Marquee Matchups: Week 6 in Northeast Ohio
The first week in January means the beginning of a ridiculously hard month for Lakewood St. Edward, Benedictine, and St. Vincent-St. Mary. Also, on Sunday, NEO fans should head over to Baldwin Wallace for a seven-game slate at the Scholastic Play by Play Classic.
Jan. 5: Benedictine at Lake Catholic
Lake Catholic, who we have as the #5 team in Division II after one month, has been one of the most surprising teams this season. The sophomore duo of 6’7” forward Luka Elller and point guard Luke Frazier appears to be a formidable plan of attack going forward. Meanwhile, this is the front-end of a back-to-back for Benedictine. The Bengals have won six in a row after losing to Garfield Heights in their season opener.
Jan. 5: St. Vincent-Mary at St. Edward
St. Edward returns home from California after an impressive 2-2 showing at the Torrey Pines Holiday Classic, one of the nation’s top showcases last week. The schedule doesn’t get much easier for the reigning Regional Champions, as they’ll be featured all month in our Marquee Matchup previews.
On the other sideline, STVM has about as impressive of a 3-3 record imaginable. They’ve only lost games to Garfield Heights (in overtime), Pickerington Central, and Stow.
Jan. 6: Benedictine at St. Edward
Both teams are back in action again on Saturday. Prospects to watch for Benedictine: Davin Ziegler (2019), Andy Barba (2020), Chris Jefferson (2018), and Mario Caywood (2018). For St. Edward, the prospects are Devontae Blanton (2020), Montorie Foster (2020), Demetrius Terry (2019), Emmett Chambers (2018), and PJ Flannery (2018).
Jan. 7: St. Edward at Shaker Heights
Finally, St. Eds gets their biggest challenge of the week on Sunday against Shaker Heights. The 5-1 Raiders boast a senior backcourt of Dale Bonner and Christian Guess, who are exceeding high expectations. Bonner is signed with Fairmont State but has looked like a Division I point guard. Then, Guess is the front-runner for Mr. Basketball after December.
Jan. 7: Garfield Heights vs. Brush at Baldwin Wallace
Our favorite game of the Scholastic Play by Play Classic at Baldwin Wallace includes a ridiculous amount of collegiate level talent. Brush now has 6’9” center John Hugley back in the fold, and he’ll be challenged in the paint by Garfield Heights’ rotation of forwards. It will also be a nice measuring stick for Brush’s other prospects: DJ Dial, Andre Harris, and Tyler Williams.