Previews and Predictions Week Four
After an undefeated week of picks my confidence is sky-high. Hopefully this week will bring me the same fortunes. Now you may think that with winter break finally that the amount of quality games would be down as compared to normal. But in all actuality the exact opposite is the case. The lineup for this week is full of quality match-ups, both in conference and non-conference. I give you the Previews and Predictions for week four.
Last Week: 3-0
Season: 5-3
CHCA (3-3, 3-1) at Clark Montessori (3-2, 2-2), Tuesday 7:30pm: These two Miami Valley Conference-Scarlet teams who are coming into this game with two game losing streaks. Clark lost there last two to conference rivals Summit Country Day and North College Hill by a 46, points so a win would really do a lot for their confidence. A win by the Eagles would keep them in 2nd place, 2 games behind 1st place Summit.
Prediction: Clark
Princeton (4-0, 3-0) at Oak Hills (4-2, 3-0), Friday 7:30pm: Another huge conference match-up this time in the Greater Miami Conference as both teams are locked into a three-way tie with Mason for first place. Nick Deifel (c/o 2018) is off to an outstanding start for the Highlanders averaging 17.5ppg so for this season. But he will need help from his supporting cast in order to upset a talented and deep Princeton squad. 2020 forward Aaron Ward (PHO #30) is coming off his first double-double of the season (18pts, 12reb) against Colerain on Friday.
Prediction: Princeton
Elder (2-3, 0-0) at Walnut Hills (4-0, 3-0), Friday 7:30pm: This is a non-conference match-up of two teams that split there two contest last season. Unfortunately for Elder the Eagles won the more important game knocking the Panthers out of the post-season by a score of 52-44. This year’s edition will again feature two of the higher scoring guards in Cincinnati. For Elder senior Zach Harp (17.6ppg) must continue to score at a high rate if Elder wants to win at the Nut House. But just as importantly his supporting cast must also step up as well as he is the only Panther to average in double digits. Harp along with the supporting cast must also contain 2018 guard Kameron Gibson (PHO #23) who is averaging 23.7ppg on over 61% from the field. Whoever controls the pace and limits the TO’s will walk away the victor.
Prediction: Walnut Hills
Roger Bacon (3-1, 1-1) at McNicholas (4-0, 2-0), Friday 7:30pm: McNick is off to a very good start including an overtime victory over Taft on December 12th. Lead by the senior backcourt duo of Ryan Reidy (PHO #179, 15.5ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.5apg) and Cole Burdick (15.0ppg, 6.5rpg, 3.5apg), the Rockets currently sit in the top spot in the GCL Co-Ed. Senior Brandon Bibbs has had an outstanding start to the season averaging 14.8ppg on 50% shooting from three and has been the leader to what has been a total team effort for the Spartans.
Projection: McNicholas