MIAA State Tournament Preview - Division 1

The regular season is over, brackets have been revealed, and it's time for the state tournament to begin in Massachusetts.   As tournament weekend kicks off in the MIAA, we'll take a look at one player to watch from each of the top eight seeds in each of the state's five divisions.   We'll start today with Division 1, which features the state's largest schools and features a favorite that is looking to avenge a finals loss from last winter.   #1 Franklin (21-1)   [player_tooltip player_id='1532454' first='Caden' last='Sullivan'] - The easiest way to describe Sullivan is "winner". He was an key piece in Franklin's run to the state final last season and has only improved this winter, proving to be one of the most well-rounded guards in the MIAA. He makes the little plays that don't show up in the box score, is a tough on-ball defender, rebounds bigger than his size, and can score at multiple levels. He simply makes the right play time and time again and plays harder than anyone else on the floor every time he suits up.   #2 Attleboro (18-4)   LaDainian Rodrigues - A big wing that can really score the basketball, Rodrigues has been a two-way force this winter for Attleboro. At 6'4" and pushing 6'5", he has great size for the perimeter and when you combined that with his above the rim athleticism, it makes for a really tough cover. He can knock down shots in catch and shoot situations, is hard to guard as an off-ball mover, and can really get out and score in transition. His versatility on the defensive end of the floor allows him to guard in space, rebound above the rim, and block shots from the help side.   #3 Newton North (20-1)   [player_tooltip player_id='1532631' first='Teagan' last='Swint'] - Arguably the top wing in the MIAA, Swint is one of the most well-rounded scorers in the public school ranks in New England. A true three level scorer, he's a versatile offensive performer that can operate as a mismatch on the perimeter or in the paint. He's wired to score and while he makes good decisions with the basketball, he's at his best when he's deliberate about getting to his spots and putting the ball in the basket. There aren't many better tough shot makers around either.   #4 Central Catholic (17-2)   Javi Lopez - One of the top juniors in the MIAA, Lopez is a high scoring guard that makes big plays in big moments for Central Catholic. Already a 1,000 point scorer, he's got a lot of big game experience and plays with a calming presence that his teammates can feed off of. He plays at his own pace, doesn't get sped up, and does a really nice job of getting to his spots off the bounce. He's capable of scoring over smaller guards on the low block, puts pressure on the defense in transition, and is really good playing out of ball screen actions.   #5 Lowell (18-2)   [player_tooltip player_id='2812011' first='Jason' last='Kamau'] - A disruptive on-ball defender, Kamau can operate as a one man press for Lowell, causing havoc with his ability to generate deflections and steals. Earlier this season, he set the school's single-game steals record, recording 13 in an early February victory. He's quick laterally and has good anticipation on the defensive end of the floor, allowing him to read plays before they happen. Offensively, he has good burst off the bounce and finishes much bigger than his size in the paint, while also knocking down threes in catch and shoot situations.   #6 Andover (14-6)   [player_tooltip player_id='2716645' first='Sam' last='Concemi'] - A high IQ, versatile big man, Concemi is an offensive hub for an Andover team that's playing their best basketball at the right time of the year. He has the ability to play on either block as a scorer while also initiating offense from the elbows or top of the key. He's a gifted passer for his size and can see over the defense to find cutters for easy baskets at the rim. He has good touch on his jumper, sets solid screens, and is a vocal presence on the defensive end of the floor that can control the glass and start the break.   #7 Springfield Central (16-4)   Jabari Sifrin - A powerful athlete that thrives in Springfield Central's uptempo system, Sifrin has the ability to go for a double-double every time he steps on the floor. He has a strong frame, good athleticism, and solid positional size, allowing him to guard up and down a lineup. He's a big time shot blocker that can get it done as a post defender or when coming from the help side. On the other end of the floor, he a strong rim runner that has the ability to finish through contact and even knocks down the occasional catch and shoot three.   #8 Bridgewater-Raynham (16-4)   Deshawn Faulk - A stat sheet stuffer, Faulk has done it all for Bridgewater-Raynham this winter. A big guard with the strength to make plays through contact and the athleticism to finish above the rim in transition, he has the ability to make plays as a facilitator or take over a game as a three level scorer. He's a good perimeter shooter that can make shots in bunches in catch and shoot situations, has the ability to get where he wants off the bounce in isolation situations, and can be a disruptive on-ball defender leading to easy scoring opportunities in transition.

The regular season is over, brackets have been revealed, and it's time for the state tournament to begin in Massachusetts.