Boys basketball state semifinal capsule

(1) RICHMOND HEIGHTS VS. (2) RUSSIA What:

Division IV state semifinal

When: 8:30 p.m., March 17

Where: University of Dayton, 1801Edwin C Moses Blvd, Dayton

Records: Richmond Heights 27-0, Russia 21-3

Richmond Heights path: Def. Lake Ridge 106-22, def. Open Door 92-56, def. Mogadore 7050, def. Cornerstone Christian 92-52, def. Dalton 81-48

Russia’s path: Def. Mississnawa 75-49, def. North Lewisburg Triad 88-22, def. Botkins 53-38, def. Springfield Catholic Central 70-58, def. Troy Christian 41-33, def. Jackson Center 27-25

On deck: Winner advances to the D-IV state final against Berlin Hiland or Conroy Crestview on March 19 at 2 p.m.

For the record: It’s a complete contrast of styles in this semifinal as the high-powered offense of Richmond Heights takes on the stout defense of Russia. The Spartans this season have averaged 82 points a game with three of their postseason games so far having them north of 90points. The secret for the Spartans has been their ability to spread out the scoring evenly, with four of their starters stepping into the top line of the scoring duties in recent games. The Spartans are able to score at all three levels with all for as well, with big men Jeremy Wilson and Hosea Steele not afraid to pull up from beyond the arc and join Demarris Winters Jr. back there. The scoring charge is led

Richmond Heights takes on Russia in a Division IV state semifinal March 17 in Dayton. by Dorian Jones, who can score from anywhere on the floor as he averages 20points a game. The offense is conducted by De’Erick Barber, who averages 8.8assists per game. While it’s the offense that turns heads, the defense has been just as strong as it’s limited opponents to 46.3 points a game. … While the Richmond Heights defense has been strong, Russia has been a defensive-first team all season as they’ve held teams to 39.3 points a game. Only four teams this season have hit north of 50points, and the Raiders are still 3-1 in those games. Even though defense has been their bread and butter, their offense has the ability to put up points despite their deceiving 57.4points per game average. Seven times Russa has gone at or above 70 points this season. The only question is can it keep pace with the Spartans’ attack to keep the game in striking distance? Hercik’s pick: Richmond Heights

TIM PHILLIS — FOR THE NEWS-HERALD