1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Final
Olympic 18 15 15 9 57
Rocky River 11 14 14 12 51

It was a hostile crowd and fans from both teams showed out for this matchup on Thursday night at Olympic high school.  Olympic brought the energy early on but Rocky River was able to fight back, which was much of the story throughout this one.

Olympic's Josh Banks and Trevon Williams led the way but several others stepped up at home scoring-wise.' The Trojans would be able to increase their lead to double-digits but Rocky River, as we mentioned, would fight back every time and keep this game in striking distance.' The guard play knocked down some key perimeter shots but, in the end, Olympic was simply too much in the end in front of a rowdy crowd, defeating Rocky River 57-51.

Takeaways from the game:

Olympic's duo of Banks/ Williams is fun to watch

VCU commit Josh Banks is everything that you want in a player.  A prospect with great length and wingspan, Banks uses every inch to make an impact on the game on both ends.  He knows what he has and how to use it, using that wingspan to attack and finish over defenders, rise up with his perimeter shot, and defend every position.  2020 G Trevon Williams brings explosion and a scoring mentality, allowing him to attack all three levels.  He has that quick bounce off the floor, which allows him to finish in transition and around the rim, as well as create second-chance opportunities on the offensive boards.  They were outstanding and tremendous, scoring 17 points each in the win.

Keep an eye on 2021 G Calik 'Duke' Thomas for Rocky River

It was the first time getting to really watch the junior guard and we have to admit, we liked what we saw.  Thomas has a nice blend of skill at 6'3 and really impacts the game in an array of ways.  He is able to create for himself offensively, breaking down defenders and finishing through contact (it seems like he likes to attack more than spot up).  He also makes an impact on the boards as well as dishing out to his teammates.  He plays tough and physical.  He started off the season with 20 points and finished with 13 vs. Olympic.  Keep an eye on this young man this year though in the Charlotte area.

Both teams have players that will play big roles this year

For Olympic, Nishawn Hodge, a senior guard, does the dirty work for this team.  He can score, plays physical, and rebounds well.  Just is that blue-collar worker on this team and comes up big.  2021 Jaamon Greene knocked down some jumpers, while Jemez Herd and others step up and play their roles for this team.

For Rocky River, Nick Burns is another leader for his team, as the lead point guard doesn't back down from the competition and can really hurt opponents with his outside shooting.  Junior's Christian Rudisell and Stephon Richards play as alternative scorers when called upon, while 2022 6'8 Aaron Hall helps man the paint and is disruptive on the defensive end.