Ohio Buckets 2022: Bounce back at Nike Memorial Showdown
The 2022 Ohio Buckets spent the holiday weekend competing in Nike’s Memorial Showdown in Columbus, OH last week. The gyms at Reynoldsburg were filled with top-tier talent from several of the states most decorated programs. It was an impressive showing…
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Continue ReadingThe 2022 Ohio Buckets spent the holiday weekend competing in Nike’s Memorial Showdown in Columbus, OH last week. The gyms at Reynoldsburg were filled with top-tier talent from several of the states most decorated programs. It was an impressive showing for the 9th grade Ohio Buckets who strung together three straight Sunday wins, and four overall, to get to the Platinum Championship vs All-Ohio Red.
Day 1:
On Saturday, the Buckets defeated the Cleveland 216’ers 62-33 bright and early to kick off pool play. They got up and after it creating a ton of turnovers that led to points in transition. Pressure appeared to be a huge part of the game plan. It was a balanced scoring attack, led by Isaac Roeder (Monroeville ‘22) with 14 points and 10 rebounds, Logan Beaston (Tiffin ‘23) with 13 points, and Max Roth (Findlay ‘22) with 11 points. The Buckets dropped a close game to follow vs Shining Star s Price 47-45. They were again led by 6’2” PF Isaac Roeder (Monroeville ‘22). Isaac had 18 points and eight boards and was a huge factor versus the Stars physicality and interior presence.
Day 2:
On Sunday, the Buckets drew All-Ohio Black at 9:00 AM to kick off Platinum Bracket play. It was a back and forth affair, with the Buckets executing some very nice sets late to secure a 63-60 win. Led again by Roeder’s (Monroeville ‘22) 17 points and 10 boards, Jarrie Alexander (Sandusky ‘22) also chipped in with 16 points and six steals in the second half.
The quarterfinals lined the Buckets up with Shining Star s Minor where they hit free throws late to secure a 72-68 win. Max Roth (Findlay ‘22) showed off his athleticism once again with several plays above the rim, and knocked down three three-point shots during a 12-2 Buckets run. Logan Beaston (Tiffin ‘23) also made four 3-pt field goals to help the cause, as he continues to show he is one of the best perimeter shooters in the 2023 class.
In the semifinals versus the Ohio Hooper’s, it was the Jake Leibacher (Margaretta ‘22) show for the Ohio Buckets. The 5’10” PG was everywhere. Creating turnovers with active hands, he led them in scoring with 26 points, 11 assists and five steals. He got inside of defenders and hit several midrange jumpers, but also knocked down a handful of perimeter shots. His quickness and energy was a serious factor in the Buckets 81-72 win. Max Roth (Findlay ‘22) had a loud 20 points and four steals, while Logan Beaston (Tiffin ‘23) ended with 18 points, knocking down five three-point field goals.
The Buckets would fall to All-Ohio Red in the championship game, but showed some serious energy and excitement leading up to their next outing at the Prep Hoops Circuit Summer Challenge in Chicago, IL (July 5-7, 2019).