Five players who stood out during Friday's boys semifinals

Photo by Dylan Tovar

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SAN ANTONIO — Below are five players that stood out to Dave Campbell's high school insider, Matt Stepp during Friday's slate of boys semifinal games. You may notice some names not being included, but we tried to stay away from players who will certainly make an impact Saturday during the championship games. More to come from the Alamodome.

 

Court Gaylor, PG Lipan: The freshman point guard was simply sensational in Lipan’s thrilling 40-39 win over New Home. Gaylor poured in 27 points with five made 3-point shots, while also being a menace on defense with three steals. Gaylor will be a name to watch on the 2A basketball scene statewide for the next few years as he’s just getting started.

Ja’Davian Mathis, SG Shelbyville: The junior guard is a smooth wing player with a quick first step who is crafty around the basket. He poured in 22 points, nine rebounds and five assists for Shelbyville in the team's 67-52 win over Thrall. Mathis’ ability to get to the rim and draw fouls was vital as he went 10-of-14 from the free throw line in the win.

KJ Thomas, PG Canyon Randall: The UTEP signee in his final high school game poured in 19 points for the Raiders in their 75-68 loss to Silsbee. Thomas struggled with his shot much of the game, but he frequently was able to beat defenders off the bounce and get to the line. His defense was also outstanding on the perimeter.

Amir McMillan, SG Mansfield Lake Ridge: McMillan was the Mansfield Lake Ridge offense most of the night as the 6-foot senior guard made tough shot after tough shot, pouring in 18 points in the team's 61-45 loss to unbeaten Plano East. McMillan showed creativity with his shot making and tremendous effort on the defensive end as he was a menace all night.

Clarence Payia, SF Beaumont United: The Louisiana Tech commit put on a heroic performance for Beaumont United as Payia dropped 27 points in United’s 54-46 defeat against second ranked Round Rock Stony Point. Payia faced constant double teams and was basically United’s only offense as New Mexico commit G Kayde Dotson was injured.

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