Brush’s process aims for success in postseason

Second in a series breaking down teams from The News-Herald coverage area that are likely to make a deep run in the 2019 state tournament.

• Record: 20-3 • Key players: DJ Dial, 5-9, Sr., G, 15 ppg, 9 apg, 2 spg, Andre Harris, 6-3, Sr., G, 17 ppg, 8 rpg, 6 apg, John Hugley, 6-9, Jr., F, 16 ppg, 13 rpg, 1 bpg, Elmore James, 6-1, Fr., G, 10 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 apg

• Why Brush can make a run to state: The Arcs are experienced, talented and will have three of the best players on the floor in any game. DJ Dial is capable of controlling a game, Andre Harris has shown he can score against anyone, and John Hugley is a force around the basket at both ends of the floor. Around those three, Elmore James, Corey Floyd and Trent Harper fill valuable roles for Coach Chet Mason. The Arcs are lethal in transition and just as effective in the halfcourt as Dial conducts quality sets.

Behind the star power of Dial, Harris and Hugley, Brush’s defensive ability is pushed to the background, but the Arcs are good enough to win games at that end of the floor, too.

• What could hold Brush back: The Arcs have faltered in the postseason in recent years, even if their talent level indicated the team should have advanced deeper into the tournament. If Brush allows distractions into its mental state, the Arcs can be beaten.

• X-factor: John Hugley is an option teams will try to take away from Brush. DJ Dial and Andre Harris showed they can compete with anyone in their performances against Kennedy Catholic and SPIRE Institute. Hugley is a high-major prospect in the Class of

2020 and if he consistently plays to his ability, that can make the difference in Brush making a run toward Columbus.

• Biggest roadblock: Mentor ended Brush’s season in 2018 and a potential rematch lies in wait as the Euclid District final. Cleveland Heights is no small order, either, as Louisville commit Jae’Lyn Withers and Nigel Martin lead a dangerous team. The Arcs could meet them in a district semifinal.