PIAA First Round Preview: Cathedral Prep vs. Knoch

This first round PIAA game should be interesting. Cathedral Prep is playing as well as any 4A team in the state, and Knoch's record is a bit deceiving — most of their losses have come by just a few points.    While both teams have exceptional players (detailed below), Cathedral Prep has the depth. Plus, as Knoch will be traveling to Erie and playing at Prep's home court, I think it will be just a bit too much for the Knights to overcome.    Prediction: Cathedral Prep wins by 11.    Read below for the players to watch in this match-up.    [player_tooltip player_id='2845076' first='Jackson' last='Bauman'] controls every aspect of the game, playing with poise, intelligence, and boasting elite court vision. His ability to operate in the pick-and-roll makes him a serious offensive threat. His passing ability is truly elite — few players can thread the needle and create opportunities the way Bauman does. Offensively, he is a legitimate scoring threat. His mid-range game is lethal. He is fearless when attacking the basket. Bauman's ability to absorb contact and still finish at the rim makes him a nightmare matchup for Cathedral Prep. Bauman was a dominant force during Knoch's WPIAL tournament run, putting up huge numbers. In their upcoming PIAA matchup against Cathedral Prep, he will be the focal point of Knoch's offensive attack. Prep will need to find a way to slow him down, especially in transition and pick-and-roll situations, where he thrives at creating for both himself and his teammates. With his ability to take over a game, Cathedral Prep can't let Bauman get hot.     [player_tooltip player_id='1406915' first='Derek' last='Lang'] is a versatile and skilled wing who will be a key player in the Knights' PIAA playoff match-up against Cathedral Prep. A long and athletic forward, Lang has the ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting while also being a strong presence inside. His ability to space the floor will be critical against a high-scoring Cathedral Prep team. What makes Lang such a difficult matchup is his ability to play inside-out. When he sees a mismatch, he takes advantage by posting up smaller defenders and using his soft touch around the rim to score. He moves exceptionally well without the ball. His high basketball IQ allows him to anticipate plays and put himself in the right position both offensively and defensively. Defensively, Lang brings toughness and grit. He is more than willing to put his body on the line by taking charges and contesting shots in the paint. His length makes him a strong rebounder and shot-altering presence, which will be key in slowing down Cathedral Prep's potent offense. Given Prep's fast pace and high scoring ability, Lang's ability to defend multiple positions and impact the game on both ends will be crucial for Knoch's chances. Cathedral Prep will need to account for his ability to score at all three levels and his defensive presence if they want to slow him down. Expect Lang to be a major factor in this playoff match-up.     [player_tooltip player_id='2288500' first='Michael' last='Thompson'] is one of the most dynamic and athletic players in District 10 and a key piece if the Ramblers are going to make a state playoff run. Thompson has taken his game to another level this season, establishing himself as a legitimate scoring threat at all three levels. His combination of size, speed, and skill makes him an extremely tough match-up for Knoch.  Thompson thrives in transition by using his elite speed and agility to beat defenders down the floor and finish above the rim. His vertical leap and body control enable him to get off tough shots in contested situations, making him a reliable go-to scorer. Thompson has a strong pull-up jumper that makes him just as dangerous from midrange. His underrated court vision and passing ability allow him to create for his teammates, making him a well-rounded offensive weapon. Whether he's attacking the rim, knocking down outside shots, or facilitating for others, he always finds a way to make an impact. Coming off a dominant 27-point performance in the District 10 championship win over Sharon, Thompson is peaking at the right time. Against Knoch, his ability to play inside-out and run the floor will be a major factor. If he gets going early, Prep could run the score up on Knoch. Expect Thompson to be a major difference-maker in this first-round match-up.     [player_tooltip player_id='2785417' first='Max' last='Wallace'] is a physical and highly skilled big man who will be a major factor in the Ramblers' PIAA playoff match-up against Knoch. Wallace is a well-rounded post player with an excellent jump shot, great footwork, and a strong presence in the paint. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor are going to be huge during this game. Offensively, Wallace boasts a versatile skill set that allows him to score in multiple ways. He has an impressive arsenal of post moves, utilizing his excellent balance and footwork to create scoring opportunities inside. While he thrives in the low post with soft touch around the rim, he also has the ability to step out and knock down midrange jumpers. His face-up game is effective, as he can either rise up for a jumper or use his strength to drive inside. On the defensive end, Wallace is a dominant rim protector. His ability to wall up against bigger offensive players without fouling makes him an anchor for Cathedral Prep's defense. He is an elite shot blocker, which will be a major challenge for Knoch's offense. His rebounding ability is another key aspect of his game—he crashes the boards aggressively and secures second-chance opportunities. Wallace is going to be a match-up nightmare for Knoch.     Cormac Thunell has developed into a crucial piece for the Ramblers this season. Initially a role player, he has grown into a significant impact player with his ability to contribute in every aspect of the game. Thunell is a true do-it-all player — he distributes, scores, defends, and crashes the boards. Offensively, Thunell is a threat at all three levels. He has a smooth shooting stroke, especially when coming off screens. His ability to read defenses and navigate off-ball movement allows him to find open looks. When he gets a mismatch, he is comfortable taking defenders to the post, where he uses his size and soft touch around the rim to finish. His strong ball-handling ability allows him to attack off the dribble and create for both himself and his teammates. Thunell's defensive presence is just as impactful. He is a tenacious defender who takes pride in shutting down his assignments. His combination of length and speed enables him to defend multiple positions, making it difficult for opponents to find a favorable match-up against him. Against Knoch, his versatility will be a key factor, and he'll be a tough match-up that Knoch must account for.

This first round PIAA game should be interesting. Cathedral Prep is playing as well as any 4A team in the state, and Knoch's record is a bit deceiving — most of their losses have come by just a few points.