It’s not very often that you get to see a match-up between a school with an enrollment of 1,642 against one with only 179.  But that’s what you will get at the Breakdown Sports Tip-Off Classic when Maranatha plays the role of David against Goliath St. Paul Central.

Central is definitely used to winning and being in the spotlight. Willie Taylor’s teams have typically been the game that opponents would circle on the schedule to make sure the “get up” for. Many of the players from those teams are now playing in college, but Taylor has a young team this year that many feel has plenty of potential. They are led by Jen 'Von' Ta Hill, who was their leading scorer a year ago averaging over 16 points per game.

Maranatha has a young team that brings back 89% of its scoring production from last year’s 22-8 team. Last season ended with a loss to Northern Freeze in the state quarterfinals and Maranatha is hungry
for another chance to go deeper this winter. Alexis Long and Onye Osemenam both averaged just over 13 points per game last season, and are quite the dangerous combo at the class A level.

Onye Osemenam vs Sade Chapman:
This will be the match-up of two of the most athletic young forwards that you can find. Both players are about 6-foot-1 and can really get up and down the floor. At this point they are both raw in their offensive skills, but are progressing. They are both major factors on the defensive end of the floor.

Why St Paul Central will win:
Jen Hill will take over the game and will use her size and strength to penetrate and finish around the rim.  Their scrappy guard play will bother Maranatha’s guards and pressure them into turnovers.

Why Maranatha will win:
They are able to wear Central down and get their aggressive star players in foul trouble.  Because what fun is a David vs Goliath story if Goliath wins?

Our prediction: St. Paul Central