The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
VASJ has everything in place
Vikings aiming for fifth straight trip to Columbus
Part III of a four-part series analyzing the top contenders to make a run to Columbus in each division. From D-III, VASJ, which opens its postseason against Trinity at 7 p.m. on March 3. Part I: Benedictine. Part II: Mentor.
March is all that matters at Villa Angela-St. Joseph.
Babe Kwasniak and his Vikings often repeat the phrase, and their performance proves the philosophy. The Vikings have played in the season’s final game four years running, and won the state title twice.
Few constants exist at this time of the season, but Kwasniak’s squad has the makings for another run to Columbus.
Why VASJ can make state
The Vikings have just about everything a team needs to contend for a state title. VASJ possesses superb leadership behind seniors Will Butler and Danny McGarry as well as junior North Coast League Player of the year Jerry Higgins. It has excellent guard play
by Butler and Higgins, outside shooting from Butler and Noah Newlon, strong perimeter defenders in Andre George and Terrance Lawler, McGarry’s rebounding and Alonzo Gaffney’s game-changing skillset.
Many teams tout the adversity faced in the months leading up to March, but that’s a reality for the Vikings. Higgins missed time in December with an ankle injury, while George and Butler were also slowed by nagging injuries in the middle of the year. To boot, VASJ played maybe the most difficult schedule in Ohio with matchups against the nation’s topranked team La Lumiere, MaxPreps Top 25-ranked Paul IV, Benedictine, St. Vincent-St. Mary, St. Edward, Mentor and more.
Iron sharpens iron, and VASJ is certifiably razorsharp after a rigorous regular season.
What could hold VASJ back
Searching for a weakness in the Vikings is a hairsplitting exercise. VASJ is well-coached, experienced, skilled and makes the necessary plays at the times they’re required. Even if a player like Higgins has a rare off-game, there’s more than enough on the roster to compensate.
X-factor
Heavy external expectations were placed upon Alonzo Gaffney’s 6-foot-8 frame at the beginning of the season. Such hopes weren’t unreasonable, from Gaffney’s skillset near and away from the basket to physical tools which already have eyes from the next level watching with rapt attention.
But it’s easy to forget Gaffney is a sophomore, and there’s still development to come as with any teenage basketball player. Such growth was on display this at various points this season — notably when Gaffney scored 19 points to lead the Vikings to a win at LeBron James Arena over St. Vincent-St. Mary.
Higgins, Butler and McGarry make up as good of a trio as any team may have in the D-III field. But if an aggressive Alonzo Gaffney is in the mix from start to finish this month, none of VASJ’s opponent will have an answer.
Biggest roadblock
A rematch of last year’s district final with Beachwood, whose state title hopes Jerry Higgins dashed with a buzzer-beater, could materialize in a district semifinal. The Vikings could meet Gilmour, who played VASJ tight a few weeks ago, or Elyria Catholic in the district final.
At the regional level, VASJ may need to be the first to beat a pair of teams: No. 6 North Lima South Range in a potential regional semifinal, and state No. 1 LaBrae in match to determine who represents the northeast in Columbus.
Opposing coach’s take
“VASJ has great guard play. In high school basketball, I believe that is prerequisite for winning championships. Their zone causes major problems. Wellcoached and disciplined. They are a very scary team.”