RIIL D1 – Postseason Players to Watch
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We’ve reached the semifinals of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL) Division I boys basketball play-offs and while the top seeds reigned supreme in three of the four games, #7 Portsmouth sprung a big upset in their quarterfinal win over…
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Continue ReadingWe’ve reached the semifinals of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL) Division I boys basketball play-offs and while the top seeds reigned supreme in three of the four games, #7 Portsmouth sprung a big upset in their quarterfinal win over #2 Barrington.
Ahead of this weekend’s semifinals, we’ll take a look at one prospect to watch from each remaining team.
Harrison is a big-time scorer for top-seeded Classical. A natural combo-guard with good playmaking instincts, it’s his shooting that has really shined this year. He’s one of Rhode Island’s top perimeter scorers in catch-and-shoot situations and can get hot in a hurry from behind the arc. He does a good job advancing the ball in transition and can make plays off the bounce in the half-court. He’s a pesky on-ball defender that generates a good amount of deflections and steals due to his high activity level. Classical is two games away from capping a storybook season with a Division I Championship.
James Caldarella
James Caldarella
Caldarella is next-up in a seemingly long line of terrific guards to play at Bishop Hendricken. The junior combo-guard can play on or off the ball and is known for his competitiveness, decision-making, and high IQ. One of the state’s top on-ball, perimeter defenders, Caldarella is as tough as they come and does a terrific job of keeping opposing ball-handlers out of the paint. Offensively, he makes good decisions with the ball and can really take over as a scorer when needed, particularly as a shooter from behind the arc. Bishop Hendricken, a perennial power, is playing arguably their best basketball of the season heading into this weekend’s showdown with Classical.
Simpson is arguably the best big-man still playing in the Division I tournament. A double-double threat every time he steps on the floor, he’s adept at scoring in the low-post but is also a very good passer both from the block and at the high post. He does a great job crashing the offensive glass, finishing through contact, and drawing fouls at the rim. Defensively, he’s quick enough to guard on the perimeter and is a good low post defender who can wall up and contest shots without fouling. He also does a great job of creating offense off of defensive rebounds as he’s comfortable handling the ball in transition as a pusher. La Salle is a deep and well-rounded team that looks to get by upset-minded Portsmouth and into the championship game.
Thomas Hurd
Thomas Hurd
Hurd, the hero of Portsmouth’s upset win in the quarterfinals, is coming off of his best performance of the season. A reliable perimeter scorer, he was 7-10 from three in the win over Barrington, erupting for 28 points. Hurd is not only a good shooter, but a willing ball mover that makes good decisions in half-court settings. He’s a tough defender who makes winning plays on that end of the floor with effort and intensity. Portsmouth, the underdog of the group, will need a big effort out of Hurd this weekend if it wants to move one game closer to securing a state championship.