It was another busy week in the Queen City. We had game-winning goals, trade deadline buzz, scrimmages, overseas deals, and much more. We apologize if the college section is lacking this week; Charlie is covering for Hunter. Looking ahead, there is a ton of action that will go on this week. Find it all below!
Pro Sports
Bengals
Training camp began this week, below are a few quick notes:
-Defense took a notable step-up this week, forcing multiple turnovers.
-Main playmakers on defense were Barrett Carter, Demetrius Knight Jr, Dexter Lawrence, and DJ Turner.
-Shemar Stewart had an injury scare, as he was carted off with a hyperextended-knee. After testing, no major ligaments were torn. This means he will miss a few weeks rather than the whole season.
It was a productive start to the year for Cincy, showing major improvements on defense.
This week, training camp continues and Cincy plays their first preseason game against the Texans on Friday. The game is at 6 PM at Paycor Stadium.
Reds
The Reds went 4-3 this week, going 1-2 against the Guardians and 3-1 against the Pirates.
Highlights of the week were Chase Burns’ nine-strikeout performance on Sunday and Sal Stewart hitting his 24th home run of the year.
The Reds currently sit at 53-58 in the basement of the NL Central. This means they will likely be selling at the deadline. There are plenty of names that could be on the move, this includes:
Hunter Greene
Tyler Stephenson, who was visibly emotional after Sunday’s game.
Nathaniel Lowe, the Reds want to move him now, as Sal Stewart is set to be the long-term starter at 1B.
Eugenio Suarez
The Reds are reportedly willing to give up one of the following two players:
JJ Bleday
Dane Myers
As you can see, the Reds are willing to give up many key pieces at the deadline. Keep your eyes peeled on Monday for any moves.
FCC
Cincinnati played one match this week, it was at home against the San Jose Earthquakes.
Just 26 minutes in, Daniel Munie punched in a goal to put San Jose up 1-0. Shortly after, Bryan Ramirez delivered for Cincy, making it 1-1. It remained 1-1 at HT. Just over ten minutes after the break, Timo Werner put SJ up 2-1. FCC’s chances were dwindling fast, until the 79th minute. Tom Barlow came to the rescue. It was looking like a draw was the final result, until Evander hit a potential Goal of the Year. He ripped the ball from 40 yards out and slotted it in the top left corner, taking a 3-2 lead for Cincy. In stoppage time, Ayoub Jabbari scored a goal of his own, making it 4-2.
This was a great week for FCC, picking up three points against a solid San Jose squad. Evander was the Man of the Match, putting up a beautiful goal and two assists.
This week, the Leagues Cup kicks off. Cincinnati matches up against Mexican squad Pachuca on Tuesday at home. On Friday, they continue the group stage against another Mexican team, UNAM. This is a pivotal week for FCC if they want to have another shot at lifting a trophy.
College Sports
Cincinnati
The Bearcats play two exhibition games in the Bahamas this week. On Tuesday, they match up with Victoria. On Wednesday, they play Calgary. Both games will be streaming on FloCollege Basketball.
Xavier
Xavier had a lot of action this week, including a scheduled visit and multiple overseas signings.
To start, three former Musketeers landed overseas deals this week. The trio consists of Colby Jones, Zach Freemantle, and Dante Maddox Jr. Read more about it below:
Jerome Hunter also landed a deal overseas, read more below:
Lastly, 4* guard Brandon Mason Jr. planned a visit to Xavier this week. Find out more about Brandon below:
Miami (OH)
The Redhawks landed a commitment from 3* Class of 2027 PG Jaylen Gunther this week. He is a top-25 PG in his class according to 24/7. As far as 24/7 has kept records, this is Miami’s highest rated recruit ever.
Hunter also wrapped up his coverage of Miami’s offensive skill room, finishing up with Tight Ends and the Offensive Line.
Northern Kentucky
Former NKU standout Dan Gherezgher landed an overseas deal, find more about it here:
Kentucky
Drew recently dropped a wrap-up of Kentucky’s TBT squad’s tournament run, find out how it went here:
Louisville
The Cardinals played an exhibition against the Bahamas this past week, read Mason’s summary of the game here:
Indiana
Eli continued his “Two Game Tuesday” series this past week, previewing matchups with Ohio State and Michigan.
Ohio State
The Buckeyes played their first exhibition game in Puerto Rico on Sunday. They picked up a 117-75 win over Los Boris. Notable stats were:
Jimmie Williams: 20 PTS, 4 REB, 6/7 from 3
John Mobley Jr: 13 PTS, 5/7 from the field
Curtis Givens: 11 PTS, 3 AST
Justin Pippen: 12 PTS, 4 AST
Amare Bynum: 6 PTS, 5 REB, 7 AST
Anthony Thompson: 14 PTS, 7 REB
LJ Smith: 15 PTS
Andrija Jelavic: 9 PTS, 5 REB
We will have more about Dayton and Wright State soon!
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