Matchup 16 is Delaware Hayes vs. Brunswick, who each tout several elite prospects. Hayes, who lost in the state semis a year ago to eventual champion St. Ignatius, is dealing with life without Jesse Burris, Ohio commit and the school’s all time leading scorer. This year, they have and will continue to rely on the playmaking of senior Kent State commit Landon Vanderwarker, who is one of the toughest matchups in the state. At 6’3, Vanderwarker stretches bigs away from the floor with an improved jump shot and as a devastating inside-out game. The Pacers will rely heavily on their depth, beginning with Juniors Jeremiah Russell and Chase Griggs, who have a lot to prove in 2025. Griggs has been off the a sizzling start offensively with a deceptive floater and short hook game that is rare for a guard. Russell is a lot point guard in central Ohio that is shifty and has great court vision. Other players such as seniors Carter Piat-Brown, Garrett Brown, Drew Banaszak will also have increased roles. It’ll be interesting to see if Hayes can round into form come tournament time, as they have the depth and pieces to do it under head coach Adam Vacenzo.
Brunswick from just south of Cleveland also had its season ended by St. Ignatius in the state tournament a year ago, but finished with a stellar 23-5 record. They beat top programs St. Edward and Canton GlenOak along the way, reaching the regional final. The Blue Devils have one of the top Juniors in the state in Trey Drexler, who really stood out during his AAU season with the Ohio Buckets and picked up an offer from Kent State. Drexler can score in many different ways, but what has impressed me the most is his balance off of two feet. Seniors Aiden Shaker and Matt Morgan provide some much needed experience for the Blue Devils, who have lots of playing time to go off of a regional final run a year ago. Sean Barnett provides physicality and court vision, being the quarterback at Brunswick as well, and will look to be another key to another deep tournament run this year. Head coach Joe Mackey is entering his 10th year and has the Blue Devils off to another excellent start at 4-1. Brunswick’s ability to guard Landon Vanderwarker will be a key to their success in this matchup, otherwise they may to outscore the Pacers, which has proven to be difficult in the past. This game will be played Sunday, December 29th at 4:45pm.
