COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Just two weeks into the season, it has already been an interesting dynamic among many leagues in central Ohio. In this article, I will recap the first week’s action and preview this weekend’s big games in what appears to be a competitive Central Catholic League this season. 

Bishop Ready has gotten off to a hot start after the first week of action. In their first two games, they secured a 76-47 win over Zane Trace and a 67-48 win over Liberty Union. Last week, they hosted their first CCL matchup in a close game against Saint Charles where they took home a 46-42 win. However, this past Tuesday they suffered their first loss of the season to an undefeated Central Crossing team. Thus far, it appears that Ready is in fact, ready to prove a lot of people wrong this year. Kaleb Schaffer has averaged 21 ppg and has been one of best players in Central Ohio this season. If they’re able to continue a similar performance from their last four games, they have a nice opportunity at a league title.

Of all the teams in the CCL, DeSales is only team that has only competed in two games. They kicked their season off on Nov. 30 against Westerville Central (2-2) where the Stallions lost a hard-fought game in a 47-44 loss. This game showed us that the Stallions are still a solid team, and they have strong senior leadership in Atticus Schuler, Cruz Sanchez, and Michael Walker. This also gives them a greater advantage against other teams in the league as they will be able to rely on their seniors for experience. They will look to expand on their 62-34 win on Dec. 3 against Johnstown (1-3) when they host Bishop Hartley at 7:30 p.m. tonight. 

Saint Charles is a team to pay attention to. Starting off the 1-3 was not ideal for the Cardinals, but it’s important to note that outside of their loss to Cincinnati Moeller, they have not lost a game by more than a five-point deficit. This alone should speak to how competitive they could be this season. Another intriguing analysis that is noteworthy is junior Chase Walker. He’s been dominant four games into the season and has averaged 20.7 ppg. The Cardinals will be utilizing a younger class to compete and will lean on Walker as an interior presence this season. Tonight, they will face off in their second CCL matchup at Bishop Watterson.

The Eagles started the season with two tough losses on the season, but they were able to bounce back against Hartley in a 39-28 win on Dec 3. Junior forward Cole Rhett and junior guard Owen Samenuk have led the way offensively along with other key contributors. Last season, they made a solid run in the tournament, which was a testament to the coaching of Vince Lombardo, who has experienced success in the post season, being the only current CCL coach with a state title (2013). As previously mentioned, the Eagles will be hosting St. Charles tonight in what appears to be a big game for both programs.

This Bishop Hartley team has some potential to make some noise. Seniors Amari Gaston and Alex Blain have led the way thus far, but this Hartley team has a group of talented freshmen. Players like Jaden Calloway, Pharez Nicolas and Denim Cook are already making an impact for the program, and this should be very encouraging for the years ahead. Provided they can find a way to come together, they could surprise us in winning some tough matchups this year in the CCL. They could start this run tonight if they’re able to pull off an upset on the road against DeSales.