High school boys basketball tournament capsule

What: D-I Euclid District final

When: March 7, 7 p.m.

Where: Euclid High School

Records: Mentor 18-6, Brush 19-5

On deck: The winner advances to a Cleveland regional semifinal on March 11 against the winner between Medina and Walsh Jesuit.

For the record: Brush and Mentor meet in a rematch of the 2019Euclid District title game, a 77-73victory for the Cardinals in one of the best games played in Ohio last year. A year later, the teams meet for round two. Mentor handled a challenge from University in the district semifinal, paced by 28points from Luke Chicone and Chad Rogers’ 22and 10 boards. Brush, the 3-seed, beat No. 2Cleveland Heights in a rematch of the Arcs loss to the Tigers at Euclid two months prior. Elmore James IV delivered outstanding performances in Brush’s wins against Benedictine and Cleveland Heights, while John Hugley came up big in crunch time to help the Arcs close out each game. James’ defensive prowess has helped take away one of opponents’ top perimeter options so far, and who coach Chet

Mason assigns him to guard against Mentor will be a matchup to watch. Likewise, Hugley and Rogers will go at it down low. If Rogers finds himself in foul trouble, Hugley will take advantage. Luke Floriea scored 30points in last year’s district title. He had four in Mentor’s blowout sectional win over Mayfield and eight against University. The senior guard is the type of player who brings the mental and physical toughness coach Bob Krizancic loves, and he can be the difference-maker for Mentor at Euclid. Caleb Piks looked better against University from his return in the Mayfield game and his rebounding will be critical. Brush’s supporting cast stepped up in crucial moments for the Arcs against Cleveland Heights. Point guard Tyreek Crump handled the Tigers’ fullcourt pressure while freshman Marlon Barnes Jr. and sophomore Andrew Jones knocked down timely 3-pointers. If Brush controls tempo and dominates the rebounding battle, the Arcs will be a tough challenge as Mentor hopes to defend its district title. But, having played for the Euclid District crown in 12of the last 13years the Cardinals have been at the district, it’s tough to bet against Mentor’s recent track record under Krizancic. Another slugfest awaits at Euclid March 7.

Barnes’ pick: Mentor

Barnes’ season record: 35-9

High school girls basketball tournament capsule