High school boys basketball tournament capsules

(21) ELYRIA VS. (19) AUSTINTOWN-FITCH

What: Division I Twinsburg District semifinal

Where: Twinsburg High School, 10084 Ravenna Road

When: 7 p.m., March 7

Records: Elyria 17-6, Austintown-Fitch 13-10

Elyria’s path: Def. Stow-Munroe Falls, 53-44

Austintown-Fitch’s path: Def. Walsh Jesuit, 74-69 (OT)

Up next: The winner plays (1) St. Ignatius or (24) Lakewood in a district final on March 9.

Outlook: Elyria’s successful season continues into a district semifinal once again. The Pioneers are playing well, and they picked up a sectional final win over Stow-Munroe Falls last week. Jayden Crutcher has been one of the region’s best players this season, and it was proven when he was named to the Northeast Lakes District first team. He will be the best player on the floor. Taylor Blanton has also stepped up as a junior, while Xavier Church and BJ Todd have filled their roles well. The Pioneers are also deep behind those four and have played team basketball this season. After an overtime win in the sectional finals last week, Austintown-Fitch is the next opponent. The Falcons have some size and talented guard play led by Marcel Finkley (16 points per game) and Deshawn Vaughn (11.6). The guard matchup will be fun to watch, and the Pioneers are more than good there.

Nelson’s pick: Elyria

(20) AVON VS. (11) ST. EDWARD

What: Division I Copley District semifinal

Where: Copley High School, 3807 Ridgewood Drive

When: 7 p.m., March 7

Records: Avon 17-7, St. Edward 15-8

Avon’s path: Def. Wooster, 71-47, and Twinsburg, 48-39

St. Edward’s path: Def. Euclid, 89-52

Up next: The winner plays (5) Brunswick or (40) Akron Garfield in a district final on March 9.

Outlook: With two home sectional wins, Avon is playing in the district tournament for the first time since 2019. The Eagles are now looking for more, but defending district champion St. Edward stands in their way. It never has been Avon’s style to play fast, which will pay dividends in this game. It thrives on defense and executing in the half-court offense, while St. Ed wants to pressure and get out in transition. Also nicknamed the Eagles, St. Edward isn’t the same version as last year, but can go on a run. Wendell Henry leads St. Edward, and his size at 6-foot-6 could be tough to contain. This isn’t much different than any other game, as Avon will need its stars to play well. Tyson Ziegler runs the show and will have help from his backcourt mates, Zane Austin and Nolan Good. Nate Farley is a spark plug that can change a game in Avon’s favor.