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Grove City Tip Off Classic - Prospect Scouting Report

By Jake Spegal, 12/01/18, 12:45AM EST

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Grove City's Cole Crager and Bubs Morrison powered the Greyhounds over Mifflin

GROVE CITY, Ohio -- Four central Ohio teams began their season Friday in the annual Grove City Tip-Off Classic tournament. We got to see teams from the OCC, MSL, and City League tonight, and it made for an exciting night of action. Let’s take a look at both of the nights games, and the top performers from the action.


Callahan's big night leads Bexley over OCC foe Westerville Central

In a defensive battle from the start, it appeared that Westerville Central had the upper hand early in this matchup. After a stellar first quarter for the Warhawks on offense found them in the lead heading into the second frame, Bexley’s move to a 2-3 zone proved to be the x-factor in this one. The Lions won the second quarter 15-3, which powered them into the driver's seat for the rest of the night.

Though trailing at the half, Westerville Central finally found some perimeter shooting to start the third quarter, with back-to-back threes coming from junior Josh Wilhelm, a Grove City transfer, and senior Chaz Dixon. Bexley answered though, as a huge three from senior guard Nasir Tucker gave the Lions a 32-27 lead and the momentum they needed with 2:30 to play in the third quarter.

Westerville Central climbed all the way back and tie it at 44, but Bexley senior Ryan Callahan won it for the Lions with a tough finish in the lane with five seconds left on the clock. The Warhawks were able to get a clean look on their final possession, and Bexley would go on to win it 46-44.

Callahan was the best player on the floor tonight, posting a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Bexley’s guards also rebounded and scored well, as Tucker and junior Damian Davis were able to combine for 21 points and nine rebounds, proving to be the compliment Callahan needed. Bexley has good guards along with an elite athlete in Callahan, and will be a major player in the MSL this season.

Senior forward Simon Bouscher-Helbig led the way for Westerville Central scoring, dropping in nine points along with three rebounds. Senior Chaz Dixon was also able to contribute eight points and 10 rebounds, along with nine points and three rebounds from Wilhelm. The Warhawks struggled to find scoring in their first game without former Warhawk guard and current Tiffin freshman Thomas Hickman. The pieces are there for the Warhawks, and they will compete well in the OCC as they continue to grow this season.


Behind Morrison and Crager, Grove City rolls past Mifflin in revenge match

When Grove City players found out they’d take on Mifflin in their season opener, a fire shot up inside of them. The Punchers ended the Greyhounds season a year ago in the sectional tournament, and also took them down to begin last season. Though it’s nearly an entirely different Grove City roster from what we saw last season, and a completely revamped Mifflin team, the Greyhounds new group of players came out wanting to make a statement.

The Greyhounds came out the gate playing fast, knocking down shots, and rebounding well, despite a distinct height advantage. Senior guard Bubs Morrison knocked down a three-pointer with 5:32 to play in the first, and the Greyhounds offense began to click.

Grove City took a 40-14 lead into the locker room at halftime, and would be able to maintain this for the rest of the night. Mifflin forward Mikal King gave the Punchers their best run of the night early in the third quarter though, knocking down two threes and completing an and-one to bring Mifflin as close as 13. The Greyhounds would hold on though, ultimately winning the contest 66-50.

Grove City’s new group of players impressed tonight, playing with a renowned sense of energy on the floor. The high motor play of Morrison contributed 14 points to the box score, while junior Cole Crager led the way with 17 points and seven rebounds. Sophomore guard Brock Waits also chipped in 10 points for the Hounds despite being in early foul trouble.

For Mifflin, juniors Jakai Watts and King led the way with 10 points each. Sophomore guard Mehki Jarrett took most of the shots for the Punchers though, contributing eight points and three assists. Mifflin will look to regroup and take on another tough OCC foe tomorrow in Westerville Central.


Ryan Callahan (6’2 F / Bexley / 2019): Though listed at 6-foot-2, Bexley’s Ryan Callahan looks to be much bigger in person. Though committed to play baseball at Wright State, Callahan has the build of a linebacker, and dominated on the basketball court tonight. Callahan was able to use his strength and quick combo moves to get himself into the lane on multiple occasions and ultimately finish with a double-double, bringing in 17 points and 10 rebounds. Callahan also proved that he has the clutch factor tonight, knocking down the winning shot for the Lions. This kid can do it all.

Damian Davis (5’9 G / Bexley / 2020): Contributing in virtually every category for the Lions, junior Damian Davis proved to play a large role in helping the Lions win tonight. Davis was able to score 10 points, along with snatching down five rebounds, and grabbing two steals. Davis was undoubtedly one of the most athletic players on the floor Friday night, and it showed in the stat sheet. If Davis can add to his scoring arsenal, he could be a name to watch this season.

Chaz Dixon (6’1 G / Westerville Central / 2019): On a night where the Warhawks struggled to knock down any shots from the field, Dixon was the spark plug keeping Westerville Central in it late. Dixon dominated the glass all game, grabbing 10 rebounds in the contest. Dixon also showed off a nice perimeter shot, knocking down two big threes, one coming late in the game. Though the stat line doesn’t jump out at you, the Warhawks simply struggled to get shots to fall today, Dixon included.

Bubs Morrison (5’7 G / Grove City / 2019): A transfer in from Bishop Watterson prior to last season, Morrison saw his first career start tonight, and made the most of his opportunity. Coming from Watterson, Morrison brings a high motor, vocal, gritty game to the table for the Hounds. Morrison displayed great court vision, finishing ability and outside shooting tonight. Morrison was able contribute 14 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals, doing a little bit of everything for Grove City.

Cole Crager (6’2 F / Grove City / 2020): Due to a lack of height on the Greyhounds roster, Crager is going to be forced to play big for Grove City this season, and looked excellent in that role tonight. Crager was able to handle to paint for the Hounds, finishing off the night with 17 points and seven rebounds. Despite showing great strength in the paint as well, Crager also showed that he is a wing at heart by running the floor in transition and knocking down outside shots.

Mikal King (6’4 F / Mifflin / 2020): In a tough opening night for Mifflin, junior forward Mikal King seemed to be a bright spot for the Punchers to build on. Despite a quiet first half, King was able to show off his ability in the second half, using his length to get in the lane and finish. King even had a pair of threes in tonight’s action. He shows a lot of promise with a good long build at 6-foot-4, and if King can be developed, he could be a nice piece alongside sophomore guard Mehki Jarrett. He was able to finish with 10 points to lead the way for the Punchers tonight.

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