Week Nine Previews and Predictions
Another 3-0 week has me smelling myself a little bit from a predictions stand point. But this week’s line-up has some very, very important conference match-ups that can go either way. Also included is one of the better non-conference match-ups of the season. So enough talking, lets get to it.
Last Season: 3-0
This Season: 17-6
Walnut Hills (12-2, 8-0) at Withrow (9-6, 7-1), Tuesday 7:30pm: A win by the Tigers will put them into first place over Walnut in the ECC. And while everyone will focus on the Abba Lawal (6’11, PHO #11 2019) and Zubin Nwankwo (7’1, c/o 2018) match-up this game will be won on the perimeter. Withrow must find a way to contain 2018 PHO #23 PG Kameron Gibson, who is averaging 18.4ppg per the Eastern Cincinnati Conference website. If Gibson finds an early groove, it could be a long night for the Tigers.
Prediction: Walnut Hills
Woodward (8-5, 4-2) at Taft (10-4, 5-1), Friday 7:30pm: After a 7-1 start to the season Woodward has hit a rough stretch losing 4 of there last 5. Taft on the other hand as won 8 in a row after a 2-4 start. Included in those stretches is a 59-49 Taft victory at Woodward. A win by Woodward puts them into a 2nd place tie with Taft for the CMAC crown. Add in the facts that these two programs do not get along and Taft coach DeMarco Bradley Sr. is a Woodward graduate, and this could be an instant classic.
Prediction: Woodward
St. Xavier (10-4, 1-1) at LaSalle (8-7, 1-1), Friday 7:30pm: Fresh off there first league win in over 1,800 days (yes, you read that right), the Bombers look to aim at their 2nd GCL South win in a row against fellow North Bend Road rival LaSalle. A loss by either team will basically end any dreams of unseating Moeller at the top of the standings. The big question in this game: How will the Lancers deal with the size of St. X?
Prediction: St. Xavier
Walnut Hills (12-2, 8-0) at LaSalle (8-7, 1-1), Friday 7:30pm: What we have here is a very quality non-conference match-up. Walnut is trying to avenge last year’s home loss at the hands of the Lancers. The Riley Haubner (G/LaSalle)/Kameron Gibson (PG/Walnut Hills) match-up should be one of the better one on one duels of the season.
Prediction: Walnut Hills