High school boys basketball tournament capsules

NO. 2 OLMSTED FALLS VS. NO. 1 LORAIN

What: Division I Elyria District final When: March 9, 7 p.m. Where: Elyria Catholic High School, 725 Gulf Road, Elyria Records: Olmsted Falls 22-2, Lorain 23-1 On deck: The winner advances to the Akron/Toledo Regional semifinal where it will face the winner of the Barberton District. For the record: Olmsted Falls is in the district championship after pulling off a 55-54 overtime win over No. 3 Lakewood. The path gets more difficult with top-seeded Lorain standing in the way. The Titans routed No. 4 Avon, 96-50, in the semifinal and have the potential to do the same to Olmsted Falls if it doesn’t come out as strong as it’s proved it’s able. The Bulldogs are a tough team with plenty of shooters and a defense that, maybe isn’t quite as solid as Lorain’s, but one that will no doubt cause problems for the Titans. Lorain can’t let Olmsted Falls hang around in this one or the Bulldogs could give it a scare. McNees’ pick: Lorain

NO. 3 BAY VS. NO. 1 CLEVELAND CENTRAL CATHOLIC

What: Division II North Ridgeville District final When: March 9, 4 p.m. Where: North Ridgeville High School, 34600 Bainbridge Road, North Ridgeville Records: Bay 18-5, Cleveland Central Catholic 15-9 On deck: The winner advances to the Bowling Green Regional semifinal where it will face the winner of the Ada District. For the record: Bay finally topped rival Holy Name in its third try this season when the Rockets won in overtime, 69-63, in the semifinals. The Rockets had breakout games from several players and senior leadership prevailed in the team’s most important game of the season. Bay will need an even better effort to stop the force that is Taryl Davis and Central Catholic if it wants to repeat as North Ridgeville District champion. McNees’ pick: Cleveland Central Catholic

NO. 3 VERMILION VS. NO. 1 NORWALK

What: Division II Mansfield District final When: March 9, 2 p.m. Where: Madison Comprehensive High School, 1419 Grace Street, Mansfield Records: Vermilion 19-5, Norwalk 22-3 On deck: The winner advances to the Bowling Green Regional semifinal where it will face the winner of the Columbus 1 District. For the record: Vermilion escaped the district semifinal with a 59-51 overtime win over No. 4 Mansfield Senior behind a quality shooting performance and solid rebounding. The Sailors will need all that and more against topseeded Norwalk. But a win is not out of the question. The team boasts plenty of senior leadership and standout players who will need to step up if Vermilion wants to keep its season alive. McNees’ pick: Vermilion