Trent 1 and 2 Division II preview
A few surprises occurred in the Trent Arena draw in Division II. For starters, we did not see Dunbar this season, as they received a postseason ban for this year after it was discovered they played an ineligible player last…
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Continue ReadingA few surprises occurred in the Trent Arena draw in Division II. For starters, we did not see Dunbar this season, as they received a postseason ban for this year after it was discovered they played an ineligible player last season. In regards to the teams actually on the bracket, we saw all 3 GCL teams go into Trent 2 with all eyes on chasing Chaminade Julienne. Because of this, it opened up the doors for Thurgood Marshall to advance easier in the sectional. Below is a game-by-game preview of each sectional game in Trent 1 and 2 in Division II.
Trent 1
Badin over Ponitz- The Rams have played a tough schedule in the GCL Coed that has prepared them for the tournament. They start off against a Ponitz team that has really struggled since Jaren Smith (2019) transferred in January. Justin Pappas (2019) will have his hands full defending Damonte Bailey (2019), but the Rams have shown they can defend tough post players in the past. I see Badin advancing easily in this one
Clinton Massie over Ross- The Falcons of Clinton Massie score nearly 60 points per game and face a Rams team that has shown they can create turnovers easily. Senior Thomas Myers (2019) will be a difference maker as he will need to make the Rams work in the paint. If Ross is able to contain the Falcons they can keep it close, but I expect Clinton Massie to advance.
Thurgood Marshall over Bellbrook- The Cougars got the nod as the #2 seed over Fenwick and draw a Bellbrook team that has not been as strong this season. Throughout the year, the Golden Eagles have struggled when facing more athletic and up-tempo teams. This is exactly what they are going to get in Thurgood. It is difficult to see an upset here, but the Cougars are a young group and a lot can happen when an upperclassmen led team comes to play.
Badin over Oakwood- The Lumberjacks have the top scorer in the SWBL in Darren Rubin (2020), but it may not be enough to get past the Rams. Badin has two big men in Pappas and Zach Switzer (2020) that are averaging 10 rebounds per game and will attack the paint relentlessly. Oakwood’s frontcourt has struggled on the glass, but will need to control the rebounds if they are to upset Badin. Rubin will no doubt score in bunches, but with little support, the Jacks will be unable to outplay Badin.
Thurgood Marshall over Clinton Massie- The Falcons will be fresh off a sectional win against Ross, but then will need to focus their efforts on a talented Thurgood team. Against more athletic teams, Clinton Massie struggled with committing turnovers and being outrebounded. With athletic wings like Anthony McComb (2021) and Chanze Amerson (2021), it is crucial for the Falcons to protect the glass if they want to win this one. In the end, I feel Thurgood will win this one.
Sectional Final: Thurgood Marshall over Badin- After Badin has won their first two matchups, they draw the Cougars with a chance at the District Finals on the line. Again, the Rams have played a strong schedule that has seen them play well against some of the better teams in Cincinnati, but I believe Thurgood’s athleticism and overall talent level will be enough to overcome the Rams. I predict Badin will not be able to defend McComb, Amerson, and Mekhi Elmore (2022), but will still make it a close game.
Trent 2
Fenwick over Valley View- The Spartans have already faced Fenwick once this season, falling 46-35, and I feel it will be difficult for the Spartans to win the rematch. Fenwick has some height in CJ Napier (2019) and AJ Braun (2021), but Valley View has shown they can be aggressive on the glass as well. Where Fenwick makes their mark is the athletic side of Napier and Braun who are all GCL caliber players. It won’t be an easy win, but Fenwick will outlast in this one.
Alter over West Carrollton- Alter has been playing great the last few games, winning 5 of their last 6. The Pirates have been going the opposite direction, going 2-8 in 2019. The Knights have been one of the better scoring teams in the GCL and should lean on Brady Uhl (2020) to lead the scoring charge. West Carrollton has scored 80+ points in 3 of their 5 wins, but those wins were against lower tiered teams with very few losses. The Pirates will need to score at least 60 to be in this game. Alter plays very physical defense and I feel they will easily win this game.
Chaminade Julienne over Eaton- Not much discussion here. Eaton will not be able to hang with the GCL champion Eagles.
Fenwick over Monroe- After getting through Valley View, the Falcons will turn to their rematch with Monroe next. The Falcons were victorious 48-30 and I expect the same result again. Braun and Napier will be too much for Monroe to handle. The Hornets have been a dark horse in 2019 and should not be ruled out easily.
Chaminade Julienne over Alter- There is a saying that it is difficult for a team to defeat the same team 3 times in the same season. This is what makes this game an interesting one to watch. This matchup would be C-J’s 3rd game with the Knights. The Eagles won 63-58 in December, but then dominated the Knights 82-50 in January. Although I highly doubt the third meeting will be a blowout, I have to take the Eagles in this one. Milton Gage (2019) has been great this season, and I don’t see him allowing his season end against GCL rival Alter. As long as the defense continues to be as strong as it’s been all year, C-J should win again.
Sectional Final: Chaminade Julienne over Fenwick: Again, we have another third matchup between the Falcons and Eagles. Unlike Alter, Fenwick has kept their matchups close with C-J. Both losses have been by a combined 8 points. This is such a tough game to choose because although I think it is truly difficult to win 3 times in the same season, this C-J team is so unique and with the athleticism in their backcourt, it is enough to earn that third win against the Falcons. Fenwick will try and play a more half-court style offense to keep C-J from attacking in transition. By doing this, it should keep the score low and close.