Greater Catholic League-South Preview
It’s the last week of November which could only mean one thing. We are less than a week away from the start of the 2017-18 regular season in Ohio. With November 30th right around the corner, we will be previewing different conferences in the Greater Cincinnati area. We begin our previews with a look at the GCL-South.
What will it take for Moeller to Repeat?
Good health. It is no secret that Moeller has one of the better teams in the city, region, state and country for that matter. Ranked 17th in the USA Today Super 25 Preseason poll, the injury bug has already hit the Crusaders as junior guard Miles McBride (#4 Class of 2019, state of Ohio) will likely miss the season due to lower leg injury. But if the rest of the ream remains healthy, they should breeze to another conference title.
Who are the biggest challengers to Moeller?
See the answer to question number one. While the GCL-South is a tough conference with the toughest venues to play at in the city, the Crusaders will most likely finish with another undefeated conference record.
Who are the dark horse teams?
St. Xavier will be a really interest team to watch throughout the season. For one the Bombers have a ton of size. At the Sports Plus Varsity Scrimmage Shootout, X regularly trotted out line-ups with four players between 6’2 and 6’8. There size does match-up well with the Crusaders, but again this is all on paper.
Who will lead the league in scoring?
Jeremiah Davenport (Moeller ‘18)- With McBride out for the season look for Davenport to become the go-to guy for the Crusaders this season. He is aggressive when attacking the paint and offensive boards, attributes that will help him get to the free throw line. Add in the fact that he can knock down perimeter shots, Davenport is a prime candidate to lead the league in scoring.
Jaxson Hayes (Moeller ‘18)- Standing 6’10 with freakish athleticism, Hayes is easily a candidate to lead the league in scoring. The Texas commit is a beast on the boards and runs the court like a deer. I expect Moeller to push the pace this season, which will give Hayes plenty of chances to finish at the rim. He and Davenport in a high-low situation will cause nightmares for opponents.
Zach Harp (Elder ‘18)- With the graduation of last years leading scorer Dashawn Mosley, Harp should get more shot opportunities this season. One of the leading returning scorers in the conference (12.1ppg 2016-17), Harp should be one of the leading scorers again this season.
Who will lead the league in double-doubles this season?
Jaxson Hayes (Moeller ‘18)- See the answer to the previous question. He wasn’t the fastest rising recruit in the country for nothing.
Who will win league Player of the Year?
Jeremiah Davenport (Moeller ‘18)- Most of the competition that Davenport will face for this award will come from his own teammates. Both Jaxson Hayes and point guard Isaiah Payton will both be candidates for this award. Both what Davenport will provide on both ends along with his versatility give him the edge in my opinion.
Who are the league’s top breakout candidates?
Brandon Gilbert (St. Xavier ‘18)- After not seeing inconsistent clock as a junior, Gilbert will be one of the main cogs for the Bombers this season. Standing 6’7, Gilbert does his best work on the perimeter in that mid-range area with one and two dribble pull-up jumpers. But he also uses that handle to at times effectively attack the rim as well.
Alec Pfriem (Moeller ’19)- While a name that many in the area are familiar with, for many GCL-South fans this will be their first chance seeing Pfriem in action. This junior is a talented two-way player who will fit in quit well to the Moeller system. Alec is currently ranked 17th in the class of 2019 in Ohio.
Who made our preseason All-League First Team?
G- Isaiah Payton, Moeller
G- Zach Harp, Elder
F- Jeremiah Davenport, Moeller
F- Brandon Gilbert, St. Xavier
F/C- Jaxson Hayes, Moeller
F- Bobby Jefferson, St. Xavier
G- Riley Haubner, LaSalle
Predicted Order to Finish
- Moeller
- Xavier
- Elder (Tie), LaSalle (Tie)