“I love the event and I love that they’re having it at Wittenberg,” said Kenton Ridge coach Brian Smith. “I think it’s a great venue for all the kids to play at. We’re going to give it our best shot. We had a great time last year.”
The girls showcase will begin at noon Friday and will feature five games throughout the day-long event — Shawnee vs. Kenton Ridge (noon), Northwestern vs. Catholic Central (1:30), Emmanuel Christian vs. Northeastern (3 p.m.), Tecumseh vs. Greenon (4:30 p.m.) and Southeastern vs. Springfield (6 p.m.).
The boys showcase will start at noon Saturday and will also feature five games — Emmanuel Christian vs. Northeastern (Noon), Tecumseh vs. Greenon (1:30 p.m.), Northwestern vs. Catholic Central (3 p.m.), Shawnee vs. Southeastern (4:30 p.m.) and Kenton Ridge vs. Springfield (6 p.m.).
Daily passes are $10 for adults and $5 for students and include all five games. The event is cash only and no credit cards will be accepted at the gate.
“It’s such a great gym and such an iconic place to play,” Smith said. “The kids are really looking forward to it. We know it’s going to be a tough game against Springfield, but we’re going to give it our best shot.”
All but two of the matchups remain the same as part of this year’s event and both changes were made on the girls side. Springfield played Kenton Ridge last season, but will face off against Southeastern this season. Kenton Ridge will now play former Central Buckeye Conference Kenton Trail Division rival Shawnee.
Here’s a look at three of the top games this weekend:
Springfield boys vs. Kenton Ridge: The Wildcats started the season 3-0, including a huge win over rival Centerville, but have dropped three straight to fall to 3-3. They’ll look to get redemption against the Cougars, who beat them 59-52 at last year’s inaugural event.
The Cougars (3-4) graduated all but one starter from last year’s squad and will look to get back to winning ways on the road. They play nine of their next 10 games on the road.
Springfield girls vs. Southeastern: The Wildcats won three straight before falling to Wayne on Dec. 21. The matchup against the 8-1 Trojans will be the start of three straight games for Springfield, which includes matchups against out-of-state opponents at the annual Bragging Rights showcase at Winton Woods High School — Naz Regional (NY) on Saturday and East Central (Okla.) on Sunday.
The Trojans (8-1) have won six straight games. They’re led by senior guard Brooke Nelson, who ranks among the Ohio Heritage Conference leaders in points (16.4), assists (5.4) and steals (4.1) per game.
Shawnee boys vs. Southeastern: The Braves (4-2) have won four of the last five games, including a victory over rival Kenton Ridge on Dec. 23. Shawnee is the top defensive team in the CBC, allowing 37.2 points per game.
Southeastern (3-4) will look to bounce back after a tough loss to rival Greeneview in an OHC South game on Dec. 20. They’re led by senior Brennan Workman, who is averaging 18.3 points per game.
Clark County Basketball Showcase
2024 Schedule
Friday, Dec. 27
GIRLS
Noon: Shawnee vs. Kenton Ridge
1:30 p.m.: Northwestern vs. Catholic Central
3 p.m.: Emmanuel Christian vs. Northeastern
4:30 p.m.: Tecumseh vs. Greenon
6 p.m.: Southeastern vs. Springfield
Saturday, Dec. 28
BOYS
Noon: Emmanuel Christian vs. Northeastern
1:30 p.m.: Tecumseh vs. Greenon
3 p.m.: Northwestern vs. Catholic Central
4:30 p.m.: Shawnee vs. Southeastern
6 p.m.: Kenton Ridge vs. Springfield
About the Author