MIAA State Tournament Preview - Division 2

Our state tournament preview in Massachusetts continues today with a look at Division 2.   Below are prospects to watch from each of the top eight seeds in the MIAA Division 2 tournament.   #1 Malden Catholic (18-1)   [player_tooltip player_id='2546769' first='Matt' last='Gaffney'] - One of the winningest players in MIAA history, Gaffney will look to close out his high school career with a 4th straight state title. A true leader and capable two-way player, he has the ability to run an offense as an initiator, score from multiple levels as a creator, and provides strong on-ball defense. His ability to get where he wants off the bounce, make reads out of ball screens, and create easy baskets in transition is second to none. He makes winning plays time and time again in big moments.   #2 Mansfield (18-4)   Riley Sigman -A consistent scoring threat from behind the arc, Sigman is one of the better catch and shoot threats in the MIAA. He has good size for the position, runs the floor hard in transition, and does a good job of making sure he's shot ready before the catch. He has a quick release on his jumper, can make them with deep range, and also attacks closeouts off the bounce to score inside the paint. Defensively, he does a nice job of guarding on the perimeter and is a quality rebounder in space that can grab and go to initiate transition offense.   #3 Pope Francis (18-2)   Ryan Vedovelli - A talented lead guard, Vedovelli does a good job of initiating offense and making the little plays that don't show up in a box score. He plays off of two feet in the paint, keeping his pivot alive and moving the defense until he can find a scoring or passing window. He makes shots from behind the arc and in the mid-range, impressing with his ability to score with the ball in his hands while coming off of screens. He gets to his spots off the bounce, reads the defense, and finds his teammates in positions to get easy baskets.   #4 Oliver Ames (18-4)   [player_tooltip player_id='2786790' first='Cole' last='Craffey'] - A shifty guard that can really score the basketball, Craffey is capable of scoring timely baskets for his team. He has some wiggle off the bounce, allowing him to score in isolation situations and has also proven to be a strong scorer when running off ball screens or playing in dribble hand off actions. He's physically strong and also plays with a low center of gravity, allowing him to get by the defense off the bounce and to score around the rim while playing through contact.   #5 Whitman-Hanson (18-3)   Jah Estrela - A table-setting guard that's at his best in the open floor, Estrela makes an impact on both ends of the floor with his quickness and basketball IQ. Defensively, he plays like a cornerback, reading the offense and anticipating plays before they develop, allowing him to create plenty of deflections and steals. He covers ground quickly, is a good athlete, and has terrific closing speed in passing lanes. On the other end of the floor, he does a good job of taking what the defense gives him as a scorer, while also showing good floor vision as a creator.   #6 Somerset Berkley (19-1)   [player_tooltip player_id='2696665' first='Colten' last='Pacheco'] - A true combo guard, Pacheco has the ability to take over a game as either a scorer or creator, showing a great feel for things on the offensive end. He's a shifty athlete that makes quick dribble moves, has great change of speed and direction ability, and can be hard to guard when he gets downhill off the bounce. He has great vision as a passer and makes some highlight reel passes in the open floor. As a scorer, he gets it done at all three levels and is really crafty around the rim.   #7 Masconomet Regional (18-1)   [player_tooltip player_id='2874990' first='Jimmy' last='Farrell'] - A consistent double-digit scorer on a balanced Masconomet Regional team, Farrell does a really good job of keeping a live dribble and attacking the rim as a scorer. He utilizes his length as a finisher, showing the ability to finish with either hand in a variety of ways around the rim. He has a quick first step and the ability to stop on a dime, allowing him to get into his mid-range game as a jump shooter. Defensively, his activity level and quick hands stand out, as he turns turnovers into quick transition opportunities for his team.   #8 Tewksbury Memorial (17-3)   Jaden Maxi - A quick guard that really knows how to get to the basket, off the bounce and as a cutter, Maxi does a nice job of finishing in the paint. He has long strides, utilizes change of pace steps, and finishes with good length around the rim. He's a consistent mover without the basketball and cuts really hard going to the rim. As a finisher, he does a nice job of using a floater to finish over taller defenders. Defensively, he can guard in space and is really quick laterally, allowing him to keep opposing ball-handlers away from the rim and out of the paint.

Our state tournament preview in Massachusetts continues today with a look at Division 2.