Northeast Ohio Division II regional previews
The Division II regional round is upon us, and there is plenty of representation from the Cleveland/Akron area. Here’s a breakdown of the remaining teams:
CANTON REGIONAL
Best player – Henry Baddley, St. Vincent-St. Mary
The Irish senior has been the reliable presence this team has needed all season long. He’s averaging a shade under 20 ppg and has been a key defender at multiple positions. He’ll be the toughest player to stop in the region.
Semifinal predictions
St. Vincent-St. Mary over Youngstown Ursuline
St. Vincent-St. Mary really best tested so far in the postseason, and while Youngstown Ursuline is a quality team, it might have trouble staying close. Coach Dru Joyce’s squad has a defense that can wear down any opponent and an offense that seems to have endless options.
Benedictine over Perry
While these schools aren’t far apart on the east side of Cleveland, they’ll head down to Canton to do battle. Perry has some nice size, but Benedictine has more talent and is better defensively. Expect the Bengals to make it to the regional final.
Final prediction
St. Vincent-St. Mary over Benedictine
A season after being shocked in the regional final as an undefeated team, the Irish will finish their business this time around. This should be a very competitive game, but the deep backcourt of St. Vincent-St. Mary should provide too many options for Benedictine to stop.
BOWLING GREEN REGION
Best player – John Koz, Bay
The senior is at the forefront of Bay’s regional final run and averaged 23.6 ppg this season for the Rockets. As the only player over 20 ppg for Bay, he’s the primary target for any team to stop.
Semifinal predictions
Lexington over Ottawa-Glanforf
Only two losses stand between Lexington and a perfect season to this point. While Ottawa-Glandorf has won six games in a row, Lexington has been the more consistent team this season and should earn a spot in the regional title game.
Bay over Napoleon
If it’s one thing Bay has shown this season, it’s the ability to score in bunches, and that can be tough for any team to defend. Bay will need to step it up defensively, but the Rockets should have enough to move to the regional final.
Final prediction
Lexington over Bay
It’s Lexington’s time right now, as the team has showed all season long that it is one of Division II’s best. Bay scores well enough to keep any game close, but Lexington is just a little talented on each side of the ball.