Marquee Matchups: Week 9 in Central Ohio
There’s a little of everything this week around the Columbus area with the Marquee Matchups spanning the entire week and almost all of the Central Ohio conferences being involved.
Jan. 23: Westerville North at Upper Arlington
The Warriors of Westerville (12-2) are going to use their backcourt of Julius Brown and Jeremiah Keene to pressure Upper Arlington’s (11-1) rotation of guards. If they can handle it, Upper Arlington will likely leave Tuesday with a 12-1 record. If not, Dane Goodwin and Max Martz may need to slide into primary ball-handler mode. This game is a true toss-up and Westerville North could separate themselves if 6’6” wing/forward Philip Alston controls the boards.
Jan 23: Bishop Ready at The Wellington School
Wellington’s eight-game winning streak was snapped by Harvest Prep on Saturday night, a six point loss against arguably the state’s finest in Division III. Wellington had beaten teams like Whitehall, Westerville North, and Grove City Christian along the way. Basically, don’t overreact to the Harvest Prep loss because Wellington has figured it out after their 1-3 start.
This potential Division III Regional Tournament preview is Ready’s toughest game of the season to this point, and comes just three days before their rematch with Bishop Hartley (and they have a game against Liberty Union Wednesday). If they can make it through this week unscathed, it’s tough to imagine Brady Thomas, Chanc Dawson and company losing during the regular season at all.
Jan. 26: Eastmoor Academy at Columbus South
Our Columbus City League game of the week is a rematch of Dec. 19, when EA knocked off South at home by two points. These teams have a rare amount of familiarity, as they also met in last season’s District Championship. We imagine that South has built up some disdain for EA, having lost both of those last two games. With the game being played at South, expect the Bulldogs to throw everything they have at the defending Regioanl Champs.
Jan. 27: Hilliard Bradley at Pickerington Central
A game of Division I powers where both teams need to get back on track. Pick Central is now a disappointing 6-6 and has lost their five of their last six games. Optimistically, the Tigers did only lose against Pick North by just five points last Friday. On the other end, Bradley is 10-1, but their wins in January include beating Delaware Hayes by eight points and Thomas Worthington by nine. Bradley prefers to play a game in the 40s and 50s, meaning less blowouts. Yet, it’s surprising to see teams like TWHS and Hayes hanging around like that.
Jan. 27: Upper Arlington vs. Eastmoor Academy at Ohio Dominican
For the second time in week nine, UA will matchup with an extremely athletic backcourt. Again, expect Randy Olverson, Taevion Kinsey, and Tripp Hopkins, to pressure the Golden Bears. EA could also have an advantage inside with the physicality and length of Stanley Williams and Tim Smith. Creating space for Dane Goodwin and Max Martz jumpers against Kinsey and Williams will be key.
Jan. 27: Northmor at Mansfield St. Peter’s
Click here to read the game preview in the Northwest Ohio section.
Jan. 28: Shaker Heights vs. Pickerington North at John Carroll
Click here to read the game preview in the Northeast Ohio section.