Washington, Brown lead list of top 10 players to watch

The area has never been short on boys basketball talent. From individuals going on to play basketball in college or teams making deep tournament runs, there is an argument to be made that some players on this top 10 list are the best in school history. Division I recruits, players who have made an impact on the football field and explosive athletes who can go off for 30 points when their team needs them most are included. Here is a look at the top 10 players in the area to watch: 1. Julian Washington, senior, Margaretta Washington is by far the premier player in the area after averaging 21.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game last year. You never know what you're going to see when the Polar Bears play and Washington gets going. After 48 wins and two district titles the last two seasons, Washington's goal is to finish his high school career at the state tournament at University of Dayton Arena. That's where he'll play college basketball, as well. "Obviously, Julian is a high-level player with his signing to the University of Dayton," Margaretta coach Steve Keller said. "He can be a very, very impactful defensive player, as well. He has a tremendous skillset and a willingness to guard. We are excited for him to be one of the leaders of our basketball team." 2. Ike Brown, junior, Bellevue After leading the Redmen to a football league championship and home playoff win, Brown will transition to the gym to lead Bellevue. He will draw a lot of attention after recording 10.5 points and 6.4 rebounds a game last season. It seems most likely that Bellevue will go the way Brown goes. There's no doubt he will need to have an uptick in performance for the Redmen to compete in the tough Sandusky Bay Conference Lake Division. "Ike is a phenomenal athlete and also a skilled basketball player," Bellevue coach Ed Rich said. "He will play every position from the 1 man to the 4 man. He's at his best when he is scoring at the rim. Once he starts scoring at the rim, the defense has to give him space, and that's when he starts knocking down the 3 ball. He's also an elite defender with great instincts and athletic ability." 3. Dale Johnson, senior, Sandusky After the graduation of five seniors who played a lot for the Blue Streaks, it's Johnson's turn to lead Sandusky. At 6-foot-7, Johnson is a load to defend. He came on strong as the Blue Streaks made a run to a Division III state semifinal, finishing with 6.5 points and 4.3 rebounds a game. Defenses will have to prepare for Johnson, who has the ability to put up 20 points and 10 rebounds for Sandusky. "Dale Johnson is our guy," Sandusky coach DeMar Moore said. "We all saw the impact he had for us throughout our tournament run last year. So far this year, he has come out of his shell and is emerging as our leader. Dale is a big, strong kid who can play both inside and outside. "He knocks down the 3 at a high percentage and can post up and play with his back to the basket. We also will be using him to handle the ball some as he is an excellent passer. I think Dale is one of the most versatile kids in our league." 4. Cole Leimeister, senior, Edison The Chargers haven't won 10 games in a season since three straight years of 16 or more victories from 2015-18. Leimeister hopes to get Edison back to that standard in his final high school season. Last year, Leimeister pumped in 16.3 points per game. After a season of increasing his leadership as quarterback on the football team, Leimeister is primed for a big final season on the hardwood. "We know he will be a big contributor this year," Edison coach Dan Campana said. "He is a very fast guard that loves transition. He moves well without the ball, and when he is open he has a confident shot. He is hard to defend and a good free throw shooter." 5. Sam Schweinfurth, senior, Perkins One of the best Pirates athletes over the past decade, Schweinfurth has big goals on his mind for his senior year after some tough losses as a junior. Schweinfurth made 20 more 3-pointers than any of his teammates last season and if he gets hot from deep, points can pile up in a hurry. Perkins is chasing a basketball league championship, something it hasn't done since 2017. "Sam is just a phenomenal athlete," first-year Perkins coach Andy Hoying said. "He had a great baseball season last year, then wins Offensive Player of the Year during football season and is coming right into basketball and will be a major key for us to win games this year. He shoots lights out from deep and can give us an offensive spark at any time. He gives us a chance to extend defenses and really opens the court up for others." 6. Judah Keller, senior, Margaretta Keller is one of the toughest players in the area, not shying away from contact. He likes to take it straight to the defense, excelling in his role as point guard. Keller contributed 10.8 points, 4.8 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game last year. Don't be surprised if Keller's numbers increase. He has the ability to get 20 points, 10 rebounds or 10 assists on any given night. "Judah is important to our basketball in many ways," said coach Keller of his son. "He distributes and gets people involved as well as having a toughness and a mindset on the defensive end. He too will have to step up and be a vocal leader for us this year." 7. Cayden Wikel, junior, SMCC Wikel was the Panthers' leading scorer last season, contributing 12.4 points per game. SMCC has big goals after coming up short in a Division VII district final and Wikel could be the catalyst who gets the Panthers there. Wikel led SMCC in free throw makes and percentage. He's coming off the Panthers' championship-winning football team. "Cayden is now going into his third year as a varsity player," SMCC coach Kyle Hammond said. "He gets a lot of attention from other teams and that is due to his ability to shoot. We need his scoring and ability to create for others. I expect him to take another step this year for us." 8. Coltyn Meagrow, senior, Edison Meagrow is a big, physical presence who averaged 13.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game last season. Meagrow can get to the rim on the bounce and has the ability to knock down a jumper. He was second on Edison's team last year in 3-point percentage behind Leimeister. The Chargers won back-to-back district titles in 2016 and 2017, but have won a total of three tournament games since. "At 6-foot-4, he is long and athletic and has the ability to play outside and inside," Campana said. "He has developed his game above the rim and can be a dangerous transition player. He also is a good shot blocker and can make paint play difficult for teams. He is excited about the season and hungry to compete at a high level." 9. Frankie Kovach, junior, Danbury Kovach has a chance to excel under veteran coach Keith Diebler. Kovach tallied 15.2 points per game last year, but will have to fill a void left by graduated Tyler Harris. Kovach led the Lakers in 3-pointers made and free throw percentage last year. The SBC River is tough on a nightly basis, but Kovach has the potential to help Danbury to a successful season. "Frankie understands patience is a key as we establish a program that will last," Diebler said. "Frankie leads in a way by working hard and being an example." 10. JeCori Roberts, freshman, Clyde Roberts is the only freshman on this list, but he's worthy of it. Roberts is an explosive, big body who stands 6-foot-4. He will have a core of experienced players around him, but he could easily lead Clyde in scoring. Roberts held his own against some top-notch competition over the summer. He will be a name to keep an eye on the next few seasons. "JeCori as a freshman has a lot of upside," Clyde coach Jared Shetzer said. "He has a natural feel for the game. He will need to make a jump from middle school to varsity basketball quickly and mesh with our group." 10 more to watch (alphabetical order): Blake Ackerman, senior, Monroeville; Kale Bailey, junior, Margaretta; Tyson Bailey, senior, Margaretta; Quentin Conway, senior, Huron; Mason Cooper, junior, Vermilion; Levi Groot, senior, Perkins; Cam Jones, junior, Sandusky; Brock Meyers, senior, Vermilion; Zach Speer, senior, Port Clinton; Oscar Webb, senior, Clyde