Cincinnati Boys High School Preseason Preview: Event Coverage
Fans of prep basketball in Cincinnati got their appetizer as the annual Cincinnati High School Basketball Preseason Preview was held Saturday November 26th at Woodward High School. Many of the area’s top programs along with the area’s top players were…
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Continue ReadingFans of prep basketball in Cincinnati got their appetizer as the annual Cincinnati High School Basketball Preseason Preview was held Saturday November 26th at Woodward High School. Many of the area’s top programs along with the area’s top players were in attendance along with a few noticeable absences on the court due to OHSAA transfer rules. Each game lasted for one half in a scrimmage style manner where a score book was not used, all that matter was the score at the end. Prep Hoops was in attendance for the evening session of games and gives of recap of the matchups.
Summit Country Day 45 – Mariemont 25
Summit used a balanced attack with excellent ball movement to control the game from start to finish against Mariemont. Senior G Sam Martin led the attack for the Summit both offensively and defensively putting constant pressure on the Mariemont guards making it hard for Mariemont to initiate their offense. Offensively, Martin lived in the lane creating open opportunities for others while also finishing at the rim for lay-ups. Summit F TJ Walker also impressed with strong finishes around the rim and running the court for easy lay-ups.
Shroder 34 – Mt. Healthy 27
The star of this show, even in a losing effort, was Mt. Healthy c/o 2018 wing DJ Brewton. The 6’4 Brewton showed the ability to knock down shots off the dribble, while also getting to the rim finishing over and around defenders. Brewton also showed his play making ability by continuously finding teammates for open shots as well. But it was not enough as Shroder used a pressing style of defense to create turnovers for easy lay-ups and open 3’s in transition. Class of 2020 F Nekhi Smith put on a strong showing for the Jaguars finishing around the rim and competing on the boards.
Aiken 36 – Deer Park 13
Aiken controlled this game from start to finish and was led by c/o 18 guard Marcus Barton. Barton showed why may consider him one of the top players in the city knocking down jump shot after jump shot, including a few that were steps behind what would be the college three point line. Barton also plays with an energy and swagger that also seems to rub off on his teammates as well.
Woodward 46 – Princeton 42
With Princeton forward Darius Bazley and Woodward guard Lonnie Berry both sitting our due to OHSAA transfer rules, both teams put on a show in what turned out to be the match up of the evening. Princeton was led by c/o 2018 G Darweshi Hunter who scored a variety of ways throughout the evening to keep the Vikings close in this back and forth battle. But in the end it was pressing defense of Woodward, along with the play of Will Coker and Terry Durham, which lead the Bulldogs to victory. Durham was the star of this game with three emphatic dunks along a strong showing on the defensive boards.
Stock Risers
Here are some names that you may not know but should know by the end of the prep season:
DJ Brewton C/O ’18 Mt. Healthy- The tall, lengthy wing showed that he can affect a game in a variety of ways offensively. Brewton help multiple jumpers off the dribble while showing the ability to handle the ball in press situations while making the correct basketball decision. Brewton day included two dunks, one of which he finished off over the top of a defender, and a multitude off flashy passes that the crowd at Woodward off of their feet.
Marcus Barton C/O ’17 Aiken- By the time it is all said and done this young man might be the best pure shooter in the region in his class. Barton showed excellent shot preparation when off the ball which allows for a quick release and allows him to get his shot off over taller defenders. Played with an energy and passion that was unmatched throughout the evening.
Nekhi Smith C/O ’20 Shroder-Smith did not look afraid nor out of place playing in front of his first big crowd as a varsity player. The young fella battled in the paint for rebounds while also showing the ability to finish in traffic. This name I expect to hear a lot from in the future.