2023 Game Analysis: Sun. December 3
Sunday, Dec. 3
2:00 pm Cooper vs Delaware Hayes
This could be one of the more entertaining matchups of the entire event. Delaware Hayes was 20-5 a year ago and returns 4 starters from that team including Jesse Burris, a 6’4” guard who has committed to Ohio University. Carter Piatt-Brown, Chase Griggs, and Jake Lowman all started a year ago. Hayes was already looking for a great year, but the addition of 6’7” junior Landon Vanderwarker has upped those expectations. Vanderwarker has offers from Furman, VCU, and is on the Ohio State radar. His addition makes Hayes a state title contender. The Cooper Jaguars were 9th region runners-up in Kentucky last season losing to Newport by two points in the championship game. The Jaguars feature one of the most exciting players in the OVHC, 5’11” junior Yamil Rondon. Rondon played on the Pueto Rican 17U National Team this summer. 6’6” senior JaShaun Pouncy was injured last season, but his return gives Cooper a stud on the inside. Junior Andy Johnson was a starter a year ago. Sophomore Austin Alexander played in every game as a freshman. The nephew of NFL great, Shawn Alexander, already has D-1 football offers. This is another Final Four-type game between two talented, well-coached teams.
3:45 Rowan County vs Woodward
Coach Jarelle Redden’s Woodward Bulldogs have been on a great run the past few years, finishing 19-5 a year ago. Ru Mills, a 6’4” jumping jack, will be one of the more athletic players in this year’s event. He poured in 19 points per game last season, including an array of highlight dunks. 6’4” senior Donte Ferrell, a Colorado State football signee, and 6’0” senior point guard Jeremiah Hughes also return for the Bulldogs along with a talented group of sophomores. The Rowan County Vikings from Morehead Kentucky will be making their first-ever appearance in the OVHC. Colby Wilburn, a 6’3” senior guard, leads the Vikings who return all five starters. Dashawn Watson and Jayson Ingles were also double-figure scorers for Rowan County a year ago.
5:30 Goshen vs Erlanger Lloyd
Goshen won’t have the size of Lloyd, but they can light it up from beyond the arc. Guards Caden Zeinner and Conner Moore averaged 20 and 15 respectively a year ago for the 14-9 Warriors. Carter Settelmeyer and Luke Ball also started. Freshman point guard Braylon Settelmeyer is expected to make an immediate impact. (check earlier notes on Lloyd) Look for a high-octane game to end the event.