Marquee Matchups: Week 9 in Southern Ohio
We’re finally getting the first of two games between Springfield and Wayne in a rescheduled game this week. Plus, another challenge for the undefeated Warriors on Saturday.
Jan. 24: Springfield at Wayne
Unless Springfield is upset by Belmont the night before, Wednesday’s GWOC headliner brings two undefeateds onto the same floor. Springfield has a deep rotation of guards to throw at Darius Quisenberry and DeShon Parker while the four-star football prospects Leonard Taylor and L’Christian “Blue” Smith will tussle on the hardwood.
It’s hard to identify an area where either teams carries a considerable advantage in the game. There’s just not a mismatch to exploit. So, look for x-factors. Can Springfield find a way to incorporate Sam Towns? Will Springfield’s Ra’Heim Moss get Wayne into foul trouble? Is Wayne’s backcourt of Parker and Quisenberry ever going to turn it over? Will Matt Palma or Ronnie Hampton step up big for Wayne?
Jan. 26: Versailles at Minster
Click here to read the game preview in the Northwest Ohio section.
Jan. 26: Archbishop McNicholas at Bishop Fenwick
McNicholas lost for the first time this Friday at Purcell Marian. They’ll play their second straight tough Friday night game on the road against Fenwick in week nine. Fenwick has a distinct big three in CJ Napier, David Luers, and John Engelmeier. On the other end, cebebral unsigned point guard Ryan Reidy has had an outstanding senior season for McNick. Fenwick will need to pressure him into poor decisions in order to pull the upset.
Jan. 27: Princeton vs. Wayne at Wilmington
If Wayne gets through this week undefeated, we’re probably looking at the best team in Ohio after January. Just a couple days after Springfield, they’ll need to find a way to defend Princeton’s size. L’Christian “Blue” Smith and Matt Palma have a lot on their plate against Princeton’s Darius Bazley, Gabe O’Neal and others. Wayne has the advantage in ball-handlers, as they do every game, and could look to pressure sophomores Kaleb Crawford and Isaiah Kennedy if Bazley doesn’t act as the primary ball-handler.