Date: Friday, December 27
Time: 5:15 PM
Location: Cintas Center
Conference: Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference (CMAC)
Taft Senators: The Taft Senators, under the direction of head coach Demarco Bradley, enter the 2024-25 season with a renewed sense of opportunity, despite the challenge of rebuilding their roster. Last year, Taft finished with a strong 16-9 record and made it to the third round of the playoffs before falling to McNicholas. However, the Senators face a new set of challenges this season as they will lean on a younger lineup, having lost several key players to graduation.
While the team may not have the same experience as last year’s squad, Coach Bradley has a reputation for developing talent, and his players will be hungry to step up. With an infusion of youth and athleticism, Taft will look to build chemistry quickly and stay competitive in the Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference (CMAC). Expect the Senators to rely on their depth and speed, with a focus on developing consistency throughout the season.
Withrow Tigers: The Withrow Tigers, coached by Roberto Allen, will also look to rebound after a tough 2023-24 season that saw them finish 4-15 and lose in the first round of the playoffs to Elder. Withrow enters this year with its own set of challenges, having lost several key players, including Chris Henry Jr. and Demarcus Henry, who both transferred to Mater Dei HS in California. While the Tigers have undergone a bit of a roster overhaul, they do return a significant talent in Fabian Coker, who will be the centerpiece of their efforts this year.
Coker, one of the most experienced players in the CMAC, will be tasked with leading a relatively young squad. His leadership and ability to score will be crucial as Withrow looks to develop its supporting cast and improve on last season’s struggles. Coach Allen will be looking to Coker not just for points, but also to set the tone on defense and guide the team through another CMAC league season.
Key Matchup: This game at the Cintas Center will be an exciting opportunity to see how these two teams are adjusting to life without several key players from last season. Taft will be looking to find its new identity with a young lineup, while Withrow will be leaning heavily on experience and leadership. The matchup between these teams will likely be determined by which squad can best handle the pressure of transition and find consistency early in the season.
Conclusion: Taft and Withrow are both looking to find their footing after losing key pieces from last year’s teams. With both teams eager to improve upon their past seasons, this game promises to be an exciting clash. Who will come out on top in this CMAC showdown? Be sure to tune in on Friday, December 27, at the Cintas Center to find out!
Featured image via: Cincinnati Enquirer
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