Marquee Matchups: Opening Weekend in Northwest Ohio
This weekend, Dec. 1 through 3, marks the first weekend of high school basketball. Starting this week until the end of the regular season in mid-February, check in with Prep Hoops Ohio to see the top games around the state for the coming week.
To start the season, we’re taking a look at the marquee matchups on opening weekend, when everyone is undefeated and hopeful about the next four months.
Dec. 1: Rogers @ St. John’s
Here’s a chance for Toledo basketball fans to watch the two conference favorites. Rogers fell short in the Toledo City League Championship last season, but the Rams didn’t lose much and are the most talented team in the TCL this year. St. John’s looks to repeat as the Three Rivers Athletic Conference champion. Not only that, it is a very early season look at one of St. John’s toughest competitors in the region.
A couple of wing/forwards will likely matchup in this one, as unsigned 6’5” Rogers’ wing Christian Smith has a chance to prove himself against 6’4” Virginia Commonwealth commit Vincent Williams. When Rogers has the ball, Williams poses a physicality that could throw Smith off his rhythm.
Other prospects to watch for Rogers include Desean Nelson, Caleb Smith, and Ketaan Wyatt in the 2020 class. For St. John’s, they have 2018 guards Houston King and Ryan Christie, along with 2019 shooter Payton Moyer and sophomore wing Elijah Kimmons.
Dec. 2: Archbold @ Wauseon
It’s an early season treat for the Northwest Ohio Athletic League, as the two top teams do battle to open up the season. The similarities don’t stop there, as both teams made it down to Columbus last season, return key players from last season’s team, and should find themselves in the AP State Poll in their respective divisions.
In order for Archbold to get a win, junior 6’5” forward Rigo Ramos will need to challenge Duquesne commit Austin Rotroff as a interior defender and rebounder. Their all-senior backcourt of Bryce Williams, Eli Miller, and Kaiden Bedsole will need to find ways to finish in the paint too. Unsigned senior prospect Brooks Gype adds to Wauseon’s length as a 6’3” guard who makes plays on the wing.