Previews and Predictions: Week Ten
We are getting down to the wire in the regular season, and teams are starting to play with a greater sense of urgency as the importance of the games ramp up. With several close conference/league races around Cincinnati and post…
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Continue ReadingWe are getting down to the wire in the regular season, and teams are starting to play with a greater sense of urgency as the importance of the games ramp up. With several close conference/league races around Cincinnati and post season seeding’s at stake, expect to see the intensity step up another notch. Here are the Previews and Predictions for Week 10.
West Clermont (12-4, 8-2) vs. #5 Hughes (13-2, 7-1), Tuesday 7:30pm- This will be a fun matchup between one of the best D-II teams in Ohio against one of the more underrated D-I programs in Cincinnati. The underclassmen tandem of Paul McMillan IV (2022) and Cameron McKenzie (2021) for Hughes combine to average 39ppg and are quickly becoming one of the best 1-2 punches in the city, regardless of class. But the most important player for Big Red in this game will be 6’9 senior C Kenny Jackson, who must contend with 2020 top 40 player Jackson Ames. Jackson’s ability to stay on the court and out of foul trouble will be key to a Hughes victory in this non-conference matchup.
Prediction: Hughes
Mt. Healthy (11-5, 7-1) vs. Walnut Hills (11-5, 7-3), Tuesday 7:30pm- The Owls have been one of the more underrated teams in the city, winning 11 of their last 14 after a 0-2 start. A win against Walnut would definitely give Mt. Healthy more pub, and could help there seeding come tournament time. Expect a physical paint matchup between two 2020 forwards, Walnut’s Nic Smith (PHO #165) and Mt. Healthy Brandon Lanier. Both of these gentleman are strong, not afraid to mix it up in the paint and both finish well in traffic.
Prediction: Walnut Hills
#8 Wyoming (13-1, 8-0) vs. Deer Park (11-5, 7-2), Tuesday 7:30pm- A loss to the Cowboys tonight will basically end the Wildcats chances of a 2nd straight conference title. And without senior C Joe Hocker (knee), the task just got a lot tougher.
Prediction: Wyoming
#1 Taft (12-1, 6-1) vs. Aiken (13-4, 5-2), Friday 7:30pm- It was mentioned last week in the Conference Update: CMAC article that Aiken can win at least a share of the CMAC if it wins out. Well, a win against the Senators would be a good start toward that accomplishment. Tremaine Smith (2019 PHO Top 125) defense against PHO 2020 Top 20 performer Nekhi Smith will be the key factor if the Falcons hope to get the W.
Prediction: Taft
Princeton (10-5, 7-3) vs. Hamilton (9-6, 6-4), Friday 7:30pm- There will be some premium guard play in this game, as both programs have guards that are among the best in the city. For Big Blue the senior tandem of D’Marco Howard and Jaylen Robinson (Northern St. Signee), who are the 1st and 5th leading scorers in the conference respectively. They will be going up against a trio of outstanding junior guards for the Princeton (Kaleb Crawford, Khalil Davis and DeAirius Randle), all 2020 guards who can score the ball and be playmakers for others.
Prediction: Princeton
Turpin (11-5, 7-3) vs. Loveland (11-5, 7-3), Friday 7:30pm- Big, big game in the Eastern Cincinnati Conference with both teams locked in a 3-way tie for 2nd place. It will interesting to see if 2019 stud Jalen Greiser will be available for this matchup after missing Friday’s Walnut Hills game with a lower leg injury.
Prediction: Turpin