VISAA Division 2 Final Four Previews
The Division 2 Classification of the VISAA has become just as competitive as Division 1 the last few seasons. Dominated by boarding schools across the state, this year’s Final Four features three of the four teams that competed last season…
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Continue ReadingThe Division 2 Classification of the VISAA has become just as competitive as Division 1 the last few seasons. Dominated by boarding schools across the state, this year’s Final Four features three of the four teams that competed last season at VSU. All four teams feature high major talent across the board, and it should make for some very competitive games. Here’s our breakdown of the matchups, including an individual matchup to watch and our predictions.
Blue Ridge vs. Carlisle
The 1-4 matchup features two of the most improved teams over the past two seasons. Blue Ridge has been a freight train that has been hard to beat all season, and have occupied the #1 position in the Vantage Hoops Top 30 Power Poll for the past six weeks. Led by two division one seniors, point guard Malik Johnson (Cannisius) and wing Scott Spencer (Clemson), the defending state champions have been one of the most consistent teams in the state all season. Along with nationally ranked junior Aamir Simms, who holds over 15 offers, Blue Ridge has a host of role players that can make shots when needed. They are deep, athletic and very well coached.
Carlisle got off to a rocky start this season, with a lineup featuring four new starters and playing a national schedule against some of the best teams on the east coast. It seems to have paid off however, as they have bounced back in a big way to win nine of their final twelve games. They are immensely talented, led by sophomore point guard Rasir Bolton who already holds offers from Virginia Tech, Richmond, ODU, ECU and Hampton. They also feature junior wing Gabe Osabuohein and senior Yesid Mosquera, both of whom give them size and versatility because they can play in the post and on the perimeter.
Matchup to Watch: Malik Johnson (Blue Ridge) vs. Rasir Bolton (Carlisle)
It’s the old vs. the young matchup. Both players are originally from the Chesterfield area, and both have blossomed into terrific basketball players. Johnson, the hard nosed, lightning quick point guard that plays with a chip on his shoulder, is a natural leader who will do anything to win. Bolton is also a natural, but you see it in the way he plays the game, his ability to read defenders and find ways to score all over the floor. It should be a very intense matchup between these two, who are friends off the court but take no prisoners on it.
Prediction: Blue Ridge 58 Carlisle 54
St. Anne’s Belfield vs. Virginia Episcopal School
These two schools were both a surprise this season, and in different ways. STAB, led by Duke commit 6’8” Javin Montgomery-DeLaurier, were expected to have a good season, but they really turned it up late in the season, winning 11 of their last 12 games, including a big win over St. Chris for the Prep League Tournament Championship. Along with DeLaurier, junior wing Jayden Nixon has really come into his own as both a scoring threat and a defensive stopper who can guard the best player on the other team. It will be an interesting matchup between two teams that play very similar.
VES was a little different, as they came in with lofty expectations but stumbled midway through the season. Led by two high major commits in 6’11” Sacha Killeya-Jones (Kentucky) and 6’1” Justin Kithcart (Pittsburgh), the Bishops have possibly the best high-low duo in the state of Virginia. The question continues to be, what role player will step up for them? They struggled with Kithcart out because they only go about six deep, but with him back they are a dangerous team.
Matchup to Watch: Javin Montgomery-DeLaurier (STAB) vs. Sacha Killeya-Jones (VES)
No surprise here, as the two top 100 players will have every set of eyes in the gym on them. While they have a lot of similarities, their games differ at the core. DeLaurier is a high motor, strong big that is comfortable doing the dirty work and anything else it takes to help his team win. Jones is a more skilled, athletic big who isn’t as strong but is just as dominant in protecting the rim. It will be a war in the paint between these two.
Prediction: VES 52 STAB 50