VISAA Division 3 Final Four Preview
While they aren’t as marquee as the bigger two divisions, there’s still some high level matchups in the VISAA Division 3 Final Four. All four teams have a lot of talent, and their contrasting styles should make for a fun…
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Continue ReadingWhile they aren’t as marquee as the bigger two divisions, there’s still some high level matchups in the VISAA Division 3 Final Four. All four teams have a lot of talent, and their contrasting styles should make for a fun day of basketball. Here’s our breakdowns of the two games, including our predictions for the weekend.
Williamsburg Christian vs. Virginia Academy
This matchup features the best next level prospects in all of Division 3, and is a battle of two different styles. Williamsburg Christian has been one of the most consistent teams in VA all season, regardless of classification. A guard oriented team, they are led by 6’6” wing Xavier Green, Metro Conference Player of the Year and an ODU commit that plays all over the floor for them. Green may be outsized by VA Academy, but he’ll pose mismatch problems for their bigs who aren’t comfortable playing away from the basket. Backcourt mate Cle’Von Greene, a junior who holds an offer from UMES, is also an explosive guard adept at creating his own shot.
VA Academy is different, as they play inside-out through their junior big man Ejike Obinna, a raw and athletic 6’10” rim protector who holds offers from a number of high major schools including Georgetown, Temple, Virginia Tech and Miami. While defensively he’s a huge presence, the ball will typically be in junior point guard Jahlil Jenkins hands. A quick and crafty guard that’s hard to stay in front of, Jenkins averaged 18.7 points per game this year, and holds offers from LIU-Brooklyn, Howard and St. Peters.
Matchup to Watch: Xavier Green (WCA) vs. Ejike Obinna (VA Academy)
While the two don’t play the same position, Green will likely be matched up with Obinna because of WCA’s lack of size. This will be interesting, because they both present matchup problems for each other. I’d expect both teams to run zone, so I don’t think we’ll see them matched up on each other often, but it will be interesting to see how Green attacks the bigger Obinna, and if Obinna can use his size on the other end for easy paint baskets and if he can stay out of foul trouble.
Prediction: Williamsburg Christian 62 VA Academy 53
Amelia Academy vs. Christ Chapel
Both of these teams are historic winning programs in Division 3, and I would expect a great game between the two. Amelia Academy is led by the senior backcourt duo of Korey Turner and Trevor Lewis, both of whom are capable of creating their own shot. Turner, a first team all state selection last year, will be tasked with getting Amelia into sets and distributing, while still looking for his shot in big situations. The X factor for the Patriots could be sophomore Darryl Anderson, a lanky 6’6” wing who can shoot it and will have to rebound.
Christ Chapel has a whole different look from last season, but they started to click as the season went on. Senior point guard Tayler Brletic transferred back to the program midseason after a stint with Woodbridge, and immediately brought leadership and playmaking ability. He’s really helped the play of super freshman Dominic Bailey and 6’3” senior Josh Darville, who both earned all conference selections. They are a talented and balanced team who has been here before and knows how to win.
Matchup to Watch: Korey Turner (Amelia Academy) vs. Tayler Brletic (Christ Chapel)
Both are seniors who want to go out on top. Turner has more size on Brletic, but that’s never stopped the Christ Chapel guard before. The game will be dictated through these two guards, and they both should put on a show. Turner is a three level scorer that dictates tempo on both ends, while Brletic is more of a slasher that distributes and is a great leader. These two will both do whatever it takes to win.
Prediction: Amelia Academy 59 Christ Chapel 56