PIAA

BRACKET BREAKDOWN

You might have noticed, in an earlier tweet this week, that I mentioned how there is a direct correlation between fall and winter success. Particularly, that the Colt Shootout has been known to be an indicator of winter success for District III’s big school divisions. Central York, the 2019 Champion will look to continue the past successes of both Reading and Manheim Township in league and district play. The Panther’s would love nothing better than to be the next champion on the verge of a 20 win season. Lets take a look at how -the bracket unfolded and the Panthers were crowned King…

The Semifinalists were Cedar Cliff, who got there behind solid team play and a stellar 2 game morning for 6’3 sr. guard Joey Zvorsky to knock off Waynesboro and Dallastown. 6’5 sr wing Elijah Eberly’s 21.5 ppg fueled the Bears of Elizabethtown past Susquehanna Township and Central Dauphin to victory. Central York and Chambersburg both only had to win one game to round out the Final Four. In Central York’s 54-43 victory over Cumberland Valley, 6’3 Gabe Guidinger and teammate Evan Eisenhart combined for 35 points. Chambersburg moved past Cedar Crest, behind the long ball of sr. guard Ethan Shreffler.

Elizabethtown moved into the finals taking down Cedar Cliff 56-38 with a balanced attack. Brody Beach had 17 points, with three- 3’s, pacing a Coach Parise’ squad , that had two other players score 15 or more, in Eberly 16 and Luke Pierson 15. In the other matchup Central York prevailed 45-37 over Chambersburg. Central York’s theme in the afternoon was everyone contributes. Mitch Saxton led a balanced attack, in which 7 Panthers scored, with 10pts. Evan Eisenhart tossed in 9 and Shiloh Johnson and Gabe Guidinger added 8 apiece.

In the Championship game both teams battled back and forth in the first half. The game was deadlocked at 21-21 but Central York outscored Elizabethtown 22-12 in the final 20 minutes of the day, to take the crown. Although the Panthers won by double figures, only one player in the game scored in double figures… and he wasn’t one of them. The Panthers suffocating defense held Elijah Eberly to only 9 points and teammate Luke Pierson managed the 10. For the Champions the leading scorers were Nolan Hubbs and Mitch Saxton with 9 apiece, followed by Gabe Guidinger 8 and Tejesh Chundura’s 7.

OUTSTANDING PLAYER

Elijah Eberly, Elizabethtown

NOTEWORTHY PERFORMANCES

Gabe Guidinger, Central York

Solid performances at both ends of the floor all day long. Gabe showcased his multi-talented (Dribble, Pass, Shoot, Defend) skill set relentlessly over his three games. He was an inside out juggernaut for opponents. He not only demonstrated the ability to score the ball from mid-range or at the rim, he defended all 5 positions effectively.

Joey Zvorsky, Cedar Cliff

Zvorsky was phenomenal in the morning session. He was already a very good player but the level he played at in his first two games was different than anything we had seen previously. Confident, poised, consistently on the attack, scoring efficiently, impacting the game at the defensive end. He was flat out the best player we seen in the AM. He fizzled a little late in game three but bounced back for a solid performance in the 3rd place game.

Ileri Ayo-Faleye, Cedar Crest

Ayo-Faleye was electric as always in transition. Today he demonstrated a real knock for getting the ball off the rim at the offensive end. He was quick off of his feet, often engaged in his second and third effort as opponents were landing their first. This obviously lead to multiple seond chance scoring opportunities for his team. Highlight reel dunks, with top of the block athleticism keeps him in our list even though play is inconsistent and not senior mature at times.

PROSPECTIVE STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE DAY

Nick Peters, Cedar Cliff

The German transfer student is a Division I project. However, at 6-11 and with a stretch four skill set, he will be a hot commodity this winter. He appears to be adjusting to the physicality of the American game well; this will take some time. His passing and feel for the game are definite strengths we quickly noticed. He made an athletic play when running the floor that did show an upside that was very exciting. With 25+ high school games and an entire season of adjustment and improvement he could be the type of talent that gets a low major coach a pay bump 4 years from now.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Brody Beach, Elizabethtown – shot it lights out

Justice Easter – Central Dauphin – impacted game both ends

Jason Eberhart, Cedar Crest – solid inside and out

Evan Eisenhart, Central York – when engaged excellent

Nolan Gilbert, Cumberland Valley – consistent, effective

Jadon Green, Dallastown – scored the ball effortlessly

Kobe Green, Dallastown – performed at both ends

De’von Haggins, Central Dauphin – defense led to offense

Nate McGill, Northern – not his best but better than the rest

Luke Pierson, Elizabethtown – strong force for Bears

Cole Rhyne, Waynesboro – see McGill

Rance Russo, Central Dauphin – elevates teammates

Mitchell Saxton, Central York – put together 3 good games

Sam Sherry, Cumberland Valley – skilled big with upside

Ethan Shreffler, Chambersburg – dribble, pass, shoot- impactful