpg). Papesch is headed to New York University. Senior guard Francisco Santiago (6-1, 9.5 ppg) controls the backcourt. A deep junior class that includes Kyle Berger (6-3), Eric Black (6-7) and David Black (6-6) adds to the optimism. Keep an eye on sophomore Jaylin McDonald (6-4). Said O'Toole: "We consider our strengths to be our size, scoring ability and depth. We can play 10 guys or more."

View last season's Ohio boys basketball playoff brackets