Boys basketball tournament capsules

(8) SOUTH VS. (9) JOHN HAY

What: Division I Euclid District sectional semifinal When: Feb. 28, 7 p.m. Where: South High School, 5000 Shankland Road Records: South 13-9, John Hay 10-12 On deck: The winner advances to a sectional final at Solon on March 3.

For the record: South appears to be playing some of its best basketball of late. The Rebels notched a signature win against Brush on Feb. 16. The team’s core of senior Norman Hughes (team-high 17.6 points per game) and juniors Damion Williams and Xavier Hopps make South as dangerous a No. 8 seed as there can be in the state. Barnes’ pick: South

(4) BENEDICTINE VS. (13) LAKESIDE

What: Division I Euclid District sectional semifinal When: Feb. 28, 7 p.m. Where: Benedictine High School, 2900 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

Records: Benedictine 17-5, Lakeside 2-18

On deck: The winner advances to a sectional final March 3 against the winner of Cleveland Heights and Madison.

For the record: Benedictine has a case for a higher seed in this bracket. But, seeding the Bengals fourth added extra motivation to an already-dangerous Benedictine team. The Bengals were the wire-to-wire No. 1 team in the area Top of the Crop. Led by NCL player of the year Chris Jefferson and firstteamer Davin Zeigler, Benedictine may be the area’s deepest and most talented overall team.

Barnes’ pick: Benedictine

(5) CLEVELAND HEIGHTS VS. (12) MADISON

What: Division I Euclid District sectional semifinal When: Feb. 28, 7 p.m. Where: Cleveland Heights High School, 13263 Cedar Road

Records: Cleveland Heights 148, Madison 8-14

On deck: The winner advances to a sectional final to face the winner of Benedictine and Lakeside on March 3.

For the record: Madison capped its regular season with a win over rival Perry. The Blue Streaks took some steps forward in Nick Gustin’s first year as head coach, namely sophomores Chris Blauman (teamhigh 17 points, 6.7 rebounds per game) and J.D. Galovic. Cleveland Heights ended Lorain’s run atop the Lake Erie League and is as much a threat as any team to win the district behind Yahel Hill and Ohio State football commit Tyreke Smith. Barnes’ pick: Cleveland Heights

(7) EAST TECH VS. (10) RIVERSIDE

What: Division I Euclid District sectional semifinal When: Feb. 28, 7 p.m. Where: East Technical High School, 2439 E. 55th St.

Records: East Tech 16-6, Riverside 8-14

On deck: The winner advances to a sectional final against Brush on March 3.

For the record: Andrew Keller built off his breakout sophomore season and led the Beavers with 18.2 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. If Riverside is to pull an upset against the Scarabs, the Beavers can look to wins against Chardon and Brush for guidance. In those games, Jarrod Spiesman posted his highest scoring totals of the season to support Keller. A big game from Spiesman, alongside Keller’s usual production, could make Riverside a tough out.

Barnes’ pick: East Tech

(8) EUCLID VS. (9) NORDONIA

What: Division I Solon District sectional semifinal When: Feb. 28, 7 p.m.

Where: Euclid High School, 711 E. 222nd St. Records: Euclid 12-10, Nordonia 10-12

On deck: The winner advances to a sectional final at Garfield Heights on March 4.

For the record: Euclid’s No. 8 seed indicates votes cast for the Panthers were based solely on record. Under head coach T.J. Kwasniak, Euclid experienced the area’s most drastic turnaround to win 12 games and finish at .500 in the rigorous Greater Cleveland Conference. Garvin Clarke, William Saunders and Emari Baddour make up a formidable trio in the Panthers’ backcourt while Reggie Priah and Octavious Hardy anchor the interior. Euclid is one of the Solon District’s most dangerous teams. Barnes’ pick: Euclid

(7) KENSTON VS. (10) UNIVERSITY

What: Division I Solon District sectional semifinal When: Feb. 28, 7 p.m.

Where: Kenston High School, 9500 Bainbridge Roadd Records: Kenston 15-7, University 7-15

On deck: The winner advances to a sectional final at Cleveland Central Catholic on March 3.

For the record: Kenston’s season probably deserved better than a No. 7 seed. The Bombers head into the postseason with momentum, having won eight of their last 10 games. Kenston’s recent losses came on the road to Euclid District No. 2-seed Brush and St. Ignatius. Senior forward Ryan Kooser (teambest 14.9 points, 7.1 rebounds per game) and guard Michael Swartz (14.7 ppg, 50 3-pointers) form a dangerous tandem. Kenston defeated University, 66-51, in the team’s regular-season meeting on Dec. 22. Forward Seven Richmond (team-high 11.9 ppg) and guard O’Mahn Dobbins (10.4 ppg) lead a Preppers team that beat a 17-win Mayfield team this season. Barnes’ pick: Kenston