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Friday's Games to Watch

By Zach Fleer, 12/09/22, 10:15AM EST

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A look at some of the top games to watch on Friday in Central Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A Twitter user asked us if we could start publishing games to watch on big game days. Since we love our supporters, we decided to do just that for this Friday and every Friday going forward this season.

Let's take a look at 10 games to watch in Central Ohio tonight. To see the full schedule, click here.

Beechcroft (1-1) @ East (2-0)

The race for the City League North title will be something to watch all year, as all eight teams feel they can compete at the top of the division. East is one of those teams, as the Tigers are riding the momentum of an historic football season into the basketball season. East picked up a big win over rival Linden-McKinley on Tuesday and will look to knock off the two-time defending division champs Beechcroft on their home floor. A win for the Tigers would put them in a position they haven't been in for a long time in the league. For Beechcroft, it will be business as usual for a team that is vastly different from the last few seasons.

Westerville North (1-1) @ Westerville South (2-1)

The Battle in the Ville is always intense and this matchup is no different. Westerville North takes its show on the road, only about five minutes down the road, to rival South. The Warriors fell in a double overtime thriller at Delaware Hayes on Tuesday and are looking for a get back victory against the Wildcats. South, on the other hand, is off to a strong start in Ed Calo's final season as head coach. North has to be desperate for a win tonight because an 0-2 start to league play would put their OCC title hopes in early jeopardy, requiring near perfect play to end the year.

DeSales (2-0) @ Bishop Hartley (2-0)

The battle of young teams in the Central Catholic League is on tap tonight, as DeSales hits the road to the east side to take on Bishop Hartley. Hartley have been road warriors to begin the season, winning tough games at Granville and Northland. The Stallions have been very impressive in the early season, taking down Licking Heights and Johnstown by double figures. We are excited to see if Hartley continues to be a new-look team under first year coach Andreas James.

Bishop Watterson (0-1) @ St. Charles (1-2)

It's opening night in the Central Catholic League. Bishop Watterson takes on St. Charles in a neutral site game at Worthington Christian. With St. Charles' gym being redone, the Cardinals will not get to play a single home game all year. We wonder if that will have an impact on them, as the Cardinals typically offer one of the toughest playing venues for opposing teams in the area. Both teams are under .500 and would like to get a win tonight. If you love low post play, there is no better matchup than St. Charles' Chase Walker vs. Watterson's Cole Rhett.

Newark (4-1) @ Reynoldsburg (2-2)

The OCC-Buckeye is a tough league from top to bottom and features perennial powers in Newark and Reynoldsburg. These squads are looking to remain at district title contending levels, which makes this game a big one. Newark opened up with a loss to defending state champ Pickerington Central last week, while Reynoldsburg won over rival Groveport Madison. The Raiders are young and have been inconsistent to begin the year, which will make this game a big one for their early season. Newark would hate to start 0-2 in the league, so look for the Wildcats to play with energy and purpose.

Hilliard Darby (4-0) @ Olentangy Berlin (2-1)

Hilliard Darby is off to a very strong start to the year, going 4-0 against decent competition. Friday's road test at Olentangy Berlin will be the toughest game of the year thus far for the Panthers. Berlin is one of the OCC's better rising programs this year and will look to pick up a big win after falling in a tough home game to Newark on Tuesday. Can the momentum train stay on the tracks for Darby, or will Berlin pick up a strong win at home?

Delaware Hayes (5-0) @ Worthington Kilbourne (3-0)

One of only two undefeated matchups in the area on Friday, Delaware Hayes takes its show on the road to take on Worthington Kilbourne. The Pacers have been the most solid team in the area to begin the year behind the high quality play of its junior class. Jesse Burris is one of the rising superstars in the area, but this Delaware team is not a one-man band by any means. On the other side, Kilbourne is unbeaten in Ron Lewis' first year as head coach and relies heavily on its juniors as well, as Te'Mar Lewis, Ron's son, and Aidan Gallogly are combining for 38 points per game each night. Can Kilbourne provide a shocking upset and knock off Hayes? We'll find out. 

Olentangy Orange (3-0) @ Dublin Coffman (2-1)

Olentangy Orange looks to be the odds on favorite in the OCC-Central this year. On the other end of the spectrum, Dublin Coffman has really struggled in this league the last two seasons. The Rocks have momentum after going on the road and knocking off Reynoldsburg on Tuesday. Orange would likely have the same momentum after a road win at Dublin Jerome, however, the Pioneers are without senior Mikey McCollum, who suffered a hip injury in the waning moments of Tuesday's win. Will McCollum's absence really disrupt Orange's flow? Can Coffman capitalize on that? We'll find out tonight.

Westerville Central (2-1) @ Grove City (2-1)

The OCC-Ohio is one of the strongest leagues in the area from top to bottom. Both Westerville Central and Grove City are looking to make strides from last season, which makes this matchup a highly important one. Grove City feels they can win the division this year, which makes this a must win after the Greyhounds lost at New Albany last week. An 0-2 start in league play would put their title hopes in jeopardy, so look for this veteran Grove City team to play with its highest level of intensity all year.

Grandview Heights (1-1) @ Columbus Academy (4-0)

As always, the MSL-Ohio is highly competitive once again this year. Columbus Academy is the lone unbeaten remaining in the league, as the Vikings are a perfect 2-0 in league play. Awaiting them is Grandview Heights, who picked up a great win at Worthington Christian last week. Every game matters in this division and this is the biggest one of the night.

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