Boys basketball tournament capsule

LORAIN VS. ST. EDWARD

What: Division I Toledo/Akron regional semifinal

When: 7 p.m., March 11

Where: Rhodes Arena at the University of Akron, 373Carroll St., Akron

Records: Lorain 17-8, St. Edward 24-1

On deck: The winner advances to the Toledo/Akron Regional final against Lima Senior or Toledo Start on March 14.

For the record: Lorain has found its groove. The Titans have posted five straight wins and took down Avon, Avon Lake and Lakewood en route to winning a district title. They weren’t challenged much, as Lorain won all of those games by double digits. The Titans have been shooting well lately and drilled 103-pointers in their district final win over Lakewood. Key players for Lorain include Seth Wilson (13points per game, 6.8 rebounds), who plays well on both sides of the ball, Jordan Jackson (11.9PPG, 5.6RPG), who plays a key role on the glass, Aaron Whitehead (12.9PPG, 3.1assists per game, 35 3-pointers), who runs point and can shoot well from the outside, Deonte Benejan (12 PPG), who can penetrate at a high level, and Jamir Billings (23 3PM, 2.7 steals per game), who provides a spark off the bench on offense and defense for the Titans. St. Edward poses a huge challenge for Lorain, and the Eagles got the best of the Titans in their lone meeting this season, winning, 64-51, Jan. 17. The final score doesn’t show it. However, the game was close until late in the fourth quarter. Eagles point guard Montorie Foster leads a deep and experienced team that went to the state final four a year ago. St. Edward cruised through their district this season, winning each tournament game by 20 or more points. They downed Normandy, North Royalton and Rhodes in the Lakewood District. Lorain knows it can’t afford to make mistakes against a disciplined St. Edward team.

Schabel’s pick: St. Edward