Marquee Matchups: Week 4 in Central Ohio
Early season jitters are no longer an excuse, as conference play has begun around the state. Just before holiday tournaments start next week, we’re going to take a look at the top week four games in each state region.
The Columbus City League appears to be very formidable this season. Three conference games from the City League alone highlight this week’s preview.
Dec. 19: Columbus South at Eastmoor Academy
South will look for revenge from last season’s District Final defeat against EA. South has a strong backcourt of experienced players in Treohn Watkins (2019), Naiquan Galloway (2018), and Jaedyn Carter (2018). A pair of sophomores, Marcus Johnson and Trevell Adams, look to be strong prospects waiting in the wings for the defending City League champs.
Eastmoor has handled their conference opponents up to this point but challenged themselves out of conference and are 3-1. Unsigned 6’4” guard Taevion Kinsey leads the way. They have a strong senior class with Kinsey, Stanley Williams, Tariq Brown, and Tim Smith. Size is their biggest advantage in this one, as they can beat teams inside or with perimeter length.
Dec. 22: Reynoldsburg at Pickerington Central
Reynoldsburg will look to take down their rival Pick Central in an early season test. Reynoldsburg should rely on 6’6” post player Tre Williams, as Pick Central doesn’t have a viable answer to his strength on the low block. Reynoldsburg senior Jamiel Goliday will have the luxury of not playing against Jeremiah Francis, as he’s is sidelined with an injury. Pick Central is 3-1 without the North Carolina commit but are clearly not the same team. Guards Javohn Garcia, Josiah Fulcher and Jaidon Lipscomb have been asked to protect the rock and score in the meantime.
Dec. 22: Beechcroft at Columbus Northland
This game comes in the middle of a three-game week for Beechcroft, who will battle with a tough Linden team on Tuesday night too. They’re led by Youngstown State commit Jelani Simmons, who is complimented by a bunch of seniors, like Datrey Long, Elijah Bishop, and Teon Jennings.
Northland has controlled the City League for years but will have a tough time reclaiming the crown this season. However, they’re 3-0 with impressive wins over Cincinnati Taft and Linden. Unsigned senior guard Jejuan Weatherspoon has been scoring the ball at a high rate this season, while junior Will Mfum and senior DiShon Daniels provide athleticism.
Dec. 22: Africentric at Eastmoor Academy
Eastmoor continues their brutal schedule against Africentric on Friday night. The Nubians come into the week undefeated, but EA is their first tough game. They have two Division II commits in point guard Manning “Tre” Baumgardner (Minnesota State) and forward Jah Bennett (Kentucky State). Their experience and chemistry in the two man game will likely determine their success this season.