Previewing a Big Friday Night in NW Ohio Basketball
Friday night looks to be a big one with plenty of Conference ramifications on the line in Northwest Ohio. The majority of the area’s top teams and players are in action spanning from all sizes and locations. Below is a list of those games, with brief descriptions provided. You truly can’t go wrong with any of them:
Versailles at Coldwater – This game features two of the top prospects in the Midwest Athletic Conference as Versailles sophomore Justin Ahrens will enter the game averaging right around 25 ppg. on the season and is a lock to play at the D1 level. Coldwater features 6’9” senior big man Andy Brunet who should find himself playing at the D2 level next season.
Napoleon at Sylvania Southview – While this Southview team is a shell of last year’s they still feature some nice pieces and remain in contention for an NLL title. Napoleon has been one of the surprises on the season as they have found success in numbers with contributions from numerous players including senior guard Nick Daman. They have to be considered the favorites to win the league as of now.
Sylvania Northview at Holland Springfield – Springfield has cooled off after starting the season 6-0, but they still feature a core group of seniors and some developing young talent. Northview is led by senior Aerin West and they have been much better than just about anyone expected this season.
Toledo St. Johns at Whitmer – This might be the most compelling matchup of them all. The return game of the series, as Whitmer previously traveled to St. Johns and fell in a blowout loss. However, there may not be a hotter team in Toledo right now than Whitmer, as they seem to be firing on all cylinders. Led by the senior duo of Montrece Collins and Sam Hickey, and surrounded by a very talented supporting cast, this team has elevated their play. Collins has looked the part of a D1 prospect, and Hickey has been an ultra-productive offensive machine. St. Johns looks to get the series sweep as they have been on a roll of their own. Stacked with talent at every position, you know they will be ready to play in this one.
Lima Senior at Toledo Central Catholic – After a dramatic buzzer beating win over city rival Lima Central Catholic, the Spartans will face a Toledo Central Catholic team that is beginning to find its stride, playing at full strength. This looks like it could be somewhat of a trap game for Lima Senior, the #2 ranked team in D1, and will be one worth keeping an eye on for certain.
McComb at Liberty-Benton – LB enters this one with a 10-4 record, and after playing one of the tougher schedules for a school of its size. They are led by senior post player Nathan Craft, one of the better small school players around. McComb comes into the matchup at 9-4 and 5-2 in the league.
Ottawa Hills at Toledo Christian – Ottawa Hills has one loss thus far into the season (12-1), that one loss was a one point defeat at home to Toledo Christian. Junior guard Hunter Seiben is starting to play like the quality college prospect we all know he can be, and looks to be healthy after suffering an injury in football, a big reason for their successes of late. Toledo Christian has had a stellar season and is carried by a core of seniors. None better than point guard Keith McClure Jr. who has been on a roll and raised his level of play.
Bowsher at Rogers – Bowsher comes into the game after a somewhat disappointing season to this point. They have talent, that has never been the question. Rogers has had its share of struggles and looks to gain a big league win at home. Christian Smith, a sophomore forward, and junior guard TQ Belcher have been high quality contributors lately for the Rams.