Houston Yates/Katy Freeman: 4A Regional Semifinal Battle

The game between Yates and Freeman earlier this week came down to the wire with the ultimate stake: advancing in the playoffs and one step closer to state. Despite a slow start in the first half, the Lions overcame the deficit and ended the game with the win by a score of 84-80. The impressive teamwork and double digit scoring by most of the Eagles' starters was not enough to contain Yates' fierce second half run and just fell short in crunch time. Let's look at some players who caught my attention and gave it their all on the court.    Dakari Bolton came away with my "Mr. MVP" award from this game and boy, did he show out. Bolton had a game high 36 points and scored from all three levels consistently. He drove to the basket against tough contact, launched three pointers over closing out defenders, and converted midrange jumpers. Dakari showed that he is also a willing playmaker for teammates and despite having the most points, came away with 4 assists as well. Bolton is one of the biggest unsigned senior sleepers left in the city and any collegiate team would be lucky to sign him!     Louis Kathios displayed that he is more than just a scorer in this game as he was the ultimate Swiss army knife for the Golden Eagles. Louis had a team high 23 points and came through in clutch situations when his team needed a bucket. He also played the role of one of his team's biggest rebounders and defenders under the rim. I watched several possessions where Kathios came from behind and blocked an opposing shot when they thought they had an open look at the rim. Louis is a good decision maker in transition and helped Freeman convert several fastbreak baskets to stay in the contest the entire duration of the game. Only a 2027, look for him to continue to improve his play going into this summer and his senior year.     Roman Flannagan was one of the players I had never seen before coming into this contest and I definitely know who he is now after this performance. He had a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds and continually was a momentum changer on the boards. Flannagan was one of the fastest players down the court in fastbreak situations and attacked the basket with ferociousness every time he had a mismatch. Roman was playing the role of an undersized post, but his frame and aggressiveness made up for going against taller players and he has a great motor as well as good hustle for loose balls.     Chase was crucial at the point guard slot throughout the game for Freeman as he sliced and diced the defense for dazzling assists and created his own shots with ease from midrange and three-point land. The main part of Wildridge's game I noticed was his quick first step and ability to explode out of the triple threat stance. His court vision was unmatched, and he came away with about 7-8 assists during this game. An underrated passer and decision maker, Chase converted on several attempts under the basket as well and was cash money at the free throw line. Look for Chase to make some noise coming up this summer and he has definitely made his way onto my radar now!

The game between Yates and Freeman earlier this week came down to the wire with the ultimate stake: advancing in the playoffs and one step closer to state. Despite a slow start in the first half, the Lions overcame the deficit and ended the game with the win by a score of 84-80. The impressive teamwork and double digit scoring by most of the Eagles' starters was not enough to contain Yates' fierce second half run and just fell short in crunch time. Let's look at some players who caught my attention and gave it their all on the court.