WCAC Semifinal Standouts+Championship Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops' top-ranked Paul VI Panthers topped O'Connell 65-44 in the first semifinal matchup, building on a double-digit half time lead to coast their way into the finals. Gonzaga edged past DeMatha by a score of 53-50, adding another classic game into the rivalry. DeMatha scored after grabbing a steal in their fullcourt press but Dixon hit two FTs to send the Purple Eagles to the title game. Gonzaga will face off against Paul VI tonight at 8 pm at American University's Bender Arena.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Join us as we recap some of the top performers from the semifinals and preview the WCAC Championship Game!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1259618"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"14p 8r 2a vs O'Connellrnrn-Sunday's semifinal game was probably the most complete performance that I've seen out of the UConn commit. Abraham traced O'Connell's All-American for most of the contest and forced Tucker into a rough shooting night from the floor. Offensively he showed his potential as a slasher, rebounder, and play-finisher around the rim while knocking down the only three that he took. An improved attention to detail and intensity on the defensive end of the floor raises both his floor and his ceiling as a prospect","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1782696"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"14p 6r 2a 2brnrn-Our #1 ranked player in 2026 had a monster performance at both ends of the floor for the Panthers. Smith's closeouts are becoming much smoother as he measures his strides more efficiently to not over-shoot his matchup while still eliminating the airspace between himself and the shooter. His ability to sky for rebounds and dunk over taller defenders through the contact gives PVI a ton of lineup versatility that makes them more difficult to game-plan for as a unit. Smith did what he did best Sunday night, flying around defensively while getting paint touches at the other end of the floor to finish an efficient 7/10 from the floor.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1259542"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"11p 7a 4r 4srnrn-The WCAC 1st teamer played his role to perfection as a maestro for the Panthers' offense while wreaking havoc as a help defender- digging down to grab 3 of his 4 steals to disrupt O'Connell's offensive flow. His floater in the lane has developed into a lethal weapon, hitting 2 with a soft touch in transition off passes from his teammate. His ability to limit turnovers while forcing them at the other end is one of the biggest parts of what make him so valuable to this Paul VI run.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1370514"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"17p 4r 3b 1a vs Gonzagarnrn-DeMatha's leader had a big night for the Stags showing the full arsenal with a C+S three, a nice fader from the post that hit nothing but net, as well as some monster two-handed finishes around the basket. The explosive senior forward protected the rim with 3 blocks that led to baskets at the other end to spur a late run for DeMatha.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1956027"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"9p 9rrnrn-Walton was incredibly effective in his minutes on the floor and earned some extended run with his rebounding and finishing around the basket. He came right in and hit a putback, scored on a duck-in, and hit a wing 3 in rhythm in short order to aid a DeMatha comeback in the 4Q. The 6'5 junior enters the game at different points every week and always plays with the same high motor regardless, good to see prospects that play within themselves and do whatever them coaching staff asks of them each night to impact winning.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["1494118"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Norton's 5 offensive rebounds in the 1H kept his team within striking distance and he continued hitting the glass and playing hard regardless of the score in this one. The country-strong forward isn't afraid to bang with taller players or slide on the perimeter, his two-way approach will only continue to add value to a Knights team that needed someone to step up to do the little things this year that add up to Ws.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["1370498"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"Lewis overcame a rough shooting performance from the field to still impact the game from the charity stripe (8/9) on on the glass (7 rebounds). Performing as one of the best guard rebounders in the area if not country, Lewis' ability to grab the defensive rebound and start the fastbreak instantaneously has been an invaluable piece of the Gonzaga offense this season. His paint touches and rebounding will be huge for Gonzaga's chances to win it all tonight","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":7,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65dcd0eb12a8b"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WCAC Championship Preview</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's a blue blood clash of titans in the WCAC Title game once more, with Paul VI winning their only matchup of the season at home by 15. I expect this one to be much closer as Gonzaga has won 11 of their last 12 since that matchup. As good as Coach Farello's offense has been this season, their defense has been the deciding factor in most of their games down the stretch with the wave of versatile defenders in Hammond, Smith, Abraham, and Womack that PVI can throw at perimeter scorers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Will the Panthers cap off a perfect season in the WCAC or will Gonzaga play spoiler to collect Coach Turner's 5th WCAC Title? Let's dive into some X factor's, best matchups, and keys to the game for both sides.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PVI Keys to the Game:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1.Paint touches- Panthers must make the GZ defense shift to create open looks for shooters and baskets in the paint<br>2.Lean on the MVP- Get Darren going from beyond the arc to open up spacing for drivers<br>3.Win the FT battle-Gonzaga's depth has taken a hit with a late season injury to Alex Tuoumou<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gonzaga's Keys to the Game:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1.Transition defense- PVI is among the best transition teams in the country, long rebounds often lead to buckets at the other end for the Panthers<br>2.Ball movement-Guards need to look opposite and hit the skip passes because PVI likes to swarm the ball and occasionally can be caught over-helping<br>3.Feed the big dog- PVI lacks a true center without Ngongbo, Eagles need to establish him early and get PVI in foul trouble<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gonzaga X Factor:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1370496' first='Derek' last='Dixon']- The smooth-shooting guard will need to hit shots early and often in this one while still finding teammates with passes when he is doubled. His ability to balance those responsibilities will be key</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PVI X Factor:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Role Guys- PVI will consistently get double-figure scoring from their top 3 of Abraham/Hammond/Harris, they will need to have a 4th and maybe even 5th guy in double digits to win this chip. That puts the onus on Smith Jr, Sundra, and Womack to chip in offensively to get the job done. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->