The second to last matchup of the weekend is potentially the best: Reynoldsburg vs. Cincinnati Princeton. Reynoldsburg comes in as my #1 team in the state this week after a convincing 10 point win over defending D1 state champion Cleveland St. Ignatius. The athleticism and star power of the Raiders is unmatched, and that alone has them looking close to unbeatable. Seniors Jordan Fisher and Toby Nwokolo have both already committed to the MAC (Ohio and Toledo respectively) and are both tall, lanky wings that can beat you in many different ways. Reynoldsburg also has some young stars such as Jorden Bowens and Xavier McKinney. Both of these juniors have excellent size at 6’6 and 6’4 and both will play D1 college hoops as well (McKinney has committed to Ohio, Bowens is uncommitted). A player who is lost among the stars at times is senior point guard Damon Griffin, who has experience as a leader and floor general for the Raiders. When Reynoldsburg is at their best, they are very tough to beat, and this is their best chance at the run at the state championship after coming up short the last few years.
Cincinnati Princeton is no slouch either, as they will look to bounce back from a 13-11 season last year. The advantage the Vikings have over almost anyone they play is their 6’9 235lb big man Kieran Granville. Granville might be the biggest matchup nightmare in the state and beyond as I haven’t seen anyone yet that match up with him physically. He’s also added a nice three point shot and mid range face up aspect to his game in the offseason, which makes him the most coveted center in the 2025 class. The 3 star athlete has many D1 offers and that number will increase as this season progresses. A couple other key options for the Vikings are Sophomore A’mire Gill and Junior Rognny Santiago. Gill is the #27 ranked 2027 in Ohio, and Santiago played on the FIBA u17 games of Puerto Rico and has a deadly three point stroke. Seniors Cliff Cass and Morris Hodge also have D3 offers and interests. Size and strength is present with both of these teams, and whoever wins the battle on the glass will likely be the victor on Sunday, December 29th at 6:30pm.
