Tipp City, Ohio– Northridge traveled up to Bethel High School on Tuesday night for a non-conference matchup against the Bees. Northridge came into the game with a win against Milton-Union last Friday night while Bethel had lost five straight. The game started out extremely slow with both teams struggling to find a flow on the offensive end. Ethan Rimkus and Will Reittinger got things going on the offensive end for Bethel. For Northridge, Jamel Crusoe was playing really well. Crusoe had a nice transition dunk in the second quarter. Both teams were settled into a 2-3 zone and couldn’t get much going. The score was knotted at 17 all at halftime. The second half both teams found a rhythm and started to knock down shots. Northridge’s Antoine Jacobs came out in the second-half and really attacked the basket hard. Isaiah McCallop was knocking down perimeter shots for the Polar Bears. Casey Keese for Bethel started to get going as Northridge went into the 4th quarter with a 35-33 lead. The 4th quarter was all Bethel. Casey Keese did a terrific job handling Northridge’s pressure all night. Will Reittinger knocked down some big shots. Bethel showed a tremendous amount of toughness and didn’t give Northridge anything easy. They contested every shot at the rim, were quicker to every loose ball, and rebounded the ball well. I thought Bethel’s toughness in the 4th quarter was the X-factor. Northrige’s Antoine Jacobs who came into the game averaging 20 points did everything he could to keep the Polar Bears in the game, but it wasn’t enough. Jacobs finished the game with 13. Jamel Crusoe finished the game with 11 for the Polar Bears. Casey Keese finished with 19 for Bethel. Bethel will travel to Twin Valley South Friday night. Northridge will play host to SWBL foe Bellbrook.
Top Prospects (In no particular order)
Jamel Crusoe/2021/ 6’2″ F/ Northridge- Crusoe at 6’2″ is very athletic and can get to the rim very well. Has a soft touch around the rim and a nice mid-range game. Crusoe will have to continue to be aggressive on the offensive end for the Polar Bears.
Antoine Jacobs/2022/ 6’2″ G/ Northridge- Jacobs is an under-the-radar prospect in the 2022 class in the Dayton area. Jacob’s has a strong frame and really attacks the rim hard. At 6’2″ and 180, Jacob’s is a tough matchup for opposing foes with his ability to put the ball on the floor and attack. Jacob’s has had an extremely impressive season so far including a 23 point output against Wayne. Jacob’s is definitely a 2022 prospect to keep your eye out for.
Will Reittinger/2022/ 6’2″ F/ Bethel- Reittinger has the ability to stretch the floor and finish around the rim. Really liked his ability to contest shot’s around the rim. Will be a key piece for the Bees the remainder of the season.
Casey Keese/2022/ 5’8″ G/ Bethel- Keese wasn’t the tallest or most athletic player on the floor Tuesday night, but it’s safe to say he was the most skilled. Keese has the ball on a string and great court vision. Keese blew by the Northridge pressure multiple times and found teammates open for easy buckets. Keese can knock down shots and has a high basketball IQ. Keese is another 2022 prospect to keep your eye on.