Cross Court Vision: Semi Final Observations & LL Finals Preview
Written by: Sterling Cross on February 13, 2025
Both Warwick and Cedar Crest have a ton of size and depth. I thought that was the biggest factor in each teams win last night, outside of talent and execution. Who has more left in the tank down the stretch may factor into the final outcome again tomorrow
- Both games were within a single point through the first 16 minutes of play, and both games ended with double digit victories as LMH and CV appeared to simply run out of gas. Somewhere mid-way through the 3rd, with the game still well within reach for the Buckskins, RJ Young went to the bench visibly in need of some air (which he had absolutely earned). It will be interesting to see how much air Young may need tomorrow and how Cedar Crest will fare while he is on the bench. I don’t expect either team to wear down to the same extent as their opponents Wednesday, but it may be a matter of degree.
In yesterday’s games Warwick and Cedar Crest got solid production from their marquee players and were also able to find next level production further down the roster.
- Ya’Majesty Washington averages 15 point per game and ended his night yesterday with 18, Caleb McCamant on the other hand averages a robust 8 ppg but poured in 20 for the Warriors. For Cedar Crest Young, Speaks and Wolfe combined for 39 compared to their combined average of 37, while Jack Waranavage contributed another 10 vs his season average of just under 4. Mennonite found an X-Factor in Jordan Lily, but Warwick was able to significantly limit Cody Fisher. Conestoga Valley got 19 from Demere Salisberry and Sawyer Esbenshade had an all-world first half performance, but down the stretch they didn’t get enough from the supporting cast. Both Warwick and Cedar Crest have a lot of guys who can impact winning on any given night, from a talent perspective it feels pretty evenly matched.
I’ll be curious to see the style of play from each team in terms of pace and offensive shot selection
- Despite being the bigger team Warwick shot a lot of 3 pointers in the first half against Lancaster Mennonite. They stopped falling for a period in the second quarter and Mennonite was able to get back into it after being down early. Warwick has given back leads a couple times this season, most recently in a loss to Manheim Central and a near loss to Octorara on Monday.
- The Falcons on the other hand made it a point to go inside early and often against the Buckskins. I like shots closer to the rim, but the size difference won’t be as dramatic tomorrow and the refs so far in these playoffs have been allowing a lot of contact inside. The Falcons move the ball incredibly well on offense and can also score from distance.
I haven’t been shy in these playoffs about making predictions, going all the wat back to my first posts for LLHoops.com. Some have been right, and others less so, but all have been in good sport. Both Cedar Crest and Warwick have worked hard all year to get here. They’re both good enough to win, and they both deserve it. I don’t know who will ultimately bring home the trophy but I’m looking forward to finding out tomorrow night!
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