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: Solon @ Beachwood
Solon and Beachwood opening up the season with a game that will serve as an early season test for both teams. We marked both as Sleepers in their respective divisions this season, as Solon competes at the Division I level and Beachwood Division III.
Two of the top shooters in the 2019 class will go at it with Solon’s Fairmont State commit
Michael Bekelja and Beachwood’s 6’4” guard
Jayson Woodrich. Getting a peak at how their offenses scheme to get each open is a fun subplot in this one. Beachwood will have a bit more to worry about that just Bekelja however, as Solon has a quick and physical backcourt, led by West Liberty commit
Sincere Carry and junior
Trent Williams.
Dec. 2: Cleveland Heights vs. Cornerstone Christian @ Great Lakes Classic
One of the many Northeast Ohio matchups taking place at the Great Lakes Classic this weekend at Cleveland Heights High School. Cleveland Heights is looking to take a big step forward this season with their experienced roster. Meanwhile, CCA has all the looks of Northeast Ohio’s top Division IV team once again.
Unsigned 5’10” point guard
Yahel Hill has the chance to start his senior season out against Furman commit
Mike Bothwell, one of the most instinctive perimeter defenders in the senior class. Whichever of those two guys wins the individual battle will give their team an edge, as Hill and Bothwell will control their offenses. Hill is surrounded by plenty of other unsigned 2018 prospects, like
Javon Roberts and
Keith Jackson, along with football oriented prospects
Tyreke Smith and
Grayson Green. For CCA,
Martel Ferrell is a player that scouts should check out, as the 6’6” senior wing/forward sat out last season because of transfer regulations but projects to the D-II/NAIA/D-III level depending on how this season goes.
This game will be played at Whitehall Yearling High School. Check in tomorrow for a preview.
Dec. 3: Lutheran East vs. Beachwood @ Great Lakes Classic
After opening the season at home with Solon, Beachwood will keep the competition running high come Sunday at 12:45 p.m. Lutheran East and Beachwood look to be two of the top Division III teams in the Cleveland-area.
Lutheran East lost a couple key pieces off their Division IV State Championship team. However, Ashland commit
Jordan Burge is surrounded by capable complimentary players. Senior
David Gulley should space the floor with his shooting at the point guard spot. Meanwhile,
Nehemiah Benson is an athletic sophomore forward who can run the floor and grab boards.
