Boys basketball district final capsule

(1) Richmond Hts. vs. (3) Open Door

What: D-IV Norton District final Where: Norton High School, 1 Panther Way When: 7 p.m. March 8 Records: Richmond Heights 18-6, Open Door 20-4

On deck: The winner advances to a Canton regional final March 12 against the winner between Kinsman Badger and Bristolville Bristol.

For the record: Open Door smoked Columbia to advance to the Norton District final, where the Patriots meet Richmond Heights. Open Door is led by 6-foot-4 senior Trey Brooks, who averaged 17.1 points and 7.6 rebounds per game to earn recognition as the D-IV Northeast Lakes District Player of the Year. 6-foot-4 senior Jared Bublinec scored 16.7 points per game and also earned first team alldistrict honors. 6-foot-5 senior Miles Hunt adds length on the wing and helps spread the floor for Brooks and Bublinec. Many of Open Door’s players shoot well from the perimeter and they don’t need much room to knock down 3s. The Patriots are one of the eminent obstacles to a state run for Richmond Heights. The Spartans pulled away from Rittman in the second half of their district semifinal, but will face an Open Door team betterequipped to play at a similar pace. Open Door has the size and athleticism to match Richmond Heights, which will make it necessary for Curtis Houston, Gbolahan Adio and their teammates to play sound fundamentally. BJ Carter averages double-digit scoring off the bench, but his defensive effort will be valuable against Open Door’s weapons. Jevontae Jones and Jamar Talbert have the length necessary to run shooters off the 3-point line and their services will also be needed to aid Anthony Maxie’s rebounding and rim protection.

Barnes’ pick: Richmond Heights