PREVIEW: Curtis Winter Classic Semifinals
1st Game- O’dea vs Foss
O’dea Fighting Irish
O’dea is coming off a big 85-69 victory over Timberline, led by a 30pt night for the junior guard Noah Williams. The Irish are 4-1 this season and looking for another win to advance into the Curtis Winter Classic championship. O’dea’s Tommy McAllon and Russell Whealdon are ranked by Prep Hoops within the top 130 for the class of 2018, and stand-out guard Noah Williams is listed as the #2 player in Washington for the class of 2019.
Foss Falcons
Coming off a 83-52 quarter finals victory, the 2A Falcons are looking to put its name amongst the top teams in the state with a victory over the 3A O’dea squad. Led by senior guards Damani Kelley and Demetrius Crosby, and the up-and-coming freshman center Kenzel Massey, Foss puts forth a tough matchup for defenses. Both Kelley and Crosby are ranked by Prep Hoops in the top 100 for the 2018 clss. And the play of junior guard Micah Pollard can not go unmentioned. His average of 17.9 ppg is putting teams on notice, and making a case as one of Washington’s top guards for the 2019 class.
Prediction
It’s fair to say Foss has an up-hill challenge against O’dea, giving them the perfect opportunity to make some noise. A highly competitive game should be expected, and both teams are coming off impressive victories; but I’m predicting O’dea to come out with the win tonight, setting up a great championship game on Saturday.
2nd Game- Stanwood vs Camas
Stanwood Spartans
With a close 45-43 quarterfinal victory over Central Valley, the 4-4 Stanwood team is in tough against one of the state’s top 4A teams. The Spartan team is led by senior guard Nate Krummer, ranked by Prep Hoops at #56 in the 2018 class. And the 6’5 forward Mitchell Jones is amongst the top juniors in Washington, ranked by Prep Hoops at #33. Look for Stanwood to come out fired up tonight, with a great opportunity to make some noise.
Camas Papermakers
Yesterday’s 55-51 win over host-team Curtis left some broken some hearts, but gave reason to believe Camas is among the top 4A teams in Washington. This is nothing new for Camas, as the well coached and fundamentally strong team competes at a high level each year. A solid team top to bottom, Camas is led by senior guards Ben Cooke and Treton Carlisles, along with standout junior Isaiah Sampson.
Prediction
Unlike the first semifinal game, don’t except a close outcome. Stanwood has their hands full tonight with a very tough Camas team. I’m predicting Camas with a fairly easy win- advancing to an exciting showdown with O’dea in the championship game.