COLUMBUS, Ohio -- With below freezing temperatures and snow hitting Central Ohio on Saturday, the ball kept bouncing for the area's top players and teams. As Mid-State League play tipped off, several OCC and City League schools engaged in non-conference action. Let's take a look at Saturday's top performers from around the area.

Performance: 35 points in a win over Walnut Ridge

Read all about Penn's season-high performance here.

Performance: 33 points in a win over No. 1 (D3) Wellington

In a matchup of No. 1 vs. No. 2 in Division III, Anthony and Harvest Prep defended home court in the Warriors' season opener. Anthony had the best game of his career up to this point, knocking down five threes and scoring a career-high 33 points as Harvest Prep rolled in convincing fashion, 69-56. Anthony has worked extremely hard during the offseason, becoming much stronger and adding a consistent perimeter shot that has made him difficult to handle. The lead guard on the championship team from the 270 Hoops Fall League, Anthony is a winner and will lead this Harvest Prep team this season while only being a sophomore. 

Performance: 28 points in a win over Eastern Pike

Going on the road to take on a tough Beaver Eastern Pike team, Baumgardner led all scorers with 28 points as Africentric rolled to a 59-49 victory. A tough scorer who can do it from every level, Baumgardner is a difficult cover on the perimeter as the Minnesota State signee has one of the tightest handles in the state and is very quick in space. Look for Baumgardner and Africentric to keep rolling as the Nubians have also received great contribution from sophomore guard Cali Davis, who is averaging 18.5 points through two games.

Performance: 12 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals in a win over Groveport

Often times the most important things in basketball that help you win games don't show up on the stat sheet. And while Benjamin certainly filled up the stat sheet in a hard-fought win over Groveport, the Hilliard Darby junior showed incredible intangibles to lead the Panthers. Things like command, pace, and communication were paramount in Benjamin's performance, as he was that calming force for the Darby offense when things seemed to be slipping midway through the fourth quarter during a Groveport rally. Benjamin's ability to command both ends of the floor, keep the ball on a string and set up his teammates was critical, as Hilliard Darby executed at an extremely high level on Saturday. Benjamin, while the smallest player on the floor on Saturday, finished at a near elite level near the rim, showing some nifty skills to keep the ball away from bigger defenders. Benjamin is very quick in space, can change direction easily and has a strong ability to accelerate and decelerate on a dime. Benjamin had the best all-around performance for Darby with 12 points, six rebounds and six assists, but the Panthers also received strong contribution from seniors Josh Govine (15 points), Brice Stultz (14 points) and Chandler Barlow (10 points). Look for this team to have a chance to win double digit games this year as Darby is very well coached and efficient.  

Performance: 24 points in a win over No. 6 (D2) Bloom-Carroll

In a matchup against league opponent Bloom-Carroll to open Mid-State League play, the visiting Bulldogs had no answer for Woodside in a dominant performance. Leading all scorers with 24 points, Woodside paced Fairfield Union who steamrolled Bloom-Carroll, 68-36. While a Cincinnati football commit, Woodside is no slouch on the hardwood, as the broad shouldered big man has a terrific motor and never stops working underneath. Woodside is coming off a strong junior year in which he led Fairfield Union to 23 wins and a district title. Look for the Falcons to have a chance to do the same this winter behind its future Bearcat.

• Justin Curtis (6'4 SG, East, 2018): 21 points in a win over St. Charles
• Dorrian Moultrie (5'11 PG, Columbus Academy, 2019): 23 points in a win over London
• Reiko Bagley (6'5 SG, Whitehall, 2018): 23 points in a win over No. 8 (D2) Bexley
• Elijah Thomas (6'0 SG, Gahanna, 2019): 24 points in a win over Mifflin
• Tye Flowers (5'11 PG, Independence, 2018): 20 points in a win over Canal Winchester
• Von Cameron Davis (6'4 F, Walnut Ridge, 2020): 20 points and 9 rebounds in a loss to No. 7 Dublin Coffman
• Morgan Safford (6'3 SG, Bishop Hartley, 2019): 20 points in a win over New Hope Christian