Game 2 on Sunday of the event D1 powerhouse Gahanna Lincoln vs. Holy Name. Lincoln has always pumped out top tier talent, most notably Michigan State big man Nick Ward in the class of 2016, and Marquette guard Sean Jones and Toledo post Javan Simmons since then. This year’s roster is not quite as loaded with talent, but athleticism is never a shortage with the Lions. After coming up just short in a 1 pt loss at Dublin Coffman yesterday, the Lions will look to bounce back at the Holiday Hoopla. This year, the undoubted leader of the team is senior point guard Xavier Rodgers, who combines speed with craftiness and IQ. Head coach Tony Staib always has his teams ready for the big moment, which he is required to do every game day as Lincoln faces another gauntlet of a schedule this season. Gahanna already has an impressive win over New Albany this year, and will look to get back on track against the Green Wave of Holy Name on Sunday.
The pride of Parma Heights near Cleveland is Holy Name, who have won 3 district championships and 5 conference championships (GLC) since 2015. Despite a slow start this season, the Green Wave still tout one of the best scorers in DIV, senior Drew Styers. Styers is off to an electric start, averaging 25 ppl in 6 games. Holy Name still needs to be recovering from the loss of Maxwell Bolin, who transferred to Akron Buchtel in the offseason. Second year head coach Ryan Patton is looking to get his squad turned around against Gahanna Lincoln, who’s aggressive defensive style will look to turn turnovers into points. The key for the Lions will be to contain Styers and hope none of his teammates go off. Catch this matchup at the Holiday Hoopla Sunday, December 29th at 1:15pm.
