Boys basketball tournaments continue

District finals tip off with Richmond Heights facing Rittman in Division IV. Nate Barnes has a preview of the Norton District final.

(1) RICHMOND HEIGHTS VS. (7) RITTMAN What: D-IV Norton District final When: March 6, 7 p.m. Where: Norton High School, 1 Panther Way Records: Richmond Heights 20-4, Rittman 11-14

On deck: The winner advances to a Canton Regional semifinal on March 10against Bristol or Warren JFK.

For the record: Richmond Heights had little trouble in a third matchup this season against Independence, beating the Blue Devis by 39 in a district semifinal March 2. Still, coach Quentin Rogers wants to see heightened defensive effort and better ball movement moving forward. The Spartans, on a 15-game winning streak, meet a Rittman team on a Cinderella run. The Indians upset No. 2 Mogadore in a sectional final, then knocked off No. 3 Dalton on March 3 in a district semifinal. Rittman graduated most of the team that fell to Richmond Heights in a Norton District semifinal a year ago, but found its groove at the most opportune time. The Indians pushed the Spartans in that game as Richmond Heights led by four at half before it pulled away for a 70-54 victory. Senior 6-foot-4 forward Kyle Scheibe leads Rittman, while guards Reese Ringer and Nickolas Swartz have experience. Richmond Heights has the length and athleticism necessary to neutralize an opponent’s best post player, namely with Josiah Harris, Jevontae Jones and Anthony Maxie. Jamarr Talbert Jr. and Gbolahan Adio also give the Spartans an advantage in the backcourt.

Barnes’ pick: Richmond

Heights Barnes’ record: 34-9