COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Welcome to the State of the City League! Here I will look at the past week of action, along with who stood out and any major performances from players across the most passionate league in Central Ohio, while also looking ahead to the biggest games of the upcoming week. Without any further ado, here is your look at the Columbus City League throughout the past week of the season: 

The City League started the week with Whetstone hosting and defeating Westland 72-42 (12/13) then coming back the next day and taking down International (12/14) in a close game by a score of 49-41. International would also continue their slide, dropping their third straight to the Braves after a red-hot start. 

Linden has caught fire by winning four straight overall including this week as they took down East (12/14) by a score of 69-51 and beating Centennial 80-53 (12/17). The senior and certified bucket getter LA Walker continued his excellent season by scoring 22 against the Tigers and 26 against the Stars. Sophomore Philip Towns poured in 18 in the victory at East then on Friday his older brother and the senior leader of the Panthers, LB Towns pitched in 25 points in the home game against Centennial. 

Northland also won their fourth straight game this week as they also took down the Centennial Stars 68-40 (12/14). Centennial competed hard but they could not overcome the top three teams in the North Division this week. 

Beechcroft has continued their mostly dominant season, the Cougars went to Mifflin, came out victorious 83-45 (12/14) as the trio of JJ Simmons, Anthony Watkins, and Amani Lyles scored 19, 17, and 16 respectively in the win. The City League North favorites also won, in what was a makeup game from earlier this season, against Centennial 78-26 (12/15). Amani Lyles was unstoppable against the Stars, scoring 29 points while Simmons dropped 17. This is the most consistent and high-octane offense in the entire City League, as the Cougars have scored at least 80 points in every game until the Centennial game. 

Sole possession for first place in the South Division was on the line as Africentric seized control after a 90-66 win over Independence (12/14). Senior standout Dan Wagner scored 26 points, junior stud Dailyn Swain added 19 and sophomore guard Laron Fuller chipped in 18 for the Nubians. Africentric remains unbeaten in the South Division. 

Walnut Ridge had a big bounce back week as they first beat Briggs 83-39 (12/14) then they took down Marion-Franklin 77-20 (12/17). Sophomore standout Na’Varion Adams exploded with 26 points against the Bruins and 23 against the Red Devils. Senior Jerome Bosley scored 21 points against Marion-Franklin as well. Sophomore point guard Dominique Aekins scored 18 points in
the win over Briggs but his biggest moment of the season came against Reynoldsburg as his Scots defeated the Raiders 67-66 after a game-winning layup from the blur of a point guard. 

South got back on track as well after taking down rival Marion-Franklin 78-37 (12/14) then dispatching Briggs 80-22 (12/17). Briggs added to what became a trio of losses after losing to Upper Arlington 71-21 (12/18). 

Also in the South Division, Eastmoor Academy continued its steady play as they took down West 88-36 (12/14) with sophomore James Nowell announcing himself in a major way by scoring 23 points to lead the Warriors while senior Dennis Asoro scored 18 points and snagged 15 rebounds. Nowell continued his ascension as he scored 22 points in Eastmoor Academy’s 85-54 win over Independence (12/17). Senior point guard Aaron Lawson had his best game of the season, notching 23 points to go along with four steals and six rebounds. 

As winter break for the kids has arrived, the schedule this week isn’t beefed up and stacked with games but Centennial will host Marion-Franklin on Monday along with International heading to Oakstone Academy. 

Tuesday may hold the two most interesting games of the week when Mifflin travels to Whitehall and Huntington (WV) comes to Columbus to take on Africentric in what will be a talent-filled festival. 

Thursday will pit Eastmoor Academy against Bishop Hartley in a 10 a.m. contest at Harvest Prep. 

The biggest game of the week in the City will be on Wednesday when Beechcroft hits the road to take on Buckeye Valley. That could be a preview for a late round Division II tournament matchup, with both teams having a handful of talented seniors.