The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
State berths on the line in boys regional finals
The last two area boys basketball teams are in action, with VASJ facing Buchtel and Richmond Heights taking on New Middletown Springfield. Nate Barnes has previews for both matchups.
scored 10 points as he was hampered by foul trouble in the Griffins’ win over Poland Seminary, but King stepped up to score 20 and Perie added 18. Buchtel is well-coached and incredibly athletic. The Griffins proved their mettle in their regional semifinal win over Poland Seminary, which arrived at the Canton Civic Center on an 18-game winning streak, and a road win at Akron Hoban during the regular season. Jaden Hameed led all scorers with 19 points in VASJ’s win over Benedictine, Jason Priah added 16 off the bench and Khalil Mitcham scored 12. The Vikings have superb depth and a little bit of everything needed to exploit matchups in their favor.
VASJ and Toledo Maumee Valley Country Day.
The Spartans overcame a sloppy start to cruise past Bristol, 66-34, to advance to the Canton regional title game. Richmond Heights meets New Middletown Springfield, champion of the Struthers District, after the Tigers defeated Greenwich South Central, 62-50, March 12. Springfield is led by 6-foot-3 senior Shane Eynon. Eynon posted a double-double with 24 points and 13 rebounds in the Tigers’ semifinal victory. 6-foot-3 junior Drew Clark and 6-foot-1 junior Evan Ohlin added 13 points apiece. Springfield maintains a presence in the post, where Anthony Maxie, Jevontae Jones and Jamarr Talbert’s length and leaping ability will prove necessary to control the frontcourt. Senior point guard Curtis Houston and junior Gbolahan Adio provide an advantage for the Spartans against any backcourt. Richmond Heights plays for the program’s first state berth after the Spartans narrowly fell in regional finals twice earlier this decade.
Heights
Richmond