AAAA D6 Boys Basketball Playoff Preview & Thread

[Crimson's Ghost]

The Favorite - Central (15-6)

Central really came on strong with a 10 game winning streak midseason after a slow start. That run propelled them to earning the top spot in the District Six playoffs, and they were able to hang on to the spot going into the playoffs. Central really has some impressive wins to their credit. They have handed Clearfield their only loss this season, and split with fellow playoff teams Huntingdon and Tyrone.  They aren't an overwhelming favorite, but Reggie Nevins is an excellent coach and we'll have his team ready.  Look for seniors Kyle Dodson, Josh McKnight, Brandon Buchart and Jacob Muthler to carry much of the load during this playoff run. 


The Challenger - Johnstown (12-10)

Johnstown may not always be consistent, but when they are on, they can beat anyone.  The Trojans have played in an abnormal amount of close games, as they are 6-4 in contests decided by five points or less.  The close games should be a nice preparation for the postseason, where every possession matters.  The Trojans have a pretty balanced team, and seniors Jemal Gause and Tavis Price have tons of experience, but perhaps 6'2" sophomore wing Keyon Gause is their most important player. Gause is a very gifted athlete, and can be the X-factor in this playoff bracket. 


The Sleeper - Somerset (10-12)

Somerset is the six seed, but a very dangerous six seed at that. They travel to Johnstown in the opening round, and the Golden Eagles actually won both meeting this season against the Trojans. Somerset also has some impressive wins over Westmont and Bishop Guilfoyle, if you catch them on the right night, they can really beat anyone.  George Coyle is a very talented 6'3" forward that makes this team go. The senior is averaging 17 points per game, juniors Cam Coddington and Ryan Funa are also key contributors that average in double figures.  


The Hot Hand - Huntingdon (14-8)

Huntingdon lost three straight games back in mid-January, dropping their record to 7-7.  Since then, the Bearcats closed the season with a 7-1 record, including wins over other AAAA playoff teams Central, Tyrone, and Forest Hills.  Nobody is hotter coming into the postseason than Nick Payne's squad. Huntingdon is pretty reliant on their underclassmen, junior guards Jonathan Price and Jayton Smith and sophomore forward Nick Rigby are the catalysts for this team.  


The Youth - Forest Hills (11-10)

Forest Hills only plays one senior, and features four sophomores in their main seven man rotation. They can sometimes play like a great team, and sometimes they show their inexperience. The Rangers have talent no doubt, and can make some noise this postseason.  The team is very reliant on their versatile forwards Ryan Richardson and Adam Cecere. The duo combines for 28 points and 16 rebounds per game and can control the paint. 


The Three Ball- Tyrone (13-9)

Tyrone can really shoot the three-ball well, and that's a great equalizer.  Junior Dylan Thomas is perhaps the best outside shooter in the area, and he'll be hunting for perimeter shots when they face off with Forest Hills on Tuesday.  Parker Mitchell and Jake Meredith can also knock down three's when given the opportunity, but it's Thomas that can go off at any given time. 


The Picks

(3) Johnstown over (6) Somerset
(4) Tyrone over (5) Forest Hils

(1) Central over (4) Tyrone
(3) Johnstown over (2) Huntingdon

(1) Central over (3) Johnstown

[dougkeklak]

Really great stuff CG, read them all!  Hoping Johnstown can just get to that title game so they can advance to state bracket.  Trojans haven't been there is '12-13

[Crimson's Ghost]

Johnstown has the talent to win D6, or lose to Somerset tonight. You never know.