Must-see games on this opening weekend
Games to watch on this opening weekend in Cincinnati The Ohio basketball season officially opens Friday and there are more than a dozen games scheduled for the first night of action. Let’s take a closer look at some of the…
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Continue ReadingGames to watch on this opening weekend in Cincinnati
The Ohio basketball season officially opens Friday and there are more than a dozen games scheduled for the first night of action.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the top games during this opening weekend:
Friday, Nov. 27
Ohio Valley Hoops Classic: This second annual event at Wilmington College features the top-rated player in the area (Jarron Cumberland) and some teams who will be knocking on the door to Columbus once March arrives. Watch for Chaminade Julienne against Johnstown Monroe in the 2:45 p.m. game. The Eagles were a Division III state semifinalist a season ago. Northridge plays South Ripley (Ind.) at 4:30 p.m. Northridge lost to CJ in the regional final. Mason versus Dublin Jerome at 6:15 p.m., follows that game before the heavily-anticipated Wilmington versus Cleveland Heights game at 8 p.m.
Moeller at Taft: Talk about an intriguing matchup on opening weekend. Moeller (Division I) and Taft (Division II) don’t mess around in scheduling a challenge from the opening tip. Look for Moeller’s guards including senior PG Nate Georgeton and SG Trey McBride against the Senators’ athleticism which includes 6-2 SG Frank Royles and senior 6-4 F Jahlil Woods and Antwan Johnson.
Oak Hills at Western Hills: These teams have solid potential this season. Oak Hills doesn't have the size like last season but they have length and athleticism. Watch for senior guard Michael Lake and junior 6-4 Ryan Batte. Western Hills has 6-5 senior forward Delon Montgomery, who averaged 10.1 points and 7.1 rebounds last season. Look for 6-3 junior guard Evan Walker too.
Saturday, Nov. 28
Finneytown at Northwest: Two promising teams take the floor on the West Side of Cincinnati. Northwest is led by senior guard Kobe Brown, who was second in the Southwest Ohio Conference in scoring average (14.6 ppg.) last season. Finneytown features sophomore 6-7 point guard Darius Bazley, who is on the radar of programs like UC, Xavier and Ohio State.
Cleveland East Tech vs. Lakota East: This game will be played at 6:15 in the Ohio Valley Hoops Classic at Wilmington College. Lakota East has a good deal of talent returning. Watch for the pace of this game. Lakota East senior forward Andrew Emrick (Fairmont State) leads the Thunderhawks.