NW Division VI Regional Semis Standouts

The Northwest Regional semifinals in Division VI took place on Thursday night with Colonel Crawford and Van Wert Lincolnview advancing to the regional final. In this article I'll break down the standout performers from the action.    One of the top Division VI players in the state, Holt should be a first team all-Ohio nomination when the all-state teams are announced. Controlling the pace of the game when the ball is in his hands, Holt does an excellent job of pushing the tempo when necessary while also slowing the game down when beneficial for his team. Knocking down multiple open 3-pointers against the Seneca East zone defense, Holt is a point guard you have to track off the ball as well. Colonel Crawford is rolling right now, playing arguably their best basketball of the season.     The DeGray brothers are a load to deal with in the paint as the duo dominate the offensive glass and points in the paint. DeGray has soft hands and secures rebounds and passes in contested areas. I also like his passing ability, hitting shooters on kickouts and his brother on big to big actions. While his collegiate future is on the gridiron, DeGray could end his high school basketball career with a state title if Colonel Crawford can win three more games.     A rare freshman getting heavy minutes for a district champion, Depinet stood out as an impressive vertical athlete who rose up for a monster blocked shot rejected off the backboard during the third quarter. A confident athlete in transition, Depinet had a nice coast to coast take that led to a scoop layup. While he still needs some development, Depinet should be one of the best players in the conference in a couple of years.     The Hammons family runs the Lincolnview basketball program with a coach and two brothers running the show. While younger brother Marshall might have more long-term upside already standing at 6'2, Max was the one who fueled Lincolnview to a win over county rival Convoy Crestview. Hammons hit multiple 3-pointers from behind the college line, including one just before the third quarter buzzer to lift the Lincolnview fans to their feet. The lefty point guard also had a tough and-1 finish attacking the rim. Impressive performance by a Lincolnview team who defeated a bigger and stronger team with impressive shot-making and ball movement.     The Sheets name for Convoy Crestview usually means physicality, rebounding and interior scoring, Will did all three of those things at a high level on Thursday. The lefty Sheets had multiple open layups after his teammates broke the full-court trapping pressure of Lincolnview. I was also impressed by Sheets ability to crash the offensive glass, getting either his own or his teammates misses around the rim and quickly getting the ball back up on the rim. After hitting a game-winning shot off an offensive rebound in the district final, Sheets continued to excel in the regional tournament for Convoy Crestview.

The Northwest Regional semifinals in Division VI took place on Thursday night with Colonel Crawford and Van Wert Lincolnview advancing to the regional final. In this article I'll break down the standout performers from the action.