Players to Watch in the 3A Final Four
In just two days, the final four for the Class 3A bracket will begin. Once again, Poly makes an appearance and looks to complete a three-peat after proving their worth this season in a tough 3A South bracket. Will they…
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Continue ReadingIn just two days, the final four for the Class 3A bracket will begin. Once again, Poly makes an appearance and looks to complete a three-peat after proving their worth this season in a tough 3A South bracket. Will they be able to do it? What other teams or players should you look out for? We have you covered.
March 14: Poly vs C. Milton Wright (3pm)
Reservoir vs Thomas Johnson
Rahim Ali | Poly ’20
Ali comes in as the most seasoned junior you can find around the country. The 5-foot-11 floor general already has two state championship rings and with his improved play this season, his plan is to add one more to the collection. Ali is a tremendous floor general and finds teammates where they’re most effective on the floor, but where Ali has improved the most is as a scorer from all three levels. His overall energy and intensity is crucial to Poly completing this historic run.
Justin Lewis | Poly ’20
Lewis enters in as arguably the most talented player you’ll find this weekend. At 6-foot-8, Lewis can play inside and out. He can score off the catch or take his man off the dribble from all three levels. If he is around the rim, chances are he’s finishing with a dunk that you’ll be able to feel from the nosebleeds. Defensively, he’s a shot blocker who can also rebound at an alarming rate and spark fast breaks with quick outlet passes or pushing the ball up the floor himself.
Brandon Murray | Poly ’20
If there was an argument for the most talented player this weekend, Murray and Lewis will be at the top of the list. Murray has exploded onto the scene after returning to Baltimore from New York. The 6-foot-5 wing has a brute frame that can also soar over the rim for emphatic finishes. Where Murray can be a match-up problem is when you factor in his ability to shoot three’s. When he puts the ball on the floor and attacks the rim, not many can stop him, but when his outside shot is dropping, there’s almost nothing you can do.
Josh Odunowo | Reservoir ’19
Odunowo has put together one of the most impressive seasons statistically in some time. In the regional title game against Northeast, the 6-foot-7 wing finished with 29 points and 23 rebounds. Odunowo feasts on the offensive glass, but can also step out and do damage from three and mid-range. The Gators’ hopes lie on Odunowo’s shoulders and if he can lead them to the state title game, that alone would be admirable.
Richard Rivas | Thomas Johnson ’19
Thomas Johnson returns to Xfinity to redeem themselves after last year’s final four loss and they’ll lean heavily on point guard Richard Rivas to lead the way. The 5-foot-9 guard is extremely feisty on the defensive end and despite his lack of size, he isn’t afraid to drive into the lane and embrace contact offensively.
JR Powe | Thomas Johnson ’19
Powe is an undersized forward at 6-foot-3, but his length, athleticism and effort help him become a double-double threat in every game he plays. He has experience playing the guard position, so Powe can gather the rebound and push the ball in transition himself. What makes Powe so good is that he knows his role and embraces it. He doesn’t try to do too much, rather he does the dirty work and take efficient shots in the rhythm of the offense. He will be key in neutralizing Odunowo on Thursday evening.