D-III BREAKDOWN

We take a look at Divsion III of the Boys State Championships.

LOUDONVILLE ( 23 - 2 ) V.S. ST. HENRY ( 20 - 5 )

At the start of this years final four we have two teams that are looking for respect. Loudonville makes their first appearance since 1975 and want to reach the championship. Led by center Shane Humphrey and guard Trevor Scott, the Redbirds have size and outside play to battle any team in their path. Over the past four years, Coach Schlabach has the Redbirds playing great basketball losing only 13 games. Will this be the year of a championship? The odds are in favor of it.

St. Henry makes a trip back to Columbus for the first time since the 2000 season. Playing in the MAC has them prepared to battle any team this weekend. Using height to their full advantage, the Redskins will post a threat for Loudonville from the tip. Led by forwards Steve Sutter and Nate Stahl, the Redskins starting lineup consists of players standing 6'0" or taller. This height advantage could be a big key in who wins this game.

Loudonville ended the season ranked #4, they show an ability to score and defend with the best. But, I feel St. Henry has a very big advantage on the boards. Because of the MAC and their height, I make my advantage pick. ADVANTAGE: ST. HENRY

KEY PLAYERS

LOUDONVILLE

DAVID HUFFMAN - 5.2 PPG.

ZACH YOUNG - 10.8 PPG.

SHANE HUMPHREY - 12.5 PPG.

C.J. SPRENG - 7.1 PPG

TREVOR SCOTT - 11.9 PPG.

ST. HENRY

STEVE SUTTER - 10.8 PPG.

NATE STAHL - 13.4 PPG.

KURT HUELSMAN - 10.1 PPG.

BRYAN POST - 6.0 PPG.

JEREMY SCHWIETERMAN - 4.3 PPG.

COACHES

LOUDONVILLE - MARK SCHLABACH - 4 YEARS / 83 - 13

ST. HENRY - JOE NIEKAMP - 4 YEARS / 55 - 34

STATE APPEARANCES

LOUDONVILLE - 2004 - 1975

ST. HENRY - 2004 - 2000 - 1991 - 1990 - 1979

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BELLAIRE ( 22 - 4 ) V.S. VERSAILLES ( 26 - 0 )

This has a chance of being a great game. One of Ohio's football powers is making some noise on the hardwood in 2004. Versailles is know for having great football teams, but, coming up short in basketball has been the rule. Some felt football has keep them from winning a hoops title, and they could be right. Changing gears within a few days of ending football is not an easy task. But 2004 has been a magical year for the Tigers.

Coming into tournament play, the Tigers held the #2 ranking in Division III. With great play from Kyle Gehle (one of Ohio's best unknown athletes) Versailles brings a perfect mark into the contest. As many know, this is not an easy feat for teams in the MAC to achive. Being the 3rd MAC team in the 2004 Final Four, the Tigers draw a team with one of Ohio's top big-men. The biggest question will be the health of forward Joe Shardo. The 6'4 junior hurt his knee during the Tigers victory over Reading last Saturday, and his status is uncertain.

Bellaire comes into the contest ranked 9th but looking for its first title. Led by 6'10 senior Aaron Agnew, the Big Reds have four starters who average over 13 points per game. The question is defense, as Bellaire has averaged giving up 60 points per game and Versailles scores on average 71 points per game. Without Shardo, Versailles will have a hard time matching up with Mike Fisher or Nate Davis. Because of the question mark on Shardo, it makes my advantage pick a little eaiser to make. ADVANTAGE: BELLAIRE

KEY PLAYERS

BELLAIRE

MIKE FISHER - 14.9 PPG.

ANDREW BOBKA - 3.0 PPG.

AARON AGNEW - 18.9 PPG.

NATE DAVIS - 20.4 PPG.

JOSH FISHER - 13.9 PPG.

VERSAILLES

JOE SHARDO 16.9 PPG. *** Injury***

RYAN McNEILAN - 6.0 PPG.

BART SCHMITZ - 4.9 PPG.

KYLE GEHLE - 20.9 PPG.

BEN SHAPPIE - 10.1 PPG.

COACHES

GENE AMMIRANTE - 23 YEARS / 379 - 141

ROGER McELDOWNEY - 7 YEARS / 127 - 39

STATE APPEARANCES

BELLAIRE - 2004

VERSAILLES - 2004