Toledo City League Semifinals Standouts & New Names
As far as the game results go, no surprises on Tuesday. Start beat Bowhser. Rogers beat Scott. Handily. Spartans and Rams will meet, for a third time, on Friday for the City League Finals. When it comes to individual performances,…
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Continue ReadingAs far as the game results go, no surprises on Tuesday. Start beat Bowhser. Rogers beat Scott. Handily.
Spartans and Rams will meet, for a third time, on Friday for the City League Finals.
When it comes to individual performances, though, there is plenty to note.
The headline was Start’s senior backcourt of Adrian Michael and TaVaz Lawler-Showers, a pair of scholarship-level guards that are way under the radar played excellently. Also, for us, Bowsher’s unsigned senior center Aric McCrimmon is a new name to note!
Let’s dive into the details:
STANDOUTS
Adrian Michael (2020) | 5-10 PG | Start
stats: 16 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists
The only time Bowsher found their footing was when Michael was out of the game after tweaking his ankle. The unsigned senior was so disruptive as a point-of-attack defender that the opponents couldn’t find any sort of rhythm. Michael is a compact, quick and committed to the defensive end. Forced several turnovers and dictated the game by shutting guys down.
Offensively, he just really knows how to play. Michael creates high-percentage shots by moving cleverly without the ball and playing unselfishly. Doesn’t over-dribble. Very good outside shooter. Becoming more explosive at the rim.
TaVaz Lawler-Showers (2020) | 5-11 PG | Start
stats: 25 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists
TLS, a transfer from Michigan and unsigned senior, is another scholarship-level guard for the Spartans. While Michael is the dominant defensive piece, TLS scores. Springy athlete who plays with energy and joy. Very creative handle and dynamic in the open floor. Finishes with elusive footwork. Shoots it well after creating separation, like after a step-back, for example. Quick lefty shooting stroke. In the halfcourt, his first step is a huge asset and he can get a good shot in one or two dribbles. His quickness and energy affect the game defensively.
Steve Coleman (2021) | 6-4 SF | Rogers
stats: 21 points, 9 rebounds
As we noted after their game on Saturday, Coleman has packed on muscle. Impressively strong and filled-out frame, which he combines with a great second jump to be a standout rebounder. Coleman plays an efficient, no-nonsense brand of basketball by being physical around the basket and crashing the glass. Directly attacks when he touches the rock, often getting fouled. Coleman is self-aware.
NEW NAMES
Aric McCrimmon (2020) | 6-5 C | Bowsher
stats: 7 points, 5 rebounds
McCrimmon is a big, thick low-post threat that did a great job of sealing defenders under the rim. His size and strength are appealing traits. He also has the beginnings of a post-up game with simple drop-step moves. Becoming more consistent catching and finishing will be important, but he has exciting qualities that could be groomed at the next level.
Jequan Pack (2021) | 6-0 PG | Scott
stats: 17 points, 6 rebounds
Pack, Scott’s leading scorer, is a solid lead guard with a strong frame and good skill-set. He took a charge and played hard throughout. The lefty has a quick, low-release and can shoot it off the dribble. Flashed the ability to penetrate and make plays.
Christian Neal (2021) | 6-4 SF | Scott
stats: 6 points, 3 rebounds
We really liked Neal’s physical tools. He has a good frame and long arms for someone who plays on the perimeter. Neal is best when he gets downhill on a straight-line-drive — his size and athleticism shine here. Pretty solid stroke, though, too. Gets in a rush when people pressure his handle.
Dante Mays (2023) | 5-4 PG | Bowsher
stats: 6 points
The freshman guard played with confidence against Start’s senior backcourt. Solid handle and he was able to pull up in the mid-range for shots. Undersized yet long and nowhere near done growing.