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Friday Night Predictions

By Zach Fleer, 12/02/16, 12:30PM EST

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Our predictions for Friday night's high school hoop action

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The first Friday of the high school basketball season has arrived. With 30 games taking place across the area, let's take a look at our predictions for the top games in Central Ohio.

No. 1 Westerville South vs. No. 13 Westerville North

The battle of Westerville resumes on opening night for both clubs. Westerville South is fresh off its first and only state championship in school history and will look to get OCC-Buckeye conference play off to a hot start. For Westerville North, the Warriors will be looking to send a message and upset the dominant Wildcats. We see South riding Kaleb Wesson to a big win on the road. 

Predicted WINNER

No. 6 Pickerington North vs. Cincinnati Moeller

Taking place at the Ohio Valley Hoop Classic, No. 6 Pickerington North has a tough challenge on its hands vs. state power Cincinnati Moeller. Moeller is regarded as one of the state's 10 best teams this season, which will pose for a great test for Pickerington North.

Two teams with size, athleticism and guard play, this should be one of the best games all weekend. We see the senior-laden Moeller winning late in a close one. A big game from Jerome Hunter could mean a Pickerington North win. 

Predicted WINNER

Cincinnati Moeller

No. 1 Wellington vs. No. 2 Africentric

In a rematch of last season's Division IV regional final, No. 1 Wellington hosts No. 2 Africentric. Going down to the wire a year ago, Africentric is looking for revenge after falling in the regional final for the third season in a row.

Standing in their way is a Wellington team that scored the nets with 90 points in a win over Delaware Christian on Thursday. Wellington is deep, talented and running high with confidence. Senior forward Adam Porter led all scorers with 24 points and will look to keep rolling. 

For Africentric, the Nubians have a fresh crop of talent, as junior guard Tre Baumgardner and junior post Jah Bennett look to lead the way alongside senior guard Landon Martin.

We see Wellington holding home court and winning in a tight one late. 

Predicted WINNER

No. 7 St. Charles vs. No. 10 Reynoldsburg

After embarrassing Reynoldsburg in the first round of tournament action this past season, St. Charles opens up its season with the Raiders. Returning for Reynoldsburg are a cast of big bodies and athletic wings who look for revenge.

St. Charles returns its twin towers in senior center Nick Muszynski and senior forward Tavon Brown, but the Cardinals have depth to replace in the backcourt.

With this game being played at Reynoldsburg and the Raiders having great momentum at the moment, we see them getting revenge in a game that could come down to the last shot. 

Predicted WINNER

No. 15 Groveport vs. No. 19 Westerville Central

Two teams that square off to open the season seemingly every year, Groveport and Westerville Central enter this season relatively unproven.  While the Cruisers graduated a talented 2016 class that helped turn the program around, Westerville Central also has some talent to replace, but is feeling good about its chances this season.

This game could come down to the battle in the front court, as Groveport senior post Lony Francis and Westerville Central junior forward Cameron Schroeder are two players who compete underneath.

We are also looking forward to the junior backcourt battle between the Cruisers' Corey Baker and the Warhawks' Thomas Hickman.

We see Groveport holding on late. 

Predicted WINNER

Mifflin vs. Grove City

Mifflin takes on Grove City in the Grove City Tip Off Classic. In a City League vs. OCC matchup, we see this one being competitive for most of the first half, with Grove City pulling away in the third quarter.

Grove City has some talented pieces returning, starting with junior point guard PJ Jones. Jones and senior forward Anthony Tyree form a terrific duo, while senior wing guard Zach Sammeth is a knockdown shooter.

For Mifflin, the Punchers will be small, but feisty. Senior guard Brandon Bempah and junior guard Itika Wynn will need big games to keep them in it.

Predicted WINNER

No. 10 Heath vs. East

In a Division II battle, Heath hosts East. Two teams that should be improved from last season, we see this game being tight most of the way. Heath is liking its chances this season behind senior guard Denton Jacob, who is one of the more underrated scorers in the area.

For East, junior guard Justin Curtis and sophomore wing Kezion Brown will lead the way for the Tigers, who are looking to steal a tough win at home.

We see Jacob having a big scoring performance leading to a Heath win on the road.

Predicted WINNER

No. 12 Delaware Hayes vs. Marion Pleasant

In a battle between two of the better programs in North Central Ohio, Delaware takes on Marion Plesant. Pleasant enters this season fresh off a Division III district championship, as they will look to start off the season strong against a Pacers team that is looking to be much improved from last season.

Delaware is young, but has some talent, most notably with senior wing Will Yoakum. If Yoakum and sophomore forward Terin Kinsway can get going for the Pacers, we see Delaware winning a tough one at home.

However, if those two struggle, look for Pleasant to take advantage and steal one on the road. 

Predicted WINNER

2016-17 Predictions

Season: 3-2

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