Cincinnati Big-School Division - PRESEASON RANKINGS

1. Princeton – The Vikings are ranked in the top 25 nationally and return their top three scorers from last year in the form of three guards. Seniors Orlando Williams and Marquis Horne (led team in rebounds last season) will form a dynamic three guard offense along with junior Jordan Sibert. There are high expectations for this group.

2. Middletown – Middletown returns their top two scorers in senior guard Allen Roberts and senior forward Bill Edwards. Both Roberts and Edwards led the team not only in scoring but rebounds and assists as well reflecting how active they are around the rim. The Middies finished 3rd in the GMC last season and look to challenge Princeton for the title.

3. Moeller – The Crusaders lost a ton of talent due to graduation last year and will need to fill a lot of holes on both ends of the court. Gone are Michael Davenport, Quinn McDowell and Daniel Wulker who provided a strong inside presence. Moeller will have to reload but as years past have shown they someone manage to get it done.

4. Aiken – Last year Aiken was led by freshman sensation Chane Benahan who led the team in spirit and in heart. Benahan gets fellow teammates Darren Goodsen and Jordan Smith back to pick up where they left off. Aiken looks to challenge Withrow for the title and just may get it with Yancey Gates moving on to UC.

5. Loveland – Senior forward Bobby Capobianco looks to lead his team to a conference title and deeper into the tournament this season. Capobianco is a pure talent that can score from anywhere on the floor and at times appears to be playing at a higher level than his competition.

Cincinnati Small-School Division - PRESEASON RANKINGS

1. Taft – Finishing third in their conference behind Aiken and Withrow fell short of expectations but senior forwards Richard Harris and Angelo Benton plan taking home a conference championship this year. Both players can be dominate at times near the basket and if they can become more consistent Taft could achieve their goals.

2. Roger Bacon – Bacon finished second in the GCL Central last season behind Badin and coming into this year they lost their top scorer Ricky Cullum. The good news is that junior guard Jorian Husdson returns to run the offense

3. Madiera – Senior guards Rob Tudor and Nate Gulick return as a deadly one-two combination on the offensive side of the ball. Madiera will need to fill the hole left by Adam Bird as the third guard if they hope to finish higher than fourth.

4. McNicholas – Senior forward Andy Jostworth will have to be the go-to guy this season for McNick as he no longer has Greg Ross or Tyler Blatt to help out due to graduation. Jostworth has the talent but having a bulls eye on your back can become very demanding.

5. Indian Hill – Senior guards Matt Griggs and Wes Bonekemper will have their hands full early as they will have to be patient as they won’t be playing with their familiar big men Joe Renneker and Jon Von Deylen who graduated. Both Griggs and Bonekemper may be called on to create open shots for their teammates. 

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