Dream Matchup arrives as Franklin wallops Bellfontaine and Dunbar cruises by Col South; WayneTrain and Springfield collide for State; C-J one win away

 

  When the high school basketball season started in Southwest Ohio there were three teams that were "teams to watch" and two players who were the "players to watch".

2 of those three teams (Wayne, Dunbar, Thurgood) have a chance to get to state...
 and those two players to watch? 

A.J. Harris and Terrance Landers ball out vs Col South

Luke Kennard (Franklin) and A.J. Harris (Dunbar). Oh yeah, and they will play each other.

   The AAU teammates who have been as coveted as it can get in the High School ranks here in Southwest Ohio will face off against each other on Saturday (3pm UD Arena) as perennial contender Dunbar 22-5 will welcome upstart Franklin (25-1) as the stakes couldn't be any higher.

 In the first game, Dunbar defeated Columbus South as South jumped out to a early lead (7-3). Dunbar took a step back and unleashed a fury on South as they dominated the rest of the half to hold a 11-point lead at half 41-30. Terrance Landers and A.J. Harris led the charge.
  
  In the second Dunbar held serve, moved the lead up to as many as 20, before cruising the finish. Landers (13), Harris (20) and Dawson (11) scored double figures and Evan Clayborne led the defense with 7 boards, 3 blocks and a steal. And freshman phenom Devon Baker was solid, with 8pts, 4 boards, 3 assists & a steal.

Col. South was led by Marquez Hargrove (16 pts) and Tamal Watkins (11 & 6 reb) and although their coach was disappointed with the result, he was proud about the season and optimistic about next year.

As for the Franklin - Bellfontaine game?

Franklin, jumped out 17-0 and never looked back. Bellfontaine looked rattled from the start, and by the time their top scorer took his first shot?
It was 3 min left in quarter and down 17.
 No chance.

Evan Crowe, Matt Thompson and Kennard outscored Bellfontaine in the first half themselves. They hit 10 3's and 11 overall - in the 1st half alone.

It was 45-15 in the second, the Wildcats rode that hot shooting, Kennard hot start and deadly playmaking to a rout which had the Wildcats fans in a frenzy.

Now while it was always thought that Dunbar would be here, it was a wonder if Franklin could get here. Well they're here and the matchup is here, so bring it on.
This game could be a Dayton High School classic.



Wayne Train, Springfield to meet up for State Title hopes

When Wayne played in Springfield earlier this year, it turned ugly. Real ugly. Suspension ugly. And since then, there has been some chippiness between the schools. Well, on Saturday night in Cincy, a state berth is on the line.
      The Warriors and Cats both had multiple players suspended, and both programs have since  focused on the game, and have both been on great runs late in the season.
      
    Which team will be able to play the game, and not get caught up in the hype, the desire to pummel its opponent and execute the game plan?
   It has been a amazing run for the Wildcats. I salute them.

But the Wayne Train this year hasn't lost in a regional game yet.
Don't think I'd bet on it either.


C-J defeated Northridge and will move to another regional final. Northridge had a great season, and should be in the regional running for next season.