Kocerha proved to be a true team player who impacted the game in multiple ways throughout the weekend. He played unselfish basketball, making the extra pass and staying within the flow while still being a scoring threat. His quickness allowed him to get past defenders and create opportunities, both for himself and others. Around the rim he was an efficient finisher, converting with control and touch. He also showed the ability to score from all three levels, keeping defenses honest. Kocerha’s versatility, pace and willingness to do the little things made him a valuable piece and a consistent contributor

What more is there to say about Tatum? He’s one of the top players in the entire state, and he led Simla to another state championship. Kochera is the back-to-back 2A player of the Year, and it wasn’t close. The 6’7 forward does it all for Simla, and he will undoubtedly finish up his career with 2,000 points scored when it’s all said and done. This season, he put up 23.5 points, 11.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.6 blocks a game as well. Teams sent doubles, and it wasn’t enough. He makes the right play and has different elements to his game, which lets you know it translates. This summer, I am excited to see what it looks like against the top players in the state, and we hope to see him get out to some showcases as well to prove doubters wrong. He made a rise in the rankings with his stellar play and is looking to rise even more. 

When it comes to this Simla team it’s no question about it about why they’re operating so well. They’re the defending 2A champs, and the defending player of the year is still cruising. And he’s only a junior. Tatum has been relentless in his pursuit of leading his team back to the championship as he’s putting up 23.5 points and 11.6 rebounds a game to go along with it. He’s coming off two straight 30-point performances, he’s likely going to be the player of the year again, and I feel as if another win can be the icing on the cake. I expect him to do what he does best – dominate. He’s the player to watch in this one and is the best player remaining in the field. Simla has a chip on its shoulder and he gives them the confidence to keep on pushing. Excited to see how he performs in this one as Simla looks to go back-to-back.

Tatum was the 2A player of the year as only a sophomore. A feat that has not been done too often in CHSAA history, and he brought home the state championship as well. He’s had some monster seasons, even putting up 17.3 points a game as a freshman, and has gotten better in every way statistically since then to show the maturation of his game. He’s putting up 22.6 points a game as a junior and has 11.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists a game to go along with it. He passed the 1,000 points scored mark to start his junior year and is well on his way to finishing with over 2000 points scored, which would put him in elite company. He’s a Top 10 player in his class. He has a 6’7 frame and gives you a bit of everything, and is a player that more eyes should be on. 

Kocerha continues to be the true do it all force for Simla, producing at an elite level while averaging 21.8 points, 11 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. His impact shows up everywhere on the floor, constantly involved in every phase of the game. As a big, he can score inside and out, knock down shots and make smart reads with advanced vision and passing. He runs the floor hard in transition, defends multiple positions and brings nonstop activity. His versatility and motor make him one of the most impactful players in the state

Kocerha has established himself as one of the most dominant players at Simla, filling up every part of the stat sheet. Averaging 23.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, he impacts the game in multiple ways. His ability to score at all levels, stretch the floor with his range, and control the glass makes him a matchup nightmare. What separates him is his feel for the game as he makes smart, timely passes and consistently makes the right play. Kocerha’s size, skill and versatility make him a huge presence every night

Tatum is a player who had an incredible season as he was the player of the year for his class and brought the school a championship as a sophomore. He has even higher expectations heading into his junior season and made a huge jump in the rankings as a result of the season. I have gone back and forth on how high he is and can be as he has all of the skill, tools, and intangibles, and I want to see it up close to see if he’s truly what he’s made out to be. September 13th will be a perfect spot to showcase that, and we hope to see him there. 

Tatum was the 2A player of the year and how could he not be, he brought Simla its first state title since 1987 as the leading scorer and that was as a sophomore. His numbers were even more impressive. He put up 21 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.4 steals and 1.8 blocks a game. He’s a 6’5 do it all wing that scores from all 3 levels. He is unstoppable in that smaller classification and has stepped out and put up strong performances in grassroots against elite teams across the state and country as well to show that he’s a standout that produces on both ends of the floor. He was ranked No. 18 last go round and jumps into the Top 10 with a strong performance. Can he get higher with another monster showing in his junior year is the question? 

Kocerha was absolutely dominant in his first game today. He made it look easy, knocking down shots from just about every spot on the floor. His three-point shooting was especially impressive—he was hitting them from deep with smooth confidence. When driving to the basket, he showed incredible control in the lane, finishing at the hoop with ease. Whether it was a smooth floater or a strong finish through contact, Tatum looked like he could do whatever he wanted on offense today. It was a performance that really put his versatility on full display

Kocerha is a blast to watch, his ability to score from anywhere on the court really sets him apart. He can dunk, hit mid-range shots, and lights it up from beyond the arc. On offense – even when he doesn’t have the ball, he’s constantly moving, finding ways to get open. He does great coming off screens and always positions himself to get a quick shot off over defenders. Defensively, his quick feet help him stay in front of his man, and he can easily close out and go up for a block. What really makes Kocerha stand out is his nonstop motor on both ends of the court. He’s always working hard, and that energy lets his game really shine whenever he’s on the floor