Players to Know from the Class 4A Quarterfinals

4:30 PM   Cascia Hall 68   Blanchard 48    Duffie looked every bit a player who has started since his freshman year. His bread and butter is shooting, which he got going with three triples in the first. He's developed his all around game into being the engine for the Commandos. It showed up in the box score with 6 dimes. And it was felt the most in the fourth quarter, when he'd pushed the tempo and get the ball down the court to his teammates. Finished with 19 points. Including flexing his muscles a bit with and emphatic And 1 late.     The sharpshooter went for 17 points including three triples. He also got loose around the rim a few times because he's a smart off the ball mover and efficient with his shot selection. Given his positional size it was good to see him come up with a couple steals. As a willingness to mix it up more on defense, especially for rebounds and loose balls will help Cascia greatly in their pursuit of Gold.      7:30 PM   Mount St Mary 80   Catoosa 38    The Rockets scored 28 points in the first quarter. Capped by a three from Hamilton. He has one of the purest shots in the state, and when he's on he's a game changer. In this case the game was already well in Mount Saint Mary's favor and he was the capper. Three after three. He connected five times from deep, for a game high 17 points.     Focused performance from the lead guard. One example came when he drove the lane, got the defense to commit and he flipped a pass out to a shooter. His teammate missed but Pedulla was there to clean it up. He went for 9 points, grabbed 12 boards and handed out 3 assists. It was the type of focused performance that defined this currently magical playoff run by MSM. And had a focused Pedulla saying "two more" during on court post game celebration.     High flying wing, who was a key part of Mount's smothering defense. And also got loose in transition and around the rim for 14 points. Including a big time slam in the second half. Dubose is a prime example of the versatility given by the variety of MSM seniors including Young and Lyons, that makes them so good on defense. And dangerous on offense.    9:00 PM   Douglass 37   Blanchard 34    Came up the biggest in the clutch. With a tied game, he was able to keep his composure and knife his way to the hoop for a great contested take. Seconds later it was his quick hands that forced a turnover and effectively secured the win for the Trojans. It was a signature moment for the junior and a testament to perseverance. As he fought through a few turnovers and misses early in the game, to be the man late. Confidence building moment.     Morris is one of the hardest playing players in the state, and his motor ran hot throughout. Fearless finisher around the rim, took a beating on drives and kept going on his way up to 17 points. Douglass struggled in the halfcourt, it was Morris' ability to force turnovers and speed up the tempo that kickstarted Douglass' offense in the second half. It's a great example of the spark and energy Morris has, which is a rare trait nowadays. And should make a priority for regional college coaches who value toughness.     Douglass had very few answers for the football-basketball standout. Straight up bully on the block, on his way to 21 points and 12 rebounds. For a large stretch of the second half, it looked like he would single handedly carry the Bronchos to the upset victory. Strength is his main asset, but he is quick for his size. While allows him to go before defenses can collapse. Will be a rock for Bethany going forward, and should have more big moments before ultimately hanging up his sneakers for cleats.

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