City League
1. Obama (16-9) — It’s hard to pick a preseason No. 1 team because the top teams in the City League have few returning starters. On top of that, one of Obama’s best players, Tariq Francis, transferred to First Love Christian Academy in Washington. But Obama is as good of a No. 1 as any, mainly because the team has what could be the No. 1 player in the City. Sayon Bennett is a senior point guard who started as a freshman. He spent his sophomore year at First Love before coming back last year and helping Obama win the City League title. Coach Naron Jackson said guards Teyron Wofford and Jack Richardson also could be factors this season.
2. Allderdice (19-8) — Allderdice’s string of six consecutive City League titles was broken last season when the Dragons lost to Obama in the title game. Second-year coach Devin Crummie lost five starters to graduation, but is expecting guards Cam Butcher and Kiere Henning to have big impacts this season, after waiting their time behind seniors last year. Malik Robinson and RayQuon Young are two other seniors who could contribute.
3. Brashear (8-10) — Brashear will be led by sophomore Ta’Mere Robinson, a football standout who already has major-college offers in that sport from Pitt,
Michigan and others. But Robinson, a 6-3 forward, could be one of the most imposing players in the City League after averaging 12 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks last season. Jayden VIncent (8 ppg, 6 rpg) and Jacob Davis also return.
Players to watch
Sayon Bennett, Obama,
5-10, Sr., G
Cam Butcher, Allderdice,
6-2, Sr., G
Kiere Henning, Allderdice,
6-3, Sr., G
Ta’Mere Robinson, Brashear, 6-3, So., F
Jayden Vincent, Brashear, 6-3, Sr., F