Division III Ohio boys basketball state tournament preview
Here is a look at the Division III Ohio boys basketball state tournament:
Best player: Dantez Walton, Lima Central Catholic
The writers made it official this week, as Walton was named the Division III AP Player of the Year. A 6-foot-5 senior, Walton averages over 17 ppg and is the motor that makes Lima Central Catholic go. He plays bigger than his size when he’s in the post.
Semifinal predictions
Villa Angela-St. Joseph over Lynchburg-Clay
While it may be a totally different team than a season ago, Villa Angela-St. Joseph knows how to win in March. Expect defense to fuel this Vikings team, which can lock down and take another team’s best player out of the game. The win will give the Vikings a chance to repeat as state champions.
Lima Central Catholic over St. Bernard Roger Bacon
Ranked first in the AP poll, Lima Central Catholic is a freight train in the postseason right now. The team was barely tested in the regional round and seemed destined to get another chance to cut down the nets after winning it all two seasons ago. Roger Bacon will play tough in this one but will fall short.
State title prediction
Lima Central Catholic over Villa Angela-St. Joseph
For the third-straight season, these two teams will meet in the Division III title game. There will be no surprises and this might be the most competitive of the three games. Still, Lima Central Catholic has more returning talent, and Walton is the best player on the floor. It will be 2014 all over again in this one.