News and Notes from “The Preview” in Cincinnati
Woodward High School was the place to be Saturday as the Cincinnati High School Boys 2017-18 Preseason Preview took place. With the start of the regular season this Thursday this was a chance for local basketball fans a look at some of the top programs in the area. Here are some news and notes from the action over the weekend. As a side note, all games were scrimmages that lasted for one half.
Purcell Marian is back
In what have been maybe the most entertaining match-up of the day, Coach Scott Kerr squad served notice that they are back and poised for a big year. Against Princeton, which Purcell got the best of 28-21, the Cavaliers played with great intensity on the defense while getting quality look after quality look on the defense end. They also played outstanding team defense, clogging the lanes and forcing the Vikings to take mostly perimeter shots. And when a Princeton player did drive the lane multiple Cavs would be there for the help, and resulted in Purcell drawing multiple charge calls. And then there was the one Cavalier that served notice to the city as well…….
A.J. Garrett has game!!
Garrett played on the talented Cincy Lakers 16U squad with some the best players in the state and at times was overshadowed. But there is a reason why this young man is rated as a Top 50 prospect (#41) in the state. A.J. was aggressive from the opening tip, knocking down a mid-range jumper and getting a transition dunk on Purcell first two possessions. From there he stayed in attack mode knocking down an array of mid-range shots. Expect to hear this name a lot throughout the regular season and beyond.
Gamble Montessori young but not without talent
This year will be a rebuilding year for the Gators, as Coach Allen lost a lot of experience from last year’s team. But the future looks bright for Gamble and it starts two underclassmen who will absolutely be leaned on early. Wing Michael McCants (Class of 2020) did a good job getting and finishing in the paint while also competing hard on the boards. Freshman point man Jarren Deloach was also solid on Saturday in particular in pick and roll situations where on a couple of occasions he knocked down jumpers at the free-throw line. Two solid building blocks for the future for Coach Allen.
The Cincinnati Hills League will be ultra- competitive
A conference that does not get enough credit, the CHL will be very fun to watch this season. Deer Park, who ended the event with a game against Dohn Prep, showed they will be one of the top D-III teams in the area. Coach Steve Gentry has a team that is much deeper than last year, which will allow the Wildcats to play at a much faster pace. Part of that depth is due to two key transfers, PG Steve Gentry Jr. (2020) and G/W Damani McEntire (2018), who will add more playmaking and scoring to the team. Wyoming will be back as a top team again and Indian Hills with Colin Shaw will be right there again. Then you add in an experienced Madeira team with an improved Reading team with Bryce Hunt, this talented conference will be fun to watch this season.