Tonight’s Top Games
For the first time in a while on a Friday, the turnpikes and highways are mostly snow-free across the Buckeye State. So, if you’re willing to travel a bit further than just down the street to get to a game tonight, here’s your best options.
Game of the Night: Springfield (18-3) at Trotwood (17-3)
Averaging 104.4 points over the last five games and winning their last 11, Trotwood appears to be peaking at the right time. Led by senior Myles Belyeu (25.1 points and 7.5 rebounds) and junior Amari Davis (20.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.1 steals), Trotwood is poised for a postseason run after they finish their regular season tonight.
But the Rams are charging full-speed into a physical Springfield opponent, who allow a tick under 50 points per game. After losing a back-to-back against Centerville and Moeller, they’ve rebounded with wins over Wayne and Fairmont. The versatility of their 6’6” forward Leonard Taylor sets the tone. Also, watch out for Ra’Heim Moss, a breakout junior wing who could be the difference tonight.
Dublin Coffman (16-5) at Upper Arlington (19-1)
On Feb. 3, Mr. Basketball candidate Dane Goodwin created the slice of space he needed in order to drop in a buzzer-beater from beyond arch against Coffman. The Rocks will look for revenge tonight in what would be a major confidence-boosting win heading into the postseason. Coffman is just 5-5 in their last ten games after starting the season 13-1.
This game is a potential District Championship preview in Division I’s Columbus 2 District. Coffman has a number of players they can assign to defending Goodwin and Max Martz. So, win or lose, these teams will be figuring each other out ahead of their most important matchup of the season in a couple weeks.
Ottawa-Glandorf (19-1) at Wapakoneta (13-6)
After dropping their first game of the season against Lexington last Satuday, Ottawa-Glandorf has a chance to rebound against the second place team in the Western Buckeye League. Although the margin isn’t large, OG will go into the postseason as favorites to represent the Bowling Green Region in the Division II State Tournament. A game against a quality D-II opponent in Wapakoneta is nice test beforehand.
Prospects to keep an eye on in this game include unsigned small college prospects Jay Kaufman, Jake Dible, and Nick Schoonover.
Prep Hoops Ohio will provide coverage from Wapakoneta tonight.
Hoban (17-2) at Benedictine (14-5)
Benedictine’s ceiling as a team has been lowered considerably with the injury of junior lead guard Davin Zeigler. Tonight, it means that sophomores Eric Buckner and Jashun Cobb need to deal with Hoban seniors Collen Gurley and Garrett Houser. While the Benedictine future looks very bright since those two have stepped up lately, Hoban could be a nightmare.
Purcell Marian (16-5) at McNicholas (17-4)
Purcell sent an undefeated McNick team into some struggles back on Jan. 20, handing them their first loss of the season as seven players scored five or more points. Since then, McNick has went just 4-3 and doesn’t look like as much of a State Championship contender in D-II. In fact, Purcell would take the GCL Central outright with a win tonight.
Brunswick (16-4) at Solon (19-0)
Brunswick will have their second chance at knocking off the only remaining undefeated Division I team in Ohio. In their first game, it took a 25-14 fourth quarter for the Comets to escape Brunswick with a W. In that one, junior guard Kyle Goessler’s 22 points for Brunswick weren’t enough to overcome 27 from junior Trent Williams and senior Sincere Carry’s 26.
Cleveland Central Catholic (16-3) at VASJ (11-7)
In the first game of a tough weekend, CCC has to play an underrated VASJ squad. Somehow, the reigning D-III State Champions have managed to slide under-the-radar despite winning games over Lake Catholic and Gilmour over the past month. But, CCC is a tough draw for them considering their defensive-minded backcourt. CCC won the first iteration of this game 76-63 on Jan. 19.