Marquee Matchups: Week 7 in Northeast Ohio
After two weekday games in the area, NEO is going on the road to see how it measures up against the rest of the state.
Dec. 9: Solon at Shaker Heights
While Garfield Heights and St. Edward could be considered Regional favorites, Solon and Shaker Heights headline the group of Division I sleepers in NEO. Solon’s backcourt of Sincere Carry, Michael Bekelja, and Trent Williams will be tested by the athleticism and size of Dale Bonner and Christian Guess.
Dec. 11: Benedictine at St. Vincent-St. Mary
By record alone, the defending Division II State Champions are off to a tough start. Yet, here’s another week where STVM is going to face Benedictine, Huber Heights Wayne, and Fairland. By the time the State Tournament rolls around, the Irish will be tested. Benedictine’s junior guard Davin Zeigler should give freshman Seth Wilson trouble because of his length and aggressiveness as a defender.
Dec. 13: St. Vincent-St. Mary at Huber Heights Wayne
Wayne finished December as the #4 team in Division I, which may not have been high enough. The ball-handling and shot creation is handled by a pair of Division I guards, Darius Quisenberry (Youngstown State) and DeShon Parker (James Madison), while Ohio State football commit L’Christian “Blue” Smith should dominate the glass in this one.
Dec. 13: Lakewood St. Edward at Toledo St. John’s
Click here for the preview of this game, included in the Northwest Ohio section.
Dec. 14: Holy Name vs. John Glenn at Hoover
A couple Division II statewide contenders facing off in a neutral site game that should work as a measuring stick for both teams. Dayton signee Dwayne Cohill is easily the most impactful player on the court, but both teams are deep.
Dec. 14: Fairland vs. St. Vincent-St. Mary at Flyin’ to the Hoop
Click here for the preview of this game, included in the Southern Ohio section.
Dec. 14: Cleveland Heights vs. Springfield at Flyin’ to the Hoop
Amongst the 20-game schedule, Cleveland Heights versus Springfield is an underrated matchup for Ohio basketball fans. The talent level is pretty evenly matched, yet Springfield’s record is more impressive coming in. A matchup of four-star football prospects, Leonard Taylor (Springfield) and Tyreke Smith (Heights), won’t have an impact on the basketball recruitment scene but both would be top-40 basketball prospects in a loaded 2018 class.