Last week of NW4A regular season... (2-10-04 and 2-13-04)

[bigdan]

We got some HUGE games coming up this week that will determine the seeding for the Conference Tourney, and will have some state playoff implications. We have rivalry games, and potentially a game to determine the regular season champion. This is what the NW4A is all about...

Here is a list of the games of most importance:

Tuesday (2-10-04)

Freedom @ McDowell
South Caldwell @ AC Reynolds


Friday (2-13-04)

AC Reynolds @ McDowell
Freedom @ East Burke


Let the conversation begin...

[reynoldsrocks23]

Well, well, well.......this week is the week isn't it! Well, assuming McDowell beats Freedom Tuesday (and they will), then the South Caldwell/ACR game really doesn't mean anything. ACR still has to win Friday at McDowell to win the conference and get the #1 seed. Beating SC is only important to guarantee at least a tie for the top spot in the conference tournament and require a draw should ACR lose to McDowell. If McDowell wins Tuesday against Freedom, ACR HAS to win 1 game against McDowell at McDowell either Friday or next week in the conference tournament, to get the #1 seed in the state playoffs....barring McDowell getting upset in the conference tournament, it's that simple!

[sbmom]

Well, well, well.......this week is the week isn't it! Well, assuming McDowell beats Freedom Tuesday (and they will), then the South Caldwell/ACR game really doesn't mean anything. ACR still has to win Friday at McDowell to win the conference and get the #1 seed. Beating SC is only important to guarantee at least a tie for the top spot in the conference tournament and require a draw should ACR lose to McDowell. If McDowell wins Tuesday against Freedom, ACR HAS to win 1 game against McDowell at McDowell either Friday or next week in the conference tournament, to get the #1 seed in the state playoffs....barring McDowell getting upset in the conference tournament, it's that simple!

Will Freedom or South Caldwell finish in third or has that not been determined yet?

[bigdan]

Will Freedom or South Caldwell finish in third or has that not been determined yet?

well, Freedom and South Caldwell both have two games this week, They are currently tied for 3rd in conference. South Caldwell has games @ AC Reynolds and against Alex. Central. Freedom has a tougher schedule playing at McDowell and at East Burke. Word from Morganton is that Tara Tate will definintely not play against McDowell or East Burke. Not sure about the conference tourney or state playoffs. But from what I hear, it's not looking too good at this time.

[sbmom]

well, Freedom and South Caldwell both have two games this week, They are currently tied for 3rd in conference. South Caldwell has games @ AC Reynolds and against Alex. Central. Freedom has a tougher schedule playing at McDowell and at East Burke. Word from Morganton is that Tara Tate will definintely not play against McDowell or East Burke. Not sure about the conference tourney or state playoffs. But from what I hear, it's not looking too good at this time.


Thanks for the info!!

[wncsprt]

Thanks for the info!!
Tomorrow night @ boone make up game from friday/saturday
east burke @ watauga

[tonync55]

Does anyone know the status of tara tate. Will she be able to play tommorow night and will she be 100%. How about some feedback from you lady patriot fans, you seemed to have dissappeared from the board lately.

[bigdan]

Does anyone know the status of tara tate. Will she be able to play tommorow night and will she be 100%. How about some feedback from you lady patriot fans, you seemed to have dissappeared from the board lately.

from what I hear Tate is out until the sectionals, at the earliest.

[reynoldsrocks23]

Anyone know how East Burke/Watauga game came out Monday? I am sure East won, but what was the score?

[Fenwayfan]

Anyone know how East Burke/Watauga game came out Monday? I am sure East won, but what was the score?


Our record does not mirror how well we have played this year. AC, you are sure that East Burke won implying that Watauga has a bad team. Yes, we are 1 and 10, but we played you to 10 points up here and had you on the ropes their, enough that you all pressed us up to the last horn. I am in no way implying that you all are not good, you are. In fact if you all make it to the final 4 this year I would be very happy for you. We played Freedom to within 10 on their home floor and East Burke to within 2 on their home floor. We have had only 3 bad games - 2 to South and 1 to mcdowell at their place. Every other game we have been in. No, we have not had much success here in the past, but if you think for one minute that these girls are not trying you might find yourself in a dogfight in the middle of the conference tournament. You all have had the same coach for years, our coach comes in the day before the season starts - implements a new system and these girls pick it up quick enough that they legitimatly compete night in and night out in every game. That to me is more impressive then a team that is loaded and finds winning easy. These girls know that every time they step on the floor they are the underdog, even tonight against Alexander. But, they never quit fighting - they never quit beliveing that tonight might be the night that they beat the big guys. You wonder why no one else responds on these boards - Well I can tell you this - It is difficult to work so hard for a goal and have come so far in becoming competitive and have someone assume that you are a bad team because your record says so. If you only new what these girls have been through in the last year.

By the way, we keep on fighting even though we lost a heart breaker last night 81 - 80 in overtime. 80 points -

Good Luck with such a great team!!!

[reynoldsrocks23]

So after all that I was right, East Burke did win! I NEVER, not one time said ANYWHERE in my post that Watauga was a bad team. IF you can find that in my post please show that to me! Just because I predict another team to win does not mean I am implying another team is BAD. Let me ask you this, when I predicted McDowell to beat ACR in another thread, do you think I was implying ACR was a BAD team? NO, don't be so defensive about my statements. I just felt that East Burke had the better team and would win the game. If I felt Watauga was a bad team I would have said so. I know how close you played ACR, and I respected your teams ability. So get off your little high horse, and stop reading things into what I write.

[nw4a_rules]

Our record does not mirror how well we have played this year. AC, you are sure that East Burke won implying that Watauga has a bad team. Yes, we are 1 and 10, but we played you to 10 points up here and had you on the ropes their, enough that you all pressed us up to the last horn. I am in no way implying that you all are not good, you are. In fact if you all make it to the final 4 this year I would be very happy for you. We played Freedom to within 10 on their home floor and East Burke to within 2 on their home floor. We have had only 3 bad games - 2 to South and 1 to mcdowell at their place. Every other game we have been in. No, we have not had much success here in the past, but if you think for one minute that these girls are not trying you might find yourself in a dogfight in the middle of the conference tournament. You all have had the same coach for years, our coach comes in the day before the season starts - implements a new system and these girls pick it up quick enough that they legitimatly compete night in and night out in every game. That to me is more impressive then a team that is loaded and finds winning easy. These girls know that every time they step on the floor they are the underdog, even tonight against Alexander. But, they never quit fighting - they never quit beliveing that tonight might be the night that they beat the big guys. You wonder why no one else responds on these boards - Well I can tell you this - It is difficult to work so hard for a goal and have come so far in becoming competitive and have someone assume that you are a bad team because your record says so. If you only new what these girls have been through in the last year.

By the way, we keep on fighting even though we lost a heart breaker last night 81 - 80 in overtime. 80 points -

Good Luck with such a great team!!!

no disrespect intended for your girls... i think we all know how good they are this year relative to years past... and i don't think a fan who has seen them compete would tell you they quit... those girls play hard all the time... never ever quit... they are in a tough conference... if you followed all the posts on this and other boards, you would see that several folks picked watauga to upset someone this season... east, south... probably not the top 3, and maybe not south with their play of late, but folks were expecting an upset...

it seems that you are very proud of your team, and rightly so... i am convinced they have come a long way, and have played on a different level... early in the season i recall a ref saying they would finish the season 4th in the conference... while i didn't agree, i knew they were better, and folks have noticed...

by the way, reynolds presses the whole game pretty much night in and night out... the score doesn't matter... the only times i have seen them stop is if they are up by 30 in the 4th quarter, or if they are playing a half court trap, which they did hurt watauga with as well... they mix it up, but that team never stops pressing... just the way the stay on their toes i guess... seems like they do it to get their tempo and not allow teams to get in a good offensive rhythm... not b/c they are scared of losing if they stop pressing... it is their style of play and has been for 3 years... nothing new...

[Fenwayfan]

So after all that I was right, East Burke did win! I NEVER, not one time said ANYWHERE in my post that Watauga was a bad team. IF you can find that in my post please show that to me! Just because I predict another team to win does not mean I am implying another team is BAD. Let me ask you this, when I predicted McDowell to beat ACR in another thread, do you think I was implying ACR was a BAD team? NO, don't be so defensive about my statements. I just felt that East Burke had the better team and would win the game. If I felt Watauga was a bad team I would have said so. I know how close you played ACR, and I respected your teams ability. So get off your little high horse, and stop reading things into what I write.


SURE = Indisputable

Predicted = Forecast

Two very different meanings - Two very different implications

[reynoldsrocks23]

As a matter of fact, if you would take the time to follow this and other message boards you would know that I said and I quote "McDowell will beat ACR tonight, I have no doubts in my mind", that looks like a pretty indisputable statement to me. I even went on to "forcast" a final score of McDowell winning, so I made both an indisputable and a forcast statement in the same thread. You are just a rookie on these boards and really don't know what you are talking about. The other people who have followed these boards know that I respect all the teams in this conference and would not disrespect any of them.

[Fenwayfan]

As a matter of fact, if you would take the time to follow this and other message boards you would know that I said and I quote "McDowell will beat ACR tonight, I have no doubts in my mind", that looks like a pretty indisputable statement to me. I even went on to "forcast" a final score of McDowell winning, so I made both an indisputable and a forcast statement in the same thread. You are just a rookie on these boards and really don't know what you are talking about. The other people who have followed these boards know that I respect all the teams in this conference and would not disrespect any of them.


Well then this rookie is glad that you are SURE about your complete dominance of these boards and the NW4A and I PREDICT you will continue to make such enlightening luminous statements on the inferiority of other peoples opinions.

[wncsprt]

east burke 81 2 ot
watauga 80

[reynoldsrocks23]

east burke 81 2 ot
watauga 80

So I was right.....East Burke won. I have been catching a lot of grief over the fact I was sure that East Burke would win, and for some reason, I am right. Now had I been wrong, I could understand people blasting me, but the fact I am right, doesn't seem like anyone could complain about my statement. Oh well, I guess people just don't like my opinion about how games will come out, but I am going to say I am SURE MCDowell will beat Freedom tonight. Now Freedom, don't take that personal, I don't think you are a bad team, I just think McDowell is better tonight!

[tonync55]

The lady titans beat the patriots 73-47 tonight. An embrassing game for the lady patriots. It was close at the half but mcdowell came out on fire in the 3rd. This sets the stage for the big rematch with reynolds friday night. It should be a good one

[tonync55]

As a matter of fact, if you would take the time to follow this and other message boards you would know that I said and I quote "McDowell will beat ACR tonight, I have no doubts in my mind", that looks like a pretty indisputable statement to me. I even went on to "forcast" a final score of McDowell winning, so I made both an indisputable and a forcast statement in the same thread. You are just a rookie on these boards and really don't know what you are talking about. The other people who have followed these boards know that I respect all the teams in this conference and would not disrespect any of them.

Wow, after following these two teams all year i wouldn't dare say mcdowell will win for sure friday night. I hope your right but acr has a great team and mcdowell will have to play their best game of the year to win. Either way it should be a five point final.

[SpaRtAnFaN04]

South Caldwell 53
AC Reynolds 56

[reynoldsrocks23]

South Caldwell 53
AC Reynolds 56

Congrats to South Caldwell for playing a great game tonight. ACR, although they didn't shoot well, might have been looking ahead a little to McDowell. I am by no means saying South Caldwell didn't have something to do with ACR's play tonight, but ACR didn't look like themselves at all! Oh well, Friday night is the night......at least ACR has clinched a tie, their first in their history while in the NW4A, nice accomplishment!

[bigdan]

The lady titans beat the patriots 73-47 tonight. An embrassing game for the lady patriots. It was close at the half but mcdowell came out on fire in the 3rd. This sets the stage for the big rematch with reynolds friday night. It should be a good one


Tony, to be honest, Freedom played a good game tonight. They just didn't have enough power to hold even with McDowell. Barrier played her tail off, she probably scored close to 20 points. Scruggs also had a good game, IMO. She was hitting 3's tonight, that impressed me. No disrespect to Tara Tate, but Freedom looks like a different team without her. I think the other players like Scruggs and the others were depending too much on Tate and Barrier. Now that Barrier is the only threat out there, the role players have no choice than to be more aggressive. If Tate can somehow come back and they can continue to play offense like they did tonight, Freedom could make a lot of noise in the postseason.

For McDowell, they are looking more and more better as time goes on and they are hot going into Friday Night's matchup for the Conference Championship against Reynolds. BTW, congrats to Reynolds with tonight's win they claim at least a share of the regular season championship. Kiser once again played well inside. She is getting to the loose balls much better than say a month ago. Atkinson and Lovik are playing good but there is always room for improvement. Anna's shot is looking much better than what we saw a few weeks ago, and tonight they're starting to fall. Watch out, if she keeps getting hot from outside, somebody may get torched come playoff time.

[reynoldsrocks23]

BTW, congrats to Reynolds with tonight's win they claim at least a share of the regular season championship.

Thanks Bigdan for the congrats. Reynolds has worked hard this year, and I know these girls aren't satisfied with a tie so, Friday at McDowell should be fun! I know ACR usually doesn't have a lot of success down there, but who knows stranger things have happened!

[bigdan]

It's been awful quiet around here for the last 24 hours? Does anybody want to make a prediction for tomorrow night's games? Can East Burke defeat Freedom, and can McDowell get revenge on Reynolds, and cause a share of the NW4A Championship?

BTW, I heard on the news tonight that WLOS plans on coming to Marion to cover the Reynolds/McDowell showdown...I guess they don't have anything to do over at the TV Station? :sleep:

[tonync55]

Bigdan, you want a prediction so i'll give it a shot.Because they're playing at the silverdome and because the lady titans will be out to avenge their lose at acr i predict McDowell 72 Reynolds 66 also I believe east burke will upset freedom 62-55.what do you think?

[bigdan]

Bigdan, you want a prediction so i'll give it a shot.Because they're playing at the silverdome and because the lady titans will be out to avenge their lose at acr i predict McDowell 72 Reynolds 66 also I believe east burke will upset freedom 62-55.what do you think?

McDowell is playing good right now, and you know they'll want revenge. With it being in Marion, I look for McDowell to pull it off, 69-60. Even without Tate, I still think Freedom has enough power to win. It may turn into a shooting contest between Leah Barrier and Ashlei Helton. I'll take Freedom, 72-60

[ladiesbballfan]

McDowell is playing good right now, and you know they'll want revenge. With it being in Marion, I look for McDowell to pull it off, 69-60. Even without Tate, I still think Freedom has enough power to win. It may turn into a shooting contest between Leah Barrier and Ashlei Helton. I'll take Freedom, 72-60

I'm still concerned about rebounding, but I believe McDowell will take advantage of this stage. I'm not even going to bother with a score but look for Atkinson to have a huge game and pull the Lady Titans through in a close one. Somebody is going to have to do a defensive job on Alexander, and if Reynolds wins this game then take your hat off because they are for real. I know they are for real anyway but this is playoff type atmosphere. I can't wait!

[The Warden]

McDowell is playing good right now, and you know they'll want revenge. With it being in Marion, I look for McDowell to pull it off, 69-60. Even without Tate, I still think Freedom has enough power to win. It may turn into a shooting contest between Leah Barrier and Ashlei Helton. I'll take Freedom, 72-60

ACR-McDowell will turn into an instant classic just like the Freedom-McDowell boys game...McDowell 76, ACR 74 OT

I heard today that Tara Tate may dress tomorrow and play limited minutes, if so, it will give the Lady Patriots a serious edge of confidence (Kinda like the Willis Reed thing for the 1970 NY Knicks) and will definitely win vs East Burke. Freedom 67....East Burke 59

[bigdan]

I'm still concerned about rebounding, but I believe McDowell will take advantage of this stage. I'm not even going to bother with a score but look for Atkinson to have a huge game and pull the Lady Titans through in a close one. Somebody is going to have to do a defensive job on Alexander, and if Reynolds wins this game then take your hat off because they are for real. I know they are for real anyway but this is playoff type atmosphere. I can't wait!

yeah, I hope the McDowell crowd can equal the intensity of the Freedom game. unfortunately, I will not be there. Just one last thought before the game today, with it being Senior Night at McDowell, I'll be courious to see how long we go with our seniors on the court. If we start our seniors, more than likely our starting five will be Atkinson, Revis, Patrice Smith, Dawn Cable and Christina Bruington. In the first matchup, Christina was the only inside player that played good for McDowell. If she can come out and play well to start, then Mike might stay with her a little longer than the others. That will be interesting to see how that pans out.

[ladiesbballfan]

yeah, I hope the McDowell crowd can equal the intensity of the Freedom game. unfortunately, I will not be there. Just one last thought before the game today, with it being Senior Night at McDowell, I'll be courious to see how long we go with our seniors on the court. If we start our seniors, more than likely our starting five will be Atkinson, Revis, Patrice Smith, Dawn Cable and Christina Bruington. In the first matchup, Christina was the only inside player that played good for McDowell. If she can come out and play well to start, then Mike might stay with her a little longer than the others. That will be interesting to see how that pans out.

Is Savannah Buchanan also a senior? I might would save the senior thing until the tournament.

[tonync55]

McDowell won tonights game by 16,71-55. The lady rockets took the lead early but mcdowell kept their poise and took control by the half. Reynolds could never stage a rally in the fourth and the lady rockets looked like a tired team in the end as their coach would put in five new players with every foul. I know it was just 1 game and these two teams should meet again next week and this has to give the lady titans a lot of confidence going into the nw4a tourney. Lovic lead mcdowell with 22 while atkinson had 16. Great game ladys and I hope we meet again.

[reporter]

South Caldwell defeated Alexander easily tonight. I don't know the final score but Alexander was never in this game at all. everyone on the team saw good minutes for SC.

Haven't heard of how Freedom and East Burke came out.

[bigdan]

South Caldwell defeated Alexander easily tonight. I don't know the final score but Alexander was never in this game at all. everyone on the team saw good minutes for SC.

Haven't heard of how Freedom and East Burke came out.

I hear that Freedom girls won tonight, don't know the exact score.

As for McDowell, congratulations on the win tonight. I've been told that the crowd was very rowdy tonight, it seems like the girls feed off the crowd real well. There will be a coin flip tomorrow morning about 10 am. That will determine the #1 seed in the conference tourney. But the #1 seed in the state playoff will be determined by which team goes the farthest in the conference tourney. If say both teams make it to the semis and somehow lose, there WILL be a play-in game between both teams on Friday afternoon.

[ladiesbballfan]

I hear that Freedom girls won tonight, don't know the exact score.

As for McDowell, congratulations on the win tonight. I've been told that the crowd was very rowdy tonight, it seems like the girls feed off the crowd real well. There will be a coin flip tomorrow morning about 10 am. That will determine the #1 seed in the conference tourney. But the #1 seed in the state playoff will be determined by which team goes the farthest in the conference tourney. If say both teams make it to the semis and somehow lose, there WILL be a play-in game between both teams on Friday afternoon.

There were two main keys tonight and I got the first one right: (1) HUGE game by Atkinson (always in control of the game), (2) Alexander in foul trouble the whole game, oh, and a few timely 3's by Lovik didn't hurt. Great game on the boards ladies (Brown, Kiser, and Smith). Anytime these two meet it will be special, just like Freedom. It should be a great tourney!

[CFBall]

this time of the year is always great............anything that can happen, prolly will! keep us outsiders up on the tournament schedule thats ahead!

madness is ahead(march madness)! :banana:

[sporty32]

Coach Silver did not start his seniors tonight. I was kind of shocked by that. I understand why you would probably not though. But his seniors, except for Katie, got thier minutes tonight. Its kind of sad that they didn't get to start though. McDowell played well tonight, although they had a few moments when they were a little sloppy and they let Reynolds get to many offensive rebounds. That is something they need to fix come tournament and playoff time. I think the crowd had a big part in tonights game. That was a big crowd, and rivaled any mcdowell vs. freedom crowd.

[bigdan]

Coach Silver did not start his seniors tonight. I was kind of shocked by that. I understand why you would probably not though. But his seniors, except for Katie, got thier minutes tonight. Its kind of sad that they didn't get to start though. McDowell played well tonight, although they had a few moments when they were a little sloppy and they let Reynolds get to many offensive rebounds. That is something they need to fix come tournament and playoff time. I think the crowd had a big part in tonights game. That was a big crowd, and rivaled any mcdowell vs. freedom crowd.

First off, welcome to TBR.com Sporty32. I was told tonight by some people that the team, as a whole, voted to start the typical starters tonight because they wanted to win the game and a share of the title. For the seniors out there, that is the ultimate example of being unselfish and being a team, instead of being individuals.

[CFBall]

unselfish players(seniors)are special on good teams........props for the
"Lady Titans"! Good luck to them and the Lady Rockets in the tournament!

Titan Fan in Cleveland County since 1972...................NW4A forever!

[bigdan]

Now that the regular season is over, I figure I would throw some stats around. The Lady Titans have 3 of their 5 starters averaging double digits in points. Anna averages 12.5 per game (12.1 Conference), Emily averages 15.6 ppg (17.9 Conference Avg.), and Akendra Brown has averaged 11 ppg (10.9 Conference Avg.) Emily has scored in double digits for 11 straight games, and has been in single digits for only 3 times all season long.

[ladiesbballfan]

Coach Silver did not start his seniors tonight. I was kind of shocked by that. I understand why you would probably not though. But his seniors, except for Katie, got thier minutes tonight. Its kind of sad that they didn't get to start though. McDowell played well tonight, although they had a few moments when they were a little sloppy and they let Reynolds get to many offensive rebounds. That is something they need to fix come tournament and playoff time. I think the crowd had a big part in tonights game. That was a big crowd, and rivaled any mcdowell vs. freedom crowd.

sporty, I tried to send you an e-mail from the Charlotte boards a few weeks ago to tell you about this board. Anyway, glad to see you here.

I didn't stay for the senior recognition, but I'm thinking there are 6 seniors: Schumann, Revis, Cable, Smith, Bruington, Buchannon. Am I wrong? Anyway, that's a tough decision, but I think it was the absolute right move to treat the game as a war and not let any emotions get in the way. Revis, Cable, and Bruington contributed on the court and the others off the court. How about Schumann with the cast on (she hasn't dressed in a few games)?

You are right about the offensive rebounds and that is the "Achilles Heel". Go to practice and teach them a few tricks.

Sorry if any body read this before the edit, of course, Patrice Smith contributed immensely!

[bigdan]

Is Savannah Buchanan also a senior? I might would save the senior thing until the tournament.

Savannah is a Junior...

[ladiesbballfan]

Savannah is a Junior...

OK, I wasn't sure, but I think it made sense to go with the starters because of the situation.

[reynoldsrocks23]

I was unable to attend the game last night, and was late getting home so I wasn't on the computer, but I do want to congratulate McDowell on their win. From the people I have talked to McDowell played a great game, and yes ACR did get in foul trouble with Alexander and Rybacki both getting 3 early fouls. However, McDowell was the better team tonight and hopefully next week ACR will regroup and come up with a big win. Congrats to McDowell, but also congrats to AC Reynolds for a wonderful regular season, and a share of your first NW4A Conference Title! :thumbup:

[sporty32]

OK, I wasn't sure, but I think it made sense to go with the starters because of the situation.


I understand why they did what they did. And I commend all the seniors, if they really did vote, for doing what they did. It is a team game, and if I were in thier shoes I would have done the same thing. Although from being in that position a year ago, they missed an emotional moment (but that is probably a good thing too). Because after the game there is plenty of time to get tears.

[tonync55]

Hello Bigdan, I wished you could have been with us last night. Our crowd really done us proud. You could feel the roar with every three point shot that emily and anna sank. The rockets started out with a little 10-0 run and some of the reynolds fans behind us were really getting cocky( but they have mostly great fans like mcdowell). Jamie was really getting worried at first but I told him to stay calm because our girls would get it together and step up and boy did they. We had some rocket fan right behind us that would yell like a indian when reynolds scored early and when mcdowell took control me and ted started returning the yell. I have to say it was the most fun we have had scince last years playoffs at hickory.Even john was getting into the action bigtime. Hope to see you at the conference tourney this week.