DUBLIN, Ohio -- In a match between two of the top three teams from the 270 Hoops Division I Power Rankings, #2 Olentangy Orange edged host #3 Dublin Jerome 55-45 in what was another complete two-way performance for the Pioneers.

Although it was an ultimately competitive, back-and-forth affair, Orange was in the lead nearly the entire game. The Celtics would at times cut the lead to one or two scores, most notably down to three points on two occasions midway through the fourth quarter, but the Pioneers never relinquished their lead. 

Senior Mikey McCollum led the Pioneers with 16 points and two assists. He was joined by fellow senior Jordan Edwards, who led all players with six assists and added five points. Senior Nick Chapman was second in scoring with 11 points and was excellent on the defensive end with three blocks. Senior Elias Lewis had a complete game and finished with nine points, six rebounds and four assists.

Dublin Jerome was led by senior Luke Kuhlman who had 18 points and a team-high three three-pointers, while seniors Lachlan MacDonald and Sasha Stavroff finished with nine and eight points, respectively, and combined for five assists. 

Senior Ryan Nutter, a team captain and Marshall commit, finished with four points and three assists, but appeared to play through some lower body pain. 

The Pioneers are now 3-0 and look the part of not only a district title contender, but perhaps a team that could play in the regional championship. They visit Dublin Coffman for a league game on Friday. 

After the Celtics won two straight, Dublin Jerome drops to 2-2 and look to get back in the winning column as they travel to Marysville for a league game on Friday. 

For more on Tuesday night's game, let's take a look at the 5 Keys:

1. A "Little" More: On Tuesday night, the Pioneers came across as a little more skillful, a little more composed and had a little more size. They finished around the rim a little better and won a little more of the 50-50 balls. If these teams were to play in a series, I wouldn't say this would always be the case, but it was on Tuesday night.

2. "Big Three" + 1: In last week's recap of Olentangy Orange's win over St. Charles, I highlighted the Pioneers "Big Three" which consists of the impressive senior trio of Jordan Edwards, Elias Lewis and Mikey McCollum. Fellow senior Nick Chapman has made a strong case to be recognized as well. The 6'3 shooting guard not only showed off some touch with his 11 points, but led the way on defense with three impressive blocks. Championship caliber teams always have strong x-factors and Chapman may be that guy for the Pioneers.

3. Underclassmen Watch:  While the seniors lead the way, two Orange underclassmen have earned quality minutes and shown intriguing potential in sophomore Devin Brown and freshman Levi Davis. While their stats weren't gaudy, Brown finished with seven points and Davis had three, both players have earned playing time by their way to impact the game beyond the stat sheet. Keep an eye on these underclassmen, as they could blossom into top prospects for the area in their respective classes.

4. Tough Nut: On a team with strong senior leadership, it's apparent that guard Ryan Nutter is the ultimate vessel of the group. It was quite obvious that Nutter was playing in some lower body pain throughout the game, but that didn't stop him from diving for loose balls or battling in the paint. Nutter wears his heart on his sleeve and would probably be the last guy to suggest sitting out. But as the Celtics schedule lightens up the rest of December, perhaps Nutter is able to get some rest. Because the Celtics can't reach their potential without him at 100%.

5. Kuhlman's Range: Both teams have quality Division II and Division III collegiate prospects, which was evident as a handful of area-college coaches were in attendance. Perhaps the best unsigned player of the evening was Jerome's Luke Kuhlman, a 6'4 guard that has size and connected on three triples Tuesday night. Stay tuned for more in the upcoming Prospect Scouting Report, but Kuhlman's 18 points ultimately kept the Celtics within reach.

MVP: Mikey McCollum (Olentangy Orange senior guard who scored 16 points, along with four rebounds and two assists)

Top Scorer: Luke Kuhlman (Dublin Jerome senior shooting guard who had 18 points on seven made field goal attempts)

Hustle Player of the Game: Nick Chapman (Olentangy Orange senior guard that was a defensive standout and scored 11 points)