Boys basketball district semifinal capsules

(8) CHAGRIN FALLS VS. (5) CARDINAL MOONEY

What: Division III district semifinal

When: 7 p.m., Feb 28

Where: Salem, 799 N. Lincoln Ave., Salem

Records: Chagrin Falls 13-10, Cardinal Mooney 14-10 Chagrin Falls path: Def. Wickliffe 65-29

Cardinal Mooney’s path: Def. Lakeview 51-39, def. Rootstown 63-29

On Deck: The winner will play Lake Catholic or Kirtland in a district final at Salem on March 3 at 7 p.m.

For the Record: It’s a matchup of two stout defenses with offenses that can put up points when needed. Chagrin Falls comes in with James Kosmides leading the Tigers with 12.5 points per game, 9.2rebounds and 5.9blocks. While he’s the force in the paint, Chagrin Falls does feature three strong shooters in seniors Will Rossi, Nicholas Vinci and sophomore Spencer Kaas. The Tigers have held opponents to an average of 52.7points per game, with 12 opponents held under the 50-point mark on the season. … The Cardinals’ offense scores 49.3points per game but held opponents to an average of 44.6. Nine times this season, neither Cardinal Mooney or their opponents surpassed the 50-point mark. A low-scoring game could be en route with both teams style of play. Cardinal Mooney came into the postseason having dropped four of their last five. Hercik’s pick: Chagrin Falls

(2) PERRY VS. (13) WATERLOO

What: Division III district semifinal

When: 7 p.m., Feb. 28

Where: Niles McKinley, 616 Dragon Drive, Niles

Records: Perry 18-4, Waterloo 16-8

Perry’s path: Def. East Palestine 50-10

Waterloo’s path: Def. Crestview 55-50, def. Newton Falls 33-31

On Deck: The winner will play Beachwood or Pymatuning Valley in a district final at Niles on March 3 at 7 p.m.

For the Record: After two years where it bowed out of the sectional round, Perry punched its ticket to the district round with a strong offensive showing. Scoring is nothing new for the Pirates, as they averaged 68.5points per game. Perry has the 1-2 scoring punch of Jake Cubbison (21.8points per game) and Brayden Richards (16.2 PPG). Richards has also taken the reins as the point man with 4assists per game as well as on the boards with 6.8 rebounds a game. … The Waterloo offense hasn’t been as explosive as Perry’s. The Vikings average 49points per game, and their defense has been stout. The Vikings have only given up 47.7 points per game. That was on full display against Newton Falls as they held the Tigers to just 31points in their sectional final. The Vikings will need to have that on full display if they hope to pull the upset.