The high school basketball season is winding down with the postseason upon us.
Typically, The Enquirer gathers insight from the players on the court. This week, we've changed up the format of this weekly feature to include observations from the coaches who game plan for the area's top players.
Want to give an opponent a shoutout for his or her stellar play? Contact Shelby Dermer at sdermer@enquirer.com or on Twitter @EnquirerShelby.
More:Nothing but respect: Cincinnati athletes offer shoutouts to opponents who impress, Feb. 15
Deven Marathe, Turpin
"Deven Marathe, guard from Turpin. Not only do you have to go up against a stud coach, Josh Slonim, but what feels like a head coach on the floor in Deven Marathe. His decision-making skills and leadership make everyone around him better. He leads in every facet of the game, whether that be defense, distributing the ball or making the big shot, he's always there to make the play. He's the ultimate gamer."
—Brian Lawhon, Little Miami head coach
The floor general has helped lead Turpin to its fourth-consecutive season with at least 14 wins. They had just 18 wins combined from 2016-2018.
Marathe leads the Spartans with a 2.4 assist-to-turnover ratio and has shown the ability to score, too, with double-digit outings in six of the last seven games. That includes a career-high 19 in a 58-51 win over Gamble Montessori Jan. 29 and 17 in a 70-59 win over Ross Feb. 7. Earlier in the year, he led all scorers with 16 as Turpin handed Elder its lone in-state loss of the season.
Marathe is fifth in the ECC in field-goal percentage (48.7) for players with at least 150 shot attempts. From downtown, Marathe ranks fourth in three-point percentage (40.8) for players with at least 70 attempted triples.
Turpin (18-4) snapped Walnut Hills' 20-game win streak in the regular-season finale. The Spartans have a first-round bye in the tournament and get either West Clermont or Mason in the district quarterfinals.
Tim Stewart, Mariemont
"There are so many great players in our league. Tim Stewart of Mariemont is a tough one to guard because he’s so dynamic and finds many different ways to score. He’s also a great rebounder so you have to know where he is at all times."
—James Holland, Taylor head coach
Stewart, in his third year of varsity hoops, has turned into one of the city's most prolific. The junior leads the CHL in scoring this season (21.0) and is second in three-pointers made (52). Stewart also averages 7.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.
Stewart has four double-doubles this season and has scored 30-plus points four times, including a career-high 39 in a 98-69 win over Finneytown. He grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds and hit the game-winning triple Jan. 21 to beat Finneytown, 58-56. Stewart is shooting 35.6% from beyond the arc and 77% from the free-throw line.
Mariemont (14-8) has won five of seven and finished the regular season by handing Taylor just its second league loss of the year.
No. 6 Mariemont opens the tournament against Seven Hills, which is the only team to hold Stewart to single-digit points this season.
Tyreq Palmer, Norwood
"Tyreq can score in a variety of ways. If you pressure him, he will attack the paint and get to the rim. If you play off him, he will knock down the three-ball. If you don't get a body on him, he will get offensive rebounds and score. And if you don't take care of the ball, he will pick your pocket or jump the passing lane for an easy two. He's a very good all-around player!"
—Greg Ross, Cincinnati Country Day head coach
Palmer made his Norwood debut last season and immediately made an impact, scoring 70 points in his first six games.
Over the last two seasons, Palmer has averaged 13.7 points per game and is leading the MVC at 18.5 per game this season to go with 6.6 rebounds. The senior is second in the league in field goal percentage (48.1) for any player with at least 200 shot attempts.
Palmer had a career-high 31 vs. St. Bernard Dec. 22, then recorded his first career double-double in Norwood's next game.
Norwood has won eight of its last 11 after a 1-10 start. The Indians get No. 8 McNicholas to start the playoffs.
Justin Ackerman, New Richmond
"Justin Ackerman of New Richmond has had a great senior year to finish his high school career. He’s averaging about 20 points a game for New Richmond. He’s such a tough matchup. He’s long, athletic and has a great motor. He’s as good as anyone we’ve played in a few years around the rim. He’s exceptionally difficult to slow down without a very special game plan. He’s got some great teammates that make them a tough out in the tournament."
—Dave Caldwell, Mariemont head coach
Ackerman finished fourth in the state in the Division I high jump last season and used his leaping prowess to dominate the SBAAC this season. The senior is second in the SBAAC in scoring (19.4 points per game) and fourth in rebounds (9.2) and field goal percentage (60.5).
This month, Ackerman eclipsed 1,000 career points in an 82-62 win over Goshen Feb. 7 and 500 career rebounds the week prior against Western Brown. On the year, he has a dozen double-doubles.
No. 7 New Richmond (16-6) gets No. 15 Aiken to start the tournament.
Garrett Taulbee, Felicity-Franklin
"Garrett Taulbee from Felicity-Franklin. He plays so hard and so smart. He's their emotional leader and he creates points with his effort. He makes great decisions with the ball and is just a solid player."
—Chris DeLotell, Bethel-Tate head coach
Taulbee made a quick varsity impact, grabbing at least seven rebounds in 22 of 23 games as a freshman in 2019. This season, Taulbee is the only SBAAC player to average a double-double (10.6 points, 10.7 rebounds).
The senior has 28 career double-doubles and has averaged 11.2 points and 10.6 rebounds per game over the last two seasons combined. He is also third in the SBAAC in blocks (1.8) this season.
Taulbee broke the school's career rebounding record last Friday against Goshen. Entering the tournament, he has 852 career boards and 720 career points.
Felicity-Franklin (15-7) is enjoying its first winning season since 2007. The No. 3 Cardinals face No. 6 Middletown Christian in the Division IV district quarterfinals.
