High school boys basketball tournament capsules

No. 3 Lexington vs. No. 1 Vermilion

What: Division II Mansfield District semifinal When: March 6, 8 p.m. Where: Madison Middle School, 1319 Grace Street, Mansfield

For the record: Vermilion (20-4) is coming off a sectional final win in which its defense picked up the slack for a less-than-perfect offense. The Sailors struggled to finish around the basket but their lategame pressure was enough to make the difference against Shelby. The shooting will have to improve, however, if Vermilion can continue to win. After going 0-for-7 from 3-point range in the sectional semifinal, senior Joby Pfeil hit two big 3s in the final on the way to a game-high 20 points. Mason Montgomery added 15 as the only other player in double digits and with two starters sidelined with injuries, the Sailors’ role players have to provide support as the tournament progresses. McNees’ pick: Vermilion

No. 3 Elyria Catholic vs. No. 2 Beachwood

What: Division III Garfield Heights District semifinal When: March 6, 7 p.m. Where: Garfield Heights High School, 4900 Turney Road, Garfield Heights

For the record: Elyria Catholic (12-11) dominated Wickliffe in a sectional final with Dorian Crutcher and Jarred Logan pacing the Panthers as they’ve done all season while sophomore big man Branson Taylor made an impact as well. Beachwood is a favorite to get to the final, but the Bison have had a backand-forth season and Elyria Catholic can hang around with even the toughest opponents. The Panthers can steal a win here if they limit the turnovers and play defense as well as they’ve played offense all season. McNees’ pick: Elyria Catholic McNees’ record: 20-5