Friday games to watch
We preview the top games to watch in a loaded slate of action on Friday
The OCC is back in a big way on Friday. There are a handful of top-ranked matchups between vying Division I powers. This month will shape a lot of what the season will hold and will be a make-or-break month for teams looking to shape their futures and compete for championships. Let’s take a look at the matchups for the first Friday of hoops in 2024.
#11 Dublin Scioto (8-1) at #3 Delaware Hayes (8-1)
Dublin Scioto is looking to put themselves in the conversation for the top spot in the OCC-Capital and in district title conversations when they head to Delaware Hayes to take on the Pacers. The Irish are off to their best start in more than 10 years, winning eight of nine games and competing against the best teams they’ve played. Hayes is the top squad that the Irish have seen yet this year, which will make this an intriguing matchup. If Scioto can pull the upset, they’ll put themselves into the top 10 for good and will be in the mix at the top of the OCC-Capital - a loaded division that features five teams in the top 18. Hayes has the size and talent advantage, as the size of their front court and strength of their guards will make it tough sledding for Scioto.
#6 Grove City (8-1) at #9 Pickerington North (6-2)
The OCC-Ohio is up for grabs this year and Friday’s game at Pickerington North will play a big part in determining a champion. Grove City takes its eight-game win streak on the road to take on a Pickerington North team that is a game behind them in the division. The Greyhounds have arguably the best big man in Central Ohio in 6-foot-8 senior Kraig Gilbert, while Pickerington North has arguably the best guard in Central Ohio in 6-foot-3 junior Arness Lawson. North’s strength is in the backcourt while Grove City’s strength is in the front court. Both teams can play a slow style, so expect this to be a physical matchup where brute strength, toughness and ball control should play a big role. A Grove City win would give the Greyhounds victories over two the top three powers besides them in the league. A loss for North would be bone-crushing and make it hard for the Panthers to get back to title contention in the league.
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