Top Senior Playoff Performers

<p>With the tournament in full swing in SW Ohio, I spent some time at Fairmont and Centerville HS’s to check out D1 and D2 Sectional action. This piece will focus on the 2022 prospects that impressed me throughout the 6 games watched.</p> <p><strong>Josh Mitchell</strong> (Waynesville) 6-foot-3 SG</p> <p>Mitchell’s career ended with the Spartans in a heartbreaking loss to Milton-Union. Mitchell drew one of the toughest assignments of the day as he was forced to defend Milton-Union junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="976066" first="Blake" last="Brumbaugh"]</strong>, one of the leading scorers in the TRC. Mitchell accepted the assignment and for the most part kept Brumbaugh silent especially during the first half. His quickness and shiftiness allowed him to avoid screeners while keeping Brumbaugh in front of him. Mitchell would lead his team with 11 points although the shots weren’t falling for the Spartans yesterday. Now that the season is over, Mitchell will make a decision soon as he owns an offer from Wilberforce and interest from several schools.</p> <p><strong>Terrell Robinson</strong> (Kenton Ridge) 5-foot-11 SF</p> <p>Robinson came into the game against Bellbrook averaging 6 points per game. When it was all said and done, he had finished with 23 points in a losing effort. Robinson was a problem all day as Bellbrook could not keep him in check. He outworked whoever was assigned him and competed for every 50/50 ball off shots. The fact Robinson did all of this while primarily playing on the block and being under 6-foot is even more impressive. Robinson’s touch is soft and moves well from block to block. You always love to see a guy work his tail off in the postseason and one could tell Robinson saved his best game for the end in a losing effort.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1045467" first="Gabe" last="Pavlak"]</strong> (Bellbrook) 6-foot-5 SF</p> <p>Pavlak didn’t have an impressive night on the stat sheet. He only scored 9 points and was in foul trouble in the 2nd half. So why is he on this list? Pavlak did exactly what his team needed down the stretch in the Golden Eagles comeback win against Kenton Ridge. He wasn’t having a great offensive night, but distributed the ball with Kenton Ridge collapsing everyone on him. Pavlak made one of the most crucial play of the night when he took a charge late in the game with 4 fouls. This turned the momentum back to Bellbrook and allowed the Eagles to ultimately finish the game out. On a good night, Pavlak can fill the scoring sheet with his long strides and tough upper body. A next round matchup with Milton-Union won’t be easier as the Bulldogs will likely replicate Kenton Ridge’s defense against Pavlak.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="921793" first="Anthony" last="Johnson"]</strong> (Fairmont) 6-foot-0 PG</p> <p>Johnson didn’t need to do much in the Firebirds win against Xenia as the Firebirds were in control much of the game. He continued to show why he is one of the best facilitators in the area with his scoring potential and unselfishness. Johnson has a quick release on his shot and gets the shots to fall consistently. He understands defenses now adjust to close out on him quickly. His awareness on the floor and swift passing gives him opportunities to get other guys involved on the offensive end. Wilberforce and Concordia have offered Johnson and more could follow as he and the Firebirds advance deeper.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1195101" first="Gabe" last="Phillips"]</strong> (Beavercreek) 6-foot-8 C</p> <p>Phillips was a problem for Troy in their sectional opener as the shot-blocking big man made his impact more on the defensive end and glass. Defensively his long arms and vertical is enough to make guards hesitate to take shots in the paint. Phillips defended the post well as he fought over seal offs and just used his brute strength to get through post ups. He controls the glass and fought with <strong>Zach King</strong> from Troy all night. Phillips isn’t going to score a ton of points on the offensive end, but he will battle in the trenches with whoever is the opposing post.</p>