Pickerington Central @ Groveport Madison: Five Takeaways

Brandon Little

December 11, 2019 @ 05:00 AM

Pickerington Central picked up a blowout win over Groveport Madison 90-44 to bounce back from an 0-1 start to the season. The Tigers blew the doors off early and didn’t look back. Garner Wallace is back and even better Wallace is fresh off a state championship on the gridiron and has only had one basketball practice before playing Groveport Tuesday night. That did not stop the junior from doing what he does best, affect the game in multiple ways. Wallace was very conservative from the floor, but still scored 23 points and didn’t play in the fourth quarter. The lengthy forward showed off good vision, his glue-like defense and a smooth stroke from the free throw line. Adding 10 rebounds as well, Wallace crashed the boards on both ends, just being the first one to the ball. Everything came so easy to the junior, who expects to have a big season. Tahleik Walker is a Swiss Army knife for the Tigers Walker is what every team wish they had, a guy that does everything, including the dirty work. No one makes more hustle plays on the floor, nor did they Tuesday night. The senior absolute stuffed the stat sheet with 15 points, seven rebounds, six steals, two blocks and two assists. Quick hands, jumping passing lanes and chasing down bad passes often had the guard pushing a transition. A willing rebounder from the guard positions that fought on both ends, including for extra possessions. Showed off a three ball that really takes his game to the next level when it’s dropping, too. Unselfish player that cares about winning. Groveport is guard heavy, should grow through the course of the year Groveport Madison was simply outmatched with length and talent. Had to settle for bad shots and turned the ball over a ton. But, you can see why they were 2-0 before coming in. The Crusiers have multiple quick, shifty ball handlers that can score it from different areas. Scotty Lomax is crafty off the bounce, as he showed at times, but was unable to put it all together against the Tigers. Elyjah Aekins got to the rim with a quick first step, knocked down free throws as well. Madison may lose a lot of OCC games, but they could surprise teams at times with their quick guard heavy lineup. Conner Maciag is the senior leader that Pickerington Central needs Maciag was big in an opening season loss for the Tigers and he was again against Groveport. A willing defender that did a good job of moving lateral, staying with quick ball handlers. Tough player that was a willing rebounder, didn’t shy away from contact and he never will. The senior scored at the rim in transition, knocked down short jumpers and was found cutting to the rim. Showed the ability to handle the ball and set others up, or work off-ball. In his first season as a locked in starter, Maciag is going to do work to some teams. Devin Royal is going to be special down the road for the Tigers Royal didn’t really get going until the game was sealed, but you could see why so many people including the coaching staff is high on the freshman. Uses post moves and a soft touch to get inside, as well as knocking down his free throws when he didn’t convert. Showed off a good motor that allowed two and three put backs. Lengthy defender that can block shots, which he did. Finished with 11 points and seven rebounds.