A-K Valley basketball playoffs preview capsule: Highlands vs. Carrick

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, March 12, 2018 | 8:06 PM

Boys

Class 5A

Second round

Highlands (19-5) vs. Carrick (20-5)

7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Gateway

Winner plays: Mars (22-4)/Trinity (21-5)

Coaches: Tyler Stoczynski, Highlands; Walt Milinski, Carrick.

Players to watch: Shawn Erceg, 6-6, Sr., F, Highlands; Y'shua Bragg, 6-7, Sr., F, Carrick

Layup lines: Highlands is coming off one of its best defensive performances, a 52-31 victory over Section 3 rival Franklin Regional. It was the fourth meeting this season between the teams. The Golden Rams will try to advance to the state quarterfinals for the second time in three years. Erceg had a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds in the first-round win. He'll likely matchup against Bragg, Carrick's lanky center, who averages 11 points. Luke Cochran, Romello Freeman and Johnny Crise average 10 points. … Carrick rebounded from a 51-49 loss to Westinghouse in the City League semifinals by topping Meadville, 72-58, in a PIAA sub-region game and Hollidaysburg, 53-38, in the first round. The Raiders, who start five seniors, are having their best season since 2008.It's their fourth winning season in the last 15 years. Carrick has wins over WPIAL playoff teams Shady Side Academy (3A), Albert Gallatin (5A) and Bethel Park (6A). Ernie Young leads Carrick in scoring, averaging 14 points. Guards Lamar Lewis and Imari Walker average 10 points apiece.

Tags: Highlands