Division I Ohio boys basketball state tournament preview
Here are predictions for the Division I Ohio boys basketball state tournament:
DIVISION I
Best player: Xavier Simpson, Lima Senior
It doesn’t get any tougher to pick a top player as you have Garfield Heights’ Willie Jackson, Westerville South’s Kaleb Wesson and Wilmington’s Jarron Cumberland all still playing. Still, Simpson is Mr. Basketball and is the most capable scorer of the bunch. He’s also already won a state title.
Semifinal predictions
Lima Senior over Wilmington
Undefeated Lima Senior was tested in the regional round but is still without a loss. Wilmington will try to slow them down defensively, but that is tough to do against this group. With Simpson leading the way, Lima Senior should be playing for a chance to take home a championship.
Garfield Heights over Westerville South
The Bulldogs played Westerville South last season in the state semifinal but were sent packing. Much of the reason for that was cold shooting by Marreon Jackson and Shawn Christian. This year, those two players will be on their game and will do what Garfield Heights needs to make it one step further.
State title prediction
Lima Senior over Garfield Heights
An undefeated, state-title winning season is in the cards for Lima Senior. All season long, this team has played like one of the state’s best. The guards of Lima Senior will neutralize any edge that Wille Jackson gives Garfield Heights inside. Cutting down the nets for the second time in three seasons will be Simpson, who also won a title at Lima Central Catholic.