Gridiron Performers Key to Hoops Programs

With the end of the football regular season, those athletes whose teams did not make the playoffs are now preparing for the start of basketball. With the first official day of the season less than one week away, Prep Hoops looks at those gentlemen whose impact on the gridiron will be just as important as their impact on the hardwood. Here part one of our list of some of the better dual-sport athletes in the Greater Cincinnati area.   Demarco Bradley Jr., Taft High School (2019)- The Senators combo guard is also considered one of the better corner back prospects in the Cincinnati area. The senior led the CMAC in interceptions with seven according to cmacstats.com while also recording a kickoff return for touchdown as well. Once he returns from football he will be a part of one of the better D-II teams in the area in basketball. Jack Cravaack, Madeira High School (2018)- According the CHL website the Purdue commit finished in the top 10 in receiving yards (10^th with 292) and sacks (tied for 5^th with 5) in the conference. A double-double waiting to happen, Cravaack and his Mustang teammates should be in the race for the CHL title. Terry Durham, Woodward High School (#88 Class of 2018)- This athletic lefty will be looked upon to lead what will most likely be a young Bulldog squad. One will be one of the players who will be on the watch list for conference player of the year as well. Terry also showed his talents on the football field this season finishing 5^th in the CMAC with 5.5 sacks according to the CMAC website. Joey Edmonds, Wyoming High School (#27 Class of 2019)- Mr. Edmonds is a big reason why the Cowboys finished the regular season 10-0 this season in football. As a wide receiver the junior recorded 421 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns while as a defensive back recorded 2 interceptions, returning both for touchdowns according to the CHL website. On the hardwood the University of Findlay commit will be the leading returning scorer for a Cowboys team that lost 3 of its starters from last season to graduation. Darrion Henry, Princeton High School (#54 Class of 2020)- Darrion is one of the better dual athletes in his class in the state of Ohio. On the football field the sophomore defensive end holds offers from Toledo, Cincinnati and Michigan State. After averaging 5.8ppg as a freshman, Henry will be a key factor on a Vikings team that is looked upon as one of the better D-I teams in Ohio on the hardwood. Xavier Johnson, Summit Country Day (2018)- Considered one of the best receivers in the state, Johnson is the all-time leader in receiving yards and touchdowns for the Silver Knights. Cincinnati, Buffalo and Miami (OH) are among the 11 programs to have offered Johnson according to an October article in the Cincinnati Enquirer. On the hardwood Johnson has long been considered one of the better talents in the city. Having lost 5 of their top six players to graduation, Johnson will be looked upon to lead a Summit team without much varsity experience. Dashawn Lawrence, Taft High School (2018)- This talented WR/S finished 1^st in the conference in receiving yards (702), 2^nd in interceptions (5), and 3^rd in tackles (91) according to the CMAC website. As a point guard Lawrence is one of the more gifted passers in the city as he averaged 7.9apg per the CMAC website, which also led the conference. Will combine with the before mentioned Demarco Bradley and Steve Stewart to give the Senators one of the better perimeter trio’s in the city. Miles “Deuce” McBride, Archbishop Moeller (#4 Class of 2019)- Before his injury McBride was having as good a year as anyone from the QB position having thrown for 17 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in basically 4 ½ games. On the basketball court Deuce is the best two-way player in his class and is part of a Moeller team that will be considered for #1 in the state in D-I. Evan Prater, Wyoming High School (#17 Class of 2020)- The Cowboy sophomore had an outstanding season on the gridiron throwing for 21td’s and only 4int’s. As part of a 10-0 team, Prater hopes to still be a part of the football playoffs when hoops season officially begins. Once back on the court, Prater athleticism and ability to get to the rim will help a Cowboy considered among the favorites in the CHL. Colin Shaw, Indian Hills High School (#95 Class of 2018)- The Braves senior showed that he is to be considered amongst the best two-way athletes in Cincinnati. As a WR Shaw had 53 catches for 865 yards and 11 touchdowns while also recording 2 interceptions as a defensive back. On the basketball court Shaw is the leading returning scorer in the CHL after averaging 18.2ppg last season. This guard/wing is one of the more complete scorers in the city with the ability to score from all three levels on the court. Arian “AJ” Smith, Hughes High School (#156 Class of 2018)- In his only season of football Smith showed that he is a very good athlete rather it be football or basketball. According to the CMAC website the Big Red senior recorded five receiving and one rushing touchdown on the season. One of the more underrated and versatile players in the city in basketball, AJ is part of a Hughes squad that has one of the more talented starting five in Cincinnati. Lorenzo Sparks, North College Hill High School (#162 Class of 2018)- Had one of the better years of any prep football player in the city. According to the Miami Valley Conference website, Sparks recorded a conference-leading 1,107 yards and 5 touchdowns along with 11 interceptions on defense which also lead the conference. Sparks looks to bring that momentum with him to the hardwood for a Trojans team considered among the favorites for the MVC title. Lorenzo is the leading returning scorer in the conference after averaging 20.1ppg last season.