What to watch for during Tuesday night's regional semifinal between Onaway, St. Ignace
INDIAN RIVER – Oh, man. I’ve been waiting for this matchup.
Over the last few weeks I’ve thought about a potential showdown between Onaway and St. Ignace, a pair of terrific squads who have their sights set on a regional title. Both have had big seasons, both have plenty of firepower, and both are as high-flying and intense as they come.
So, as we get ready for this battle between the Cardinals and Saints, here’s what to watch for when they duke it out in a 7 p.m. MHSAA Division 4 regional semifinal at Inland Lakes on Tuesday.
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A box office matchup
There’s plenty of ways you can break this game down. But what comes to mind is a likely showdown between two outstanding senior guards in Onaway’s Jadin Mix and St. Ignace’s Jonny Ingalls.
Watching Mix throughout his career, he’s been an elite defender. But this will be a challenge for Mix, who’s about to face one of the most prolific scorers in Division 4. Whether it’s driving his way to the basket or delivering a beautiful step-back jumper, Ingalls is legit. For the Cardinals, slowing down Ingalls is a must. But it’s easier said than done against Ingalls, who can explode at any moment.
A size advantage?
As I’ve thought more about this matchup in recent days, I get the feeling it’s going to be a track meet, as both teams love to push the ball up the court quickly.
When I look at the Saints, they have a size advantage over the Cardinals, especially with seniors Nick Halburg and Kordell KillsCrow. Halburg’s a powerful center and KillsCrow’s versality makes him a potential matchup problem for Onaway. While the Cardinals aren’t as big as the Saints, they’ve got people who can hold their own. One of those is senior Justin Kramer-St. Germain, who’s done an admirable job in the frontcourt. Junior Luke Lovelace, another key reserve, was also productive during Onaway’s district title run.
This will be another test for the Cardinals, but coach Eddy Szymoniak has shown time and time again that’s he’s been able to adjust and put his players in the best position to succeed.
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X-factors
You look at Onaway and St. Ignace and there’s multiple stars on both sides, from Mix and senior Austin Veal to Ingalls and KillsCrow. But come Tuesday night, who might be the X-factor that helps get their team over the finish line?
For the Cardinals, I believe it’s either junior Mason Beebe or senior Jackson Chaskey, two experienced players who can knock down clutch outside shots. If one gets hot, the Cardinals will be in business.
On the other side, the Saints possess a stellar talent in senior Ethan McLean, who has a nice all-around game. McLean, another one of St. Ignace’s standouts, can light it up as well.
The Cardinals and Saints have plenty of others who might end up being the hero, but these are the players I'm keeping an eye on during this pulsating showdown.
One will win, one’s going home. No matter who prevails, this is going to be a dynamite clash that won't lack entertainment.
Let’s do this.
Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at jgreenleaf@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: What to keep an eye on during Tuesday's regional boys basketball semifinal between Onaway, St. Ignace
