WCAC Playoff Roundup

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Paul VI 3peats claim the WCAC Title Defeating St. John's College 74-65</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Semi-Finals Results</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>In the first Semi-Final Paul VI Catholic came back from an 8-point halftime deficit to Bishop O'Connell 57-51</strong>. Leading the way for the Panthers was led by Junior sensation <strong>Brian Mitchell, Jr. </strong>the<strong> </strong>6-4 guard pumped in 22 points 6-9 from the field, 2-5 from the 3pt line. The floor game of 6-4 sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2916390' first='Ryan' last='Bahr'] who scored 10 points, 9 rebounds and dished out 2 assists and 2 steals was instrumental in the Panthers come back. Also playing a major role for PVI was the shooting of 6-1 junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3295789' first='Dylan' last='Harsanyi']</strong> who came off the bench and scored 9 points going 3-6 from the 3pt line.  Playing well for Bishop O'Connell was senior PG <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2252287' first='Darius' last='Bivins'] (6-0, PG)</strong> who finished the game with 18 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3363554' first='Tristan' last='Franklin'] (6-5, WF) </strong>played well scoring 14 points on 5-8 shooting, 4-7 from the 3pt line, 3 rebounds, 2 assist and 1 steal. Look for Franklin to be one of the top returning players in the Washington Catholic Leage next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>In the 2^nd Semi-Final Game St. John's held off a tough and relentless Archbishop Carroll team 68-64</strong>. Leading the way for St. John's College was 6-3 junior combo guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2353547' first='Jymin' last='Veney']</strong> finished the game with 26 points on 10-16 from the field and 2-4 from the 3pt line. Veney saves his best performance for the playoff the strong guard impress with overall floor game pulling down 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Also playing well was aggressive big man <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1782593' first='Zyion' last='Chase']</strong> the 6-6 senior finish the game with a double-double scoring 13 points and 16 rebounds. The Lions of Carroll match the Cadets intensity with the play of Vanderbilt signee <strong>Anthony “Ant” Brown</strong> lead the way with 31 pts. &nbsp;Also playing well for Carroll were several underclassmen worth mentioning [player_tooltip player_id='2610833' first='Truth' last='Kelly'] the strong 6-6 sophomore forward scored 8 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2388168' first='Chima' last='Amadi']</strong> a talented 6-5 sophomore who provided solid perimeter defense and showed the ability to handle and dished 1 assist, 1 rebound, 1 steal and 5 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Championship Game (2OT)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top performers in the Championship Game</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Championship game was highly competitive, featuring 11 ties and 9 lead changes. Arkansas commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3336930' first='Jordan' last='Smith']</strong> (6-3, 2026, Paul VI Catholic) delivered an outstanding performance with <strong>38 points on 10-for-22 shooting from the field and 1-for-6 from beyond the arc. Smith also contributed 3 rebounds, 7 assists, and 7 steals, converting 18 of his 25 free throw attempts. </strong>His determination was especially evident in the overtime periods. Smith had an opportunity to secure the win with 2.4 seconds remaining but went 1-for-2 from the line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Florida Gulf Coast commit <strong>Lawrence “Turk” Brown</strong> played a crucial role for Paul VI as well, providing timely three-point shooting. The 6-foot guard tallied 15 points on 5-for-7 shooting, including 4-for-6 from deep, along with 4 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals. Also making a significant impact was 6-4 shooting guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2194710' first='Brian' last='Mitchell Jr.'],</strong> who hit several key three-pointers to help cut into the 16-point deficit in the second half, finishing with 11 points before fouling out with over two minutes left in the 4^th quarter. Coach Farello continued to receive strong play from 6-5 sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2916390' first='Ryan' last='Bahr']</strong>, who posted 9 points and 10 rebounds. But it was two sophomores <strong>Jackson Sabrick</strong> (6-6) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2194779' first='Aiden' last='Acquah']</strong> (6-4) both entered the game and supplied fresh energy to Paul VI's pressure-trapping defense, and demonstrating composure under pressure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. John's College showcased a balanced attack among its starters. Leading the way was St. Thomas Aquinas signee <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1969210' first='Geremy' last='Clark']</strong> (5-9, SR), who scored 23 points on 8-for-15 shooting, including 2-for-8 from three, and had 6 assists. The quick, left-handed guard consistently attacked the rim and made several difficult finishes. <strong>Kareem Bey Smith</strong>, a talented 6-5 sophomore, displayed significant potential, playing strong defense on [player_tooltip player_id='3336930' first='Jordan' last='Smith'] while adding 15 points (4-for-10 FG, 2-for-8 3PT) and grabbing 8 rebounds. Bey Smith fouled out with a technical in the first overtime, a critical moment in the game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2353549' first='Jordan' last='Taylor']</strong> tallied 14 points, 15 rebounds, an assist, and two steals, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2353547' first='Jymin' last='Veney'] (6-3 JR)</strong> added 15 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals. With strong depth and talent, the Cadets could projected as early WCAC favorites for 2026-27 season next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->