 |
| Some major players in this weekend's tourney. (Photo by OHSH) |
Here are the official pools and sites:
http://www.swohiosports.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=DAxjWQV%2f6x0%3d&tabid=360&mid=1638&language=en-US
17-and-under pool favorites:
M: All-Ohio Purple
N: All-Ohio Red
O: Cincinnati Knights Gold
P: Ohio Hoopsters
R: Dayton Metro Felder/Columbus Mustang Ballers
All-Ohio Purple will be looking for its eighth state title, but it will certainly be tough with All-Ohio Red in the field along with some other very formidable opponents. Purple should be at full strength for the first time all year with Taft's five players all being allowed to go since we are now in June. The additions of CJ Gettys, Geovonie McKnight, and Willie Moore could go a long way in making a difference on this year's squad. This core has already won three tournament during the spring.
How will All-Ohio Red bounce back after a dismal 1-4 finish in Los Angeles a week ago? Red will have a 6-foot-8 surprise for the rest of the competition this weekend, so keep an eye open.
The Cincinnati Knights Gold are coming off a championship in Fort Wayne, IN a week ago, and with a couple age exceptions they will certainly be a tough out. Remember, the Queen City Prophets surprised everyone and won the U-17 title last season.
The Ohio Hoopsters have good team chemistry and some mid-major talent, but are they capable of beating Red or Purple? Dayton Metro Felder should be in the mix along with the Columbus Mustang Ballers, Gametime Magic, Cincinnati Knights Black, and both Hidden Gems' teams.
Prediction: It should come down to Red and Purple and look for Red to end Purple's streak.
16-and-under pool favorites:
G: All-Ohio Varsity
H: All-Ohio Toledo
I: All-Ohio Red
J: Queen City Prophets
K: Martin's Wolverines
It would be easy to say this tournament will come down to All-Ohio Red and All-Ohio Varsity like most every tournament these two are involved in. Red holds a decisive 3-0 lead on its rival this spring. OV led by nearly 20 in Fort Wayne a month ago before some untimely events occured and Red stormed back to win. AOR has won three-straight tournaments including the last two over OV.
Red and OV are the odds-on favorties to make the finals, but don't count out All-Ohio Toledo and Martin's Wolverines both of which are very talented. OV has beat both of these teams this spring, but the game with All-Ohio Toledo was very tight.
Prediction: All-Ohio Red will defeat All-Ohio Varsity in the championship unless OV comes up with an imposing inside presence in the next couple days.
15-and-under pool favorites:
A: Cincinnati Lakers
B. Cincinnati Knights 14U
C. Ohio Varsity/All-Ohio Red
D. Cincinnati Royals Elite
E. Shining Stars (Hill)
This bracket is wide open and also very intriguing. The Knights 14U have the most talent with the likes of Luke Kennard, AJ Harris, Nate Fowler, and Brandon Hardesty, and we won't be surprised if they bring home the crown despite playing up which they do on the regular.
Pool C will be very interesting with Ohio Varsity and All-Ohio Red. OV has a chance to win this bracket with Red being without its star, D'Angelo Russell. The Louisville Central guard will be at the Jr. All-American Camp in Atlanta, GA this weekend.
All-Ohio Red's 14U squad, which has talent as well, will also be playing up this weekend.
Prediction: Cincinnati Knights 14U will defeat Ohio Varsity for the title.
1 comments:
There goes that prediction. The Cincinnati Lakers have won this tournament 5 out of 7 years and completed a 3 peat yesterday. King James players are from Kentucky and lost to the Lakers last year in the State Championship. All-Ohio Red has never beaten the Lakers in this division. Cincy Knights 14/u.. give me a break. Lakers proved once again that no one is better in this age group.
Post a Comment