Friday, February 23, 2001
Our Fearless Predictions for Cincinnati boys games
By Dave Schutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Princeton (9-11) vs. Woodward (9-11)
WHEN/WHERE: 6 p.m. today, Lakota West High School, 8940 Union Centre Blvd., West Chester.
WHAT TO WATCH: After starting the season with an upset victory over Moeller, Princeton regressed but came on strong at the end with an upset of Oak Hills.
The Vikings rely on Marc Jones (10.2 ppg) and Chris McGrath (10.0 ppg) with Chris Brown and Jones controlling the boards inside.
Woodward hasn't lived up to preseason expectations.
Woodward is strong on the inside with B.J. Walker (14.3 ppg and 11.5 rpg) and consistent from the outside with the shooting of Keoni Watson and Branden Thompson.
Both teams prefer up-tempo style and this could be a high-scoring affair. In this case, Woodward has advantage and should advance.
PICK: Woodward.
Fairfield (10-10) vs. Western Hills (16-4).
WHEN/WHERE: 8 p.m. today, Lakota West High School, 8940 Union Centre Blvd., West Chester.
WHAT TO WATCH: Western Hills must guard against taking Fairfield too lightly in the first tournament game.
West Hi coach Lannis Timmons relies on Danny Horace, Darryl Peterson and Malcom Andrews for scoring, while Michael Hadnot and Steve Banks fill important roles as defenders and rebounders.
Fairfield improved as the season went on. The Indians rely on Brandon Slade for scoring and rebounding (7.5 rpg) with Bill Teppe contributing 4.5 assists a game at point guard.
Although Western Hills has superior height and talent, the Mustangs aren't a good outside shooting team. If Fairfield stays in a zone, it could spell trouble for the No.4 seeded team.
PICK: Western Hills.
Hamilton (15-5) vs. La Salle (7-13)
WHEN/WHERE: 3 p.m. Saturday, Lakota West High School, 8940 Union Centre Blvd., West Chester.
WHAT TO WATCH: After watching La Salle play two weeks ago, Hamilton coach Larry Allen came away impressed with coach Dan Fleming's Lancers.
Playing in the tough GCL South, La Salle biggest victory was an upset over Elder. The Lancers are led by Doug Kruthaupt (16.5 ppg) and Jeff Hyle (13.3 ppg).
Hamilton counters with a balanced attack that features E.J. Underwood (12.3 ppg) and sophomore Jon Smith (9.7 ppg).
This game will be determined by defense.
PICK: La Salle.
Withrow (14-6) vs. Aiken (6-14)
WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m., Saturday, Lakota West High School, 8940 Union Centre Blvd., West Chester.
WHAT TO WATCH: It's tough beating a team three times in the same season, but that's what Withrow faces against Metro County Conference rival Aiken.
Withrow has been outstanding at times but inconsistent at others.
Coach George Jackson relies on the outside shooting of guard Chris Washington (12.8 ppg) and the inside play of Pierre Darden and Raymond Garth.
If Aiken gets on a roll, the Falcons can be tough. Lamont Robinson (15 ppg) and Troy Smith (13.4 ppg) trigger an offense that is capable of matching Withrow.
Lack of defense has hurt Aiken. If the Falcons step up on defense, they could come up with an upset.
PICK: Withrow
Glen Este (11-9) vs. Loveland (19-1)
WHEN/WHERE: 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Mason High School, 770 Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason.
WHAT TO WATCH: On paper, this game appears to be a mismatch.
However, Glen Este has come on strong and capable of the upset if Mike Clyburn and Mike Rieck play well.
Loveland appears to be a one-man show with Kevin Schappell (21.7 ppg.) the leading scorer.
The supporting cast also is strong with Stan McCoy, Kyle Partin and Jeff Lewis capable of lighting up the scoreboard.
Overlooked at the seeding meeting, Loveland will be out to earn some respect and move on to a second round game against St. Xavier, the defending Division I state champions.
PICK: Loveland.
Other games
Norwood over Turpin
Roger Bacon over Bethel-Tate
Madeira over Indian Hill
CNE over Ripley
Williamsburg over Fayetteville
Lockland over Harmony Community
Seven Hills over Cincinnati Christian
Mount Healthy over Taft
Lakota West over Walnut Hills
Lakota East over Harrison
Anderson over Hughes
Milford over Northwest
Ross over Wyoming
Purcell Marian over Little Miami
Clermont Northeastern over Taylor
Goshen over Western Brown
Last week: 30-5. Season: 286-75.
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Our Fearless Predictions for Cincinnati boys games
