Predictions and Previews: Week One
It’s that time of year again! Finally, the wait is over the prep basketball season is here in the stat of Ohio. And while a lot of the top teams in the Cincinnati area will be playing out of the area, that does not mean that there is a shortage of quality games in the area this weekend. In fact, here a few games among the many that will be worth checking out if you are looking for good prep action. Its back, here are my Previews and Predictions for week one of the prep season. I’ll keep track of my record to see my picks stand up.
Roger Bacon at Madeira, Friday 7:30 pm: After coming within an eyelash of winning a state title, Roger Bacon is back with basically a whole new nucleus. It will be interesting to see the style of play the Spartans will use without as much size as they have had in the past. The Mustangs bring one of the most experienced teams in the city including the inside-outside tandem of Jack Cravaack and Kyle Johnson.
Prediction: Madeira
Hughes at Woodward, Friday 7:30pm: The road to a second straight conference title starts for Big Red at the Blue Palace. Expect this to be a high pace game with a lot of points being scored. Watch for the matchup between Terry Durham (Woodward) and Shawn Hawkins (Hughes). These two physical, athletic forwards will be matched up with each other all night. And do not expect either to take one inch.
Prediction: Hughes
Winton Woods at Withrow, Friday 7:30pm: This is a match-up of two of the better Class of 2019 players in the state of Ohio. Guard Greg Tribble Jr. (Winton Woods/PHO #14) and Center Abba Lawal (Withrow/PHO #11) will lead their teams into battle for their respective openers. Winton Woods, an independent as far as conference, has a lot of talent perimeter talent around Tribble including senior G/W Jaylen Mason. Both Mason and Tribble are at there best in transition and attacking the paint, so it will be interesting to see how much of a factor Lawal will be in what could be a up and down game.
Prediction: Winton Woods
Western Hills at Oak Hills, Saturday 7:30pm: Battle of two schools who have a history of not being all that friendly when it comes to athletics. Coach Mike Price lost a lot of fire power from last years 22-4 (15-1 in conference) squad and will not have much varsity experience to lean on. Western Hills is trying to start the year off with what would be a huge victory after winning only six games last season.
Prediction: Oak Hills