Week Five Previews and Predictions
Well, another undefeated week last week has me riding high for this upcoming week. And again, even though many area teams are at out of town holiday tourneys, that does not mean there will not be quality contest this last week of 2017. Here are the Week Five Previews and Predictions, have a safe and Happy New Year.
Last Week: 3-0
Season: 8-3
Taft (0-3, 0-1) at Deer Park (7-0, 4-0), Friday 7:30pm: While this game does not appear on either team’s schedule, I am hearing from a reliable source that this game is taking place due to some last minute outstanding scheduling. While Taft sports a winless record, two things of note. There games from over the weekend have not been recorded. And two they have been playing with a somewhat depleted roster. But they still have an outstanding backcourt and one of the best coaches in the area in Demarco Bradley Sr. Expect this game to be up and down and whoever can keep the TO’s down will walk away the victor.
Prediction: Deer Park
Shroder (3-4, 1-2) at Purcell Marian (5-3, 1-1), Saturday 5:15pm: This is the first of three very good match-ups slated for Saturday evening. A match-up to look forward to is Shroder’s Nekhi Smith (PHO #32, 2020) and Purcell AJ Garrett (PHO #41, 2019). Both are athletic, versatile forwards and who can do damage at the high post and in the paint as well. But the key for Shroder will be stopping Purcell W/F Javonta Lyons (C/O 2019). At 6’1 and probably close to 220, Lyons is a match-up nightmare for the opposition. If he can be slowed down Shroder has the chance to pull off the upset. And watch for Shroder 2018 G Brandon Doss. Sneaky good player that could come up huge for the Jaguars.
Prediction: Purcell Marian
Taft (0-3, 0-1) at Woodward (7-1, 3-0), Saturday 7:30pm: We find Taft on the Previews and Predictions list again, this time going against conference rival Woodward. For the Bulldogs F Terry Durham (PHO #88, C/O 2018) is off to an all-state type of start with averages of 24.8ppg and 13.4rpg. But the Senators cannot just focus on Durham as senior G Demontez Cooper (PHO #180, 14 points and 8 assists per game) and junior G/W Dionte McBride (15 points and 5 rebounds per game) can hurt you as well. If Taft hopes to have a chance at the league title, they must win this game.
Prediction: Woodward
LaSalle (2-2, 0-0) at Oak Hills (4-3, 3-1), Saturday 8pm (Mt. St. Joseph): A neutral court game between two west-side schools who fan bases do not really get along. Also, a game where a lot of the gentlemen for each program grew playing with and against each other. This game will be about ball-movement and taking quality shots, so whoever can win in those to areas will have the best chance of winning. Watch for the match-up between senior guards Nick Deifel (Oak Hills, 16.9ppg) and Riley Haubner (LaSalle, 20.5ppg). Both will be the center of the opposing team’s defensive attention.
Prediction: LaSalle