Jason Morrow:
Future150 National Editor/ Midwest Recruiting. Covering high and middle school basketball. OH,IN and IL.
Dublin, OH (Future150) -- Four Facts:
- Centennial was able to keep Thursday night’s game close in the early going thanks to their strong pressure defense. That was a big reason for the solid start, and big second-half run that cut a once 18-point lead to just four late in the fourth.
- There was a big box score in the newspaper on Friday morning from this game, and that definitely reiterated the fact that this game was a full team effort on both sides. Centennial had eight players score, six of which had multiple field goals. Dublin Jerome had three in double figures, and seven players score in total.
- As mentioned last week, free-throw shooting was yet another bone of contention for both teams on Thursday night. Late in the game when the Stars were staring down a four-point deficit, the free throw numbers came into play as they were just 11-of-20 from the line. Jerome did not help their cause either, shooting just 64% from the charity stripe in the second half.
- 2016 forward Colton Irion used his size advantage on Centennial to the max in the first half on Thursday, dominating around the rim with a variety of post moves. The junior was very effective everywhere all game long for the Celtics, finishing with 19 points and four rebounds, shooting 7-of-8 from the line as well.
Three players of note:
- Joe Thomas (2015/F): The senior was very important for the Stars, and scored all of his 18 points in bunches it seemed. His presence around the rim was much needed for Centennial in this game and for the rest of the season.
- Anthony Slappy (2015/G): The two-sport star Slappy used his high energy and aggression all night long to keep Centennial around in the game. The senior finished with 14 points and five rebounds, but his activity on the defensive end was bigger than numbers could measure.
- Mason Baich (2016/G): Although he is just 6-foot-3, the junior guard has a great knack for playing in the paint. Over our last two viewings of him, Baich has had big rebounding numbers, and he pulled down nine in last night’s win, to go along with 13 points.
Two game-changing moments:
- Centennial had fought to keep the Celtic lead to just three in the first quarter, but Jerome’s defense was just too much in the second. Jerome was able to open up a double-digit lead heading into half.
- Slappy and the Stars had fought back to cut the Jerome lead to just four at one point, but a steal-and-slam by Baich dunk sealed the win, putting them up 10 with just 3:39 to play.
One final thought
- Both of these teams will be very competitive in their division, and when Centennial is at their best, they will be a solid City League North team and have the players to possibly pull some key upsets. When Jerome is at their best, they are potential Ohio Capital Conference champions, and one of the best teams in Columbus.
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