Division IV State Semifinal Top Performers

<p>Saturday’s game kicked off with the Division IV Semifinal matchups. We would get two contrasting style games as Richmond Heights won by 30+ while Tri-Village had to hold off a furious comeback to advance. The two will faceoff tomorrow for the right to be the state champion in Ohio. In the semifinal games, I saw several players that impressed.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="921774" first="Detric" last="Hearst"]</strong> (2022) <em>Richmond Heights</em></p> <p>Hearst brought defensive intensity that the Spartans needed to successfully put away a pesky Hiland team. Hearst has great understanding of defensive basketball and had impressive lateral quickness accompanied with a high defensive basketball IQ. The senior just plays hard on that end of the floor which gave the Spartans a ton of confidence.</p> <p><strong>Jaiden Cox-Holloway</strong> (2022) <em>Richmond Heights</em></p> <p>Speaking of defenders, Cox-Holloway brought that on the wing for the Spartans. Recently committed to Wooster, the 6-foot-5 wing can not only defend his position, but either guard spots with his length and quickness. The size takes away any easy shots for opponents and Hiland had issues getting open shots over him as a result.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1187132" first="Landon" last="Brewer"]</strong> (2024) <em>Antwerp</em></p> <p>The lone underclassmen on this list deserves a spot as he was vital in Antwerp’s tightly contested game. Brings physicality on the defensive end as well as length. His long arms makes it difficult to shoot over or make the extra pass. Not just a defensive player as Brewer came up with some huge plays on the offensive end with his shooting abilities especially on the perimeter. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="809640" first="Jagger" last="Landers"]</strong> (2022) <em>Antwerp</em></p> <p>The Findlay commit has mechanics I don’t see in a PF as the 6-foot-7 senior demonstrates what a true stretch 4 is. Landers has solid footwork and ball-handling skill to take care of the ball on the perimeter. When it came to securing boards, his brute strength and just tough mindset allowed him to secure some big rebounds down the stretch for Antwerp.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="967174" first="Layne" last="Sarver"]</strong> (2022) <em>Tri-Village</em></p> <p>Sarver did what you expect your senior to do in a tight game...he made winning plays. The 6-foot-6 SF has been making plays all tournament but none bigger than the State Semis. Made shots both in the midrange and perimeter contested and open. When the Patriots needed a spark on the defensive end, Sarver would secure a key rebound or get a hand on the ball to create an issue. Played like he didn’t want to go home just yet.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>