2019 – 20 League Preview: Akron City Series
The Akron City Series is an athletic conference spanning the entire city of Akron. The conference includes the 6 high schools in the Akron Public Schools system. The high schools comprising the league include Buchtel, East, Ellet, Firestone, Kenmore-Garfield (previously…
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Continue ReadingThe Akron City Series is an athletic conference spanning the entire city of Akron. The conference includes the 6 high schools in the Akron Public Schools system. The high schools comprising the league include Buchtel, East, Ellet, Firestone, Kenmore-Garfield (previously Kenmore and Garfield were 2 separate schools until 2017) and North. Former members included Central-Hower (until 2006 – previously Central and Hower were 2 separate schools until 1970), South (until 1980) and West (until 1953).
5 Players to Watch:
(schools are as of last year – unless PGH is 100% positive that a player has enrolled elsewhere)
I’anna Lopp – Kenmore-Garfield
Javaan Rogers – Buchtel
Kanai Chance – Buchtel
Jayda Wallace – Firestone
Paris Snell – North
4 Thoughts:
Most years, there is a lot of player movement from one school in the Akron City Series to another. Also, teams in the City Series will see departures and new enrollees from the number of private schools in the area – namely Akron Hoban and Akron St. Vincent St. Mary’s. This makes the early stages of the season important from an evaluation standpoint – as a number of these schools are still “settling in” with their current rosters.
Many who are familiar with the City Series think that Buchtel is the clear favorite entering the 2019-2020 season. They won 19 games last year and advanced to the regional semi-finals before bowing out to a very good Poland Seminary team. The Griffins return some serious talent and should have no problem scoring the basketball at a high rate this winter.
Kenmore-Garfield head coach Yontami Jones is a legendary figure in area circles. She has won 7 regular-season championships and 6 tournament championships in the City Series. Although her squad will need to replace Alexis Radcliff – last year’s conference player of the year, Kenmore-Garfield has a lot to be excited about, as the two schools (who were separate for such a long time) continue to form their own identity together.
There are a number of outstanding atmospheres around the state of Ohio each winter for girls basketball fans. With that being said, the conclusion of the Akron City Series tournament has to be in the top 10. For those who have never experienced it – it’s truly a special day.
3 Big Games:
Kenmore-Garfield @ Buchtel on Thursday, January 23rd
Buchtel @ Wadsworth on Saturday, February 1st
Akron City Series Championship – TBA
2 Fun Facts:
Buchtel won last year’s regular season championship – defeating Kenmore-Garfield 71-40 and 51-46, but Kenmore-Garfield (shown above – photo credit: Cameron Hoover from Ohio.com and The Akron Beach Journal) defeated them in the championship game of the City Series tournament. Kenmore-Garfield was led by I’anna Lopp’s 24 points.
Kenmore-Garfield opened up in 2017 – merging the old Kenmore High School and the old Garfield High School. Kenmore originally opened in 1908 and Garfield in 1926. Both schools were members of the City Series since the 1920’s. The Akron Public School District will be building a new Kenmore-Garfield Community Learning Center that is scheduled to open by the end of 2022.
1 League Champion Prediction:
Buchtel