CHSAA Diocesan Tournament Primer: Players to Watch
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The CHSAA Diocesan Tournament tips off on Monday at Archbishop Molloy. As the #1 seed, Nazareth gets a first round bye. An entertaining triple header starts at 4:00 PM. We take a look at some of the potential players to…
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Continue ReadingThe CHSAA Diocesan Tournament tips off on Monday at Archbishop Molloy. As the #1 seed, Nazareth gets a first round bye. An entertaining triple header starts at 4:00 PM. We take a look at some of the potential players to watch:
The senior big man has been the go-to guy for the Royals since Iowa State commit Dwayne Pierce Dwayne Pierce 6’5″ | SG Christ the King | 2024 State #77 Nation NY went down with injury. The #2 seed Royals are a balanced bunch with division one prospects throughout the roster. Junior guards Markel Alston Markel Alston 6’1″ | PG Christ The King | 2025 State NY , Jayden Ramirez Jayden Ramirez 6’4″ | SF Christ the King | 2025 State NY , and Cam Zeigler Cam Zeigler 6’1″ | PG Christ The King | 2025 State NY all bring something different to the floor and have stepped up in Pierce’s absence as well.
A sophomore, Jackson has used this season to put himself on the Radar. He leads the team with a little over 16 points a game. He can score it from beyond the arc or by getting to the rim and shows the ability to create space for himself and others. Loughlin has been plagued by transfers over the past year plus so it’s Jackson who leads a rebuilding program. It will be interesting to see him match up against a talented CtK backcourt.
Powell leads the CHSAA in scoring at 21.7 points per game. The Sophomore wing has good size and shooting ability, and isn’t afraid to mix it up around the basket either. The Stanners will need he and fellow top 2 scorer Elijah Smart (19.2-tied with Brandon Stores) to keep that pace up if they are going to upset St. Francis Prep.
There are plenty of talented players on this SFP squad, but Anthony has been here with the Terriers before. The junior guard played an important role for a St. Francis Prep team that started this resurgent run under coach Jimmy Lynch. The floor general will certainly lead the way, but big man Oesoemano Sacko Oesoemano Sacko 6’6″ | PF St. Francis Prep | 2026 State NY and 2026 G Troy Fason will have to have strong performances as well.
Holy Cross is a bit of a program in transition under new coach Billy Turnage. Sophomore point guard Jahzir Crawford Jahzir Crawford 5’11” | PG Holy Cross | 2026 State NY is building block for the future and will have to step up alongside senior guard Jacob Moreno Jacob Moreno 6’3″ | CG Holy Cross | 2024 State NY on Monday. A quick and smart lead guard, he is currently tracking as a division one player.
Evans and junior wing Brandon Margolin Brandon Margolin 6’5″ | SF Xaverian | 2025 State NY have been the go-to guys for Xaverian this season and that will continue to be the case on Monday. With a first round matchup against Holy Cross, Evans may have an interesting matchup against Crawford. Meanwhile, Margolin is a tough wing who can finish around the rim, it will be interesting to see how Holy Cross counters him.