Regional Semifinal: Mt. Bethel - Paideia

Paideia avenged a regular-season loss with an impressive win on Wednesday night, punching its ticket to Friday's Region Tournament championship matchup against Mount Vernon. The contest featured high-level intensity and no shortage of next-level talent on the floor. With multiple college prospects competing on both sides, several players elevated their play when it mattered most. Here's a look at a few of the standout performers from a highly competitive regional semifinal.    The senior forward was outstanding in the win, finishing with 18 points and five rebounds while consistently making winning plays. A Mississippi Valley State baseball commit, he certainly has a future on the basketball court as well if he ever chooses to pursue it, thanks to his combination of size, strength, athleticism, and very high basketball IQ. He is an effective cutter who understands spacing and timing, a willing and capable passer, and a player who makes others better within the flow of the offense. Defensively, he brings toughness and awareness, using his physical tools and instincts to guard multiple positions and impact the game on that end of the floor.     The primary ball handler for the Pythons turned in one of his best performances of the season, scoring 16 points while controlling stretches of the game with his poise and command. Mitchell dictated tempo with smart decision-making, consistently putting his team in the right spots offensively. He showcased his ability to make tough pull-up jumpers off the dribble, knock down open shots from beyond the arc, and finish creatively in the paint against traffic. With good quickness and an ability to change speeds effectively, he keeps defenders off balance and continues to develop into a steady floor leader.     One of the more intriguing long-term prospects in the state's 2028 class, Shields is a skilled and versatile forward with considerable upside. The sophomore recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, impacting the game on both ends of the floor. He showed the ability to stretch the defense with perimeter shot-making, pursued the ball aggressively on the glass at both ends, and used his length to alter shots around the rim. As he continues to add strength and physical development, the high-academic prospect has the tools and trajectory to see his recruitment steadily rise in the coming years.     The junior turned in a strong performance despite the loss on Wednesday night, finishing with 19 points and consistently competing on both ends of the floor. The high-academic prospect was particularly effective attacking the paint, using his body control and touch to finish at the rim. He also showed good vision as a passer and contributed on the glass at both ends, highlighting his all-around impact. With his skill set, feel for the game, and steady development, Avery appears well-positioned for a productive offseason and continued growth heading into next year.     One of the county's top freshmen, Hudson brings a unique blend of size, skill, athleticism, and natural scoring ability that immediately stands out. He finished with 15 points, repeatedly getting to the rim with confidence and showing little hesitation attacking defenders off the bounce. His length and body control allow him to finish through traffic, and he plays with a maturity beyond his years. Beyond his scoring, Hudson has shown the ability to serve as a distributor, keeping his head up and finding open teammates when defenses collapse. With his physical tools and developing feel for the game, he projects as a high-upside prospect in his class.

Paideia avenged a regular-season loss with an impressive win on Wednesday night, punching its ticket to Friday's Region Tournament championship matchup against Mount Vernon. The contest featured high-level intensity and no shortage of next-level talent on the floor. With multiple college prospects competing on both sides, several players elevated their play when it mattered most. Here's a look at a few of the standout performers from a highly competitive regional semifinal.