Eight area players named All-Ohio in boys basketball Divisions I and II

The Valley’s lack of success in boys basketball was underscored on the Division I and Div. II all-state teams, announced by The Associated Press on Monday.

Eight players from the area received recognition on the teams, but none were selected higher than special mention.

The honor went to two players — Niko Fatimus of Poland in Div. II and Angel Gonzalez of Warren Harding in Div. I.

Fatimus, who ranks among the state’s career leaders in 3-point field goals, led Poland to a 22-2 record and a berth in the regional semifinals, where the Bulldogs lost to Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary.

Fatimus was joined on the Div. II squad by teammates Ben Donlow and David Baker, who were named honorable mention.

Nate Jakubec of Struthers and John Stoops of Cardinal Mooney were also selected honorable mention.

Stoops helped the Cardinals to a berth in the district final, where they lost to Poland, and Jakubec led Struthers to the All-American Conference White Tier championship.

In Div. I, Gonzalez’s injury hampered Harding’s bid for a return trip to the state tournament.

Only two other local players received mention in the big-school division — Mike Podolsky of Canfield, who led the Cardinals to a share of the AAC Red Tier championship with Poland, and East High’s Jarelle Burt.

Jared Sullinger of Columbus Northland, who is expected to repeat as Mr. Basketball this week, was named player of the year in Div. I, while Cameron Wright, a 6-4 senior at Cleveland Benedictine, was the top player in Div. II.