Marquee Matchups: Week 11 in Northeast Ohio
Even more than usual, the northeast region of the state has a packed schedule in week 11. So, let’s breeze through the slate with important points only.
Feb. 5: Solon at Brunswick
If Brunswick is going to pull the upset against one of Ohio’s top ranked teams they’ll need a dominate performance from 6’8” stretch-four Zak Zografos. The inside-out post player may need to stick around the basket more than usual and take advantage of his size. Brunswick will also need a full-team effort to try and control West Liberty commit Sincere Carry, a task nobody has been able to manage this season.
Feb. 6: Solon at Stow
Prep Hoops Ohio will be in the building at Stow on Tuesday in what will be another test for Solon. The Comets are undefeated by the strength of their backcourt of Sincere Carry, Mike Bekelja, and Trent Williams. It would seem that the duo of Mason McMurray and Evan Bainbridge, standing 6’7” and 6’8” respectively, is perfectly crafted to throw Solon off of their game.
Feb. 6: St. Vincent-St. Mary at Archbishop Hoban
Coming off a postseason run on the football side of things, Hoban has quietly only lost two games this season. Led by their senior backcourt of Garrett Houser and Collen Gurley, Hoban plays an up-tempo style that will make for an exciting game against STVM’s guards. Division II, NAIA, and Division III programs could benefit in scouting this game to see Gurley and STVM senior point guard Scott Walter.
Feb. 9: St. Ignatius at Lakewood St. Edward
The season’s second matchup of this historic rivalry takes place in Lakewood. Talented sophomores Montorie Foster and Grant Huffman combined for 38 points in St. Ed’s win over Ignatius on Jan. 20. However, Iggy sophomore point guard Tevin Jackson didn’t play in their last meeting. Get your tickets early if you want a seat!
Feb. 9: Garfield Heights at Cleveland Central Catholic
On a fan interest level, this should be considered the game of the week in Northeast Ohio.
On one end, you have Garfield Heights. The roster is filled with college talent and came into the season with reasonable State Championship expectations. After starting 7-0, the Bulldogs dropped five in a row. Although they still appear to be fluttering, everyone knows Garfield Heights still has as high of a ceiling as anyone because of their talent.
Then you have CCC. The Ironmen moved up from Division II and even lost their starting point guard, Alex Heath, to Garfield Heights via transfer. But they haven’t lost to an Ohio opponent since ten days before Christmas and have beaten teams like STVM, Ignatius, and plenty more.
Feb. 10: Benedictine at Hilliard Bradley
This inter-regional game puts a tough Benedictine team against one of the state’s most disciplined programs. Benedictine will need to execute in the half-court, which will be a much more manageable task if junior guard Davin Zeigler is back, even though sophomores Jashun Cobb and Eric Buckner have filled in nicely. However, Bradley is dealing with a point guard injuy of their own with Oakland signee Braden Norris. They’ve still managed to win all but one game this season with production from senior Isaiah Speelman and sophomores Matt Allocco and Chris Mayfield.