The Akron City Series high school basketball is heating up, and the Buchtel boys and Ellet girls are ready to dominate the court. The 2023-2024 season is about to kick off, and the favorites are gearing up for some serious action.
The Akron Public Schools recently hosted a basketball media day at Guy’s Party Center, and it was buzzing with excitement. The Buchtel boys basketball team, fresh off their Division II state championship win at the University of Dayton, made their presence felt. The APS athletic directors, Joe Vassalotti and Ron Linger, also took the opportunity to introduce four new leaders to the basketball scene.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s in store for the Buchtel boys and girls teams. Coach Rayshon Dent is back with the Buchtel boys, and he’s got big plans for the upcoming season. With only one starter, junior Stevie Diamond, returning from the state championship team, there are some big shoes to fill. But Diamond is expected to step up, along with seniors Qi’Marreon Marks, Diaire Pride Jr., and Zevin Gadson, and junior Demetrice Coates. Coach Dent is counting on Marks and Pride to bring their A-game and lead the team to victory. It’s all about building that cohesiveness and camaraderie to take the team to new heights.
On the girls’ side, Coach Cari Guyton is looking to seniors Ameena Vincent and Aaliyah Golden to lead the charge. With Coach Guyton back in action after a knee injury, the team is ready to embrace her coaching style and make their mark on the court.
Over at East, there’s a new boys coach in town – Christopher Munford. He’s all about instilling leadership in seniors Raheem Armstead and Dakavion Shuford. It’s a fresh start for the East boys, and Munford is determined to bring his hard work and dedication to the basketball program.
The East girls team, led by coach Jonnica Gardner, is gearing up for a season of growth and learning. With senior Za’Miya Brown and freshman Dereon Cooper in the spotlight, the girls are ready to take on the competition.
Meanwhile, at Ellet, the girls are aiming for a three-peat under the guidance of coach Nick Harris. With juniors Caitlyn Holmes and Jaeda Tavares leading the charge, the team is focused on maintaining their winning streak. On the boys’ side, coach Mark Fisher is excited about the upcoming season and is looking to senior leaders John Moledor and Isaiah Harper to set the tone for the team.
At Firestone, the boys’ team is under the leadership of coach Brian Neugebauer, and he’s thrilled to be coaching a group of high-quality guys. Seniors Lamar Dampier and Johnathan White are all set to lead the team to victory. On the girls’ side, coach Eric Mitchell is bringing his years of coaching experience to Firestone and is eager to guide the team to success with returning starters Aalivia Mullins, Kiara Smith, Aliya Williams, and Kennedy Whiting.
The Garfield boys and girls teams, led by coaches McNeal Thompson III and Paris Caldwell, are gearing up for an action-packed season. With returning starters and a mix of experienced and new players, both teams are ready to bring their A-game to the court.
Last but not least, the North boys and girls teams are all set for an exciting season. Coaches Devin Williams and Keianna Rice are looking to their senior and sophomore leaders to make an impact on the court.
It’s going to be an electrifying season of high school basketball in Akron, and the Buchtel boys and Ellet girls are definitely teams to watch out for. Get ready for some thrilling action on the court!