Our Fearless Predictions for Cincinnati games

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Friday, December 29, 2000

Our Fearless Predictions for Cincinnati games

By Dave Schutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

• St. Xavier (7-0) vs. Covington Catholic (3-3)

WHEN/WHERE: 6 p.m., today, Fairfield High School, 8801 Holden Rd., Fairfield.

WHAT TO WATCH: A balanced team with Jordan Cornette, Steve Callahan and Mike Grogan averaging in double figures, St. Xavier will be the favorite to win the Fairfield Invitational.

Undefeated against Northern Kentucky teams, Covington Catholic's only losses are to Greater Catholic League teams Moeller, Purcell Marian and McNicholas.

The Colonels are led by Chad Wachs (12.5 ppg), Brian Lewin (10.5 ppg). Matt Fink (9.8 ppg) and Adam Quast (9.5 ppg).

PICK: St. Xavier.

• Hamilton (5-1) vs. Oak Hills (4-3)

WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m., today, Oak Hills High School, 3200 Ebenezer Rd., Bridgetown.

WHAT TO WATCH: Ranked No. 6 in the Enquirer's Division I poll and in first place in the Greater Miami Conference, Hamilton is on a five game winning streak.

The Big Blue is a team without a star player, relying on balanced scoring and a tenacious defense. Josh Andrews, Robbie Ballinger, Nate Rusbosin and Jon Smith are players to watch.

Oak Hills trails Hamilton by one game in the GMC and the Highlanders are tough to beat at home. Strong outside shooting by guards Mike Lee, Wes Webb, Tom Price and Kelen Weathers is the Highlanders strength.

Defense and quickness have been key to Hamilton's success, but if the Big Blue continue to shoot poorly, this game could turn ugly.

PICK: Oak Hills.

• Lakota West (5-1) vs. Lakota East (3-2)

WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. today, Lakota East High School, 6840 Lakota Lane, Liberty Township.

WHAT TO WATCH: Ranked No. 8 inthe Enquirer's Division I poll, Lakota West is tied for second in the GMC and needs a victory to stay in the race.

Coach Mike Mueller's Firebirds have combined a strong defense with the outside shooting of Kyle Raulin and inside play of David Hutzelman to go 3-1 in the league.

A team with 11 seniors, Lakota East has been inconsistent, especially shooting from the perimeter.

Tim Day, Craig Salvati, Jonathan Woods, Matt Carroll, Adam Kamm and Donavin Baumgartner are the key players for a Thunderhawks team that could use a victory.

PICK: Lakota West.

• Elder (6-2) vs. Badin (2-4)

WHEN/WHERE: 8 p.m. today, Elder High School, 3900 Vincent Ave., Price Hill.

WHAT TO WATCH: An unexpected 41-37 league loss to La Salle puts added pressure on an Elder team that was expected to challenge for the Greater Catholic League South Division title.

With crucial games against front runner St. Xavier and Moeller, coach Joe Schoenfeld's Panthers must win this game to stay in contention.

An in-your-face defensive team, Elder also relies on the outside shooting of Jake Bazeley, Steve Miller and Mike Mahon and the inside attack of Tim Schenke, Phil Bengel and Jim Volpe.

A two week layoff could prove beneficial to a Badin team that played McNicholas tough for three quarter before losing to the Rockets on Dec. 15.

The Rams are a balanced scoring team with David Mergy, Chris Sutton and Brett Noonan setting the pace. Winning at Elder will be tough for a team without a senior on the roster.

PICK: Elder.

• Clermont Northeastern (6-1) vs. Wyoming (3-2)

WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Wyoming High School, 106 Pendery Ave., Wyoming.

WHAT TO WATCH: Ranked No. 3 in the Enquirer's Division II-IV poll, Clermont Northeastern has a five-game winning streak.

Coach Ken Tracy's Rockets feature a balanced scoring attack with Adam Nash, Charlie Roberts and John Thacker the keys for a CNE team that averages nearly 70 points an outing.

Wyoming has struggled early, but the Cowboys put it together during a 61-52 victory over Finneytown last week.

John Gale and Eric Taylor are part of an explosive offense. Senior guard Jeff Davis, who averages in double figures scoring while contributing five assists a game, leads the attack.

PICK: Clermont Northeastern.

• Sycamore (1-5) vs. Colerain (3-3)

WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. today, Colerain High School, 8801 Cheviot Rd., Colerain Township.

WHAT TO WATCH: Taking Sycamore lightly could prove fatal for Colerain. Colerain needs a win to stay alive in the Greater Miami Conference title race.

Colerain has come on strong, defeating Harrison, Northwest and Princeton. Michael Davis, Mike Ferris, David Finney, Jon Daft and Doug Monaghan have led way.

Sycamore has struggled the past two seasons because of poor shooting.

Sophomore Steven Kennedy, a 6-foot-3 guard, has stepped up, but seniors Mike Hull, John Schwerdtmann, Baris Polat and David Hull must make more contributions for the Aviators.

PICK: Colerain.

• Other Picks

Milford over Fairfield

Clinton Massie over Little Miami

Middletown over Trotwood Madison

Amelia over Western Brown

Taylor over Lawrenceburg

Lemon Monroe over Carlisle

East Clinton over Blanchester

Saturday

Troy over Princeton

Mason over Sycamore