Boys basketball tournament capsules

(8) MAYFIELD VS. (9) SOUTH

What: D-I Euclid District sectional semifinal When: 7 p.m., Feb. 26 Where: Mayfield Records: Mayfield 13-9, South 10-12 On deck: The winner advances to a sectional final at Mentor on Feb. 29.

For the record: Mayfield is a senior-laden team led by guards Michael Favazzo and Blake Martinich. 6-foot-5sophomore forward Hayden Nahra can be a difference-maker around the basket. South is young, but talented behind junior point guard Will Hagwood. Senior Rico Small flanks him in the backcourt while lanky junior Tyree Talley showed he can provide scoring at various points of the game. Mayfield won each of the teams’ two meetings during the regular season, but by a combined five points. The Wildcats’ experience provides an advantage but South figures to have an opportunity to demonstrate its growth.

Barnes’ pick: Mayfield

(6) BENEDICTINE VS. (11) LAKESIDE

What: D-I Euclid District sectional semifinal

When: 7 p.m., Feb. 26 Where: Benedictine Records: Benedictine 12-10, Lakeside 9-13

On deck: The winner advances to a sectional final at Brush on Feb. 29.

For the record: Benedictine struggled in the second half of the season, as the Bengals dropped six in a row through a rugged part of their schedule before beating Harvey and Akron Hoban to end the regular season. Jashun Cobb, an electric guard, and Detric Hearst, a bruising wing, lead the team in scoring. Guard Eric Buckner adds shooting next to Cobb while 6-foot-8sophomore London Maiden is a force around the basket. Guard Brandon Ford is capable of taking over games for Lakeside and Sean McKee is a versatile post player who can step out to the perimeter. If the Bengals play with discipline, they should move on.

Barnes’ pick: Benedictine

(7) MADISON VS. (10) RIVERSIDE

What: D-I Euclid District sectional semifinal

When: 7 p.m., Feb. 26 Where: Madison Records: Madison 14-8, Riverside 8-14

On deck: The winner advances to a sectional final at Cleveland Heights on Feb. 29.

For the record: The two games between Madison and Riverside were decided by an aggregate five points during the regular season, one of which went to overtime. The Blue Streaks enjoyed a resurgent season, led by double-double machine Chris Blauman. Blauman, a threat inside and on the perimeter, has a capable supporting cast featuring JD Galovic, Ryan Bowers and Alex Dragas. The Beavers showed flashes of their potential late in the season in victory against Beachwood and Lakeside. Mason Stephens and Caden Geiger form a solid backcourt and Grayson Wolf provides reliable 3-point shooting. Barnes’ pick: Madison

(5) UNIVERSITY VS. (12) NORTH

What: D-I Euclid District sectional semifinal When: Feb. 26, 7 p.m. Where: University Records: University 16-6, North 0-22 On deck: The winner advances to a sectional final at Harvey on Feb. 29.

For the record: University enjoyed a strong regular season as the Preppers’ talented junior class took a step forward. Faris Dahman leads the team in scoring while Ricky Radtke does a little bit of everything for Coach Sean McDonnell. North endured a winless regular season as the Rangers graduated most of the production from last year’s team. Junior Jason Reik, who ranked among the area’s top 3-point shooters, emerged as a bright spot for coach Rob Koelling. Barnes’ pick: University

(8) KENSTON VS. (9) STOW MUNROE-FALLS

What: D-I Twinsburg District sectional semifinal

When: Feb. 26, 7 p.m. Where: Kenston

Records: Kenston 12-10, StowMunroe Falls 11-11

On deck: The winner advances to a sectional final at Shaker Heights on Feb. 29.

For the record: The Bombers won six of their first eight games before they managed to remain above .500 before season’s end. Derrick DeJarnette’s rotation features a number of new contributors, but sophomore Andy Kooser and junior Ryan Quinlan showed flashes throughout the year. Kenston is proficient from beyond the 3-point line. Kenston and Stow share a pair of common opponents. Each team lost to Solon. The Bombers defeated Aurora in December by 31 points while the Bulldogs fell to the Greenmen in their season-opener Nov. 27 by nine.

Barnes’ pick: Kenston

(7) EUCLID VS. (10) MAPLE HEIGHTS

What: D-I Twinsburg District sectional semifinal

When: Feb. 26, 7 p.m. Where: Euclid

Records: Euclid 8-14, Maple Heights 8-14

On deck: The winner advances to a sectional final at Garfield Heights on Feb. 29.

For the record: The district site changed from Solon to Twinsburg this year, but Euclid is technically the bracket’s defending champion. The Panthers needed to replace their entire rotation from last year and endured growing pains throughout the year. Steven Key led the team in scoring while Michael Patterson, Jaiden Cox-Holloway and Clayton Cunningham also flashed potential during the year. Euclid dropped five of its last six games to end the season. The Panthers and Mustangs matched up once during the regular season, a 70-64 Maple Heights victory on Euclid’s home floor Jan. 14.

Barnes’ pick: Maple Heights