Marquee Matchups: Week 3 in Southern Ohio
We’re entering week three in the Ohio high school basketball season. All that means is another strong slate of games around the state, so let’s get into it with this week’s version of Marquee Matchups.
Dec. 15: Taft at Hughes
Taft will look to rebound this week, playing Archbishop McNicholas on Tuesday also, after their opening season disappointment against Columbus Northland. Their first conference game will be a tough one, against a 3-1 Hughes team that came into the season as Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference preseason favorites.
Hughes is led by one of the top unsigned senior point guards in Ohio, Giovanni Santiago, a lefty who is averaging 22.3 points, 6.3 assists, and 7.8 rebounds. They’re still waiting for the debut of Dominic “DJ” Brewton, who is sitting out games after transferring from Mt. Healthy. Shawn Hawkins has been productive in Brewton’s absence, averaging 9.5 points and 8.5 rebounds. Taft can match Hughes’ speed, as guards Demarco Bradley and Stevie Stewart lead the way in their backcourt.
Dec. 15: Wyoming at Deer Park
Deer Park is absolutely rolling to start their season. Currently, they sit at 3-0 and have won their games by an average of 47.3 points. They’ll play a Wyoming team, led by junior Findlay commit Joey Edmonds and sophomore wing/forward Evan Prater. Deer Park has four players averaging double-digit scoring numbers, led by senior Damani Mcentire with 23 points per game. Jalen Rose, Mark Wise, and Steve Gentry Jr. are all above 10 points per game, too.
Dec. 15: Trotwood at Xenia
This is an early season matchup of the two top teams in the GWOC American South Division. After dropping two out of conference games to start the season, junior Samari Curtis has Xenia on track with a 2-0 record in conference. The 6’4” combo guard is currently averaging 30.5 points per game on 54 percent shooting.
Curtis will matchup with another junior guard stud, in 6’4” Amari Davis of Trotwood. Last season’s Regional Champions are 1-1 entering the week, after a 81-70 loss at Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary this weekend. Unsigned senior Myles Belyeu was over 20 points in the loss.
Dec. 16: Eastmoor Academy at Purcell Marian
Check in with our Central Ohio article for a preview of this game.