Northeast Division 3 Bracket Sleepers, Predictions + Top Players

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's tournament time all throughout the state of Ohio for girls high school basketball! As the brackets get set, Prep Girls Hoops gear up for their coverage all tournament long! To set the stage, let's take a look at some teams and players in the Northeast Ohio sectional/district tournament set to take place next week throughout the Buckeye State!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's start today with Division 3 in Northeast Ohio!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Region 9: @ Canton Memorial Fieldhouse</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OPENING ROUND MATCHUPS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>District: Northeast 4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2/21 - Bedford @ Louisville 4:00 PM</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2/21 - Warren Howland @ Uniontown Lake 12:00 PM</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2/21 - Grafton Midview @ Canfield 4:00 PM</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2/24 - Bedford/Louisville @ Avon Lake 7:00 PM</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>District: Northeast 3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2/21 - Painesville Harvey @ Aurora 1:00 PM</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2/21 - Boardman @ Warrensville Heights 4:00 PM</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2/21 - North Olmsted @ Tallmadge 4:00 PM</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2/21 - Chardon @ Madison 4:00 PM</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>District: Northeast 2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2/21 - Gates Miles Hawken @ Walsh Jesuit 4:00 PM</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2/21 - Barberton @ Copley 1:00 PM</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2/21 - Kent Roosevelt @ Akron Ellet 4:00 PM</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2/21 - Chardon @ Chaney 4:00 PM</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>District: Northeast 1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2/21 - North @ Brush 4:00 PM</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2/21 - Willoughby South @ Cle. John F. Kennedy 1:00 PM</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2/21 - Geneva @ Kenston 4:00 PM</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2/21 - Beaumont School @ Bay 1:00 PM</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>POTENTIAL 2nd ROUND MATCHUP TO WATCH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2/25 - Uniontown Lake @ Canfield</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lake is a gritty and tough opponent to face as they compete in the highly competitive Federal League Conference finishing 4th at 7-5 this season. The Blue Streaks are lead by their senior small forward [player_tooltip player_id='640912' first='Hayden' last='Croyle'] who is a scoring machine committed to Ursuline College and junior combo guard [player_tooltip player_id='874435' first='Brooke' last='Wiley'] who both make a great duo. Canfield is one of the toughest opponents in the state ranked #1 in Youngstown and #6 in Division 3 finishing with over 20 wins on the season. Canfield is lead by senior shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='1229427' first='Jenna' last='Triveri'] who is tough as nails attacking the defense with the drive and scoring inside. Canfield is 8-0 in the All-American Conference and loaded their non-conference with a number of regional contenders! If both teams can get past their opener, which is highly likely, this matchup should be a great battle! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PLAYERS TO WATCH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["806938"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698d2afaab75f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Western Michigan commit is an impactful senior forward on both ends of the floor for Copley! She plays with explosive athleticism and energy on the offensive end. Her ability to combine her size and skill is why she is able to impact winning at such a high level. Parker is excited and ready to leave a huge footprint in the post season for Copley!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["481375"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698d2afaab7c6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 4th ranked point guard in her class in Ohio is geared up and ready to make a huge impact for Copley during the state tournament! The Youngstown State commit has sharpened her skills and chemistry with her teammates each year for Copley. Scoring or passing she is a star on the court! If you think she impressed in the regular season, just wait to the playoffs!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1229427"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698e88cce1a46"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Triveri plays with a special edge and grit to her game that makes her tough to contain on both ends! She is a knock down three-point shooter with the ability to put the ball on the floor and score at the basket as well! She has been the engine that has lead this elite Canfield squad all season in scoring as she helped them to 8-0 in conference play and compete very hard in their very few losses. With over 20 wins on the year, [player_tooltip player_id='1229427' first='Jenna' last='Triveri'] and Canfield are planning for a deep tournament run throughout the Buckeye State!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["874435"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698e88cce1b00"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wiley has been a steady offensive presence in her junior year for the Blue Streaks! [player_tooltip player_id='640912' first='Hayden' last='Croyle'] and her play off each other so well as either one can set up the offense and score. As a 5'10" ball handler, she can score with force and efficiency in the paint and draw fouls with ease. I'm excited to see how far this Blue Streak team can go with Wiley and Croyle guiding them through the post season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["974181"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698d4f8b4a3f7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I was a big fan of her game at the beginning of the season and I still believe in her high upside! Esterak makes winning plays on both ends of the floor! She can get down hill and score at the rim as well as make the pullup jump shot. Her energy on both ends is contagious and will be the driving force behind the Walsh Jesuit Warriors having a strong tournament run!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["640912"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698d4f8b4a45c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Croyle is a flat out gifted scorer! She has the physical tools and speed to attack the paint and finish with strength! The future Ursuline Arrow has a complete game that has translated to big time performances all season for the Blue Streaks. [player_tooltip player_id='640912' first='Hayden' last='Croyle'] is geared up and ready to be a sleeper in this state tournament! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["808264"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698d2afaab81a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Ohio State commit is ready to go for the Lady Arcs! Whether it's inside or outside, Mason is able to make the defense pay with her 3-level scoring! The older Mason sister is dynamic with the ball in her hands as well as setting up her teammates for buckets. Tatiana is at the peak of her game and ready to make a strong post season push towards the state title!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["537957"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698d2afaab869"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Miller is a defensive force! She understands coverages and knows how to use her length and speed to contest baskets. Miller is a pure shot blocker! Miller comes off screens looking to score from inside the paint and from behind the arc! Her presence on both ends has made a significant difference for the Shoregals during her senior year! Miller looks to continue to have a big impact on both ends during the state tournament!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["537686"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698d4f8b4a4e3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">There really isn't enough that I can write about to describe the way that [player_tooltip player_id='537686' first='Nyla' last='Mason'] impacts winning for Brush! Whether it's her lockdown defense or her spot up shooting, she is a dual threat on both ends. The younger Mason sister is bound to have at least one game where she goes off from the field! Her ability to pressure to ballhandlers makes for must watch hoops! I'm excited to see how [player_tooltip player_id='537686' first='Nyla' last='Mason'] performs in the state tournament after having a stellar regular season for the Lady Arcs!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1452488"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698d4f8b4a528"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Defensive versatility is what comes to mind when I think of Webb! Her ability to close out on the perimeter and secure defensive rebounds puts her in an elite class. I love the heart she plays with on the offensive end! Webb will battle on both ends and make sure she has given it her all on both ends before the play is finished. Her shooting ability and skillset to play off [player_tooltip player_id='974181' first='Kara' last='Esterak'] is a big reason why Walsh Jesuit has had such a successful season and why I am high on the Warriors heading into the tournament!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>SLEEPERS TO WATCH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["833676"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698d4f8b4a56a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The sophomore combo guard is ready to make her stamp in the post season for the Shoregals! Persia is a lengthy sophomore who understands her position well for her age and contributes to winning plays. She is continuing to improve with her handles as her three-pointer is coming along together as well! Persia is looking forward to her expanded role and knocking down threes for the Shoregals this state tournament!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1417254"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698d4f8b4a5a8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brown plays with pure strength and force on the offensive end! She won't stop at anything until the ball is scored. She fights for loose balls and comes up with big timely blocks! Defensively, I continue to be impressed with how she locks down the interior for the Lady Arcs. [player_tooltip player_id='1417254' first='Jakayln' last='Brown'] has exceptional anticipation skills paired with a very high motor! I could see her defensively getting the stop down the stretch Brush needs to secure a late tournament victory!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1298374"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698d4f8b4a5e9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pierce is a high energy and active point guard who plays hard on every play for Aurora. I'm bought into the defensive upside the sophomore provides and her playmaking has taken a huge jump in her second year in high school. Aurora has had a very successful season in large part to her impact on both ends of the floor. Pierce looks to make big noise in the 2025-26 state tournament!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1279800"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698d4f8b4a629"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Every time I cover the Lady Brush Arcs, [player_tooltip player_id='1279800' first='Juliana' last='Ferreira'] does something special! Her defensive instincts separate her from others at her position. Ferreira's willingness to also take the heaviest level of coaching with a positive attitude continues to make me believe more and more in her! She plays with such a high level of basketball IQ and doesn't stop on the defensive end unless Brush has the ball! Energy and talk on both ends is a recipe to make a huge impact! She is the defensive glue that holds this team together and I'm excited to see it throughout the state tournament!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1305537"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698d4f8b4a669"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Grau is gaining the reputation of playing with a high level of grit and physicality to her game. She plays with great toughness on both ends of the floor. I'm impressed with her high basketball IQ and ability to see plays before they happen. Grau's high motor will be a big asset to Chardon during their tournament run!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>SLEEPER TEAM</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 6th seed or below that COULD sneak out and make it to the districts finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#10 Aurora </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aurora is a battle tested team who played their best basketball throughout December and January and are winners of 4 of their last 5. I like their mixture of young and older talent. Aurora had a number of marquee wins throughout the year including their home win versus Villa Angela-St. Joseph. I like their odds to finish the job in close games as none of their losses were by more than 10. They should breeze past their first game against Painesville Harvey with a potential matchup with #13 Warrensville Heights who I believe they can beat. I'm hoping for a third round matchup up with #9 Madison because I believe they can win that game and sneak out of their district!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MY PREDICTIONS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I think there are a number of teams that will have stellar performances and deep runs, but I can't see anyone but #1 Brush coming out of their district. The level of talent and speed that [player_tooltip player_id='808264' first='Tatiana' last='Mason'] and [player_tooltip player_id='537686' first='Nyla' last='Mason'] play with make for matchup nightmares! It would be interesting to see a #8 Avon Lake versus #3 Canfield matchup in the third round as well. There will be no shortage of big names and performances throughout these four districts in Division 3!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->