Recap of Week 4’s Top Five Games

It was a thrilling week of basketball where early undefeateds either kept it rolling or had their streaks broken by rivals. For the top five games, Hayes survived a 3-point barrage at home, Brush proved they’re for real, Sidney stung Butler in overtime, and Brunswick and Pickerington Central won round one in their rivalry games.

Monday, Dec. 17: Delaware Hayes (76) over Thomas Worthington (73)

All the way back on Monday, Hayes topped TWHS for a conference win in what was one of the most exciting games we’ve seen all season. Hayes juniors Nate Griggs and Paul Burris led the way with 24 and 15 points respectively. They might not pass the eye test coming out of the bus, but these two can flat play! Griggs was especially dominate on the drive, constantly putting it in over taller defenders.

TWHS on the other hand received a huge lift from their sophomore backcourt of Jalen Sullinger and Isaac Settles. The two combined for 17 3-pointers — a number not even Steph Curry and Klay Thompson have matched in 2018-19. Despite the loss, the Cards are 4-2 after Week 4.

Tuesday, Dec. 18: Brush (81) over St. Edward (74)

Brush moved to 5-0 in what was their most impressive win of the early season. Senior guards and soon-to-be Lyndhurst legends Andre Harris and DJ Dial combined for 49 points in the win. The Arcs big man John Hugley, a 6’9” junior center, controlled the glass on his way to 16 points and 17 rebounds.

This was the second loss in a row for the visiting St. Edward Eagles who are now 3-2. Senior guard Demetrius Terry used his speed to get into the lane and lead the team with 19 points on the night.

Tuesday, Dec. 18: Sidney (51) over Butler (46)

Sidney outscored then-undefeated Butler by five points in overtime to win and pull ahead in the GWOC-American North standings. Both teams left the game with just one loss on their record following Tuesday.

Virginia Tech signee Andre Gordon led the way with 18 points, but his production outside of the scoring column remains tremendous — Gordon also dished seven assists and grabbed five rebounds. Classmate Ratez Roberts is nearly averaging a double-double after his 16-point, 13-rebound night against Butler. The Aviators’ top scorers were seniors Michael Kreill and Bryant Johnson at 13 a piece.

Friday, Dec. 21: Brunswick (71) over Medina (63)

In a showdown of undefeated rivals, Brunswick earned early season bragging rights on their home floor. Brunswick continues to roll behind huge contributions from Strongsville transfer Tre Massey. He made his early stamp on the rivalry by scoring 25 points. Meanwhile, senior Hillsdale signee Kyle Goessler chipped in 20 points, per Cleveland.com.

On the other side, Kyle Szumski, Corey Tripp, and Drew Hassinger scored in double-digits. Medina will get another shot at Brunswick on Feb. 1.

Friday, Dec. 21: Pickerington Central (52) over Reynoldsburg (45)

In what was a rivalry game between a preseason Regional favorite and an early season surprise team, Pick Central handed Reynoldsburg their first loss of the season. Springfield transfers JaJuan “Jay” Rodgers scored 15 points while Sam Towns took care of business inside with 13 points and 11 rebounds, per 270 Hoops. Meanwhile, Javohn Garcia tallied a game-high 16 points.

Reynoldsburg, who were led by unsigned 6’5” wing Ben Fort, would turn around and drop another game the following day to Princeton. Their schedule won’t get much easier post-Christmas, as they’ll play Brunswick next on Dec. 28, followed by a game against Ringwood from Australia, then Pickerington North Jan. 4.