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THE SUPER TEAM

Guard – Aaron Calixte, Jr., Stoughton
An exceptional athlete gifted with a tenacious motor, and one of the state's most dynamic scorers, the 5-foot-11 Calixte was the driving force behind the Black Knight's run to the Division 2 Eastern Mass. final, and asserted himself as the state's premier point guard. For his junior season, he averaged 19 points and six assists, and was named a Hockomock League All-Star. Calixte also stands out on the gridiron for the Black Knights' football squad.

Guard – Tyrese Hoxter, Jr., Charlestown
After playing in the shadows of former All-Stater Akosa Maduegbunam a year ago, the 6-foot-3 Hoxter thoroughly burst onto the scene and had a monster campaign for the Townies, leading them to the TD Garden floor for the first time since 2005 before bowing out to Brockton in the Division 1 Eastern Mass. Final. This season he averaged 19 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Guard – Tyrell Springer, Sr., Springfield Central
After falling short of a state title two seasons ago with New Leadership, the 6-foot-2 Springer led Central to the DCU Center floor this season where the Golden Eagles captured their first Division 1 state title since 1991. The centerpiece of one of the state's most athletic lineups, Springer averaged 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, seven assists and 7.3 steals. He is undecided on college plans.

Forward – Jake Layman, Sr., King Philip
The 6-foot-8 Layman was one of the most dominant players in Massachusetts this season, with the ability to score both inside and out, as the Warriors set a school single-season record for wins (18) before suffering a surprise upset in the Division 2 South quarterfinals. In 21 games, he averaged 26.5 points, 16 rebounds, 5.8 blocks, 3.2 assists and three steals. He closes his career with with 1,752 points, 1,098 rebounds and 391 blocks, giving him career averages of 20.6 points, 12.9 rebounds, 4.6 blocks, 2.8 steals and 2.6 assists. This is his second appearance on the Super Team; he also captured the Hockomock League's MVP for the second straight season. Layman, who was named ESPN Boston's "Mr. Basketball" earlier this week, is ranked the nation's No. 62 overall senior by ESPN, and will continue his career next season at the University of Maryland.

Center – Sayvonn Houston, Sr., Brockton
A nightly double-double machine, Houston established himself as one of the state's most dominant true centers, making life difficult down low as the Boxers went 23-3 and made their first Division 1 state final appearance since 1985. He saved his biggest performances for the biggest stages, such as his 20-20 night in the Division 1 South semifinals, or his 22-point, 13-rebound effort in Brockton's overtime win over Charlestown in the Division 1 Eastern Mass. Final at TD Garden. Houston is undecided on college plans.

BEST OF THE REST

Jalen Adams, Soph. G, Melrose
Quickly rising as one of the Bay State's most complete scoring guards, the 6-foot-1 Adams took home Middlesex League MVP honors after averaging 21 points per game. He led the Red Raiders to an 18-2 regular season record, before they fell to state runner-up Brighton in the Division 2 North semifinals. Adams has already declared that he will be transferring to Wilbraham & Monson Academy next season, where he will reclassify to the Class of 2015.

Jaylen Blakely, Jr. G, Brockton
Like Houston, the 5-foot-11 Blakely saved some of his best performances for the crunch time in the playoffs, such as his eight-assist performance in the Boxers' win over Catholic Memorial. Blakely distributed evenly to Brockton's talented shooters and post players, as they went 23-3 and reached their first state final appearance since 1985.

Matt Droney, Sr. F, Catholic Memorial
A terrific shooter, the 6-foot-4 Droney was named the Catholic Conference's MVP after a season of averaging 20.7 points, six assists and five rebounds per game. He also became the eighth player in school history to surpass 1,000 points earlier this season. The Canton resident will be doing a post-graduate season next year at the Taft School in Connecticut.

Darien Fernandez, Jr. G, Wareham
The 5-foot-7 waterbug demonstrated a tenacious motor in leading the Vikings to their second Division 3 Eastern Mass. Final appearance in three seasons. Wareham was the state's last unbeaten before losing to state champion Danvers. For the season, Fernandez averaged 24 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds and five steals, and recorded three triple-doubles. He needs just 45 points next season to reach 1,000 for his career.

Rony Fernandez, Sr. G, Charlestown
Fernandez was one of the most outstanding point guards of the MIAA tournament, leading the Townies to a thrilling win over Lexington in the Division 1 North final before bowing out to state runner-up Brockton in the Eastern Mass. Finals. For the season he averaged 16 points and seven assists. He is undecided on college plans, but is currently fielding interest from Division 1 programs such as Maine, Northeastern and Hartford.

Joey Glynn, Sr. F, Cardinal Spellman
The 6-foot-5 Abington resident did it all this season for the Cardinals, averaging a double-double (18.5 points, 12 rebounds, three steals, 2.2 blocks) as they lost to Eastern Mass. runner-up Wareham in the Division 3 South semifinals. For his career, Glynn scored 1,425 points. He will continue his career next season at Bentley University.

Steve Haladyna, Sr. G/F, St. John’s Prep
One of two repeat All-Staters, the 6-foot-3 Haladyna was unable to lead the Eagles deep in their Division 1 state title defense, but he still leaves the Danvers campus as one of its most decorated basketball stars. He averaged 22.4 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, both team highs, and for his career he finishes with 1,392 points -- second all-time on Prep's scoring list. The South Hamilton resident will continue his career next season at Tufts University.

Malik James, Soph. G, Brighton
The 6-foot-1 James elevated his game when the Bengals needed it most, as they made their first state final appearance in school history, falling to Mahar in the Division 2 title game. For the season, James averaged 18.1 points, 8.2 assists and 4.2 rebounds as the Bengals won their first-ever Eastern Mass. title.

Jameilen Jones, Jr. G, BC High
BC High's season came to an unexpected halt as the Eagles loss in the first round of the Division 1 South tournament, but the 6-foot-2 Jones has established himself as one of Eastern Mass.'s premier two-way players. For the season, he averaged 17 points and eight rebounds as the Eagles went 15-6.

Zach Karalis, Sr. G, North Andover
The 6-foot-1 Karalis was one of the driving forces for the Scarlet Knights, who went 21-2 and reached the playoffs an unprecedented 47th straight time. For the season he averaged 15.9 points and shot 46 percent from the field, to go along with 6.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.8 steals. Karalis will continue his career next season at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Kevin LaFrancis, Sr. C, Acton-Boxborough
After a stellar season in leading the 21-2 Colonials to a Division 1 North semifinal appearance, the 6-foot-6 LaFrancis was named the Dual County League's MVP. He averaged 19.5 points and eight rebounds this season, and finishes his career at A-B with 1,012 career points. He is undecided on college plans.

Alex Lopez, Sr. G, Springfield Commerce
The 5-foot-10 Lopez led the Valley League in scoring for the second straight season, averaging 22.3 points as the Red Raiders went to the Division 1 Western Mass. Finals and took state champion Springfield Central to the wire. He led Western Mass. in field goals made (185) and total points (512). Lopez is currently undecided on college plans.

Damian Lugay, Sr. G, Weymouth
The 6-foot-2 Lugay led the Wildcats to a second straight 17-win season, before they were bounced in the first round of the Division 1 South tournament. For the season he averaged 18.1 points and just under four assists, and leaves Weymouth as a two-time First Team All-Bay State Conference. Lugay is undecided on college plans.

George Merry, Sr. C, Danvers
At 6-foot-7, Merry was a force at both ends of the floor for the Falcons, known for his ability to redirect shots as much as his scoring touch. He averaged 16.1 points, eight rebounds and 6.6 blocks as Danvers captured its first Division 3 state championship in school history. Merry is currently undecided on college plans, but showing interest from several schools in Divisions 2 and 3.

Marcus Middleton, Jr. G, Stoughton
Tasked nightly with locking down the opposition's top scorer, Middleton established himself as one of the state's premier on-ball defenders. Middleton averaged 16 points per game for the Black Knights, who won the Division 2 South title before bowing out to state runner-up Brighton in the Eastern Mass. championship at TD Garden. Middleton also stars on Stoughton's football squad.

Matt Mobley, Sr. G/F, St. Peter-Marian
One of state's most pleasant late-blooming surprises, the 6-foot-3 Mobley was one of the leading scorers in Central Mass. as the Guardians made it all the way to the Division 1 Central Final. For the season, he averaged 23.2 points in leading SPM to its most successful season under head coach Marcus Watson. Mobley finished his career at SPM with 1,175 points, and will do a post-graduate season next year at Worcester Academy.

Tyler Nelson, Soph. G, Central Catholic
The 5-foot-11 Nelson established himself as one of the state's premier shooters, as the Raiders made it to the Division 1 North semifinals before bowing out to champion Charlestown. He averaged 15.5 points and four assists this season, shot 42 percent from three-point range, and 91 percent from the free throw line.

Colin Richey, Jr. G, Whitinsville Christian
After winning a Division 3 state title a year ago, the 6-foot Richey nearly led them back, as the Crusaders lost in the final seconds to state runner-up St. Joseph Central in the state semifinals. For the seaosn, Richey averaged 16.8 points, 6.7 assist and 6.3 rebounds for the Dual Valley League champions.

Kamari Robinson, Jr. F, Springfield Central
The 6-foot-5 Robinson was a rock underneath for the Golden Eagles, who captured their first Division 1 state title since 1991 and third overall. He was a nightly double-double threat this season, averaging 13 points, 11 rebounds, four steals and three assists, as Central went undefeated in Massachusetts.

Michael Thorpe, Sr. G, Newton North
The Tigers went run-and-gun this season, and the 5-foot-11 Thorpe kept them thoroughly going. One year after reaching the Division 1 South finals, he nearly led them back, before losing to state runner-up Brockton in the semifinals. He was named the Bay State Conference's MVP, with averages of 15 points and four assists. Thorpe will continue his career next season at Emerson College.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
MARCUS MIDDLETON, STOUGHTON
The kind of on-ball pressure Middleton provided nightly to some of the state's premier scorers can take its toll physically, but he was routinely up to the task. As teammate Aaron Calixte saw a barrage of double-teams and box-and-one's, Middleton did his part at the other end, hedging off screens and staying one one's hip, chasing them all over the floor. As much praise as Calixte will get in this unprecedented season for the Knights, an equal amount must be thrown Middleton's way.

ALL-DEFENSIVE TEAM
G – Marcus Middleton, Jr., Stoughton
G – Anthony Hodges, Sr., Holy Name
G – Darien Fernandez, Jr., Wareham
F – Jake Layman, Sr., King Philip
C – George Merry, Sr., Danvers

COACH OF THE YEAR
HUGH COLEMAN, BRIGHTON
The Bengals lost their best player before the start of the tournament, and backpedaled into the playoffs with uninspiring losses to Acton-Boxborough and Madison Park. Yet in the end, they were one step away from the school's first-ever state title. Coleman is an unabashed disciple of the legendary Jack O'Brien, and staples of those historic Charlestown squads are sprinkled all over the program. Not only has Coleman done a remarkable job bringing the team to heights never before reached in his three seasons at the helm, but this is a program that will be dangerous for the next few years.

RUNNERS-UP:
Paul Connolly, Newton North
Dean O'Connor, Franklin

FINALISTS:
Kevin Brogioli, Wareham
John Gallivan, Stoughton
Reggie Hobbs, Lexington
Malcolm Smith, East Boston
Chad Softic, Mahar
John Walsh, Danvers
Dennis Wilson, Madison Park

TAUNTON, Mass. -– During an afternoon walk-through before Wednesday night’s MIAA Division 3-South semifinal game against Cardinal Spellman, Wareham’s Aaron Baptiste buried a couple of half-court shots.

In retrospect that was a premonition of things to come because Baptiste emulated that feat as the buzzer sounded to end the first half and give top-seeded Wareham a 42-32 lead.

When the final buzzer sounded, Baptiste had a game-high 33 points and Wareham had a 72-65 victory which sends them to UMass-Boston on Saturday where it’ll play Martha’s Vineyard for the Division 3 championship.

“We were shooting around before the game in our gym and I took a couple of half-court shots and they went in,” Baptiste said. “I was shooting around and I heard the whole bench yell ‘Shoot it. Shoot it.’

“I shot it up there and as I was falling down I kind of thought it was going in, given the look of it.”

A look at the final stat sheet revealed that Baptiste connected on eight three-point shots as well as 7-of-8 free throw attempts which, in part, enabled Wareham to remain undefeated (23-0).

Baptiste scored 20 of his points in the first half as Wareham twice built leads as large as 14 points (the second at 25-11 early in the second quarter).

“The basket definitely looked huge to me in the first half and kind of in the second half,” Baptiste said. “It felt good.”

Baptiste definitely “felt good” midway through the fourth quarter after the fifth-seeded Cardinals (19-6) had sliced their deficit to 57-53.

He drained his eighth trey which keyed a 7-0 run that gave Wareham a 64-53 lead.

Then, in the last 69 seconds, Baptiste hit all of his free throws to clinch the victory.

More than window dressing: What made Baptiste’s performance even more impressive was the fact that Wareham’s leading scorer, Darien Fernandez, only scored 11 points and spent roughly half the game on the bench because of foul trouble (he drew his third foul with 4:22 left in the first half).

“That’s our nightmare, worst-case scenario,” Wareham coach Kevin Brogoli said of Fernandez’s foul trouble. “We talked about it. We had to have him on the court. And when he’s not, we have to have other people step it up.

“Thank goodness for Aaron Baptiste who really did a great job tonight. His shooting was unbelievable. I told the guys before the game that one guy’s not going to win it for us. It’s got to be a team effort and that’s what it was tonight. It was looking bleak but other people stepped it up.”

Houde joined the party: What Baptiste meant to Wareham’s long-range shooting so did Jeff Houde mean to the team’s inside game.

Houde scored 13 points, most of which came at the offense end – primarily on tip-ins.

“He was huge,” Brogoli said. “Jeff really matured before my eyes tonight. He did a nice job on (Joey) Glynn (15 points). He got some big blocks and really helped us get that early lead by just hitting the offensive boards.

“Even in the second half he got some big put-backs. That was another big performance tonight … at the right time in the right place.”

Houde scored eight points in the first quarter including consecutive tip-ins which helped Wareham build a 23-9 lead at the break.

Rorey Donovan (14 points) keyed a second-quarter rally which enabled the Cardinals to pull within three points (33-30 with 2:34 left in the half). But Stefan Monteiro, Baptiste and Mason Vasconcellos each drained a three-point shot which helped Wareham build that 42-32 lead at intermission.

Timing is everything: Not surprisingly, Brogoli was ecstatic over Baptiste’s buzzer-beating trey from another zip code as well as his overall performance.

“Aaron takes those in practice,” Brogoli said. “Do I think an 80-footer’s going to go in with any regularity? No. But you knew it had a chance. It’s weird but the last two times we’ve played Spellman we’ve hit two half-court shots.

“I don’t know if (Baptiste’s eight treys) are a record. I’m not big on records but that has to be close. If it isn’t it doesn’t matter because he did it in a huge venue when it mattered the most. And we needed every one of those threes tonight.”

He leads the last remaining undefeated team in the state. He fills up the box score with lines resembling those of LeBron James or Rajon Rondo on a regular basis. He stands at 5-foot-7. Who could this be?

He is none other than Wareham’s Darien Fernandez, arguably the MIAA’s biggest surprise of the season.

Fernandez has had an unbelievably productive year for Wareham, a team that began the season unranked in many polls, and has been proving those who slept on him wrong for doing so. Wednesday night at Taunton High, the Vikings face Cardinal Spellman in a Division 3 South semifinal. When these two teams met back in December, Fernandez went off for 36 points in a Wareham victory -- could a repeat performance be on tap?

For those who have not seen him, here is a breakdown of his game:

This footage from Wareham’s victory over Old Rochester Regional and is courtesy of Wareham assistant coach Colbey Santos. In this game, Fernandez had a near quadruple-double with 36 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds, and eight steals.

Shot Making

Fernandez’s best skill is his ability to shoot the ball. He is at his best off of the dribble, but also shows the ability to catch-and-shoot almost equally well. He has deep range on his shot and is definitely not afraid to pull the trigger.



As seen from the clips, Fernandez has the ability to make some ridiculous shots. This confidence allows Fernandez to make shots that a video game player would envy. His ability to change speeds also helps his off-the-dribble shooting. In the last two clips, Fernandez uses a quick crossover multiple times to get enough space to put it in the basket.

Fernandez’s shooting is particularly interesting because he does not shoot with traditional form. Sometimes those kinds of players are the best shooters. Watch his free-throw form:



The way Fernandez flicks his wrist is a bit unconventional, but it is hard to complain with his results.

Nose For the Ball

Having the ability to steal and rebound the ball the way Fernandez does is an invaluable to a team. He helps his team gain extra possessions because of his nose for the ball. Statistics show that a team with the most possessions typically wins a game and this is most likely the reason why Wareham has been so successful.



All undersized guards should try to develop a nose for the ball like Fernandez. Being undersized is undoubtedly a disadvantage but if you have a motor and desire to get the ball like Fernandez, size will not matter.

On-point Passing

Fernandez does not only do a bulk of the scoring for his team, but he commands the offense and gets good look for his teammates. He is not flashy and makes the easy pass. That is the sign of a mature player.

Forcing the Issue

Fernandez may seem like a perfect player and this performace was nearly perfect, but there are definitely things he needs to work on. The main thing would be better decision making, which will come with more experience.



In these clips, Fernandez forces the issue a bit. Since he is the go-to player for Wareham, some of these mistakes or unreasonable shots were excusable. Think about it like Kobe Bryant for the Lakers. Kobe is allowed to take wild shots because he is their leader and main scoring option. The same goes for Fernandez.

Conclusion

Fernandez is an aggressive scoring guard with an excellent feel for the game. He uses his quickness to break down defenders and forces defenses to guard him from everywhere on the court with his unlimited range. Obviously, this one game was simply a sample of his whole season (and undoubtedly one of his best performances), but there’s no denying that Fernandez is an up-and-comer that MIAA fans should keep their eye on.

ROCKLAND, Mass. — Michael Downing made a promise to his teammates at halftime to be a factor in the final 16 minutes of the Div. 3 South quarter-finals after early foul trouble kept him on the bench in the first half.

The 6-foot senior guard was chomping at the bit to get back into action as the back-and-forth matchup between Cardinal Spellman and Rockland started to get real interesting in the fourth quarter. Downing returned in a big way defensively, as he came up with three steals in the fourth quarter, and the game-saving block at the buzzer to help the No. 5 Cardinals (19-5) down No. 4 Rockland, 62-60, in the final game ever in the “Dog Pound” at Joseph Cogan Memorial Gymnasium.

The exuberance of the moment was all over an emotional Downing’s face after the game, as the Cardinals will now move on to play Wareham in the Div. 3 South semifinals.

“I really felt I let my team down,” said Downing. “I felt that if I could get back in the game then I’m not going to let them down again. I knew that I had to help my team win this game. We are all brothers on this team and we had to do it for everybody.”

The Cardinals were in the midst of a 10-2 run when Downing came up with a big theft at center court and raced down for a lay-in to cut the deficit to 56-55. Downing picked off a Bulldogs (19-3) pass on the next possession and got the ball to Paul Preziosi, who was fouled and sent to the line.

Preziosi hit both of his free throws to give the Cardinals a one-point lead with four minutes remaining left in the ball game.

“We got a couple turnovers off their guards, which helped us out in that little bit of a run,” said Cardinals head coach Mike Perry. “I was happy with the way they played tonight.”

Downing kept his best defensive stand for last. Joey Glynn missed two free throws that would have sealed the game with 4.9 seconds remaining in the game. Ricky Witt grabbed the rebound and tried to get a halfcourt shot off that would win the game at the buzzer, but the lengthy Downing got his hand on is and swatted the ball away to secure the victory.

“When I tipped that ball and I knew that game was over I honestly wanted to cry,” said Downing.

Free Throws a Factor: Fred Damon didn’t want his season to end at the free throw line, but that’s exactly where it did. The Bulldogs were 10-of-26 from the line and missed several clutch free throws.

Tyler Gibson scored 15 points and grabbed 13 rebounds on the night, and was a major reason why the Bulldogs were able to build an 11-point lead in the third quarter. However, he struggled with free throws all night, going 1-for-10 from the line and missing two that would have tied the game in the game’s final seconds.

“It’s a very simple game,” said Damon. “I told them that we didn’t want to end the season on missed free throws.”

End of an Era in Rockland: People showed up in packs to get into the “Dog Pound” for its last game, and on the walk into the gym people were leaving before the game with sad looks on their face as police and security had to cut off the crowd with bodies seemingly in every inch of the gymnasium.

The Cardinals seemed to weather the storm, but with the inbounds near the Bulldogs’ fan section, some Cardinals players could feel the the Bulldogs faithful doing their best Cameron Crazies impressions.

“It was really tough because the fans were right there,” said Glynn. “It was tough.”

March Madness is finally here.

The MIAA boys and girls basketball tournaments start tomorrow night with a number of preliminary round and play-in games. Check back with us nightly through the state finals at Worcester's DCU Center for scores, updates and analysis on the day's happenings.

To whet your appetite, here is my breakdown and predictions on the 14 boys basketball brackets across the state:

NORTH

Division 1
Favorites: Central Catholic (20-1), Acton-Boxborough (19-1), Westford (17-4), Charlestown (16-4), East Boston (17-4), Lawrence (14-5)
Sleepers: Lowell (13-5), Boston Latin (17-5), St. John’s Prep (13-7), Andover (12-8), Lexington (13-7)
The lowdown: While Central Catholic is the overwhelming favorite here in my opinion, this is a bracket full of traps. Assuming the Raiders top the winner of tonight’s play-in between Medford and Peabody, they could face any of a number of troubling teams en route to the final –- Eastie, Charlestown, Andover and Lowell...Plenty of intriguing first-round matchups here, including Charlestown-Andover and Latin-Lexington, but the buzz kill has to be that St. John’s Prep faces Lawrence in a first-round matchup. Both teams were expected to be dangerous in this bracket...A-B should make a deep run with its three-headed monster of Kevin LaFrancis, Jake Pilecki and Joey Flannery, but watch out for Lexington in the bottom half. It’s tall lineup led by Chris Lee and Josh Sharma, and the Minutemen have surprised teams throughout the season (see: December’s win over Catholic Memorial).
Upset special: Lexington over Boston Latin
Hall’s pick: Central Catholic over East Boston, Acton-Boxborough over Westford in semifinals; Central over A-B in finals.

Division 2
Favorites: North Andover (19-1), Melrose (18-2), Brighton (16-3), New Mission (14-4)
Sleepers: Wakefield (14-6), Reading (14-6), Masconomet (14-6), Chelsea (14-6), Beverly (13-7), Salem (10-10)
The lowdown: Many experts feel like this is North Andover’s bracket to lose, and it’s a fair statement to make. With three legitimate –- and disciplined –- post players who are able to spread the floor, the Scarlet Knights excel at screens and are a tough matchup positions one through five. The return of Derek Collins should take some of the scoring load off Zach Karalis, who might be the best shooter in this field...Melrose is another prohibitive favorite, with super sophomore Jalen Adams leading the charges, but a potential quarterfinal matchup with Reading feels like quite the trap game...A potential quarterfinal between New Mission and Wakefield is also intriguing. Led by Keyon Armstong, Kendall Hamilton and freshman sensation Bruce Brown, Wakefield is among the most athletically gifted in the field.
Upset special: Beverly over Chelsea.
Hall’s pick: North Andover over New Mission, Melrose over Masconomet in semifinals; North Andover over Melrose in finals.

Division 3
Favorites: Danvers (16-4)
Sleepers: Whittier (18-1), Wayland (15-5), Arlington Catholic (14-6), Pentucket (13-7), Hamilton-Wenham (12-6)
The lowdown: Another bracket where the conception is it’s an overwhelming favorite’s to lose. Danvers comes into the tournament with four losses, but has played some of the most dominant stretches of games this season by any Division 3 team. It all starts with George Merry, who has better-than-advertised mobility and accompanying length to pose a nightly matchup problem underneath...Long-time Watertown coach Steve Harrington is cousins with Danvers head coach John Walsh, and might be the best coach in this bracket, if not the state. Playing against mostly Division 1 and Division 2 teams in its league slate, the defending D3 Eastern Mass champs are always battle-tested, and always save their best basketball for March.
Upset special: Watertown over Newburyport
Hall’s pick: Whittier over Watertown, Danvers over Wayland in semifinals; Danvers over Whittier in finals.

Division 4
Favorites: Manchester-Essex (18-2), Pope John XXIII (17-3), St. Mary’s (Lynn) (16-4), Winthrop (16-6)
Sleepers: Snowden (9-9)
The lowdown: St. Mary’s has been in the spotlight since coming within a shred of an overtime upset of St. John’s Prep in the first week of the season, and the Spartans have lived up to the building hype for the most part. But defending D4 state champ Winthrop hasn’t disappointed either. The Northeastern South champs are led once again by league MVP Quinton Dale at forward, who is a nightly double-double threat...We pinned Manchester-Essex as one of several D4 favorites last week, but the ultimate of ultimate trap games could be on tape in the quarterfinals. Snowden is one of the most dangerous sleeper teams statewide in Division 4, led by senior guard Paul Maurice. Six of the Cougars’ nine losses were to Charlestown, East Boston and Madison Park.
Upset special: Winthrop over St. Mary’s
Hall’s pick: Manchester-Essex over Winthrop, Pope John XXIII over Lynnfield in semifinals; M-E over Pope John in finals.

SOUTH

Division 1
Favorites: Brockton (18-2), Catholic Memorial (16-4), BC High (15-5), Franklin (17-3), Weymouth (17-3), Newton North (17-3), Madison Park (16-2)
Sleepers: Needham (15-5), Marshfield (13-5), New Bedford (14-6), Mansfield (14-7)
The lowdown: This might be the most unpredictable field of the entire MIAA tournament. With many favorites, but none of them overwhelming, we could be in for a slew of upsets. Consider Brockton’s quarterfinal opponent will be the winner of No. 9 seed Barnstable and No. 8 seed Catholic Memorial, the latter of which lost to the Boxers earlier this month by one at the buzzer...Needham has exploded over the last two weeks, with a 30-point blowout of Newton North followed by an impressive stonewalling of Stoughton, and they may have the easiest path to the semifinals. Taunton, Natick and the MP Machine are all beatable. That’s just one reason of many why I feel Needham’s late-blooming senior Shy Davis could be the breakout star of this tournament...The toughest section of this bracket is by far the grouping of BC High, Franklin, Weymouth and Mansfield. Whoever comes out of that logjam might have the best path to the finals.
Upset special: New Bedford over North Quincy
Hall’s pick: Brockton over Newton North, BC High over Needham in semifinals; Brockton over BC High in finals.

Division 2
Favorites: King Philip (17-3), Stoughton (16-4), Falmouth (18-2), Randolph (18-2)
Sleepers: Oliver Ames (12-8), Medfield (14-6), Hopkinton (14-6), Wellesley (12-8), Duxbury (11-9), Whitman-Hanson (11-9)
The lowdown: Headed into the season, the consensus was that this would be King Philip’s bracket to lose. Now it’s either the Warriors’ or Stoughton’s, and it just so happens the Hockomock rivals are on opposite ends of the bracket...Falmouth’s Paul Lundberg has certainly entered himself into Coach of the Year consideration, but the pressure could be on the Clippers’ point guard Andrew McGill to keep the ship sailing, what with injury questions in the frontcourt...Many like OA as a sleeper, due to Nick Bruha’s exceptional offensive game, but watch out for Tri-Valley League representatives Medfield and Hopkinton. Medfield has some talented underclassmen, while Hopkinton is the defending D2 South champ and have reigning league MVP Barrett Hanlon back in the fold...Quincy head coach Dave Perry predicted a Whitman-Hanson upset of KP Saturday morning on 1510 AM The Zone. That, coupled with getting their first-round home game moved 20 miles down the road to Taunton High, has got to get the Warriors fired up.
Upset special: Oliver Ames over Somerset
Hall’s pick: Stoughton over Falmouth, King Philip over Hopkinton in semifinals; King Philip over Stoughton in finals.

Division 3
Favorites: Wareham (20-0), Cardinal Spellman (17-5), Martha’s Vineyard (18-2), Rockland (18-2)
Sleepers: Norton (15-5), Norwell (18-2), Bishop Feehan (15-5), Bourne (14-6), Medway (10-10)
The lowdown: Spellman senior Joey Glynn is a household name by now, but the breakout star of this tournament might be Wareham’s Darien Fernandez. The 5-foot-7 fire hydrant of a point guard is almost a microcosm of the Vikings on a whole, who are the state’s last remaining unbeaten in spite of a lack of size. Fernandez has played his way into All-State consideration with his tenacious perimeter defense and non-stop motor, and is a perfect fit for coach Kevin Brogioli’s uptempo style...We joke about the difficulties in scouting Martha’s Vineyard, but it’s true; the Vineyarders have the ultimate advantage in that department -– being on an island that is accessible only by ferry for many teams...That said, we look forward to a potential rematch between Vineyard and Bishop Feehan. Last month the Shamrocks ran out to a 17-2 lead over Vineyard before MV stormed back to win.
Upset special: Medway over Norwell
Hall’s pick: Cardinal Spellman over Martha’s Vineyard, Wareham over Norton in semifinals; Spellman over Wareham in finals.

Division 4
Favorites: Boston Cathedral (13-6), Holbrook (16-2), Westport (19-3), Carver (16-4)
Sleepers: Bishop Connolly (15-5), Cohasset (15-5), Avon (12-8), Blue Hills (10-9), Community Academy (CASH) (3-15)
The lowdown: Written off weeks ago, we have to put Boston Cathedral back among the favorites after getting Kyle Lawyer and Joe Green back in the fold. With both of them back, the Panthers are one of the most dangerous offenses across Division 4. Look out for pint-sized point guard Carlos Bermudez, who is nearly four inches shorter than Wareham’s Darien Fernandez but has just as much heart and motor...Another star in the making might be Holbrook’s Allijah Robinson. The 6-foot-6 sophomore doesn’t get a whole lot of attention playing for a Division 4 school, but he is most definitely on the rise...Carver and Cohasset are two of the most seasoned teams in this bracket, fighting it out in the competitive South Shore League comprised mostly of Division 3 size teams.
Upset special: Boston Cathedral over West Bridgewater.
Hall’s pick: Westport over Avon, Boston Cathedral over Carver in semifinals; Cathedral over Westport in finals.

CENTRAL

Division 1
Favorites: St. John’s (Shrewsbury) (16-4), Holy Name (17-3), St. Peter-Marian (17-3), Wachusett (16-4)
Sleepers: Fitchburg (14-8), Milford (15-5), Marlborough (11-9), Doherty (10-10)
The lowdown: Plenty of contenders here, but St. John’s is the four-time defending champ of this bracket and hasn’t lost since Jan. 10. Bob Foley is the Dean of Massachusetts high school basketball, with well over 800 career wins, and his players are always at their sharpest in March. That said, the Pioneers will have gone over two weeks without game action when they face Milford on March 1...Holy Name won the rubber match with SPM to take the first annual Worcester City Championship last Friday, and are one of the best defensive teams you’ll find outside I-495. We’ve talked a lot about Anthony Hodges’ stifling perimeter defense, but 6-foot-1 Daniel Kegbeh is one of the most explosive rebounders you’ll find around...Fitchburg has sputtered of late, going 5-6 since a 9-2 start, including a five-game losing streak. But like St. John’s, the Red Raiders turn it up in March.
Upset special: Doherty over Shepherd Hill
Hall’s pick: St. John’s over Holy Name, St. Peter-Marian over Wachusett in semifinals; St. John’s over SPM in finals.

Division 2
Favorites: Quabbin (18-3), Northbridge (17-4), Uxbridge (15-6), Groton-Dunstable (14-7)
Sleepers: Clinton (13-7), Auburn (12-8), St. Bernard’s (11-9)
The lowdown: After starting the year with 15 straight wins, Quabbin sputtered, losing three of four, before turning around and winning the Large division of the Clark Tournament. The Panthers will go as far as Christian Horton takes them. The senior is one of Central Mass.’s leading scorers, and is as athletic as they come...Northbridge won this bracket surprisingly last year, not with star power but with defensive grit. It’s a different story this year, with the Rams pegged as a favorite, but this is typically a well-coached squad...One must always be wary of St. Bernard’s, which historically makes deep runs in this bracket. The Bernardians’ record is filled with tough non-league decisions, including an overtime loss to New Bedford at the start of the season...Same for G-D, another historic power in this field which is led by Will Peregoy, Liam Baberich and Kyle Romich.
Upset special: St. Bernard’s over Bartlett.
Hall’s pick: Quabbin over Groton-Dunstable, St. Bernard’s over Uxbridge in semifinals; Quabbin over St. Bernard’s in final.

Division 3
Favorites: Whitinsville Christian (13-5)
Sleepers: Sutton (10-9), Quaboag (17-4), Worcester Tech (16-4), Keefe Tech (16-2), Littleton (15-6), Southbridge (10-9), Bromfield (14-6)
The lowdown: Let’s not sugarcoat this thing. Make no mistake, this is Whitinsville Christian’s bracket to lose. People point to the Crusaders’ recent slide, losing four of five after a 12-1 start. But three of those four losses are to Charlestown, Holy Name and Franklin; and those losses are sandwiched around a very nice 71-54 win over D3 South favorite Cardinal Spellman. Plus, Crusaders point guard Colin Richey might be the best overall player in this bracket...The other team to watch out for here? Sutton, which beat WC 50-45 on Valentine’s Day. We’re still trying to figure out what happened there.
Upset special: Hopedale over South Lancaster.
Hall’s pick: Whitinsville Christian over Bromfield, Worcester Tech over Quaboag in semifinals; Whitinsville over Tech in finals.

WEST

Division 1
Favorites: Springfield Central (19-1)
Sleepers: Springfield Putnam (16-4), Springfield Cathedral (11-9), Springfield Commerce (14-6), West Springfield (16-4), Chicopee (14-6), Westfield (12-8)
The lowdown: Quite frankly, this is Springfield Central’s bracket to lose. With the amount of athleticism on both the starting lineup and the bench, the Golden Eagles are the Brockton of the West, able to go 10 deep with size, scoring and some of the state’s most tenacious defense. The last team to come within single-digits of Central was Commerce, which then turned around and lost to Central by 40 in the rematch last week. Adding to the impressive Central resume is the fact that their lone loss is to Connecticut juggernaut Windsor, which is routinely beating teams by 35 points or more...The more we think about it, Central senior guard Tyrell Springer has earned his way into a spot on the Super Team...The best Springfield player not on Central might be Commerce’s Alex Lopez, a 20-per-night scorere with range. The best non-Springfield player in this field? Could be Westfield’s Joe Meade or Northampton’s Jarrod Neumann.
Upset special: Amherst over Chicopee.
Hall’s pick: Springfield Central over West Springfield, Commerce over Putnam in seminfinals; Central over Commerce in finals.

Division 2
Favorites: South Hadley (11-9), Mahar (17-3)
Sleepers: Belchertown (16-4), Drury (10-8), Taconic (7-13)
The lowdown: We would have penned Sabis as a favorite in this bracket. The Bulldogs are the two-time defending champions in this field, but were knocked out of playoff contention with a Feb. 20 loss to South Hadley. For that reason, we might pin the Tigers as a favorite...Overall, this isn’t an incredibly deep field. Six of the eight qualifying teams in this bracket have seven losses or more. South Hadley is the No. 2 overall seed at nine losses.
Upset special: Greenfield over Belchertown.
Hall’s pick: Mahar over Drury, South Hadley over Greenfield in semifinals; South Hadley over Mahar in finals.

Division 3
Favorites: St. Joseph Central (15-5), New Leadership (12-8)
Sleepers: Lee (15-5), Frontier (15-5), Lenox (13-7), Smith Academy (16-4), Renaissance (17-3)
The lowdown: Pittsfield area power St. Joe’s has an impressive resume. The Crusaders had a strong start to the season, losing to Holy Name by five in the Catholic School Classic at Assumption College. The Crusaders press well, and junior guard Taverick Roberson might be the most talented player in this field...The thorn in St. Joe’s side? New Leadership, which beat St. Joe’s earlier this year by the hair, 79-78. The Wildcats are led by junior guard Joe Crapps, and explosive scorer who is averaging nearly 20 points per game. Not to be forgotten, New Leadership was dominated by Wareham in the D3 state final two years ago. How fitting is it that the two could potentially meet again for a state final rematch down the line?
Upset special: Lenox over Smith Voke.
Hall’s pick: St. Joseph Central over Renaissance, New Leadership over Lee in semifinals; St. Joe’s over New Leadership in finals.

STATE SEMIFINALS

Eastern Mass.
Div. 1 – Central Catholic over Brockton
Div. 2 – North Andover over King Philip
Div. 3 – Danvers over Cardinal Spellman

Central/Western Mass.
Div. 1 – Springfield Central over St. John’s (Shrewsbury)
Div. 2 – Quabbin over South Hadley
Div. 3 – Whitinsville Christian over St. Joseph Central

STATE FINALS

Div. 1 – Springfield Central over Central Catholic
Div. 2 – North Andover over Quabbin
Div. 3 – Danvers over Whitinsville Christian
Div. 4 – Boston Cathedral over Manchester-Essex

Seedings for the MIAA boys and girls' basketball tournament will be unveiled on Friday, and starting on Monday we'll have you covered nightly from the first tip-off though the state finals in mid-March at the DCU Center in Worcester. On Monday, we'll have a full breakdown of each bracket, with predictions, as well as my annual column highlighting the state's top players poised to burst onto the scene with strong playoff performances.

To whet your appetite, here's who I've penned as the bona fide favorites in boys Divisions 1 through 4, and why.

NOTE: Records are through Tuesday night.

DIVISION 1

Springfield Central
Record: 19-1
District: West
Players to watch: Tyrell Springer, Sr. G/F; Kamari Robinson, Jr. F; Jevaughn McMilian, Sr. F; Lee Turner, Sr. G; Chris Prophet, Sr. G; Trevor Bacon, Sr. F; Cornelius Tyson, Jr. G.
The lowdown: Some are calling this Springfield’s best chance at a state title since Commerce beat a Jeff Adrien-led Brookline squad for the 2004 D1 title. The record speaks for itself, and the Golden Eagles appear to be hitting their peak at just the right time –- witness Monday’s 40-point thrashing of Commerce. Their lone blemish is a six-point loss at last month's Hoophall Classic to a Windsor (Conn.) squad that is ranked No. 2 in the Nutmeg State, and whose average margin of victory is 34.4 points per game. Springer has emerged as one of the state’s elite swingmen, while the 6-foot-5 Robinson has had a breakout year manning the boards. Between Robinson, the 6-foot-6 Bacon, and 6-foot-7 shot swatter Jevaughn McMilian, the Eagles can truly go big like few other teams across Division 1.

Central Catholic
Record: 20-1
District: North
Players to watch: Tyler Nelson, Soph. G; Joel Berroa, Jr. F; Doug Gemmell, Jr. F; Nick Cambio, Soph. F; Lucas Hammel, Jr. G; Shawn McCoy, Sr. F; Henry Rodriguez, Sr. G.
The lowdown: What makes Central so dangerous is not its starting five, which can hang with anyone, but the amount of depth it brings to the table. The Raiders can legitimately go big with three true bigs, or small with a slew of guards and slashers. And they can all shoot the ball from deep. Also consider that the Raiders have done most of their damage without the state’s premier on-ball defender, Luis Puello. The senior guard took a month to get back to full strength after spraining his ankle in late December, and re-injured it two weeks ago; his timetable for recovery is unknown at this time.

Brockton
Record: 16-2
District: South
Players to watch: Jaylen Blakely, Jr. G; Jahleel Moise, Sr. F; Sayvonn Houston, Sr. C; Jamal Reuben, Sr. F; Will Baker, Sr. G; Jarrod Shelby, Sr. F
The lowdown: Depending on which team shows up, this is a team capable of running off points in a hurry (see: comeback wins over Catholic Memorial and New Bedford) or running themselves off the floor (see: Sunday's surprising 18-point loss to Charlestown). When everything is clicking, the Boxers are one of the state's deepest and most dangerous lineups, with all the requisite parts to work with -- an even-keeled distributor (Blakely), shooters (Reuben, Baker), shot-swatting slashers (Moise, Shelby), and a big-bodied true center that keeps the cycle going (Houston). The key is undoubtedly Houston, a nightly double-double machine with exceptional lower-body strength to fight through double-teams. When he is doing his part, the Brockton offense runs cleaner and crisper.

Charlestown
Record: 16-4
District: North
Players to watch: Tyrese Hoxter, Jr. G; Rony Fernandez, Sr. G; Omar Orriols, Sr. F; Tyrik Jackson, Sr. F; Iser Barnes, Sr. G; Taris Wilson, Soph. G
The lowdown: All nit-picks of Brockton aside, there is a reason the Townies didn’t qualify for City Championships –- they are the biggest enigma in Division 1 heading to the state tournament. This is one of the state’s most skilled starting lineups, but also one that could go all the way to the Garden floor or get knocked out in the first round. Hoxter, a lanky slasher with three-point range, is going to get his. Ditto for Jackson, a true post who can fill the lane. The X-factor might be how Fernandez and Orriols respond to pressure.

Catholic Memorial
Record: 16-3
District: South
Players to watch: Matt Droney, Sr. F; Dan Powers, Sr. F; Chris Siggers, Jr. G; Aahmane Santos, Soph. G, Armani Reeves, Sr. F; Gerard Adams, Soph. C
The lowdown: When the Catholic Conference champion Knights are running hitting their shots, few teams have been able to slow them down. Droney and Powers are known for their shooting, but can score in multiple ways going to the hoop. One of the more underrated components may lie in Reeves, an Ohio State football commit who often comes off the bench and provides stiff perimeter defense. And if they can get anything out of Adams –- a raw 6-foot-8, 300-pound lane-filler with limited mobility –- it would be a bonus.

BC High
Record: 14-5
District: South
Players to watch: Jameilen Jones, Jr. G; Charles Collins, Jr. G; Justin Roberts, Sr. F; Oderah Obukwelu, Sr. F
The lowdown: Few active coaches have had as much tournament success as Eagles coach Bill Loughnane, who won three D1 state titles at South Boston (1992, 1995-96) before coming down the road to Dorchester and leading the Eagles to their first D1 title in 2007. That’s just one of the main reasons we like BC’s chances in the postseason. The other main one is physicality -– Roberts and Obukwelu, two football stars, do the dirty work underneath, opening up the perimeter for Jones, one of the state’s elite scorers.

Others to watch: Acton-Boxborough (20-1), Andover (11-7), Barnstable (14-4), Boston Latin (16-5), East Boston (14-4), Franklin (16-4), Holy Name (17-3), Lawrence (13-5), Madison Park (15-2), Mansfield (12-7), Needham (15-5), Newton North (17-3), North Quincy (17-3), Springfield Cathedral (10-9), Springfield Commerce (14-5), St. John’s (Shrewsbury) (16-5), St. John’s Prep (11-7), St. Peter-Marian (17-4), West Springfield (16-3), Westford (17-4), Weymouth (17-3)

DIVISION 2

North Andover
Record: 19-1
District: North
Players to watch: Zach Karalis, Sr. G; Isaiah Nelsen, Jr. F; Brendan Miller, Soph. G; Derek Collins, Jr. G; Mike Moroney, Sr. F; John Miller, Sr. F
The lowdown: Everybody’s favorite little sleeper is suddenly the team to beat in the North district, after slowly building steam all of January and February. It starts with the WPI-bound Karalis, one of the district's smoothest shooters, and it continues down low where Nelsen and Moroney doing the dirty work. Man-to-man defenses beware: this is as surgical an offense as you'll find around, excelling at using screens to clear runways to the basket and create confusion. Defensively, the Knights' help defense has been very efficient, hedging off screens with the best of them.

King Philip
Record: 17-3
District: South
Players to watch: Jake Layman, Sr. F; John Mullane, Sr. F; Christian Fair, Sr. G; Mike Schmidt, Sr. G; Sam McDonald, Jr. F; Dever Carrison, Jr. F
The lowdown: Layman, a 6-foot-8 Maryland signee who is ranked the No. 61 overall senior by ESPNU, is more than capable of singularly taking a game over -- he's proven as much with his gaudy stats this year. But like the Pat Connaughton-led St. John's Prep squad last year, the Warriors' superstar needs consistency from the supporting cast each night for this team to survive. Perhaps it's encouraging, then, that the Warriors were able to stave off Oliver Ames last weekend without Layman in the lineup, getting a big night out of Mullane. Losing promising junior Tykei Hallman doesn't help matters, however.

Stoughton
Record: 16-4
District: South
Players to watch: Aaron Calixte, Jr. G; Marcus Middleton, Jr. G; Joe Bunce-Grenon, Jr. G; Steffan Jackson, Sr. F; Antonio Ferreira, Sr. F
The lowdown: The Black Knights aren't exactly backpedaling into the tournament, but they're not exactly in fifth gear either after losing two straight to Franklin and Needham, before holding off a 2-18 Walpole team to wrap up their regular season schedule. Calixte is arguably the state's most gifted -- and creative -- playmaker, capable of going off for 30 points on any given night, while Middleton has established himself as one of the state's premier perimeter defenders. This team fancies and uptempo style to combat its lack of size, but when teams go inside they are often met by the high-energy shot swatter Ferreira.

Brighton
Record: 15-3
District: North
Players to watch: Malik James, Soph. G; Theo Oribhabor, Jr. G; Prince Onaegbu, Jr. F; Daivon Edwards, Jr. G; Jerard Mayes, Sr. F.
The lowdown: The Bengals have stumbled since losing star sophomore Nick Simpson for the year due to academics, but we’ll have a much clearer idea of what the team is like without Simpson following this week's City Championships. Here's what we do know: Brighton can shoot with the best of them, and when Edwards' shot is falling he can take a load of pressure off of the distributor James. When pressing, the Bengals have shades of head coach Hugh Coleman's mentor, legendary Charlestown coach Jack O'Brien, scribbled all over them. With an athletic lineup, the Bengals take proper angles in the press and prefer to be the aggressor at all times.

New Mission
Record: 14-4
District: North
Players to watch: Isshiah Coleman, Jr. F, Nate Anderson, Jr. F; Leroy Hamilton, Sr. G/F; Percio Gomez, Jr. G/F; DaShawn Fennell, Jr. G/F; Shaquan Murray, Soph. G;
The lowdown: It's tough to get a read on the Titans, who have at once looked both brilliant and uninspiring thoughout the 2011-12 season. On one breath, they look deflated in a double-digit loss to Brighton, getting swept by a Boston City League team for the first time under head coach Cory McCarthy. In the next breath, they turn around a few days later and grind out a hard-fought win over one of Rhode Island's top teams, hot-shooting La Salle Academy. Mission won back-to-back state titles in 2010-11 with an overbearing physical presence, particularly around the rim. For them to make a three-peat, big men Coleman and Anderson will have to stay out of foul trouble and strike fear in the heart of the opposition early. This is a young, green squad saddled with big expectations on the heels of an unprecedented two-year run; but the Titans always turn it on come playoff time.

Falmouth
Record: 18-1
District: South
Players to watch: Andrew McGill, Jr. G; Damien Reid, Sr. G; Kyle Kaspryzk, Sr. F; Nate Steele, Sr. F
The lowdown: One of the most unsung coach jobs this year has to be that of Lundberg, who has this team riding a 16-game win streak after some question marks clouded them with the graduation of Nelson Baptiste and John Lavin. Two years ago the Clippers torched Salem on the Garden floor for the D2 EMass title, and running the point was little-known freshman McGill. He may still look like a freshman two years later, but his savvy on the court has kept the win streak alive. And yet question marks still surround Falmouth: Kasprzyk, one of the Clippers' few true posts, went down with an ankle injury in a 54-53 win over Barnstable.

Others to watch: Beverly (13-5), Groton-Dunstable (14-6), Hopkinton (15-5), Lynn Classical (11-9), Masconomet (12-5), Medfield (14-6), Melrose (16-2), Northbridge (16-4), Oliver Ames (12-8), Quabbin (17-3), Randolph (16-2), Reading (15-5), Salem (11-8), South Hadley (11-8), St. Bernard’s (11-10), Wakefield (14-6)

DIVISION 3

Whitinsville Christian
Record: 13-5
District: Central
Players to watch: Colin Richey, Jr. G; Tyler VandenAkker, Sr. F; Jesse Dykstra, Sr. F; Grant Brown, Jr. G/F; Antonio Estrella, Jr. F
The lowdown: This isn't the same Crusaders team of 2011, which was considered one of the state's tallest lineups, led by 6-foot-9 All-Stater Hans Miersma. No, this is quite a departure from typical WC teams, but it's still a well-oiled machine. Richey grabs most of the headlines for his shooting ability and high game IQ, but it's the surgery of its zone offense that makes WC a tough out. Never flashy, always making the extra pass for a higher-percentage look, the Crusaders will frustrate any team looking to play uptempo basketball. The Crusaders have sputtered lately, losing four of their last five after starting off 12-1; but factoring in the dearth of upper-echelon Division 3 squads in the Central and West brackets, they have to be a favorite to return to the DCU Center floor next month.

Cardinal Spellman
Record: 17-5
District: South
Players to watch: Joey Glynn, Sr. F; Rickey Donovan, Sr. F; Joey Crane, Soph. G; Paul Preziosi, Jr. G; Mike Downing, Sr. G.
The lowdown: With the Bentley-bound Glynn back in the fold, the defending South Sectional champs were considered a preseason favorite in D3. After sputtering out to a 4-3 start, the Cards are rolling, having won 10 of 11 before dropping a 71-54 decision to Whitinsville Christian on Monday. Like several other contenders with star power, the Cards can rely on Glynn filling the stat sheet every game, facilitating for players like Donovan and Crane to put in their buckets. With Wareham assured the No. 1 seed in the South, some are predicting a rematch between the Spellman and the Vikings; Wareham won their last meeting on Jan. 8, 80-72.

Wareham
Record: 20-0
District: South
Players to watch: Darien Fernandez, Jr. G; Jeff Houde, Sr. F; Tyler Gomes, Sr. F; Aaron Baptiste, Sr. F
The lowdown: Not a ton of size with the Vikings, but that hasn't stopped them from running off another unblemished run through the South Coast Conference and wrapping up their sixth straight league title. Two years ago the Vikings went run-and-gun en route to their first state title since 1977, and that style has paid dividends again this season. It all starts with Fernandez, a 5-foot-7 waterbug with a running back's build who can score from anywhere on the floor, and is fearless going to the hoop. Like some other running teams on this list, staying out of foul trouble will be paramount.

Danvers
Record: 17-3
District: North
Players to watch: George Merry, Sr. C; Nick McKenna, Jr. G; Nick Bates, Jr. F; Eric Martin, Jr. G; Jon Amico, Sr. G.
The lowdown: The Falcons were a preseason favorite in the North, and have done little to prove otherwise. Keying Danvers has been a stout defense allowing 44 points per game and led i the middle by Merry, who at 6-foot-7 is more than just a big body to fill the lane. Merry gets end to end quickly, and can step out on the perimeter and facilitate for the team's best perimeter players. When drawing double teams, it's essentially time to pick your poison.

Martha’s Vineyard
Record: 18-2
District: South
Players to watch: Peter Keaney, Sr. F; Jack Roberts, Jr. G; Izak Browne, Sr. G; Del Araujo, Sr. F; Charlie Everett, Sr. F.
The lowdown: Maybe it’s because being on an island makes them difficult to scout to begin with, but the Islanders always seem to sneak up on people come tournament time. It doesn’t hurt that they’re talented from the inside out, with Keaney and Araujo grabbing tough boards as well as facilitating some motion when stepping out on the perimeter. Overall, the Vineyarders are a quality offensive rebounding team that can quickly run off points in bunches

Others to watch: Arlington Catholic (14-5), Bishop Feehan (15-4), Norton (15-5), Norwell (17-2), Rockland (18-2), Watertown (6-14), Wayland (15-5), Whittier (17-1)

DIVISION 4

St. Mary’s (Lynn)
Record: 16-6
District: North
Players to watch: Nick Gagliolio, Sr. F; Tommy Deveau, Jr. G; Rudolf Thurman, Soph. G; Matt Manning, Jr. F;
The lowdown: The Spartans might have caught the entire state's full attention after losing to defending D1 state champ St. John's Prep by two in overtime, and the rest of the way they've carried that momentum -- punctuated again by another last-second loss to Prep late last week. Gagliolo is the top scoring option for the Spartans, but the X-factor going forward will be the health of Thurman, who injured his shoulder in that Prep win and was unavailable in their loss to Boston Cathedral on Friday.

Winthrop
Record: 15-5
District: North
Players to watch: Quinton Dale, Sr. F; Joe D’Amore, Sr. G; Joshawa Babb, Jr. G; Ervin DeJesus, Jr. F; Jeff Laguerre, Sr. G.
The lowdown: Defending D4 state champs are cruising again, finishing the regular season strong by reeling off six wins in seven games. For all the talk of Danvers in the Northeastern Conference, the Vikings swept them in the regular season to win the Conference's South division outright. The one to pay attention to with Winthrop is Dale, athletic and long for his 6-foot-3 frame and one of the Conference's better rebounders.

Boston Cathedral
Record: 13-6
District: South
Players to watch: Carlos Bermudez, Sr. G; Joe Green, Sr. F; Kyle Lawyer, Sr. F; Curtis Howe, Sr. G; Anthony Bell, Sr. F
The lowdown: Lawyer and Green are back after missing some time away from the team, which means the Panthers are to be taken seriously once again. This isn't a squad known for its size, but when we tell you Bermudez is one of the more exciting players to watch in the South district we're not kidding. Listed at 5-foot-4 and gifted with speed and stocky frame, this distributor is dangerous in the open court. Lawyer and Green are the top scoring options, able to go off for 20 a night.

Manchester-Essex
Record: 18-2
District: North
Players to watch: Chris Bishop, Sr. G; Joe Burgess, Sr. G; Sean Nally, Sr. F; Max Nesbit, Sr. G; Taylor Ketchum, Sr. F; Casey Weld, Sr. G.
The lowdown: One of state’s best basketball minds, Duane Sigsbury, is at it again. Last season, the Hornets ran their offense through 2011 ESPN Boston All-Stater Joe Mussachia, and were unafraid to use all 85 feet of the floor to push the tempo. This season they've sped things up even more, and are one of the state's highest-scoring offenses (77 points per game). The player to watch with this squad is Bishop, the Cape Ann League's MVP, a 20-per-night scorer who slashes through the lanes and has hit as many as six 3-pointers in a game.

Others to watch: Avon (12-8), Bishop Connolly (16-6), Cape Cod Academy (17-3), Carver (16-4), Cohasset (15-5), Mystic Valley (17-3), Pope John XXIII (18-4), Snowden (8-9), Westport (17-3)

Cardinal Spellman forward Joey Glynn has verbally committed to Bentley University for the 2012-13 season, his coach with the Middlesex Magic AAU squad Mike Crotty Jr. confirmed today.

Glynn, a 6-foot-5 Abington resident, was also fielding interest from Navy, as well as Division 2 schools like Stonehill and St. Anselm. The Falcons had been on him last summer, Crotty said, but at the time had one scholarship to offer and were in need of a guard. A scholarship at Bentley opened up last Friday, and by Super Bowl Sunday Glynn was on the Waltham campus taking a visit.

The Middlesex Magic posted more about Glynn's commitment on the team's website today:

Glynn emerged onto the recruiting scene last spring and summer by leading the Magic’s 11th grade team in scoring and rebounding as they took a pair of spring titles and continued to play well deep into the month of July, scoring wins over the likes of Terry Porter Elite, Grassroots Canada, and Hoop Heaven Elite before heading to Orlando.

“Joey Glynn is as tough a competitor and as versatile an athlete as we have had in the Middlesex Magic program,” said Magic director Michael Crotty Jr. “He is a tremendous rebounder on both ends of the floor, and his athleticism allows him to be a lock down defender on forwards and guards. He can score the ball in a variety of different ways, and when he has an advantage situation he finishes powerfully high above the rim.”

Glynn has also distinguished himself on the high school circuit. Last year he averaged over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game while leading Cardinal Spellman to the Division III South sectional title and being selected to the Boston Herald All-Scholastic team in the process.

He becomes the third member of last summer’s Magic squad to commit to an NE-10 program, joining Connor Mahoney (Le Moyne) and Anthony Barry (Merrimack), and the 8th member to make his college commitment thus far, joining Kyle Reardon (Rochester), Cooper Ainge (BYU), Eric Olson (Northwestern/football), Jesse Pagliuca (Amherst), and Mike Thorpe (Emerson).

“I believe that his [Glynn’s] will to win, work ethic, and toughness will allow him to make an immediate and profound impact at Bentley,” Crotty Jr. said. “I have thought that Joey was a perfect fit for the NE-10 conference as a player, and more importantly, he has the opportunity to get a first class education at Bentley.”

With many teams across the state reaching the midway point of their schedule this week, here are my mid-season picks for our annual MIAA All-State, All-Defensive, and Coach of the Year awards.

THE SUPER TEAM
G – Aaron Calixte, Jr., Stoughton
G – Steve Haladyna, Sr., St. John’s Prep
G – Tyrese Hoxter, Jr., Charlestown
F – Jake Layman, Sr., King Philip
F – Isshiah Coleman, Jr., New Mission

BEST OF THE REST
Yadoris Arias, Sr. G, Lawrence
Tyler Delorey, Sr. G, Holy Name
Matt Droney, Sr. G/F, Catholic Memorial
Joey Glynn, Sr. F, Cardinal Spellman
Leroy Hamilton, Sr. F, New Mission
Jameilen Jones, Jr. G, BC High
Kevin LaFrancis, Sr. C, Acton-Boxborough
Alex Lopez, Sr. G, Springfield Commerce
Damian Lugay, Sr. G, Weymouth
George Merry, Sr. C, Danvers
Marcus Middleton, Jr. G, Stoughton
Matt Mobley, Sr. G/F, St. Peter-Marian
Brian Mukasa, Soph. G, Sharon
Tyler Nelson, Soph. G, Central Catholic
Quinton Perkins, Sr. G, Fitchburg
Luis Puello, Sr. G, Central Catholic
Colin Richey, Jr. G, Whitinsville Christian
Kamari Robinson, Jr. F, Springfield Central
Tyrell Springer, Sr. G, Springfield Central
Michael Thorpe, Sr. G, Newton North

ALL-DEFENSIVE
G – Luis Puello, Sr., Central Catholic
G – Anthony Hodges, Sr., Holy Name
F – Jake Layman, Sr., King Philip
F – Antonio Ferreira, Sr., Stoughton
C – George Merry, Sr., Danvers

COACH OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Scott Boyle, Lowell
Hugh Coleman, Brighton
Paul Connolly, Newton North
Paul DiGeronimo, Fitchburg
John Gallivan, Stoughton
Paul Neal, Lawrence
Brendan Smith, Boston Latin
Malcolm Smith, East Boston
Mike Vaughan, Mansfield
John Walsh, Danvers

We've updated our statewide MIAA Top 25 boys basketball this morning, and after a one-week hiatus from the top spot, preseason No. 1 Central Catholic returns to the highest seat in the land.

The Raiders' return to the top spot comes on the heels of an upset loss by previous No. 1 St. John's Prep, at the hands of BC High, which has jumped into the Top 5 for the first time in the history of the poll. BC comes in at No. 4, while Prep drops four spots to No. 5.

Stoughton moves to its highest spot ever in the history of the poll, at No. 2, as the Black Knights are off to a dominant start. Preseason No. 2 Charlestown is back in the Top 5, at No. 3, to round things out.

Westford, after an impressive victory over archrival Acton-Boxborough, is the biggest mover this week. The Grey Ghosts jump nine spots up to No. 12 on the hells of the Colonials victory. Meanwhile, Mansfield drops seven spots to No. 11 following an upset loss to Cardinal Spellman.

Also of significance, Holy Name jumps inside in the Top 10 for the first time in poll history after a thrilling last-second victory over archrival St. Peter-Marian last Friday. Springfield Central (19), Boston Latin (24) and Danvers (25) also make their season debuts.

We've updated the MIAA Boys Basketball Top 25 poll, and after a surprising first week there is plenty of shakeup.

We flip-flopped the top five, with Catholic Memorial taking over the No. 5 spot from King Philip, which dropped a spot after a shaky win over Franklin. Meanwhile, at the back end we have six teams making debuts this week in Fitchburg (20), Springfield Cathedral (21), Needham (22), Holy Name (23), Westford (24) and St. Mary's of Lynn (25). Previous Top 25's Northampton (9), St. John's of Shrewsbury (10), Cardinal Spellman (17), Durfee (19), Westfield (20) and Lexington (23) all dropped after some losses the first week.

As always, let us know how we're doing in the comments section below, or by emailing Brendan Hall at bhall@espnboston.com

BROCKTON, Mass. -- It might have been an anticlimactic way for Cardinal Spellman's Joey Glynn to reach a milestone. But that's probably how the soft-spoken Abington resident would have liked it anyways.

The 6-foot-5 senior forward came into tonight's home-opener with Bishop Fenwick needing just nine points to surpass the 1,000 mark for his career, and he surpassed the feat less than four minutes into the contest. Point 998 was a two-handed slam that put the home crowd on its feet. The next one, with the student section anxious to erupt, took a second to develop -- Glynn initially passed up the ball to start the possession, before finishing with a bunny of a layup.

Play was stopped as Glynn was given a standing ovation from the capacity crowd, followed by photo ops, first with his coach Mike Perry, then at center court with his family.

Glynn finished with 18 points, nine rebounds, two blocks and two assists, in a lopsided 64-35 win in which he sat most of the second half.

"A little bit, but it just worked out like that," Glynn smiled sheepishly when asked if he'd have preferred the dunk be his milestone.

As for point 1,000, "It feels pretty good, it's good to get that out of the way, so I don't have to worry about it anymore."

For Perry, it's a fitting way to the start Glynn's senior season, and he couldn't be happier for a kid he considers so selfless on and off the court.

"He's just a great person -- never mind basketball, just a nice young man," Perry said. "No ego. He's there on the bench in the second half, helping kids out, cheering them on. Couldn't happen to a nicer kid. He works hard at it."

Scouts from Division 3 schools as well as the Northeast-10 Conference were in the building to watch the small forward play. Glynn currently holds varied interest around the New England colleges, with St. Anselm offering a partial scholarship and Merrimack, Stonehill and Worcester Polytechnic all expressing interest. He currently holds one Division 1 offer, from the Naval Academy.

After leading the Cardinals to the Division 3 state semifinals at TD Garden last March, could we see another breakthrough with the senior this season? Perry admitted ballhandling will be an area of improvement for Glynn going forward, though he added, "yeah, but come to practice and watch what he does going through all the drills."

"You'll see it a little differently," Perry said. "He's shooting three's during practice, stuff like that. He was an 80-plus foul shooter for us last year, taking close to 100. But he's a great shooter for this area. He takes what they give him, which is what I think a smart basketball player does. But you come to practice, and he's out here running our drills, shooting three's like everybody else does.

"He can put it in the basket. He'll be there, believe me."

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -– No Jordan Keli'inui. No problem.

The Mashpee High School football team was without Keli'inui, the team's leading rusher, for Saturday's Division 4 Super Bowl against Cardinal Spellman, but had the best running back in the game anyway.

Junior Jarod Taylor rushed for a career-high 306 yards and three touchdowns on 26 carries, as Mashpee rolled to a 34-8 triumph in the program's first Super Bowl appearance.

“I was trying to fill his shoes today,” Taylor said. “It was a great feeling to help out. I did it for everyone in Mashpee.”

Keli'inui missed the contest because of a sprained ankle he suffered in Tuesday's playoff victory over Millis/Hopedale. He has rushed for 1,170 yards this season.

Mashpee coach Matt Triveri said he didn't know Keli'inui wouldn't be able to play on offense until about five minutes before the opening kickoff. Keli'inui did play on defense.

“He was about 60 percent,” Triveri said. “He played fine on defense, but he just couldn't go on offense.

“Taylor is a guy who is gonna be one of the better backs in the state next year. He might be there right now. To have two backs like that, we're lucky and blessed. No doubt about it.”

Taylor entered the game with 1,070 yards rushing this season. Before Saturday, his career high for yards rushing in a game was the 183 yards he gained in an 31-7 victory over Norwell earlier this season.

Two of Taylor's three touchdowns came in the third quarter, when the Falcons put 22 points on the scoreboard to take complete control. He gained 209 yards on nine carries in the quarter.

“We knew [Taylor} was capable of this,” Triveri said. “As a staff we joke that we're doing a terrible job by not giving him enough carries because he's averaging over 9 yards per carry. We knew he had it in him. It was just a matter of getting him the football and the offensive line coming to play.”

It was the third time Spellman has surrendered more than eight points in a game this season.

Mashpee, which completed its season with a 13-0 record, led 6-0 at halftime and 28-0 entering the fourth.

Spellman, which lost to Holliston 21-7 in last year's Division 3A Super Bowl, finished its season with a 12-1 record.

“Their offense is very, very good, and their defense is exceptional,” Cardinal Spellman coach Ron St. George said. “They're extremely fast, extremely physical and extremely instinctive. They just proved that they were the better team.

“That Taylor kid is gonna be tearing it up next year. He's as talented as the senior (Keli'inui).”

The only scoring in the first two quarters came on the half's final play. Quarterback Zak Orcutt shifted to wide receiver and pulled in a 4-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Cody Bingham-Hendricks as time expired.

Mashpee's lead swelled to 14-0 when Taylor scored on a 58-yard run on the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter. Orcutt added the two-point conversion.

The Falcons added another touchdown when Orcutt connected with Kyle Murray for a 14-yard touchdown pass with 4:26 left in the third.

Taylor scored on a 54-yard run with 2:52 left in the third, and then capped his night by scoring on a 10-yard run with 5:35 to play.

“All we wanted to do was get this win for our school, our community and our kids,” Triveri said.

Shouldering the load: Spellman running back Pat Hinkley was questionable because of a separated shoulder he suffered in Tuesday's victory over Shawsheen Valley, but did play. Hinkley gained 44 yards on 10 carries and scored his team's only touchdown on an 18-yard run with 38 seconds to play.

Hinkley was not used on defense, where he usually lines up at linebacker.

“I gotta give the kid a lot of credit,” St. George said. “His shoulder totally popped out. They had to go to the hospital Tuesday night and put it back in. For him to come back and be ready to play was a great display of courage on his behalf.”

Numbers game: Cardinal Spellman entered the Super Bowl averaging 28.2 points per game, but was outgained 438-104. The Falcons gained 18 yards (all rushing) in the first half, and finished the game with 79 yards on the ground.”

“What can I say,” St. George said. “It was a tough way to end our season.”

MASHPEE 35, CARDINAL SPELLMAN 7
Cardinal Spellman (12-1 ) 0 0 0 8 – 8
Mashpee (13-0) 0 6 22 6 – 34

2nd Quarter
Mas – Zak Orcutt 4 pass from Cody Bingham-Hendricks (rush failed), 0:00.

3rd Quarter
Mas – Jarod Taylor 58 run (Orcutt rush), 9:40.
Mas – Kyle Murray 14 pass from Orcutt (Orcutt rush), 4:25
Mas – Taylor 54 run (rush failed), 2:52.

4th Quarter
Mas – Taylor 10 run (pass failed), 5:35.
CS – Pat Hinkley 18 run (Ricky Donovan pass from Tim Burke), :38.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- When the papers are dropped on the doorsteps in Mashpee Sunday morning, the headlines will extol Jarod Taylor’s game.

His electric running and school-record 306-yard performance will be written in bold, italics and capital letters in the record books. In 20 years, the legend of his performance will grow to include sub-zero temperatures and a broken leg.

He deserves every bit of it after carrying the Falcons to their first Super Bowl title.

And all who were there will know who truly orchestrated Mashpee’s dream season.

Often buried in the box scores but never in importance, senior quarterback Zak Orcutt provided the spark and guidance the Falcons needed to dominate Cardinal Spellman, 34-8, and capture the Eastern Mass. Division 4 championship Saturday at Gillette Stadium.

“He runs the show,” coach Matt Triveri said of Orcutt, who finished with 41 yards rushing, 34 yards passing and a touchdown reception. “He’s an undervalued guy. If he threw the ball 30 times a game, he could throw for 250 yards a game, he’s that sort of kid. He is the barometer both ways, offensively and defensively, one of the better safeties around. He’s the guy who stirs the drink for us.”

With 1,100-yard rusher Jordan Keli’inui unavailable to carry the ball with an ankle injury, Taylor (three touchdowns) shouldered the load for the run-heavy Falcons (13-0), who rumbled to 438 total yards of offense.

But it was Orcutt who put his neck on the line — literally — to spark them in a first-half defensive battle.

After the teams traded fruitless drives like trading cards in the first quarter, Orcutt helped orchestrate a nearly 7 ½-minute drive, putting the Falcons into the red zone with a 14-yard pass to Larry Green. But when Mashpee came up empty, leaving them two yards out on fourth down, Orcutt ran a bootleg to the right, charging toward the right pylon with the defense closing in.

Leaping at the last second, he was hit by two defenders, spinning him in the air and out of play. As he came down — the ball over the goal line but out of bounds — he slammed into the ground head first, snapping his neck awkwardly from the impact.

Orcutt immediately shot up, only to see the referee waving off the play.

“I probably should have just lowered my head and tried to get that extra yard, but instincts took over and I jumped,” said Orcutt, who thought he had gotten the touchdown initially — and after he saw the replay. “But you can’t get all the calls.”

He didn’t have to wait long for another chance. After Mashpee forced a three-and-out and returned a punt to the 20, it was Orcutt who hauled in the Falcons’ first score, pulling in a floating pass from second-string quarterback Cody Bingham-Hendricks right in front of a Spellman defender as time expired in the half.

“Zak Orcutt’s probably one of the better athletes in all of Eastern Mass.,” Triveri said. “He’s going to go get that football nine of 10 times. With 3 seconds left, we had one play, and that was the play we wanted to run.”

It jolted the Falcons into the second half, where on the first play of the third, Taylor shed a handful of tackles en route to a 58-yard score.

Mashpee never looked back.

“Zak, he tried to keep us together,” Taylor said. “I like to say Zac Orcutt is an inspiration to everyone.”

Orcutt even added a tip-toe interception along the sideline with four minutes left in the third to all but end Spellman‘s hopes. But that’s par for the course for the safety, who also had two picks in the Falcons’ semifinal victory.

“We wouldn’t be here without him,” Triveri said, pointing to 17 tackles Orcutt made in a crucial 16-6 win over East Bridgewater on Veterans Day. “He’s the reason we’re here. The one and only reason, if you had to choose one guy.”

EASTERN MASS
Division 1: BC High (9-3) vs. Needham (9-3), 6 p.m., Gillette Stadium

BC High players to watch: FB/LB Luke Catarius; QB Bartley Regan; RB/DB Deontae Ramey-Doe; TE/DE Jameson McShea; WR/DB Gordon McLeod; WR/DB Lincoln Collins OL Mike Prendeville; LB Zach West.

Needham players to watch: Mark Riley, Sr. TE; Nico Panepinto, Sr. WR; Ryan Charter, Sr. QB; Mike Vespa, Sr. FB/LB; Dan Pierce, Jr. WR/DB; Ronny Rosser, Soph. DB; Andrew Murowchick, Sr. K.

The skinny: The Eagles again disposed Chelmsford for the second time this season while Needham thrashed New Bedford to set up this playoff matchup. Both of these teams have overcome notable injuries this season to offensive leaders (Preston Cooper at BC and Drew Burnett at Needham, respectively) to arrive on the big stage.

X-factor: Needham tight end Mark Riley. Big enough to play tight end and athletic enough to play wideout, he presents matchup problems. Will it be talented outside linebacker Zach West tailing Riley throughout the game? The matchup is worth watching.

Scott Barboza: It's a testament to the Rockets for having the depth and moxie to get to this stage, but pure talent will take over in this one. BC High, 27-20.

Brendan Hall: Sorry, BC High fans. Not giving you the glory this time. BC High, 35-7.

Division 1A: Everett (12-0) vs. Lincoln-Sudbury (11-1), 7 p.m., Bentley University
Everett players to watch: QB Jonathan DiBiaso; RB/LB Vondell Langston; WR/DB Kenny Calaj; WR/DB Jakarrie Washington; WR/DB Jalen Felix; WR/DB Jaylen McRae; OL/DL Jon Montellus; OL/DL Ralph Jonathas.

Lincoln-Sudbury players to watch: Matt Cahill, Sr. QB; Dan Cellucci, Sr. RB; Chris Giorgio, Sr. RB; Brian Carroll, Sr. RB; Kyle Ashley, Sr. OL/DL; Jack Harris, Sr. WR.

The skinny: Everett brings its high-flying offense (state-best 41.8 points per game) into Bentley University where it will be the overwhelming heavy favorite against the Warriors. Jonathan DiBiaso (104 career TD passes) has a number of dangerous targets to throw to. L-S counters with a rushing attack led by Cellucci, Giorgio and Carroll.

X-factor: Everett's offensive line anchored by junior tackle John Montelus -- one of New England's top Class of 2013 prospects -- is one of the state's best. If they give DiBiaso time to get into a groove early, this could be over quick.

Barboza: Again, great ride for the Warriors, but this is the Crimson Tide we're talking about. Can we host our own "Bowl Championship Series" playoff next weekend with BC High, Duxbury and Everett? The invites are in the mail. Everett, 37-28.

Hall: Look at it this way. Jonathan DiBiaso has at least gotten to win one Super Bowl at Gillette, and next year the Tide will be back here on the Foxborough turf. Everett, 35-0.

Division 2: Duxbury (12-0) vs. Tewksbury (7-5), 3:30 p.m., Gillette Stadium
Tewksbury players to watch: RB/CB Chris Bettano; QB/S Kevin Saunders; OL/LB Derek Tarpey.

Duxbury players to watch: Reilly Naton, Sr. WR/DB; Khai Perry, Soph. RB; Andrew Buron, Sr. WR/DB; Matt O'Keefe, Sr. QB; James Burke, Sr. WR/DB; Don Webber, Sr. WR; Max Randall, Sr. LB; Gordon Acha, Sr. OL/DL; Rob Kosharek, Jr. OL/DL; Joe Guilfoile, Jr. WR/DB.

The skinny: Duxbury received its biggest scare of the season, sweating out a 7-0 win over King Philip to advance while the Redmen earned a 21-6 win over Reading in one of the more surprising results of Tuesday night. However, Tewksbury comes in having played a battle-tested schedule with several wins over Merrimack Valley Large opponents while Duxbury also boasts marquee non-league wins in the regular season over the likes of Xaverian and Bridgewater-Raynham.

X-factor: Dragons wide receiver Don Webber is perhaps the finest route-runner in the state and is often double-covered by opposing defenses, allowing room for Andrew Buron, Guilfoile and Naton to work underneath. It will be interesting to see what Brian Aylward's inventive coaching staff has up its sleeve.

Barboza: Expect the Dragons to look to power the ball a bit more than they did against King Philip on Tuesday. The way this defense is playing right now, all it seems the offense needs is three points to victory. Duxbury, 24-14.

Hall: Redmen are going to throw the kitchen sink at Duxbury, but the Dragons are about as steady and consistent as they come. Duxbury, 28-14.

Division 2A: Dennis-Yarmouth (12-0) vs. Wakefield (10-2), 3 p.m., Manning Field (Lynn)
Dennis-Yarmouth players to watch: Matt Montalto, Sr. QB; Dylan Hodsdon, Sr. WR/RB/LB; Damion Johnson, Sr. WR/S; Quan Lovett, Sr. WR/DB; Rufus Hamilton, Sr. WR/DB; Hunter Oppedisano, Sr. OL/LB; Tommy Kennedy, Sr. OL/DL; Joe Furness, Sr. RB.

Wakefield players to watch: LB Zach Bates; RB Josh Puccio; RB/DB Dan Cardillo; QB James Bourque; E/DB Nick Calderone.

The skinny: D-Y scored one of the most eye-opening victories of Tuesday night with a 46-20 dismantling of a talented Walpole defense. Wakefield, which scored a dramatic 7-6 win over Marblehead, will have to dictate tempo early to keep All-State quarterback Matt Montalto from getting into a groove.

X-factor: Damion Johnson draws plenty of attention from the secondary, when Dylan Hodsdon gets going in both the running and passing game, the Dolphins can kick it into another gear.

Barboza: No disrespect to Walpole, but the Dolphins' score on Tuesday didn't even do it justice as to how thorough their victory was. D-Y, 34-24.

Hall: The Cape's dream season is almost complete. D-Y, 21-0.

Division 3: Concord-Carlisle (12-0) vs. Oliver Ames (7-4), 9 a.m., Gillette Stadium
Concord-Carlisle players to watch: RB/DB George Craan; RB/DB Tyquan Culbreath; TE/DE Henry Bumpus; RB/LB Tim Badgley; OL/DL Andrew VanderWilden; OL/LB Thomas Kleyn; OL/DL Trevor Castrichini.

OA players to watch: Jared Schneider, Sr. QB; Brian Rezendes, Sr. RB/LB; Jake McDougall, Sr. OL/LB; Alex Tepper, Sr. WR; Keith Sullivan, Sr. OL; Brian Crosby, Sr. RB/DB; Dean Soucie, Sr. RB/LB

The skinny: The Patriots were denied a Super Bowl title at Gillette last year by Duxbury and Oliver Ames is representing the Hockomock as a league champion of any kind for the first time since 1964. The Tigers rumbled past previously unbeaten Pembroke to earn a berth while C-C slipped past defending champion Holliston, 32-27.

X-factor: Much has been written about Craan and Culbreath in the C-C backfield, but Badgely is a key cog in the Patriots' offensive machinery -- not to mention, the experience he brings to their linebacking corps.

Barboza: Line of the day during Thursday's media day at Gillette Stadium posed by C-C's Bumpus, Kleyn and VanderWilden to the Needham captains: "Why don't you guys have mohawks, too?" C-C, 31-23.

Hall: Patriots playing for a regional title at the home of the Patriots. How can you pick against that? C-C, 30-17.

Division 3A: Hamilton-Wenham (12-0) vs. Bourne (12-0), noon, Manning Field (Lynn)
H-W players to watch: QB/DB Trevor Lyons; RB/LB Elliott Burr; WR/DB Matt Putur; OL/DL Taylor Drinkwater.

Bourne players to watch: Drew Girouard, Sr. TE/DL; Nick Pereira, Jr. WR/DB; Jason Moriarty, Sr. QB; Joe Epps, Sr. RB/DB; Jack Schmitt, Sr. OL/DL.

The skinny: H-W, owners of one of the state's stingiest defenses (7.3 points allowed), gets put to arguably its toughest test of the year in a Bourne squad led by running back Joe Epps. The senior is second in Div. 3A in scoring (19 rushing TD), and is coming off an impressive performance in a Tuesday night playoff against Bishop Feehan (11 carries, 112 yards, 3 TD).

X-factor: The Generals must find a way to keep Epps, arguably one of the fastest running backs south of Boston, from getting to the corner. The 170-pounder has some wheels.

Barboza: Epps has to among the fastest players we've seen all year save for Armani Reeves. Bourne, 27-24.

Hall: Robert Perryman's not walking through that door. But Joe Epps is. Bourne, 24-21.

Division 4: Cardinal Spellman (12-0) vs. Mashpee (12-0), 8 p.m., Gillette Stadium
Spellman players to watch: RB Pat Hinkley; RB Dan Kustka; OL/LB Dan Barry; OL/DL Kevin Grey; OL/DL Joe Glynn.

Mashpee players to watch: Jordan Keli’inui, Sr. RB; Graham Kilpatrick, Sr. OL/DL; Jared Taylor, Jr. RB/LB; Zach Orcutt, Sr. QB/S; John Bernard, Sr. RB/LB.

The skinny: Mashpee has run over opponents with a wrecking crew in the backfield comprised for Keli'inui and Taylor. Spellman is a near mirror image with Hinkley and Kustka combining to run for over 2,000 yards this season replacing the dynamic play of graduate Blaise Branch.

X-factor: Hinkley. A shoulder injury sustained while making a tackle in the Cardinals' win over Shawsheen on Tuesday threatens Hinkley's availability in Saturday's game. Will he be ready to go? If not, that's a huge loss for Spellman on both sides of the ball.

Barboza: You heard it here first, Hinkley does his best Willis Reed/Pedro Martinez/Curt Schilling impression and delivers when it counts. Spellman, 14-13.

Hall: Even if Pat Hinkley is 100 percent, and even though there isn't a more deserving coach than Ron St. George, it's going to be hard to break this Falcons D. Mashpee, 14-10.

Division 4A: Boston Cathedral (12-0) vs. Blue Hills (11-1), 10 a.m., Bentley University
Cathedral players to watch: OL/DL Treyvon Clegg; RB Geeavontie Griffith; QB/S Matt Owens; RB/DB Carlos Bermudez; QB/DB Antonio Thomas; OL/DL Mohammad Briamah.

Blue Hills players to watch: Vincent Burton, Jr. RB/S; Isaiah Teixeira, Sr. RB/LB; John Curran, Sr. QB; David Neil, Soph. WR.

The skinny: Burton has accumulated 52 rushing touchdowns since the start of his sophomore season, but this may be the fastest defense he's faced yet. Cathedral is coming off an emotional last-second win Tuesday night against Chelsea, and can score in a hurry with Griffith (2,107 rushing yards, 23 TD) leading the charges.

X-factor: We strongly advise against punting to Carlos Bermudez.

Barboza: Things I enjoy about my job: having phone conversations with Cathedral head coach Duane Sigsbury about computer technology. High hilarity. Cathedral, 17-14.

Hall: I repeat, don't punt to Carlos Bermudez. Cathedral, 14-0.

Division 5: Latin Academy (7-4) vs. Nantucket (9-2), Noon, Taunton High School

Barboza: The Whalers shalt harpoon the Great White Whale ... Um, something like that. Nantucket, 17-13.

Hall: Because I want to see colleagues Corey Allen and Jack McCluskey happy. Latin Academy, 12-6.

CENTRAL MASS
Division 1: Leominster (9-3) vs. St. John's (Shrewsbury) (8-4), 11 a.m., Gillette Stadium

Leominster players to watch: RB/DB Geraldo Rivera; QB Garrett DelleChiaie; TE/LB Shaun Addo; RB/DL Cortez Ludden; E/DB Kevin O'Connor; OL/DL Jeffrey Cheng.

St. John's players to watch: E/LB Drew Orton; RB/DB Sean Wilson; QB Connor Kurtz; OL Ryan Anger; OL Brendan Melanson; WR Efrain Montalvo.

The skinny: Leominster is back on the big stage after beating Twin Cities rival Fitchburg for the second time in six days in Tuesday's playoff game, while the Pioneers blew out crosstown rival Shrewsbury. These teams are no strangers to each other either. The Blue Devils made a statement in a 23-15 overtime win over St. John's in Leominster in October.

X-factor: Rivera is one of the most explosive players outside of 495, or anywhere in the state for that matter. If he gets going early, watch out.

Barboza: The second time is even sweeter. Leominster, 28-21.

Hall: I'm sure the post-game celebration back in the Twin Cities will be huge, too. Leominster, 17-16.

Division 2: Nashoba (12-0) vs. Holy Name (8-4), 2 p.m., Fitchburg State
Barboza: The Naps will do it with 12 men playing both ways on the field. Holy Name, 13-10.

Hall: Chieftains will finish in our poll where they're likely to start 2012 -- in the Top 10. Nashoba, 21-14.

Division 3: Auburn (11-1) vs. Hudson (9-3), 3 p.m., Worcester State
Barboza: Might be one of my favorite matchups of the day. Auburn, 24-21.

Hall: This one will be by the hair, but overall there is more firepower in Auburn than Hudson's talented backfield. Auburn, 28-27.

Division 4: Southbridge (8-4) vs. Northbridge (7-5), 12:30 p.m., Worcester State
Barboza: North over South. Northbridge, 17-10.

Hall: I'm trying to stay on Dave Lefort's good side.

Division 5: Leicester (8-4) vs. Clinton (6-6), 10 a.m., Worcester State
Barboza: What everybody from outside of New England thinks we sound like: "JAWWWWNNNNN LESSSSSTAHHHHH." I'm going with his namesake. Leicester, 23-17.

Hall: I'm Irish, so naturally I'm biased on this one. Clinton, 20-10.

Division 6: Assabet (11-1) vs. Bay Path (10-2), 11 a.m., Fitchburg State
Barboza: Picking blind here, so I'll go with the girls' hockey hotbed. Assabet, 20-14.

Hall: Aztecs are one of the most consistent vocational schools around. Assabet, 18-12.

WESTERN MASS
Division 1: Springfield Central (10-2) vs. Longmeadow (10-2), 1:30 p.m., Gillette Stadium

Central Players to Watch: Sacoy Malone, Sr. RB; Cody Williams, Soph. QB; Rich Williams, Sr. TE/LB; Aaron Owens, Jr. LB/FB; Ismael Figueroa, Jr. OL/DL; Quentin Jones, Sr. DE.

Longmeadow Players to Watch: T.J. Norris, Sr. RB; Frankie Elder, Jr. QB; Austin Sierra, Jr. RB; Robbie McClure, Jr. OL/DL; Devante Clarke, Jr. RB.

The skinny: Central ended Longmeadow's 52-game league winning streak when the two met back in October, and this should be an exciting rematch. Two of the region's strongest running games face off here, with the Eagles averaging nearly 220 yards per game behind the workhorse Malone (1,916 yards, 20 TD). Norris (1,313 yards, 23 TD) looks poised again after missing some time with an ankle sprain.

X-factor: The emergence of Sierra during Norris' injury has given the Lancers another threat out of the backfield. Central's defense, which has forced 21 fumbles, will have to keep the running game in check.

Barboza: The Lancers' reign is interrupted -- at least for one year. We'll see if the Golden Eagles have more in store past this year. Central, 17-14.

Hall: It's been a dream season for the Golden Eagles, and things are only going to get better from herein. Central, 21-20.

Division 2: Springfield Putnam (11-1) vs. Springfield Commerce (8-4), 12:30 p.m., Westfield State
Barboza: I feel like this game should be played at Blunt Park. Putnam, 34-21.

Hall: No disrespect to Commerce, but Pinkney is going to run in whichever direction he wants. Putnam, 28-10.

Division 3: Mt. Greylock (11-0) vs. Lee (10-2), 10 a.m., Westfield State
Barboza: In the words of Tenacious D, "Swimming in a sea of Lee." Lee, 31-24.

Hall: I grew up in Westminster, home to half of Mt. Wachusett, so naturally I'm biased towards the hills. Mt. Greylock, 14-3.

Division 4: McCann Tech (10-1) vs. Pioneer (8-3), 3 p.m., Westfield State
Barboza: Going with the volleyball powerhouse here. Pioneer, 21-16.

Hall: My father went to college at the former North Adams State, so take a guess where I'm going with this one. McCann Tech, 13-7.

ANDOVER, Mass. -– Even though his team had just posted a playoff victory, Cardinal Spellman coach Ron St. George was not a happy man following Tuesday night's 31-7 triumph over Shawsheen Valley.

The reason? Senior running back/linebacker Pat Hinkley, one of four team captains, suffered a shoulder injury while making a tackle late in the game and might not be available for Saturday's Super Bowl.

“There's a lot of concern because one of our best all-around football players right now ... his status for the game is in question,” St. George said. “If there's any way a kid can be back Pat Hinkley will be the kid who can do it. He's worked so hard.

“I feel terrible about it. I feel bad for the team and I feel bad for Pat mostly. We gotta regroup in a short amount of time.”

All Hinkley did Tuesday night was run for two touchdowns, catch a touchdown pass and lead Cardinal Spellman in solo tackes (five). He scored on a 1-yard run in the first quarter, on a 15-yard run in the second quarter and on a 15-yard reception early in the fourth. He entered the game with 18 touchdowns this season.

“He doesn't go down easy,” St. George said.

Spellman's other touchdown came on a 29-yard run by Scott O'Brien with 1:01 left in the first half.

The victory raised Cardinal Spellman's record to 12-0. The Cardinals will face Mashpee (12-0) in the Eastern Mass. Division 4 Super Bowl at Gillette Stadium. Saturday's opening kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.

Shawsheen's only score came on a 9-yard touchdown run by Brian Ward with 2:06 to play. The Rams completed their season with a 6-5 record.

“I thought our effort was great,” Shawsheen coach Al Costabile said. “They made the most out of their opportunities [early]. It gave them the lead and allowed them to dictate play the way they wanted to.”

Shawsheen put the ball in the air 31 times. Starting quarterback Mike O'Hearn completed 10 of 29 passes for 76 yards.

The Rams turned the ball over four times (three interceptions). Spellman allowed an average of 5.6 points per game through its first 11 contests.

“We don't usually throw the ball that much, but they're a real tough team to run on,” Costabile said. “That was the game plan.”

EASY PICKIN'
Spellman had a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter, but didn't have to work very hard for its points.

A bad snap from punt formation gave Spellman the ball on Shawsheen's 6-yard line and set up Spellman's first touchdown. Three plays later Hinkley scored the game's first touchdown on a 1-yard run.

Then Dan Kustka intercepted an O'Hearn pass late in the quarter. Spellman took over on the Shawsheen 11-yard line and added to its lead when Ben Cowan made a 22-yard field goal.

“We were fortunate early,” St. George said. “We didn't create those points. They turned the ball over and we turned it into points. At any level of football you can't turn the ball over, especially when the other team cashes it in for points.”

HALF EMPTY
Shawsheen was held to three first downs in the first half, and one of those came on a pass interference penalty.

The Rams generated 30 yards of offense on 28 plays in the half. Shawsheen failed to gain any yards on four of its seven possessions, and turned the ball over twice (both interceptions).

Spellman had a 24-0 lead entering the fourth quarter.

CARDINAL SPELLMAN 31, SHAWSHEEN 7
Shawsheen (6-5 ) 0 0 0 7 – 7
Cardinal Spellman (12-0) 7 17 0 7 – 31

1st Quarter
CS – Pat Hinkley 1 run (Ben Cowan kick), 3:19.

2nd Quarter
CS – FG Cowan 22, 8:26.
CS – Hinkley 15 run (Cowan kick), 5:53.
CS – Scott O'Brien 29 run (Cowan kick), 1:01.

4th Quarter
CS – Hinkley 15 pass from Tim Burke (Cowan kick), 9:22.
Sha – Brian Ward 49 run (DeVonn Pratt kick), 2:06.