Marquee Matchups: Opening Weekend in Central Ohio
This weekend, Dec. 1 through 3, marks the first weekend of high school basketball. Starting this week until the end of the regular season in mid-February, check in with Prep Hoops Ohio to see the top games around the state for the coming week.
To start the season, we’re taking a look at the marquee matchups on opening weekend, when everyone is undefeated and hopeful about the next four months.
Dec. 2: Pickerington Central vs. Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary @ All Ohio High School Hoops Showcase
In the primetime 9 p.m. time slot, two powerhouse programs will matchup at Whitehall Yearling. It will be the first look at a lot of new faces for the reigning Division II State Champion Fighting Irish. Their inexperienced underclassmen and former substitutes will go into Pick Central’s backyard to a play a more known commodity, last season’s Division I Central Ohio District Champions.
Pick Central’s Jeremiah Francis has the chance to initiate STVM’s freshman point guard Seth Wilson in his first high school game. Expect Wilson to lead a fast-paced bunch with Scott Walter, Chris Painter, and Darius Cone running with him. They’ll also need help from 6’2” hybrid Lunden McDay to control the glass. Francis will match pace when the Tigers have the ball, as their backcourt is loaded with college prospects like Javohn Garcia, Josiah Fulcher, and Jaidon Lipscomb. Even forwards like Detroit Mercy commit Adrian Nelson and unsigned Juan Elmore are effective in the open floor.
Dec. 2: Pickerington North vs. Dayton Wayne @ All Ohio High School Hoops Showcase
The size of Pickerington North meets the potent backcourt of Dayton Wayne in a game that brings together top Division I teams in Central and Southwest Ohio respectively. This star-studded game is scheduled to tip at 7 p.m. at Whitehall Yearling.
Pick North will likely look to exploit their height advantages in this one. Between Jerome Hunter and Elijah McNamara, two Division I signees, Pick North should have an edge in points in the paint and rebounds. It’ll be a lot to handle for 6’6” wing/forward L’Christian “Blue” Smith, but he could neutralize the threat with his athleticism. Around the perimeter, matching up with Wayne’s DeShon Parker and Darius Quisenberry will be quite a task for Dondre Palmer, Ty Wiley, and Corey Baker.
Dec. 2: Eastmoor Academy vs. Archbishop Moeller @ Ohio Valley Hoops Classic
This game will tip at 7:30 p.m. at Southern State Community College in Hillsboro. Click over to the Southwest Ohio piece of this week’s marquee matchup series to read the preview.