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| BiggLu
November 27, 2012
7:09:41 PM
Entry #: 4017637
| 1. WESTERVILLE NORTH - The #1 spot in Central Ohio is a 3way race in my opinion and this is my choice. Why? When 2 teams are evenly matched, the one with the best player on the floor usually pulls it out more times than not and I feel Jack Gibbs is the best player in the area. His ability as a playmaker and leader lead me to believe they narrowly get the nod. With scholarship level talent all around him, Westerville North has a chance to go on a very long tournament run come March. Jaylen Benton is a legit D1/D2 prospect who is fully capable of leading a team in his own right, yet also able to play off the ball and produce. Adrian Cook provides yet another strong leader and playmaker making this perimeter virtually unable to be pressed by anyone with much success. Underneath Alex AG Stewart must remain in the game and out of foul trouble in order to anchor this frontline inside. A beast around the basket, Stewart has also added a strong midrange game to diversify his attack. Other contributions are sure to be made by Isaiah Keene, Darren Nettles, and Durden. RED FLAG: Lack of depth especially inside after Stewart. PREDICTIONS: Would expect at least a District Final appearance from this group and could see them sneaking into the Final 4 if things fell right for them.
2. GAHANNA LINCOLN - #2 of the "Big 3" in Central Ohio is Gahanna Lincoln in my opinion. Aaron Jackson has established himself as a fiery, versatile talent that can play many different roles for this group. His leadership and knowledge of game management will be key to this team's success. An even more versatile talent has moved in by the name of Javon Bess. Bess brings the ability to play all 5 positions on either side of the ball in certain situations. If these two blend together properly, they will be a difficult pair to matchup with for almost any opponent. With great guard depth in Ronnie Stokes, Manny Powell, Corey Howard, and Troy Mundy, Gahanna packs backcourt punch at guard as well. Underneath Keith Scowden looks to man the middle. An underrated post with solid moves down low, his presence on the glass and inside in general is sorely needed this season. RED FLAG: Lack of depth inside could pose problems and team role identification will ultimatley decide this team's future. PREDICTIONS: Team looks poised to at least pull out a District Final appearance and could make it to a Regional Final or Final 4.
3. COLUMBUS NORTHLAND - #3 of the "Big 3" in Columbus is a choice that is a very difficult one to make. Northland has the talent to win the Central District as well as possibly the entire State. However the chemistry, uncertain roster, and lack of a truly tested leader force me to place them #3. Seth Towns is a Top 100 National talent in his Class and could be the one by season's end. Ty Hairston should be back later in the season and could provide energy and production. Shemar Waugh is a top tier PG who may be able to lead the group throughout their season. Derrick McKeithen is getting better by the day and may be the one as well. Armani Towns, Doug Taylor, Justus Cornley, and others will make this probably the most interesting team in the area. RED FLAG: Can all of this talent play with one basketball? Down 1 with 30seconds to go, who gets the ball? When the wheels are falling off, who rally's the troops from within? PREDICTIONS: This group wouldn't surprise me if they were beaten in the District Finals, yet also wouldn't surprise me with a State Title. More than any other team, their destiny is totally up to them in my opinion.
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