Players To Watch In The 3A MPSSAA State Semifinals
We’re finally here. The final four of each class will take place tomorrow and Friday to see who locks their spots in for a chance at a state championship. In tomorrow’s opening game, Milford Mill will take on Thomas Johnson at 3pm. Following at 5pm, Poly will tip-off against Stephen Decatur.
Let’s take a look at some players to keep an eye out for going into these contests.
Demetrius Mims | 6’6 | Poly ’18
Mims is the best player in the 3A bracket and has a strong argument to being the best player in the entire tournament. In transition, he’s a one-man wrecking crew with ability to rise and play above the rim. His three-point shot has drastically improved to the point where the defense has to always be cognizant of where he is on the floor. The Long Beach State commit can also use his size in mismatch opportunities by working with his back to the basket in the post. He’ll be determined to lead the Engineers to a second-straight appearance in the state title game after winning it last season.
Justin Lewis | 6’8 | Poly ’20
Lewis has cemented himself as a national prospect after this season. There have been games late in the schedule where the sophomore forward has looked unstoppable. He is now a certified threat at all three levels, but presents the biggest threat with his ability to put the ball on the floor and finish above the rim. Don’t expect Lewis to shy away from playing on the main stage. He’ll be key if the Engineers plan on claiming another 3A state title.
Rahim Ali | 5’11 | Poly ’20
As a freshman last season, Ali played the floor general role for this Poly team. Fast forward to this year, Ali still has the role of being the floor general, but now has more freedom to create his own offense as well. The 5-foot-11 point guard is most effective when playing in pick-and-roll sets. He does a nice job delivering pocket passes to a rolling big man or reading rotations from the defense and seeking out open shooters on the perimeter. He also has the ability and confidence to pull-up off the dribble and consistently knock down shots, making him a handful for his defender.
Jordan Goodwin | 6’1 | Milford Mill ’18
Goodwin has had a breakout season in the scoring column since transferring from St. Frances for his senior campaign. The 6-foot-1 guard is netting 19.4 points per game shooting 40 percent from the field. In the Millers’ entertaining style of shooting what seems to be an infinite amount of three’s, Goodwin get them up quick and can put up a crooked number if not contained. That style has gotten them to this point thus far, so expect it to only turn up a notch tomorrow afternoon.
Ugo Obasi | 6’2 | Milford Mill ’18
Reflecting back on the Millers’ offensive system, it fits Obasi’s game perfectly. Obasi will shoot three’s until his arms fail him. As a result, he’s put up big numbers. He isn’t just a scorer, but is averaging 15 points while pulling down 6.6 rebounds and grabbing 2.2 steals per game. If he isn’t accounted for, the future Virginia wide receiver can get things going quickly and help the Millers build a lead. Thomas Johnson will have to know where he is at all times.
Braxton Foreman | 6’5 | Thomas Johnson ’19
Foreman has been the lead man for the Patriots this season. The 6-foot-5 wing averages 14.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.3 steals and two assists per game. He presents an efficient clip from beyond the arc, as he is shooting 38 percent from deep this season. Foreman can also lead the fast break and finish over the rim if the opportunity presents itself. If Milford Mill is making shots, Thomas Johnson is going to need every little bit from Foreman.
JR Powe | 6’4 | Thomas Johnson ’19
Powe may be a little undersized on the roster sheet for a forward, but make no mistake he makes his presence known inside. The junior is averaging 14 points and 10.1 rebounds per contest. Milford Mill presents solid size and athleticism throughout, so it’ll be mandatory for Powe to establish his physicality in the paint immediately and set the tone for the Patriots.
Kevon Voyles | 6’3 | Stephen Decatur ’18
Voyles enters as the tournaments leading scorer averaging 25 points per outing. The UMES commit shoots 49 percent from the field and 33 percent from three. Voyles is the main reason why the Seahawks in the the position they’re in thanks to a 38-point performance against Centennial in the regional championship. The 6-foot-3 southpaw will be leaned on heavily to supply yet another big game if the Seahawks plan on getting past Poly.