State Farm Center was loud with a pair of energetic student sections from both Marist and York for this 4A state semifinals matchup. Marist turned up the pressure right from the start leading to a few transition baskets and an 11-2 lead to open up the game. By the end of the first quarter, Marist had already built that lead up to 21-4 and never really looked back. They got plenty of contributions from a lengthy number of players including Charles Barnes, Kendall Meyers, Stephen Brown, Adoni Vassilakis, TJ Tate, among a few others. Marist was able to win it 55-38 and advance to the state championship game that will take place on Saturday.

Charles Barnes – 2026 – SF – Marist

It was another standout performance from Barnes who scored 14 points as well to making plenty of other players. The 6’6” wing forward shot it well from the outside going 2-4 from three as well to being effective going to the basket. His two threes both came in the second quarter and helped balloon the lead up to 20. He was also key early on as part of Marist’s pressure defense forcing multiple turnovers with a steal, deflection, and poke out all in the first few minutes of the game. He has good size and length along with some quickness in addition to a big motor getting all over ball handlers and in the passing lanes.

Kendall Meyers – 2027 – G/F – Marist

Meyers stepped up his game in this semifinals matchup to lead all in scoring as well to making a lot of plays defensively. Meyers scored 15 points in the game. He was a big part of his teams early 9-2 run to open the game including a pair of free throws for the games first points and a dunk in transition. Both these scores came of off steals of his, which he ended the game with a staggering 5 of them. All game long, Meyers was playing with a ton of energy both to collect the steals and just play aggressive on ball defense as well to having a block inside.

Hunter Stepanich – 2026 – C – York

The multi-sport athlete who will be attending Princeton for both volleyball and football has continued to show his basketball abilities. He led York with 10 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks. Even against plenty of size, athleticism, and defensive attention with double-teams versus Marist, the 6’7” post was still very effective scoring it on his low post touches while posting up. The big man also showed a very good passing ability with assists from the low and high post reading the defense. On both ends of the floor, Stepanich played with great energy and toughness all game long.

Adoni Vassilakis – 2026 – PG – Marist

Vassilakis is a smart playmaking point guard with good vision who played under control at all times. The senior moved well with the ball getting into the defense often in this one to finish with 3 assists including a pair of them on drives and kick out for threes as well to making a few other passes which helped get teammates to the free throw line. As well he scored 9 points on an efficient 4-6 shooting including hitting a three. He also had 2 steals in the win.