Legacy guard dazzles at District Finals

The OHSAA Central District championships on Saturday saw some big-time talent all the way down to the 2020 class. Dublin (Ohio) Coffman freshman point guard Dominiq Penn was among the top performers of the day, pouring in 24 points in a 65-57 loss at the hands of heavily favored Pickerington Central.

Penn and his Coffman team gave it a good run, however, upsetting two higher seeded opponents along the way and playing a competitive game against Central.

"I feel like I gave it my best and that we gave it our best (as a team)," said Penn after the game. "If we could have hit a few more shots, we could have possibly pulled it off."

Penn's matchup with outstanding class of 2019 point guard Jeremiah Francis of Pickerington Central was arguably the highlight of the day. The two went at each other throughout the game but maintain a close relationship off the court.

"We're friends and everything," Penn said. "You just go out and play. In-between the lines you do what you gotta do and then we're cool after the game. It definitely adds excitement (playing against Francis)."

Despite the hype of the matchup, Penn performed like a grizzled veteran, knocking down 3's, setting up his teammates, and competing hard for loose balls. Keeping his emotions in check has been a constant point of emphasis for him.

"My best thing is keeping my poise, really," he said. "Keeping calm. That's what I've been working on."

Perhaps that level of calm and poise is hereditary. Penn is the son of former Ohio State star Scoonie Penn. While the expectations that can come with having a famous father can be crippling, the younger Penn doesn't run away from it.

"I've been with him my whole life obviously and I'm trying to follow in his footsteps," Penn said. "I want to be better than him. That's my goal."

Following in his father's footsteps on the basketball floor could potentially lead him to Ohio State. The Buckeyes are already heavily recruiting him.

"They have been to a few games already," he said. "I don't know if they were here (Saturday) but I know they were talking to my coach (Friday). I'm really close with Ohio State right now."

Penn will be playing for the All-Ohio Red 15u team this summer on the AAU circuit.