PIAA 3A Semifinal: West Catholic 58. Holy Cross 57

With March Madness in full swing, Saturday's 3A state semifinal between West Catholic and Holy Cross certainly lived up to the billing. Both programs are rich with recent state championship experience, as West took home the 3A title two years ago and Holy Cross were 2A runner-ups last season before bumping up a class via the PIAA competition formula. Following a nip-and-tuck 32 minutes of play, sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2424028' first='Jayvon' last='Byrd'] curled off a screen toward the baseline and received an inbounds pass before converting a fading 3-pointer as time expired to win the game. Byrd would lead the way with 11 points as the Burrs advance to Hershey for next weekend's state championship game against WPIAL champ South Allegheny.    Following a breakout regular season as an All-PCL performer, Byrd played hero with his fading catch-and-shoot from the corner to win the game at the buzzer. It was a fitting way for him to end the game, as he's made his mark thus far in high school as a prolific shotmaker with deep range and a versatile release across any number of actions off the dribble or catch. He led throughout the game, tying for a team-high 11 points. As he grows and matures into his lengthy frame, he continues to get swifter and shiftier off the dribble with the well-rounded skill level to punish whatever opening the defense presents. He's a polished decisionmaker with a mature feel for the game, signs that point to potential to develop into a true lead guard over time. Make no mistake about it though, it's the dynamic shooting that will be Byrd's primary ticket at the next level, and he picked a perfect time to showcase his go-to skill with the season on the line. He'll look to keep the momentum going into the summer with a couple D1 offers already in tow.     Pairing with Byrd as part of an extensive core of Burrs sophomores, Scott tied for a team-high 11 points to help key the win. A starter at times throughout the season, Scott came off the bench and immediately went to work as a sparkplug downhill playmaker. He excels using his shifty handle and low center of gravity to propel into the lane for crafty finishes or passes off two feet. Scott also helps to set an intense tone in the backcourt with his bothersome ball pressure on defense. When he's making smart decisions and stretching defenses consistently to the arc, the outlines are there for a scholarship-level guard when the time comes despite being nominally undersized.     A valued senior leader as a four-year staple of the West Catholic program, Perez isn't typically relied upon as a primary scorer. That was the case for much of the game in the semifinal matchup, as he saved all of his scoring for a clutch fourth quarter performance to extend his high school career. Trailing by six entering the final frame, Perez got the scoring started with a corner 3 just over a minute in. A transition and-one followed immediately by another catch-and-shoot trey to tie the game at 53 with less than three minutes to play would account for his nine points. Perez also contributed the inbounds assist for Byrd's game-winner at the buzzer. He was a pest with his ball pressure defensively and brought further punch on offense with his dependability as a ballhandler and secondary playmaker off the bounce. While he never figures to be a prolific scorer, Perez can certainly add value to a college program with his energy, competitiveness, and winning experience.     The key presence in the frontcourt for the Burrs, Wheatley was active and efficient in going about his business while displaying his versatility and athleticism as a modern hybrid forward. Wheatley continues to show progress as a mismatch 1-on-1 scorer across a variety of situations, getting the Burrs' scoring started with a pretty post move to a swift lefty finish. He also remains a lynchpin of West's culture of aggressive on-ball defense with his ability to move his feet on the perimeter but also clean things up along the back line. His ability to space defenses out to the arc with consistency remains the key swing skill as to whether his recruitment can take off above the low D1 territory where it stands currently.     Though it came in a loss that would ultimately conclude his high school career, Lyons went out in admirable fashion to put a bow on a stellar playoff run and four-year career. Despite an athleticism advantage against Wheatley, Lyons showed his fundamentals with his footwork and dexterity to take advantage of the younger forward inside on a number of occasions. His ability to function as a facilitator from the frontcourt also provides a huge value to the Crusader offense. Defensively, Lyons displays strong verticality while using his size and length to deter opposing drivers at the rim. He continues to track as a gem for the small-college level as he'll take his talents to D3 Arcadia.     Capping off a strong playoff run, Badyrka continues to appear set for a breakout sooner rather than later after serving as the Crusaders' leading scorer on the day with 16 points. He makes his presence felt as Holy Cross' most dangerous threat from beyond the arc, knocking down 3s as a high-IQ floor-spacer off the catch. Far from a one-trick pony, Badyrka remains active as a cutter or getting out in transition for easy buckets. He also doesn't appear rattled with the ball in his hands, making quick but aggressive decisions to keep the defense scrambling. While he's a bit undersized for an off-ball guard at the scholarship level, Badyrka should certainly be monitored by programs at that level given his efficient production and team-friendly approach.     It wasn't his highest scoring outing, as Thompson was limited to single digits on the afternoon, but he was still the unquestioned engine of the Crusader attack with his cerebral vision and playmaking ability. As dependable a ballhandler as you'll find, Thompson expertly picked and chose his spots to attack while probing with maturity in search of open teammates near the rim or along the perimeter. Thompson also flashed his ability to pressure defenses as a scorer in the midrange. As he continues to extend his range more consistently out to the arc, Thompson figures to emerge onto D1 radars with his increasingly rare skillset as a pure PG.

With March Madness in full swing, Saturday's 3A state semifinal between West Catholic and Holy Cross certainly lived up to the billing. Both programs are rich with recent state championship experience, as West took home the 3A title two years ago and Holy Cross were 2A runner-ups last season before bumping up a class via the PIAA competition formula. Following a nip-and-tuck 32 minutes of play, sophomore guard Jayvon Byrd Jayvon Byrd 6'3" | PG/CG Cristo Rey | 2028 PA curled off a screen toward the baseline and received an inbounds pass before converting a fading 3-pointer as time expired to win the game. Byrd would lead the way with 11 points as the Burrs advance to Hershey for next weekend's state championship game against WPIAL champ South Allegheny.