10 things to watch in NEO weekend hoops
December 11, 2015 Nearly two full weeks in the books, but still, there are more questions than answers in Northeast Ohio. Here are 10 of them: 1. How high can Markell Johnson go? In terms of must-see players, no one…
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Continue ReadingDecember 11, 2015
Nearly two full weeks in the books, but still, there are more questions than answers in Northeast Ohio. Here are 10 of them:
1. How high can Markell Johnson go?
In terms of must-see players, no one this year will top East Tech guard Markell Johnson. The junior already hit 49 points and is averaging over 30 ppg. Johnson has said 50 points is a goal, but how high can he go? Rival games against Rhodes (Friday) and Glenville (Tuesday) should have him extra motivated for big scoring nights.
2. Can Ellet make noise beyond the Akron City Series?
While Ellet has run through its league games over the last few seasons, postseason success has been fleeting. In general, the Akron City Series has not made much recent noise in March. Friday’s game against Buchtel is a league game for Ellet and a rivalry game, but a team with higher aspirations will take easy care of the Griffins.
3. Is Elyria a serious contender?
With the talent on the roster and the way the team finished last season, it’s clear Elyria is good, but how good? One of the game I have my eye on this weekend is Elyria’s trip to Brunswick. If the Pioneers can pick up the tough road win, they have the makings of a force to be reckoned with.
4. Is Villa Angela-St. Joseph for real?
The Vikings have started the season hot, but this weekend comes the team’s first true road test when they travel to Cleveland Central Catholic. The Ironmen have started the season strong and appear to be one of the best teams in the area. How well VASJ plays will give insight as to whether this team is once again a D3 threat or not.
5. Can North Olmsted grab the hold of the Southwestern Conference?
For my money, few conferences have been tougher to figure out early that the SWC. With all the parity, North Olmsted finds a way to keep winning, albeit in close games. Already with a 4-0 overall record, if the Eagles can pick up a road win against Lakewood on Friday, it could make them a tough team to unseat atop the league.
6. Archbishop Hoban: Early football-related struggles or mediocre team?
With a game against Benedictine on Friday, there’s a good chance that Archbishop Hoban can start the season 0-2. What I’m not sure about is if that’s because of getting football players into basketball shape or if the team is just average like last season. A win against Benedictine would change a lot of the conversation.
7. What can we expect from St. Vincent-St. Mary?
We’re two full weeks into the season and St. Vincent-St. Mary is still a bit of a mystery. They played well against DeMatha (Md.) in a loss but haven’t played since. We know how good Henry Baddley is, but who else will step up this season and can this team make a serious state title run. We’ll know more after Saturday;s game with Mansfield Senior.
8. When will Cleveland Heights get its first win?
I still firmly believe that Cleveland Heights will wind up being one of the best teams in Division I, but an 0-2 start with games against Bedford and St. Ignatius up next have a potential ugly start looming. My gut tells me they will win one of the next two games, as I can’t see this team starting 0-4.
9. Does St. Edward have the best backcourt in Northeast Ohio?
With players like Kipper Nichols, Marsalis Hamilton and Derek Funderburk the last few seasons, St. Edward has been known for its forecourt. Last week, though, it was the backcourt of Sean Flannery and Tommy Schmock that combined for 53 points in a win against Bedford. These players shoot at a high percentage and don’t really turn the ball over, which makes them especially dangerous.
10. How good is Garfield Heights?
We know locally and statewide that Garfield Heights is as good as it gets. This weekend we get to see how the Bulldogs stack up to other great teams in the country, as they play Neuman Goretti (Pa.) on Saturday. Northeast Ohio teams tend to play well against national competition, and Garfield Heights will likely continue that trend.