PIAA 5A Quarterfinals: Neumann-Goretti 76, Penncrest 69

Moving up to the 5A classification based on the PIAA's competitive balance formula, state power Neumann-Goretti faced a stiff test from 24-4 Penncrest team that had sights set on an upset. The Saints were taken to the brink before holding on in overtime behind 35 points from junior guard Deshawn Yates. Penncrest was led itself by a pair of junior guards in Sean Benson (24 points) and Connor Cahill (19 points). Neumann advances to take on Upper Moreland in next week's state semifinals.    A dynamic paint-touch guard, Yates was the engine for the Saints in a clutch effort that showed off both his established strengths and actively-improving areas for growth. His biggest area of growth this year has come with the growth of his perimeter jumper which he's turned into a reliable weapon, shown chiefly on a pair of second-half 3s, none bigger than his halfcourt heave to break a tie before the third quarter buzzer. Make no mistake though, Yates is best as a downhill attacker, which he displayed on his driving finish to tie the game in the closing seconds and force overtime. He got to the line 10 times in the extra session, converting all but one on his way to a heroic 35-point performance that served as a showcase for all Yates can bring to the scholarship level when his time comes.     The leader on the night for Penncrest was Benson, a quick-footed guard who got loose for 24 points to key the near-upset. Operating primarily on the ball, Benson shows poise while handling against pressure with nice polish attacking off the bounce and soft touch as a finisher at the rim. He serves as the main paint-touch threat for the Lions, as he often broke down the Neumann defense before dishing out to kickstart the offensive action, adding four assists to go along with his scoring output. Also a talented football player, Benson is new on our radar but certainly looks deserving of collegiate opportunities on the basketball court if he chooses to go that route.     The other main source of offense on the night for the upset-minded Lions, Cahill capped a strong junior season with a balanced 19-point effort. With nice length and a well-rounded offensive skillset, he showed impressive moxie while matched up with a high-octane Neumann backcourt. Despite his thin frame, Cahill is consistently aggressive attacking the basket while showing nice polish as a slasher in either direction. He shows good diversity to his offensive game as he's also a reliable perimeter shooter off the catch, as he displayed with a pair of 3s in the opening half. We'll look forward to getting eyes on Cahill again in the grassroots season, as he looks like a potential gem for the small-college level with a chance to earn a scholarship with further outings like this one.     The leader throughout the year for a highly successful Penncrest group, Mita has shined up front with his rugged two-way interior game. While it wasn't his most successful night offensively, Mita wreaked havoc with his size and length around the basket on his way to 19 rebounds. He never relents while in pursuit of the ball while using his sturdy frame to carve out position consistently, and also shows good timing and verticality while presenting a deterrent at the rim with his length. Mita did have a chance to showcase his touch and footwork as a faceup scorer from the midrange. With interest from high-academic programs of all levels, he'll have a real chance over the next year to play his way higher up D1 boards.     The only freshman contributor for the Saints, Stanton has gradually worked his way up the pecking order and has now been thrust into the starting unit for the state playoffs. A natural lead guard, Stanton shows an advanced ability to thrive within a multiguard alignment while playing in Neumann's four-guard attack. His biggest impact tonight came as a floor-spacer, showcasing a smooth and consistent stroke off the catch while knocking down four 3s en route to his 13 points. The future appears bright for Stanton, who we look forward to evaluating more thoroughly against his age group once he hits the grassroots circuit this spring.

Moving up to the 5A classification based on the PIAA's competitive balance formula, state power Neumann-Goretti faced a stiff test from 24-4 Penncrest team that had sights set on an upset. The Saints were taken to the brink before holding on in overtime behind 35 points from junior guard Deshawn Yates. Penncrest was led itself by a pair of junior guards in Sean Benson (24 points) and Connor Cahill (19 points). Neumann advances to take on Upper Moreland in next week's state semifinals.