High school boys basketball tournament capsules

(2) BRUSH VS. (3) MENTOR

What: Division I Euclid District semifinal When: March 8, 7 p.m. Where: Euclid High School, 711 E. 222nd St. Records: Brush 16-7, Mentor 16-7

On deck: The winner advances to a Euclid District final March 10 against the winner of Solon and Cleveland Heights.

For the record: Brush and Mentor meet in a showdown of the area’s final two Division I teams alive in the state tournament. Mentor returns to the district level with a win over Mayfield. The Cardinals are the defending Euclid District champion. Brush advanced with a win against East Tech. The Arcs were knocked out in the sectional round last season. The game’s tempo will be intriguing. Mentor wants to play as fast as possible, but Brush point guard D.J. Dial has shown elite instincts on how to control a game’s proceedings. Across from Dial, the Cardinals’ Shane Zalba is capable of taking over a game. Near the basket, Tadas Tatarunas will be tasked with slowing down Brush’s John Hugley. When the Arcs need baskets, they isolated Hugley on the low block where he’s often able to score or draw free throws. Andre Harris could be a deciding force for Brush. When he’s locked in, Harris can be the best player on any court. Zalba, Tatarunas, Matt Koski, Luke Floriea and Caden Kryz played key roles on Mentor’s district title team last season. The Cardinals’ postseason experience gives them an edge over the Arcs, who have reached the district level for the first time in coach Chet Mason’s three seasons.

Barnes’ pick: Mentor

(2) VASJ VS. (6) GLENVILLE

What: Division II Ashtabula District semifinal When: March 8, 7 p.m. Where: Ashtabula Lakeside High School, 6600 Sanborn Road

Records: VASJ 15-8, Glenville 15-9

On deck: The winner advances to an Ashtabula District final March 10 against the winner of Lake Catholic and Edgewood.

For the record: VASJ advanced to Lakeside with a 85-60 win against Shaw while Glenville knocked off No. 3 West Geauga, 62-61, in Chester Township. The Tarblooders present a legitimate roadblock to the Vikings’ hopes of advancing to a district final, and a sixth consecutive state title game. Glenville, the Senate League champion, appears to be peaking at the right time behind the play of Aaron Loines. But if it’s March and Jerry Higgins wears a VASJ uniform, the Vikings are always a favorite. Higgins dropped 30 points on Shaw on March 2 and Latrace Jackson added 19 points for VASJ. Jackson and fellow junior forward Khalil Mitcham have played well lately for coach Babe Kwasniak. They have the length and athleticism to match up effectively against Loines. The Vikings are solid in the backcourt as well with junior Jordan Calhoun and freshman Jaden Hameed flanking Higgins.

Barnes’ pick: VASJ