(1) Cushing Academy defeats (8) Lawrence Academy

Cushing handled business against Lawrence in the first round of the Class AA NEPSAC playoffs. In the first half, they shot Lawrence Academy out of their 2-3 zone, and then they dismantled LA's man-to-man defense in the second half as well. Cushing also put on a defensive clinic with help side rotations and on-ball defense. They'll face Worcester Academy next round.   Here are my standouts.    Edema was far too much for the Lawrence Academy front line to handle. Against the zone, he attacked the offensive glass and got tons of easy put-backs (it's difficult to box out in a zone). Then, when Cushing's shooting forced LA into a man-to-man, he excelled as a screener and roller to the rim (thanks to [player_tooltip player_id='2465117' first='Ryan' last='Moesch']). Defensively, the 7-footer is so long and athletic but also has the timing and discipline necessary to be an elite shot blocker. It's crazy that Edema is only a sophomore – the sky's the limit for him if he can continue to develop and get more comfortable in his body.     Ward has always been a steadying force for Cushing. With so many offensive studs around him, he fits in as a shooter and ball mover; and against Lawrence Academy, he filled that role quite well. Ward found pockets in the zone behind the three-point line and was FEELING IT for the entire first half, which forced LA to go to a man-to-man in the second half. Defensively, he does all of the little things like rotating extra hard on the weak side and attacking the defensive glass for the rebounds that Edema somehow doesn't envelope. He knows his role and he doesn't go outside of it – so admirable.     Jones also had his hand in forcing Lawrence Academy out of their 2-3 zone because he made a few long three-balls which, in conjunction with Ward's, were just too much to overcome for LA. He also attacked the glass and finished successfully on numerous occasions; he's so composed and patient in the lane, and I love how he gets to two feet. Defensively, Cushing stuck Jones on Evan Mitchner in the second half, which slowed him down greatly. He can stay with anyone – no matter how quick – on the defensive end. He'll have his hands full with [player_tooltip player_id='2325746' first='Amir' last='Jenkins'] in the next round, and what a fascinating matchup that'll be.     Egbuonu is a freak out there on the basketball court. There isn't a rebound that he isn't trying to rip down, and once he secures it, he's off to the races. The 6-foot-7, strong-bodied wing has a solid handle and is SO physical on his drives that he just effortlessly moves people. Then, when he gets in the paint, he has excellent hops and the ability to finish well above the rim. Oh, and he also has a little wiggle to his offensive game and can shoot it from the outside. The junior has high major offers and they could keep rolling in.     Mitchner is so solid with the ball. He's controlled, compact with his dribble, and an excellent decision maker. In the first half, he had a field day getting into the paint and kicking out to shooters on the perimeter. He also found success from beyond the three-point line and had a couple nice drives to the rim. The junior got a taste of one of the best defenders in New England ([player_tooltip player_id='1204660' first='Jay' last='Jones']) in the second half, but that'll only further prepare him for a big year next season. He's a really heady player that any shooter or big man would love to play with.

Cushing handled business against Lawrence in the first round of the Class AA NEPSAC playoffs. In the first half, they shot Lawrence Academy out of their 2-3 zone, and then they dismantled LA's man-to-man defense in the second half as well. Cushing also put on a defensive clinic with help side rotations and on-ball defense. They'll face Worcester Academy next round.