Toledo City League Semifinals Standouts & New Names

<p>As far as the game results go, no surprises on Tuesday. Start beat Bowhser. Rogers beat Scott. Handily.</p> <p>Spartans and Rams will meet, for a third time, on Friday for the City League Finals.</p> <p>When it comes to individual performances, though, there is plenty to note.</p> <p>The headline was Start's senior backcourt of <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/adrian-michael/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/adrian-michael/">Adrian Michael</a></a> and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tavaz-lawler-showers/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tavaz-lawler-showers/">TaVaz Lawler-Showers</a></a>, a pair of scholarship-level guards that are way under the radar played excellently. Also, for us, Bowsher's unsigned senior center Aric McCrimmon is a new name to note!</p> <p>Let's dive into the details:</p> <h5 style="text-align: center"><em><strong>STANDOUTS</strong></em></h5> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/adrian-michael/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/adrian-michael/">Adrian Michael</a></a> (2020) | 5-10 PG | Start<br /> <span style="font-size: 8pt"><em>stats: 16 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists</em></span><br /> </strong></h6> <p>The only time Bowsher found their footing was when Michael was out of the game after tweaking his ankle. The unsigned senior was so disruptive as a point-of-attack defender that the opponents couldn't find any sort of rhythm. Michael is a compact, quick and committed to the defensive end. Forced several turnovers and dictated the game by shutting guys down.</p> <p>Offensively, he just really knows how to play. Michael creates high-percentage shots by moving cleverly without the ball and playing unselfishly. Doesn't over-dribble. Very good outside shooter. Becoming more explosive at the rim.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tavaz-lawler-showers/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tavaz-lawler-showers/">TaVaz Lawler-Showers</a></a> (2020) | 5-11 PG | Start<br /> <span style="font-size: 8pt"><em>stats: 25 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists</em></span><br /> </strong></h6> <p>TLS, a transfer from Michigan and unsigned senior, is another scholarship-level guard for the Spartans. While Michael is the dominant defensive piece, TLS <em>scores</em>. Springy athlete who plays with energy and joy. Very creative handle and dynamic in the open floor. Finishes with elusive footwork. Shoots it well after creating separation, like after a step-back, for example. Quick lefty shooting stroke. In the halfcourt, his first step is a huge asset and he can get a good shot in one or two dribbles. His quickness and energy affect the game defensively.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/steve-coleman/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/steve-coleman/">Steve Coleman</a></a> (2021) | 6-4 SF | Rogers<br /> <span style="font-size: 8pt"><em>stats: 21 points, 9 rebounds</em></span><br /> </strong></h6> <p>As we noted after their game on Saturday, Coleman has packed on muscle. Impressively strong and filled-out frame, which he combines with a great second jump to be a standout rebounder. Coleman plays an efficient, no-nonsense brand of basketball by being physical around the basket and crashing the glass. Directly attacks when he touches the rock, often getting fouled. Coleman is self-aware. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h5 style="text-align: center"><em><strong>NEW NAMES</strong></em></h5> <h6><strong>Aric McCrimmon (2020) | 6-5 C | Bowsher</strong><br /> <span style="font-size: 8pt"><strong><em>stats: 7 points, 5 rebounds</em></strong></span></h6> <p>McCrimmon is a big, thick low-post threat that did a great job of sealing defenders under the rim. His size and strength are appealing traits. He also has the beginnings of a post-up game with simple drop-step moves. Becoming more consistent catching and finishing will be important, but he has exciting qualities that could be groomed at the next level.</p> <h6><strong>Jequan Pack (2021) | 6-0 PG | Scott</strong><br /> <span style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><em>stats: 17 points, 6 rebounds</em></strong></span></h6> <p>Pack, Scott's leading scorer, is a solid lead guard with a strong frame and good skill-set. He took a charge and played hard throughout. The lefty has a quick, low-release and can shoot it off the dribble. Flashed the ability to penetrate and make plays.</p> <h6><strong>Christian Neal (2021) | 6-4 SF | Scott</strong><br /> <span style="font-size: 8pt"><strong><em>stats: 6 points, 3 rebounds</em></strong></span></h6> <p>We really liked Neal's physical tools. He has a good frame and long arms for someone who plays on the perimeter. Neal is best when he gets downhill on a straight-line-drive — his size and athleticism shine here. Pretty solid stroke, though, too. Gets in a rush when people pressure his handle.</p> <h6><strong>Dante Mays (2023) | 5-4 PG | Bowsher</strong><br /> <span style="font-size: 8pt"><strong><em>stats: 6 points</em></strong></span></h6> <p>The freshman guard played with confidence against Start's senior backcourt. Solid handle and he was able to pull up in the mid-range for shots. Undersized yet long and nowhere near done growing.</p>