JB's Pick Six- Volume VI

Let's go to round two of this rivalry with some hardware on the line and time to start getting ready for the tournament.  Taft Senators (13-4 10-0) visits the Withrow Tigers (12-5 9-1) for a title or a share of the CMAC Championship.  All the star power is here; with Taft you have a team that has not lost in the state of Ohio and is riding a 10 game winning streak after defeating previously undefeated and #3 in CPHR's Division II-IV Poll Summit Country Day (63-46).  Coach Mark Mitchell picked up his 200 career victory and looks to get 201.  I'm quite sure the seniors from Taft want to leave their stamp on the CMAC since this is their last game against the only team left on the schedule that has a chance to defeat them.  In the first meeting Taft dominated Withrow through three quarters and most of the damage was done until Withrow made a run to make the game respectable (57-43). Adolphus Washington led the Senators with 16 pts 14 rebs even though he shot (3-12 fg) he was (10-13) from the line, which meant a lot of the Tigers posts were in foul trouble.  Fred Canady came off the bench and chipped in 12pts.  Taft will come ready to play at a fast pace and look to really make a statement on this game, where I think they look to score in the 80's.

The Tigers don't lack any star power either, where junior forward Devin Williams has to match the intensity of the Diesel (Washington) from Taft.  Look for Withrow to try to slow Taft down, but they really have enough guards to make it a fast-paced game.  The question is can the Tigers handle the pressure, limit the turnovers, and be able to use their size to execute in the half-court.  The Tigers have to also shoot better from the charity stripe (7-18).  Junior Tim Coleman who did not play in the first meeting will be an important piece to the Tigers success if they look to hand the Senators their first loss in the State and capture a share of the CMAC title.  Look for Seniors Rozelle Nix, Tyler Jordan, Erin Nichols, Kendall Beamon, and Damon Gooch to contribute.  This will be there last game as a Tiger in front of packed house, emotions will be high, and I anticipate a great action-packed game.

JB's Prediction-As a Withrow alum, my heart bleeds orange and black; but Taft has been there before. Mark Mitchell has a dominating record within conference play and is a State Champion. Taft wins but Withrow puts up a fight.

Weekend Preview

Three major league championships are on the line in the headlining games on Friday…..

Friday

·         Taft @ Withrow: With the Tigers needing a win to grab a share of the CMAC title the stakes will be high at a sold out Withrow gym on Friday night. The first time these two teams met Taft was able to dominate the game through physical play and by creating chaos with their pressure defense. Withrow has the added advantage of the homecourt as well as the return of junior guard Tim Coleman. The Senators have come to play in their biggest games this season, don’t expect that to change.

o   Prediction: Taft wins another outright league title.

·         Kettering Alter @ LaSalle: While LaSalle is heavily favored in the game CPHR is excited to see the results of the matchup between two elite guards. Alter’s junior star Jaaron Simmons will go head to head with the Lancers senior PG Josh Lemons for GCL individual supremacy.

o   Prediction: LaSalle wins big, and Lemons holds Simmons to less then 15 points.

·         Middletown @ Mason: The Middies have an opportunity to clinch an outright GMC title by winning one of their next two games. Mason can win the conference by defeating Middletown, and hoping that the Middies slip up next week against Colerain.

o   Prediction: Middletown

·         North College Hill @ Summit: The Knights can lock up an outright MVC title, and put themselves in perfect position for an undefeated conference run, with the win; the first time these two teams met Summit won by over twenty points. Can NCH grab a piece of the title like they did in the second matchup last year?

o   Prediction: Summit wins big again.

·         Moeller @ Roger Bacon

·         Colerain @ Princeton

·         Fairfield @ Hamilton

·         Oak Hills @ Lakota East

·         Lakota West @ Sycamore

·         Kings @ Anderson

·         Deer Park @ Finneytown

·         Woodward @ Aiken

·         Hughes @ Shroder

·         McNicholas @ Chaminade Julienne

·         St. Xavier @ Purcell Marian

·         Northwest @ Norwood

·         Wilmington @ Walnut Hills

·         Winton Woods @ Edgewood

Saturday

·         Withrow @ Elder

·         North College Hill @ Woodward

A Warrior Trying to Find His Way

By: JB Burgin 

Paul Woodson stands 6'7, weighs 175 lbs, and plays basketball for the Aiken Falcons a Cincinnati Public School.  What you don't know about Paul is the great journey he has been on to get where he is today. Paul is an exceptional athlete with talents and spirits to match.  He has only been playing basketball for about five years and has already flourished into one of the top players in the state of Ohio.  While he averages double figure rebounds as a constant presence on the glass, Paul has spent his time wisely by working on his game in the gym getting up jump shot after another to become more of an offensive weapon.  His first athletic success came in boxing where he was an Amateur Golden Gloves Champion.  He also is an exceptional athlete with discipline where he studied tae kwon do and was ranked #1 in the country.  When you see Paul you would never imagine a young man of his size with so much passion for the game. 

In his first year at Aiken he has found a home, becoming one of the team leaders with his longtime friend Willie Moore. Woodson and Moore have an outstanding relationship, extending past basketball, where they are like brothers. Willie was an important part of Paul attending Aiken when he decided to leave Clark Montessori, where he had spent his three previous years.  During the summer they spent their days with the Cincinnati Knights AAU organization; enjoying much success on the local, regional, and national circuits.  They enjoyed each other so much Willie suggested; "How about we go out together and try to win a State Championship".  Paul obliged and along with Willie and Austin Grime, a highly recruited junior wing, they form one of the most lethal trios in Ohio.

Paul is an exceptional role model where he takes time helping others and leads by example.  He plans to attend college in the upcoming year (but remains uncommitted and unsigned) and use his talents of playing basketball to further his education. Division II colleges Lincoln Memorial (TN), Central State (OH), University of Indianapolis (IN), and Division I schools Morgan State (MD) and Fairleigh Dickenson (NY) are recruiting him the hardest right now. Paul Woodson is still learning how to play this game that he loves and is giving it his all every day.

Tuesday Area Scoreboard

Adolphus Washington was the star inside
in Taft's victory over previously undefeated Summit

On one of the most eventful nights of the season the Taft Senators earned a hard fought win over Summit in a battle of two of the top teams in Cincinnati......

• Taft 63 Summit 46: Adolphus Washington was too much inside for the Silver Knights as he scored 24 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in a game that was much closer then the final score looks. Summit was in the game until the very end but Washington and senior guard Orlando Berry, who scored 15 points, made timely plays on both ends of the floor to extend the Senators lead. Taft also got 7 points from senior guard Jermaine Freeman, and 6 points from seniors Jalean Lowe and Dwayne Stanford. Summit was led by the 12 points of senior post Holdy Hertzel and 8 points of sophomore Mike Barwick who showed tremendous heart inside in holding Washington throughout much of the first half, while making some scoring plays of their own. The Summit guards struggled with their shots on the night but Kevin Johnson was able to manage 10 points and Antonio Woods 9. All in all it was a great effort by Summit who proved that they belong on the court with the top team in Cincinnati, the Taft Senators. The loss was the first of the season for Summit, while Taft remains undefeated against local competition. 
• Middletown 81 Princeton 79: Senior guard Geovonie McKnight's 31 points and 8 rebounds pushed the Middies one step closer towards an outright GMC title. Vince Edwards added 16 points for the Middies, while Jalin Marshall and Zach Edwards added 14 each. Princeton, who led throughout much of the fourth quarter, was led by the 25 points and 10 rebounds of senior post De'arius Young. The Vikings also got 15 points from Dorian Jordan, 12 points from Deion Isham, and Eric Tivis chipped in 9. 
• Mason 64 Fairfield 40: Senior wing Darrin Harris scored 17 points, while senior guard JD Sprague chipped in 15 in a Comets blowout win. 
• Lakota West 57 Lakota East 46: The Firebirds blew the game open in the fourth quarter behind the 14 points of junior guard Ali Barnes and the 11 points of sophomore guard Tyler Williams. Freshman forward Myo Baxter was the leader for East with 14 points in the loss. 
• Colerain 65 Sycamore 46: Junior guards Milt Davis and Bryan Porter led the Cardinals with 19 points and 15 points respectively. The Aves were led by the 11 points of senior post AJ Williams. 
• Moeller 33 Bishop Fenwick 20: Josh Davenport, a junior wing, and senior guard Ben Galemmo each scored 11 points to lead Moeller in a low scoring affair. 
• Kettering Alter 63 Roger Bacon 51: Junior guard Jaaron Simmons, one of the GCL top scorers, led the way with 21 points in a Alter home court win. 
• LaSalle 45 Badin 28: Josh Lemons, Jeff Larkin, and Tyler Vogelpohl all scored in double figures to lead the Lancers to another win. 
• Dayton Thurgood Marshall 57 Aiken 46: Senior forward Paul Woodson scored 23 points with 15 rebounds as the top performer in the Aiken loss, while senior guard Willie Moore added 10 points. Thurgood was led by senior guard Joe Thomasson, one of the state's hottest players, with 22 points. 
• West High 81 Lockland 65: Senior wing Keevin Tyus went off for 30 points in the Mustangs win. 
• Turpin 67 Glen Este 55: Sophomore guard Zach McCormick exploded for 29 points in the Spartans win while senior guard Mitch Stevens added 16 points. 
• Walnut Hills 66 Kings 47: Junior sharpshooter Ricardo Hill led three double figure scorers for Walnut with 13 points in the victory. 
• Clark 66 Mt. Healthy 49: Sophomore guard Malik Rhodes scored a career high 19 points in a Clark victory as the Cougars remain hot down the stretch. 
• Winton Woods 70 Harrison 46: Ronnie Rousseau, a sophomore point man, scored 19 while junior forward Trent Donald added 16 and fellow junior forward Kwan Cheatham chipped in 14 in the win.
• Elder 53 McNicholas 50

JB's Pick Six- Volume V

Summit will count on the defense
of big Mike Barwick to slow down Taft

People will come far and near for the rematch between Summit Country Day (17-0) and Taft (12-4) of last year’s Regional Finals. The Taft Senators come in riding a 9 game winning streak and a 21 point whooping of the Woodward Bulldogs last week (77-56).  They were led by Jalen Lowe 21 (13.2 ppg), Dwayne Stanford 16 (9.1 ppg 6.9 rpg) and Orlando Berry 11 (13.4 ppg 4.5 rpg 8.1 apg). The Senators also have Mr. Basketball candidate Adolphus "Diesel" Washington (20.7 ppg15.4 rpg 1.7 bpg) who is coming off his lowest output of the season 7 pts and 4 rebs, do not expect the same.  Taft will not change their style of play, they will constantly try to speed you up and wear you down with their press and their depth of the bench.  Off the bench look for the "super subs" (Rasaan Jackson and Fred Canady) to come in and contribute whether it is to pick up a little scoring or to be a lock down defender. What you see is what you get when it comes to the Senators.

Summit on the other hand comes in riding a 17 game winning streak and looking for redemption from last year’s Regional Final.  They are led by Junior Kevin Johnson (14.9 ppg 8.1 rpg 2.9 apg), Senior Holden Herzel (11.8 ppg 6.2 rpg) and Sophomore Antonio Woods (11.4 ppg 4.6 rpg 4.1 apg).  Summit will also have big contributions from Senior Tommy Kreyenhagen who is only playing in his 5th game since coming off surgery; his long range bombs are needed to keep Taft honest.  Senior Jake Rawlings will be called upon for leadership and poise.  Sophomore Mike Barwick might have the biggest job (5.4 ppg 5.9 rpg), don't let the stats fool you where he will be needed is something that does not show up in the line.  He has to be physically and mentally tough he will be banging with Adolphus Washington all night.  

I believe in the underdog but it’s hard to go against Taft they have been there before and they are looking to stay on their mission to win another State title.  Stay tuned for this game and other local action from CPHR.

Mid-Week Preview

In one of the fullest slates of the season there are four big time Tuesday games, with major post-season implications involved in all of them….

Tuesday

·         Summit @ Taft: The one that everyone wants to see, unfortunately it is going to be played in a small venue as Summit will travel downtown to face the Senators. With the Silver Knights rolling in undefeated, and the Senators undefeated against Cincinnati opponents, something will have to give here. Summit has the guard play to neutralize the Taft pressure and a game plan to beat the Senators, remember a lesser Summit team came within one point of beating Taft to go to the Final Four last year; but do they have the interior depth to bang with Adolphus Washington for 32 minutes? The Silver Knights are capable of pulling the upset but will need their wings, like senior Tommy Kreyenhagen, to get hot.

o   Prediction: Definitely a winnable game for Summit, their discipline should allow them to breakdown the Taft press. Common sense says that Taft is the favorite, and until someone beats them in the city they will remain that. Taft wins in a close game.

·         Fairfield @ Mason: Both teams find themselves two games back from leading Middletown heading into the final few games of GMC play. Mason needs this win more because they still have a shot at the Middies, in Mason arena, next week. Whoever loses this game will be completely out of the GMC title competition.

o   Prediction: Mason is reeling a little bit right now but finds a way to get it done.

·         Aiken @ Dayton Thurgood Marshall: With the season winding down the Falcons are still in search of a signature victory. Like Thurgood they have been up and down over the last few months and have been victims of a brutal schedule. Last year Aiken was able to handle the Cougars in Cincinnati, but traveling to Dayton to play is a whole different scenario. The highlight of this should be the matchup of two of the state’s elite shooting guards. Top ranked Willie Moore of Aiken will go head to head with Wright State signee Joe Thomasson, who might be playing the best ball of any player in Dayton right now. Whoever wins that matchup will give their team a great chance of winning.

o   Prediction: Aiken has had this coming for a long time; they get their signature win against a similar team on the road in an intense game.

·         Princeton @ Middletown: Like Fairfield and Mason the Vikings sit two games behind Middletown in the GMC standings heading down the stretch. The last time these two teams met it took overtime for Middletown to earn the victory; expect another close game here. Seniors Deion Isham and De’arius Young are playing great ball for Princeton; if they turn in another high level performance then the Vikings can win this game. Middletown’s scenario is basic, win two of your last three games and you win the league; plain and simple.

o   Prediction: Middletown comes out on their home floor focused on the goal of an outright GMC title and gets the win, although watch Princeton put up a fight.

·         Lakota East @ Lakota West

·         Milford @ Anderson

·         Colerain @ Sycamore

·         Oak Hills @ Hamilton

·         Indian Hill @ Deer Park

·         Lockland @ West High

·         Roger Bacon @ Kettering Alter

·         LaSalle @ Badin

·         Bishop Fenwick @ Moeller

·         Elder @ McNicholas

·         Clark @ Mt. Healthy

·         Walnut Hills @ Kings

·         Harrison @ Winton Woods

·         Turpin @ Glen Este

Saturday City Scores

Paul Woodson dominated
the paint tonight at Withrow

A thrilling finish at Withrow, on the night their first ever Hall of Fame class was introduced, headlined tonight's games.......Aiken @ Withrow Photos 

• Withrow 60 Aiken 59: After a back and forth game saw Withrow take a seven point lead into the fourth quarter, that's when things got interesting. Aiken refused to go away and finally tied the game with just under two minutes to play on a Paul Woodson layup with a Willie Moore assist. After allowing a bucket Aiken came back down and Willie Moore calmly pulled up and knocked down a three pointer to give Aiken a 58-57 lead with 1:10 to play; their first lead since late in the second quarter. After a few costly Falcons mistakes Withrow ended up winning the game at the foul line as Tim Coleman knocked down two shots with just 13.6 seconds left to give Withrow the final lead, and final points of the game at 60-59. Aiken had a great look around the rim to win the game with under five seconds left but an Austin Grimes shot just couldn't quite get through the cylinder and the Tigers got the win to remain in the CMAC title hunt if they can knock off Taft next Friday. Withrow got balanced scoring from their team tonight as junior guard Tim Coleman led the way with 14, junior forward Devin Williams scored 13, senior guard Damon Gooch scored 9, senior post Rozelle Nix scored 8, and Tyler Jordan (senior forward), Tyonte Robertson (sophomore guard) and Corey Wise (junior guard) each added 6. Aiken got great production from senior forward Paul Woodson who finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds in the loss; it was Woodson's night around the rim as every hook shot or turnaround jumper he threw up found the bottom of the net. Senior guard Willie Moore added 14 points for Aiken while junior guard Austin Grimes chipped in 9. 
• Dayton Dunbar 87 North College Hill 63: After a slow first half the Wolverines put their foot down in the second winning easily at NCH. The senior trio of Gary Akbar, Deontae "Teddy" Hawkins, and Andre Yates provided too much scoring for the Trojans to deal with as they scored 25, 20, and 14 respectively. The game's high scorer was NCH senior guard Jamal Ivery who tallied 32 points in the loss. 
• Taft 77 Woodward 56: The Senators opened a 16-0 lead to start the game and never looked back in a 21 point victory. Senior wing Jalean Lowe led the scoring with 21 points in the win, while Dwayne Stanford and Adolphus Washington each threw down some big time dunks and finished with double figures. 
• West High 48 Hughes 40

Friday Night Results

Teddy Hawkins, Gary Akbar, and Andre Yates

While CPHR took in a heavyweight clash in Dayton, several area teams battled it out in some of the most meaningful conference games of the season....... Dayton Dunbar Photos

• Dayton Dunbar 79 Dayton Thurgood Marshall 53: Fans flocked in to Wright State's Nutter Center Arena for the 9 PM climax of the Dayton city league triple header as Dunbar left no doubt that they are worthy of the #1 ranking in Ohio for Division II. Senior combo forward Deontae "Teddy" Hawkins, a 6'8 senior headed to Wichita State next year, scored 22 points on a variety of 17 foot jumpers and shot putbacks while fellow senior Andre Yates, a strong guard headed to Creighton next year, added in 21 points on both long range jumpers and takes to the rim. Senior wing Gary Akbar, a 6'4 Cleveland State signee, chipped in 9 points for Dunbar; as did freshman sensation AJ Harris, a point guard. Thurgood, playing without second leading scorer Mark Alstork, was led by their usual top scorer in senior guard Joe Thomasson, a Wright State commit, who scored 21 points in the loss. Sophomore PG RaChaun Martin added 11 points for Thurgood Marshall. 
• Lakota West 73 Mason 65: JB's Pick Six game went down to the wire as the Firebirds pulled the road upset behind the 25 points (9/14 shooting) and 8 rebounds of junior guard Monty Boykins. West's other top scorers were junior guard Ali barnes with 17 and senior post Jackson Blue with 16. In the loss Mason was led by the game high 26 points of JD Sprague. 
• Withrow 60 West High 44: Playing without junior forward Devin Williams, senior forward Tyler Jordan stepped up with a game high 16 points, while junior guard Tim Coleman added 12 points, in a Tigers win. Tyonte Robertson added 9 points and 8 assists as a sophomore guard for Withrow while senior post Rozelle Nix chipped in 8 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks. 
• Aiken 50 Hughes 45: Austin Grimes, a junior guard, scored 18 points, Willie Moore, a senior guard, scored 11, and sophomore guard Correy Cavins added 8 in a Falcons win. 
• Woodward 63 Shroder 57: Sophomore forward Devon Johnson scored 17 points in the Bulldogs win. 
• Fairfield 50 Colerain 36: Senior guard James Turner scored a game high 13 points, while senior center Brandon Murphy added 12 points and 14 rebounds, in an Indians win.
• Princeton 69 Oak Hills 42: Senior post De'arius Young led four double figure Viking scorers with 14 points in the win. 
• Middletown 62 Sycamore 45: Vincent Edwards, a sophomore forward, scored 22 points with 15 rebounds in the Middies win, while senior guard Geovonie McKnight added 15 points. 
• Lakota East 61 Hamilton 54: Freshman Dylan Lowry was among four double figure Thunderhawk scorers with 11 points in the win. 
• Moeller 57 St. Xavier 46: Senior guard Jake Cummings led Moeller with 17 points while junior wing Josh Davenport contributed 13 points and 8 rebounds in the win. Junior guard Joe Barrett led the Bombers with 15 points in the loss.
• Winton Woods 60 Talawanda 27: Junior forward Trent Donald led the Warriors with 15 points and 9 rebounds in the blowout win. 
• Walnut Hills 73 Loveland 36: Junior post Isaiah Johnson led the Eagles with 23 points and 13 rebounds. 
• LaSalle 58 Elder 37: A huge second half kept the Lancers undefeated in the GCL. 
• Northwest 57 Ross 55
• Roger Bacon 81 Purcell Marian 43
• Badin 46 McNicholas 33
• Madeira 67 Finneytown 60
• Summit 56 St. Bernard 24
• Lockland 62 CHCA 36
• Indian Hill 45 Mariemont 44
• Clark 69 Cincinnati Christian 52

JB's Pick Six- Volume IV

Tyler Williams

In a match-up with the GMC title on the line Lakota West (10-6) (7-3) visits Mason (14-2) (8-2).  The Comets try to avenge the loss three weeks ago to Princeton, as the #1 team in the city, which made and easy path for Middletown (12-4) (9-1) to slip in and keep the reigns on the GMC Title.  Mason has to hold it's home court and deal with Junior SG Monty Boykins and theThurderbirds.   CPHR had a chance to ask some questions to Lakota West coach Sean Van Winkle and a trio of guards sophomore point guard Tyler Williams, junior point guard Ali Barnes and junior shooting guard Monty Boykins all are highly recruited prospects.

JB-Tyler, Last meeting you had 17 pts. to lead the Firebirds do you look to still stay aggressive or find other ways to get your teammates involved?

Tyler-"I'm gonna stay aggressive and find ways to get my teammates involved whether it's offensively or defensively, it has to be a team effort".

JB-What do you think the tempo of the game will be?

Tyler-"Get out in transition and be able to score, but we have to execute in the half-court".

JB-Monty, How do look into this game from the last meeting after scoring 14 pts. do you do more or less?

Monty-"I have to pick it up in every aspect of my game, do a little of everything to help my team win".

JB-Monty, Coming from Minnesota compare the talent there to Ohio?

Monty-"Cincinnati is all basketball I Love It the competition is very high here".

JB-Ali, Although being short in stature how is that an asset to you on the court?

Ali-"Defensively it's easy for me to steal the ball from the Big Men and defend with my quickness. Offensively it's easy for me to come off screens and I'm able to create my own shot or set-up my teammates". 

JB-How do you look to contribute to the game to give your team a great chance at victory against Mason?

Ali-"By pressuring the ball, looking for open shots and not take any plays off, we need this win".

JB-Coach Van Winkle, Last meeting a 60-70 defeat you took a 7 pt. lead into the half and got outscored 39-23 in the second half.  What do you look to change in this game?

Coach-"Hopefully a little more offense we did not shoot the ball well.  We have to be patient with our shot selection and defensive scheme everyone has to buy in".

JB-How do you slow down the Big 3 of Mason (Harris, Sprague, and Van Kluenen) who accounted for 57 of their 70 pts.?

Coach-"Team Effort; We have to understand our responsibilities on the court and stop their system".

JB-With only 3 seniors on the team how have you prepared your kids for such a high level of Varsity play?

Coach-"Competition our schedule speaks for itself our 6 non-league games are against some tough competition and some tough venues to play in. Mentally Tough!"

  

Looking at this match-up this is a must see game with some GMC hardware on the line.  CPHR believes it will go down to the last possession.  The Thunderbirds fight all night and take the lead but the leadership of Mason is too much 62-58 in a GMCClassic.

Weekend Schedule

With the home stretch of the regular season beginning we have a full docket of league games all weekend in the CMAC, GMC, GCL, FAVC, MVC, and CHL; plus the #1 ranked team in Ohio in Division II comes down on Saturday to take on one of the few programs that can match their pedigree……….

Friday

·         Colerain @ Fairfield

·         Lakota East @ Hamilton

·         Lakota West @ Mason

·         Sycamore @ Middletown

·         Oak Hills @ Princeton

·         Finneytown @ Madeira

·         Mariemont @ Indian Hill

·         Hughes @ Aiken

·         Woodward @ Shroder

·         Withrow @ West High

·         Badin @ McNicholas

·         Elder @ LaSalle

·         Moeller @ St. Xavier

·         Northwest @ Ross

·         Kings @ Turpin

·         Loveland @ Walnut Hills

·         Winton Woods @ Talawanda

·         St. Bernard @ Summit

Saturday

·         Aiken @ Withrow: Two talented teams that have had seasons marked by peaks and valleys will clash for the second time on Saturday. The last game was all Aiken until the last two minutes when several Falcon turnovers saw the game end with a Withrow comeback victory. Falcons guard Willie Moore has been playing on a different level then the rest of his city league competition of late. If he can string together another big game then this one should come to the final buzzer as well.

o   Prediction: Aiken hangs tight and pulls off the upset in another close game.

·         West High @ Hughes

·         Taft @ Woodward

·         Dayton Dunbar @ North College Hill

Taft's Multi-Sport Stars Sign with Colleges

Dwayne Stanford with Adolphus Washington

On Wednesday morning CPHR shifted gears to grid iron coverage to attend the signing day of four Taft football players who were signing their letters of intent to play college ball. The highly anticipated event was headlined by two household names from Cincinnati.

Adolphus Washington, ranked as a five-star prospect (the highest possible ranking), and four-star prospect Dwayne Stanford both stayed true to their commitments as Washington gave his signature to the Ohio State University while Stanford signed with the University of Oregon.

Stanford, a super athletic wide receiver, had been speculated to make the move over to Ohio State to go with his close friend Washington but in the end went with the original commitment that the two made to their respective schools in November.

Washington, a powerful defensive end, was recently named Ohio's defensive player of the year for the second time in a row; and like Stanford he was named an All-American.

Both players are also standouts on the basketball court as Washington will  go down as one of the all-time great players in Cincinnati history as he in his third straight year of averaging around 20 points and 15 rebounds; while Stanford has been an all-league selection each of the last two season as well. Both were crucial to Taft capturing last year's Ohio Division III State Championship and star on this year's team which is currently favored to reach the State Championship game in Division II.

Also signing today for Taft were cornerback Ra'saan Jackson and safety Jabari Watkins, both of whom gave their pledges to Kentucky Christian University. Both Jackson and Watkins are also members of the Taft basketball team.

CPHR would like to send our deepest congratulations to all four young men and their families for making their dreams of playing collegiate football come true.