Marquee Matchups: Opening Weekend in Southern Ohio
This weekend, Dec. 1 through 3, marks the first weekend of high school basketball. Starting this week until the end of the regular season in mid-February, check in with Prep Hoops Ohio to see the top games around the state for the coming week.
To start the season, we’re taking a look at the marquee matchups on opening weekend, when everyone is undefeated and hopeful about the next four months.
Dec. 1: Xenia vs. Princeton @ Ohio Valley Hoops Classic
The primetime game on Friday night of the Ohio Valley Hoops Classic in Hillsboro tips at 9 p.m. and features two of the best players south of Columbus. Syracuse commit Darius Bazley brings a deep Princeton team into battle against Samari Curtis and Xenia. Curtis, whose top offer comes from the University of Cincinnati, averaged nearly 25 points as a sophomore.
Unfortunately for Xenia, they don’t have too much surrounding Curtis this season. On the other sideline, Princeton could have a nine-man rotation of college prospects. Seniors Dominic Pierce, Darweshi Hunter, and Gabe O’Neal provide experience. Then, their complimentary underclassmen pieces include Aaron Ward, Darrion Henry, Jaheim Thomas, and Khalil Davis.
Dec. 2: Archbishop Moeller vs. Eastmoor Academy @ Ohio Valley Hoops Classic
Without question, the most exciting matchup of the Ohio Valley Hoops Classic is between Moeller and Eastmoor at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. Fans will see a ton of proven players, as both teams made it to the final game of the high school basketball season in their respective divisions last year.
Moeller comes in as the early season favorite to win it all in Division I. Their trio of seniors Jaxson Hayes (Texas), Jeremiah Davenport (Wright State), and Isaiah Payton (Indiana Wesleyan), all come into the season as college commits. They’re joined by junior transfer Alec Pfriem, who will provide defense and mid-range scoring at the forward spot. Eastmoor is led by one of the top uncommitted seniors in Ohio in 6’4” guard Taevion Kinsey. Other unsigned EA prospects to watch include seniors Tariq Brown, Stanley Williams, and Tim Smith and junior Tripp Hopkins.
Dec. 2: Dayton Wayne vs. Pickerington North @ All Ohio High School Hoops Showcase
Refer back to the Central Ohio piece to read the preview of this game, which will take place at 7 p.m. at Whitehall Yearling.