PIAA 3A Quarterfinals: Holy Cross 63, Lancaster Mennonite 52

Defending state runner-ups at the 2A level, Holy Cross was moved up to 3A this year based on the PIAA's competition formula, but continues to march forward with a commanding win to secure a spot in the state semifinals. Leading by double figures much of the way, the Crusaders were spearheaded by the stellar play of sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2427360' first='CJ' last='Thompson'] (15 points) at the point, and will advance to take on West Catholic out of Philly in next week's semifinal.    The straw that stirs the drink for Holy Cross, Thompson is a throwback of sorts as a pass-first lead guard, playing with a poise, IQ, and unselfishness as just a sophomore that truly bely his years. Thompson sprayed the ball all over the court at the helm of the Crusader offense, contributing all across the floor game while also getting downhill himself for a team-high 15 points to orchestrate the win. His assist numbers don't accurately portray how effective he was at getting the ball off the glass and getting the ball up the floor to teammates in spots to attack. His crispness as a driver, finisher, and decisionmaker with the ball in his hands all bode well for his long-term translation at the next level. While he did hit two second half triples, we'd still like to see him become more dangerous as a perimeter shooter. Nonetheless, Thompson certainly looks like he has the potential to run a D1 team one day with reasonable progression in the coming years.     The key complement to Thompson was the effective play up front of Lyons, whose night got started with the 1,000th points of his career on the Crusaders' opening bucket. As the only true interior presence on either side, he would go on to score 12 points while imposing his will up front with his length and finishing touch. Lyons showed good hands and dexterity around the rim with a keen passing feel as well, along with the ability to face up from the midrange and take his man off the bounce. His length was a key factor on the other end as a rim protector and rebounder. Lyons looks like a strong fit for the D3 level as he looks to close his prep career with a state title.     Mennonite's top scorer and the top long-term prospect among the Blazers' strong junior core, Fisher shows a blend of length, fluidity, and shotmaking that's bound to intrigue coaches of all levels over the next year. He came out a bit slow in this one, but saved his best for last with half of his 12 points coming in a fourth quarter run that cut the Holy Cross lead to just six. A consistent threat to knock down an open shot from anywhere on the floor, Fisher showed positive flashes while attacking closeouts into his pullup. He also used his length and mobility to make plays on D. He'll have to contend better with physicality if he hopes to translate to the D1 level, but the scholarship upside is certainly there as Fisher builds up his frame and continues to gain experience around higher-level athletes.     Forming a strong core for the future alongside Thompson in the backcourt, Badyrka gave Holy Cross a huge spark with his aggressive but high-IQ play from his off-ball position. His corner 3 to break a 2-2 tie would spark a run the Crusaders would never look back from, and would be his first of three 3s on the night en route to 13 points. Badyrka blends smarts and aggression, consistently being in the right spots to attack but doing so efficiently and with a natural sense of making plays for others. He showed equal comfort whether attacking in the halfcourt or transition. He'll have to establish more of a defensive identity moving forward as an undersized off-guard, but he's certainly on the radar now and has a chance to draw eyes from college coaches as soon as this summer.     The other key perimeter threat for the Crusaders, Hughes was effective as a complementary piece to his sophomore backcourt mates and Lyons inside. While he's a capable shooter, his biggest impact was felt as a dribble-drive scorer where he showcased his quickness and finishing craft with either hand. Despite not jumping off the page physically, Hughes also showed himself to be a smart and impactful multi-effort defender who consistently worked himself to the right spots to make things difficult for the Blazers. His opportunistic scoring and team-first approach should eventually translate nicely to a winning small-college situation.     Mennonite's top scorer on the night, Hurst did all he could in a valiant effort to help keep hopes of extending the season alive. He eased his way into the game, but picked up steam as things went on en route to a game-high 16 points. Hurst got going as a spotup shooter, but would go on to show his craft and toughness as a scorer off the dribble despite a lack of overwhelming burst or athleticism. He also showed himself to be a gritty defender on the other end. With an older brother starring at nearby Lancaster Bible College (D3) after setting Mennonite's career scoring mark, Hurst looks primed to follow in his footsteps with a successful small-college career when his time comes.

Defending state runner-ups at the 2A level, Holy Cross was moved up to 3A this year based on the PIAA's competition formula, but continues to march forward with a commanding win to secure a spot in the state semifinals. Leading by double figures much of the way, the Crusaders were spearheaded by the stellar play of sophomore guard CJ Thompson CJ Thompson 6'0" | CG Holy Cross | 2027 State PA (15 points) at the point, and will advance to take on West Catholic out of Philly in next week's semifinal.