COLUMBUS, Ohio -- In an early season battle between two of the hottest teams in the City League North, East kept its momentum alive by taking down Centennial on the road, 63-61. 

East (4-1) used a 22-10 first quarter to build an early lead that it maintained the rest of the way. Centennial (4-1) crept back in the second half, taking a 42-41 lead early in the fourth quarter. As was the case all day Tuesday, East's backcourt of junior Cedric Norvett and senior Armon Mackey would not be denied.

Norvett struck back on the next possession, driving to the basket and scoring, as East regained the lead. Norvett and Mackey made several key plays in the final six minutes, each knocking down important shots to help East remain unbeaten in division play.

The 5-foot-10 Norvett led all scorers with 23 points, scoring some tough buckets at the rim in the second half. Mackey added 17 points, 12 of which after halftime. The 6-foot guard knocked down three triples and seemed to deliver big shot after big shot when East needed them.

Junior Xzayvier Brown-Anderson gave the Tigers great energy on both ends, finishing with nine points, nine rebounds, three assists and three steals.

For Centennial, senior forward Myles Martinez was outstanding, finishing with 20 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and three steals. Martinez was a terror in transition, taking several rebounds and going coast-to-coast for scores at the rim.

Centennial was unable to get Martinez involved much in the half court, as East did a good job of denying him the ball inside. Sophomore forward Jaylen Gilbert added 18 points and seven rebounds for the Stars, who did not have another scorer add more than seven points.

East will look to remain unbeaten in league play on Friday at home vs. Linden-McKinley. Centennial looks to rebound on the road at International on Friday. 

Cedric Norvett (5'10 PG / East / 2020): In my first viewing of Norvett, I was really impressed with the junior guard's command of the floor and shot-making ability. Norvett knocked down two threes, one a catch and shoot and the other a deep transition pull up from near NBA range. Norvett showed nice balance on his pull up jumper, knocking down two from mid-range. On defense, Norvett has good instincts and is always a threat in the passing lanes. As a ball handler, Norvett is shifty and has a quick first step. He was able to get into the lane and finish strong through contact. Putting up big scoring performances in East's current four-game winning streak, Norvett is a guard to keep an eye on in the City League North this winter. 

Myles Martinez (6'7 PF / Centennial / 2019): Martinez was the best player on the floor Tuesday and made his impact on both ends. Leading his team in points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals, Martinez played a great two-way game before fouling out late in the fourth quarter. The 6-foot-7 senior was a monster on the glass, finishing with 14 rebounds, many of which on the offensive end, where he converted them into second chance points. Martinez also showed an ability to rebound and push the break offensively, finishing three tough transition scores where he showed great athleticism and body control. The Ohio Dominican baseball commit also knocked down a face up mid-range jumper on the right baseline, showing nice touch from 14 feet. If Centennial had gotten Martinez involved more offensively, they more than likely would have won the game. Regardless, Tuesday's showing was a great one for a player who is as improved as anyone in the City League. 

Armon Mackey (6'0 WG / East / 2019): Mackey is the heart and soul of this East team, as his leadership, toughness and energy make a huge difference. On Tuesday, Mackey turned it up when East needed him most, scoring 12 of his 17 points in the second half. Mackey began the game knocking down pull up mid-range and three-point shots. In the second half, Mackey added two more triples, both coming in important moments of the game. On the defensive end, Mackey plays with a ton of passion and is a big reason why East has been tough on that end of the floor this year. In order for East to compete against the top teams in the division, the Tigers will need continued big performances from Mackey like he had on Tuesday. 

Jaylen Gilbert (6'3 WF/PF / Centennial / 2021): After breaking out as the City League's most productive freshman a year ago, Gilbert has not slowed down much this winter. Going for 18 points and seven rebounds on Tuesday, Gilbert impressed as a physical right hand driver who was tough to stop at the rim. While Gilbert spent most of the second half settling for long distance jump shots, he still scored a few buckets near the rim, using his big body to clear out space and finish through contact. Gilbert is a force to deal with at the high school level, as he brings toughness and physicality to the Centennial front court. Won't see many guys get in front of Gilbert to take a charge in the City League, as he is built like a defensive tackle, despite being a standout quarterback. 

Xzayvier Brown-Anderson (6'0 WG / East / 2020): While Brown-Anderson is new to basketball, he played 32 minutes on Tuesday and East needed all of them. A raw athlete who plays with a lot of toughness, Brown-Anderson gave the Tigers a presence on the glass and hit a few key shots in both halves to help deliver the rim. Going for nine points, nine rebounds, three assists and three steals, Brown-Anderon played the type of complementary game that the Tigers will need at the top of the City League.