Northeast Ohio Division I regional previews
Only two wins stand between teams and a trip to Columbus. Here’s a look at how teams from the Cleveland/Akron area will fare:
Division I
AKRON/TOLEDO REGIONAL
Best player – Xavier Simpson, Lima Senior
A top contender for Mr. Basketball, Simpson has scored over 50 points in a game on multiple occasions this season. The Michigan commit should evoke memories of Trey Burke as the one that got away from Ohio State.
Semifinal predictions
Lima Senior over Lorain
It’s been a terrific season for Lorain, which has confirmed that last year is no fluke, but now they run into what might be the best team in the state. Undefeated Lima Senior can do it all and will be constant attack, as Simpson tries to close his career with another state title.
Brunswick over Canton McKinley
Does Canton McKinley have more talent than Brunswick? Absolutely. But the Blue Devils are perhaps the most prepared team in Northeast Ohio. With plenty of time before the semifinal, you can bet coach Joe Mackey will have the perfect plan to beat Canton McKinley.
Final prediction
Lima Senior over Brunswick
This undefeated Lima Senior will go at least one more week without a loss. While Brunswick will come with a tough game plan against Lima Senior, the Blue Devils might lack the scoring needed to pull the upset and get to Columbus. Lima Senior is looking like the best remaining D1 team in the state.
CLEVELAND STATE REGIONAL
Best player – Derek Culver, Warren G. Harding
While Garfield Heights senior Willie Jackson has a strong case here, the size and athleticism make Culver the best player in the region. There’s a reason he’s being recruited by nearly every school in the country as he is a game-changer on both ends of the floor and a mismatch, as well.
Semifinal predictions
Garfield Heights over Warren G. Harding
The Bulldogs have been on a mission this season to make it back to Columbus, and it won’t be an easy region to navigate through to get there. Warren G. Harding can match Garfield Heights’ athleticism, but the experience and defense of Garfield Heights should be enough to make it through.
St. Ignatius over Solon
It’s been a Cinderella run for Solon to this point but beating St. Ignatius will be a true shock. When the Wildcats are on their game, they are as good as any team in the state. The size and balanced scoring attack will carry St. Ignatius to the regional final.
Final prediction
St. Ignatius over Garfield Heights
While Garfield Heights took home a 66-60 win over St. Ignatius in February, the game might prove more helpful to the Wildcats in the long run as they have now seen what they need to do to beat the Bulldogs. If the Wildcats are hitting their shots, they’ll be able to score enough to make a trip back down to Columbus.