AAU State Tourney Preview:

We are 24 hrs away from the start of a long weekend that will determine who has the top AAU team in the state of Ohio at the 15u, 16u, and most importantly the 17u levels. Action will be non-stop in Cincinnati all weekend as teams from all over the state come to town, here is the tournament schedule: Pools (although the scheduler is claiming that they could still change slightly tonight due to some conflicts).

All-Ohio Purple's shooters will
have to be on mark for another title

17u 

• Favorites......
• All-Ohio Purple & All-Ohio Red
• These two have met several times over the last few years with both teams winning about half the games. Red has more talent, size, and more known players; but, Purple has always been near unbeatable at state's. If these two teams meet in the finals, as expected, then fans might be in for a treat.
• If they don't win it then......
• Cincinnati Knights Gold is a talented team that is more then capable of taking the title. Playing in their hometown and coming off a championship last weekend the Knights can't be counted out.
• The Ohio Hoopsters are a dangerous team in this field on Sunday; the team, which features mostly Dayton talent, could knock off either Red or Purple if they get hot. 
• Sleeper teams to make the Final Four......
• GameTime Magic of Cincinnati, Columbus' All-Ohio Gold, and the Mustang Ballers all have the talent and team chemistry to make a run to the Final Four and qualify for Nationals. 
• Prediction......
• All-Ohio Purple keeps their streak alive and defeats the Cincinnati Knights in the semi-finals then All-Ohio Red in the finals to take another title. 

16u

• Favorites......
• All-Ohio Red and All-Ohio Varsity



All-Ohio Red's Nigel Hayes is a difference maker at 16u

• These two teams have already met in two tournament finals this year, with Red taking both of them in close games, and they are the favorites to make it back again. Varsity was upset minded last year and came away with the title, although Red has reloaded and become the team to beat. 
• If they don't win it then......
• All-Ohio Grey has the size, depth, talent, and defense capable of putting together a title run.
• Martin's Wolverines have had a great spring, and came in 2nd last year, they could easily run the table and take home the trophy.
• Sleeper teams to make the Final Four......
• Queen City Prophets have talented guards that can put up enough points to take them deep into bracket play. Also, don't count out the Cincinnati Lakers who have more experience in this tournament then any other team. 
• Prediction......
• All-Ohio Red escapes the other two All-Ohio teams, and the rest of the favorites, by overwhelming teams with the size of Nigel Hayes ('13 Toledo Whitmer PF) and Marc Loving ('13 Toledo St Johns PF).

15u

• Favorites...... 
• With Ohio's most highly regarded 15u team, King James Shooting Stars, not in the field then All-Ohio Red will be the favorite to win as they have the most talent.
• If they don't win it then.......
• Cincinnati Knights 14u might be a year young but they have arguably the best team in the field, and experience playing up an age group. 
• Cincinnati Lakers have won this event before at this age group and have the talent to do it again.
• Ohio Tarheels have talent and size, which is always a dangerous combination. 
• Sleeper teams to make the Final Four......
• Queen City Prophets have been lighting up scoreboards and always play well in State's, while Ohio Varsity and Nova Village (both of Columbus) have enough talent to make a run.
• Prediction......
• All-Ohio Red defeats the Cincinnati Knights 14u squad to take the title.