Matchup #10 in the Holiday Hoopla is between two storied programs in Westerville South and Lutheran West. South always seems to reload and pump out elite college talent every single year. This year, however, they’ll need to make up for a huge loss with the departure of DePaul commit Kruz McClure. It’s been a mixed bag thus far for the Wildcats, with losses to Licking Heights and Pickerington North, but wins of Dublin Scioto and Big Walnut. Senior captain Amari Hodges must continue to take on a much bigger load, along with juniors Brandon Peebles and Hassan Kaba. Pace and pressure will surely keep South in games, and the athleticism and scoring is still there as well. The lack of size must be made up in speeding teams up and playing great help defense in the half court. Despite these challenges, you can never count an Ed Calo coached team out, as he is entering his 36th season as the Wildcats’ head coach, leading them to 6 district titles and 1 state championship back in 2016.
Lutheran West from the Cleveland Area is loaded with talent despite losing a lot. Guards Derek Fairley (Lourdes), Jayson Levis (Findlay), and Dylan Bartchak (Baldwin Wallace) have all departed to play high level college ball. However, the Longhorns bring back two 6’7 twin bigs in Josh and Matt Meyer, who bring lots of paint protection and experience. West also brings on several elite transfers in Jake and Ryan Calo from Mentor, who will both look to have an immediate impact.. Ryan plays point guard at 6’5 and is one of the most talented players on the roster. A 2027 to look out for as well is wing Aiden Monroe, transfer from St. Vincent St. Mary, who to an already loaded frontcourt. A year ago, head coach Jordan Duke led West to the regional finals, where they lost a close battle to Shelby. After a fantastic 24-3 season in Division 2, the Longhorns find themselves in Division 3 and will look to make another push for the state championship. The matchup between Lutheran West and Westerville South will be one of history, and it will tip off at 4:45pm on Saturday, December 28th.
