2004 NCHSAA 4A West Sectionals: Sectional Finals

[bigdan]

Well, these eight teams are one win away from the regionals. Here are the 4 sectional finals in the 4A west bracket...


Northern Durham @ West Forsyth

Vance @ East Forsyth

McDowell @ Garinger

Butler @ AC Reynolds

okay, thoughts, opinions on these games...?

[FANtaztic]

Well, these eight teams are one win away from the regionals. Here are the 4 sectional finals in the 4A west bracket...

Northern Durham @ West Forsyth

Vance @ East Forsyth

McDowell @ Garinger

Butler @ AC Reynolds

okay, thoughts, opinions on these games...?

BigDan: With all McDowell's weapons, they should have no problem with Garinger. Look for their PG #1 to drive and penetrate a lot. South was able to draw several charges against them in this game. Garinger's gym is horrible though, it's about the size of a middle school gym. To coin one of your phrases, that was a very "hostile" environment. The #1 seed from the NW4A is definitely a lot stronger team the #1 SW4A and it will show at the end of this game. I don't think the Garinger fans will be taunting at the end of this game. Prediction: McDowell 82 Garinger 66

[gridfaniker]

BigDan: With all McDowell's weapons, they should have no problem with Garinger. Look for their PG #1 to drive and penetrate a lot. South was able to draw several charges against them in this game. Garinger's gym is horrible though, it's about the size of a middle school gym. To coin one of your phrases, that was a very "hostile" environment. The #1 seed from the NW4A is definitely a lot stronger team the #1 SW4A and it will show at the end of this game. I don't think the Garinger fans will be taunting at the end of this game. Prediction: McDowell 82 Garinger 66

:gaga:

[reynoldsrocks23]

BigDan, tell me a little about Butler. I know you know all about them, seeing you seem to know about all these teams. I can't give you a fair assessment of the games until I know a little about them. So help a guy out!

[bigdan]

BigDan, tell me a little about Butler. I know you know all about them, seeing you seem to know about all these teams. I can't give you a fair assessment of the games until I know a little about them. So help a guy out!

well, I don't know the individual players names and their numbers, but I will say that Butler is a small team that likes to run. Their height is one similar to South Caldwell or Freedom. Not much post play from what I have seen of them this year. IMO, I think Syndey Alexander could have a huge game against them. I think Reynolds should be able to get a lot of boards on them because they like to shoot from the perimeter, but they will try to drive to the basket if given the open lane. Just play strong defense, and being at home Reynolds should be able to win.

[CFBall]

i would take any of the NW4A against any charlotte team this year

good luck to all

[reynoldsrocks23]

Well, it's nice to know that Sydney isn't going to have to face another 6'4'' gal. Man that was an adventure last night! But to her credit she battled the best she could and did come away with several rebounds, scored 8 points, and drew at least 3 over the back calls that I know of! Now, about Butler, with ACR playing at home I have to give us the advantage, although Butler did just win at West Charlotte, traveling up here on a bus for 2 1/2 hours is a totally different story. Not to mention the crazy fans we will have in attendence. ACR is smart enough to take advantage of the size they will have on Butler, and should pound it inside. I know Butler probably presses the whole game and ACR will have some turnovers, but for the most part ACR has a lot of people that can handle the ball and pressure never really has bothered us. ACR plays several people and easily goes nine deep (eight girls scored last night against South Meck) so depth isn't a problem as someone has said. Look for AC Reynolds to come out really fired up and play an inspired game in front of their fans, and when the final horn sounds i'm saying ACR 65 Butler 53

[BoomBoxJunkie00]

Well, these eight teams are one win away from the regionals. Here are the 4 sectional finals in the 4A west bracket...


Northern Durham @ West Forsyth

Vance @ East Forsyth

McDowell @ Garinger

Butler @ AC Reynolds

okay, thoughts, opinions on these games...?

McDowell over Garinger by 10+(McDowells guard play is too good and smart for Garingers. They also have more depth)
AC Reynolds over Butler13+(Dont know too much about AC Reynolds except the fact that they beat McDowell once, Butler doesnt have depth but have heart. I expect it to be a good game)
Northern Durham over West Forsyth???( Dont know too much about either team except N.Durham lost to Vance in Regional semi-finals last year)
Vance over East Forsyth 8+(Even though E.Forsyth has 6-5 Black, East's guard play isnt nearly as good as Vance's. Vance has more speed, and talent, plus they beat them in the Dell Curry in December by 12 and it was a pretty good game)

[believer]

McDowell will win easily over Garinger. I will be conservative and say 70-50. McDowell just has too many weapons and way more experience. Garinger does like to press, but they will allow open shots from the baseline if you push the ball up the floor (Lovik for 3 in the corner). I would allow them to shoot from outside ALL night long. If Hailey penetrates, she can finish. The Wildcats will hit the boards hard; somewhat like Reynolds does. Boxing out will be key(especially Hollis). Another McDowell plus is being a good free throw shooting team. Garinger will foul because they really want the ball back so they can play offense again. They will pressure hard on the wings and try to force the offense to start from half court. South Caldwell had the right gameplan, but couldn't throw it in the ocean and didn't box out. Even missing 22 free throws didn't take them completely out of the game. Good luck Titans!

[bigdan]

Well, these eight teams are one win away from the regionals. Here are the 4 sectional finals in the 4A west bracket...


Northern Durham @ West Forsyth

Vance @ East Forsyth

McDowell @ Garinger

Butler @ AC Reynolds

okay, thoughts, opinions on these games...?

Okay here are my predictions for what now is "Big Monday" in the west region...

Northern Durham @ West Forsyth: Once again the Ladies of Northern Durham is quietly making a run at a 3rd straight regional appearance. Their best player, Nicole Allison has made the transition from shooting guard to point guard. So far this season, she has been more of a distrubuter of the ball, but in the big games, she may have to produce more on her own. West Forsyth, the best that the Central Piedmont 4A offers, will be hosting this game. I know absolutely nothing about West Forsyth other than the fact that they play in an overall weak conference. I think we'll find out just how good they are. I won't make a prediction, but don't be suprised if Northern Durham wins.

Vance @ East Forsyth: Chante Black is the leader for East Forsyth, she'll get her points and boards, but she needs help from the outside. A D1 player on an overall bad team. Meanwhile, Vance may well be the hottest team in the state at this time. Looks like this team has gotten over any problems from earlier in the season and is playing the best ball of the year. Coach Richmond is not that bad a coach either. I know quite a few in Charlotte were critical of him, but those same people seem to be backtracking...funny how winning solves all problems? Monique Dawson seems to be playing her best ball of the season. She scored 34 in the first round against Greensboro Page. Stywalt and Coote also playing their best ball of the season. I look for Vance to really force the tempo and pull out the win, 69-60. Just don't let East Forsyth play that slow style and pound the ball inside all night long.

McDowell @ Garinger: There is something about these brackets that just don't make sense, we have here a matchup between the #2 ranked Lady Wildcats and the #3 ranked Lady Titans. Hard to believe this is a sectional final, and not a regional final? Anyways, this should be a good game. You know Garinger wants to run most of the game, problem is that fits right into the McDowell game plan. Independence tried the same thing against McDowell, and the Lady Titans put 101 on them. For McDowell, they need to stop LaVonna Hailey, or at least slow her down. For Garinger, let's see if they can keep McDowell from having a strong first period. The last few games, McDowell has came out very strong in the first eight minutes. In the end, this game is going to come down to which team is more discplined and which team plays with a team concept. For Garinger, this BY FAR will be their toughest opponent of the season. For McDowell, playing the NW4A schedule prepares the Lady Titans for a game like this. I'll also give a little advantage to the Lady Titans because they will bring a big crowd. Word is, Garinger has a really small gym, so my advise would be to get there early. I'm picking the Lady Titans to win in a close game, 82-74.

Butler @ AC Reynolds: AC Reynolds playing the best ball of the season, and has proven to everyone that they are no fluke. Reynolds can beat with many different players. They are their most dangerous, because they have, likely, the 2nd best post player in the west region, Sydney Alexander. I think if Reynolds will get the ball to her, she could have a HUGE game for the Lady Rockets. But it dosen't stop there, they have numerous people who can hit the outside shot, including Rybacki, McGalliard, Worley and Alex Thompson. Reynolds can produce a lot of points. For Butler, they like to press and run. They don't have much at all inside, a lot of their points are in transition. I think Reynolds being the most patient team, they will slow Butler down greatly. All Reynolds needs to do is keep from getting into a really erratic pace, and they will be getting ready for a regional appearance. My prediction is Reynolds by 15, 72-57.

[reynoldsrocks23]

Okay here are my predictions for what now is "Big Monday" in the west region...

Northern Durham @ West Forsyth: Once again the Ladies of Northern Durham is quietly making a run at a 3rd straight regional appearance. Their best player, Nicole Allison has made the transition from shooting guard to point guard. So far this season, she has been more of a distrubuter of the ball, but in the big games, she may have to produce more on her own. West Forsyth, the best that the Central Piedmont 4A offers, will be hosting this game. I know absolutely nothing about West Forsyth other than the fact that they play in an overall weak conference. I think we'll find out just how good they are. I won't make a prediction, but don't be suprised if Northern Durham wins.

Vance @ East Forsyth: Chante Black is the leader for East Forsyth, she'll get her points and boards, but she needs help from the outside. A D1 player on an overall bad team. Meanwhile, Vance may well be the hottest team in the state at this time. Looks like this team has gotten over any problems from earlier in the season and is playing the best ball of the year. Coach Richmond is not that bad a coach either. I know quite a few in Charlotte were critical of him, but those same people seem to be backtracking...funny how winning solves all problems? Monique Dawson seems to be playing her best ball of the season. She scored 34 in the first round against Greensboro Page. Stywalt and Coote also playing their best ball of the season. I look for Vance to really force the tempo and pull out the win, 69-60. Just don't let East Forsyth play that slow style and pound the ball inside all night long.

McDowell @ Garinger: There is something about these brackets that just don't make sense, we have here a matchup between the #2 ranked Lady Wildcats and the #3 ranked Lady Titans. Hard to believe this is a sectional final, and not a regional final? Anyways, this should be a good game. You know Garinger wants to run most of the game, problem is that fits right into the McDowell game plan. Independence tried the same thing against McDowell, and the Lady Titans put 101 on them. For McDowell, they need to stop LaVonna Hailey, or at least slow her down. For Garinger, let's see if they can keep McDowell from having a strong first period. The last few games, McDowell has came out very strong in the first eight minutes. In the end, this game is going to come down to which team is more discplined and which team plays with a team concept. For Garinger, this BY FAR will be their toughest opponent of the season. For McDowell, playing the NW4A schedule prepares the Lady Titans for a game like this. I'll also give a little advantage to the Lady Titans because they will bring a big crowd. Word is, Garinger has a really small gym, so my advise would be to get there early. I'm picking the Lady Titans to win in a close game, 82-74.

Butler @ AC Reynolds: AC Reynolds playing the best ball of the season, and has proven to everyone that they are no fluke. Reynolds can beat with many different players. They are their most dangerous, because they have, likely, the 2nd best post player in the west region, Sydney Alexander. I think if Reynolds will get the ball to her, she could have a HUGE game for the Lady Rockets. But it dosen't stop there, they have numerous people who can hit the outside shot, including Rybacki, McGalliard, Worley and Alex Thompson. Reynolds can produce a lot of points. For Butler, they like to press and run. They don't have much at all inside, a lot of their points are in transition. I think Reynolds being the most patient team, they will slow Butler down greatly. All Reynolds needs to do is keep from getting into a really erratic pace, and they will be getting ready for a regional appearance. My prediction is Reynolds by 15, 72-57.

Well, Bigdan it's nice to see some predictions out of you! So now that I have a little insight about these teams I'll pass along mine. By the way Bigdan, ACR defeated West Forsyth earlier this year in a Christmas Tournament 63-48, and were up by more than 20 in the 4th until the subs came in. I am sure West Forsyth is playing better ball now though. Well, here goes:

Northern Durham @ West Forsyth: Not knowing much about either team except the fact that AC Reynolds has already defeated West Forsyth this year by 15, I have to go with Northern Durham. They seem to be playing great ball now, and although it's at West Forsyth, I don't think that will effect Northern Durham all that much...Northern Durham 68 West Forsyth 55

Vance @ East Forsyth: It's crunch time in the playoffs and sorry East Forsyth, one player will not beat a "team". Vance is playing great ball and East is depending on one player to carry them. It's getting too late in the game to depend on one person. Freedom defeated East Forsyth earlier this year, and were the 3rd or 4th best team in the NW4A conference (depending on if Tara Tate is healthy). Bottom line is Vance wins this one as they are the better TEAM. Vance 61 East Forsyth 53

McDowell @ Garinger: People talk about Garinger being #2, and how great they are at pressing, and running. NEWS FLASH....YOU ARE PLAYING MCDOWELL!! That is their bread and butter, they love to be pressed, and love to run, just ask Independence. I see Garinger beat Independence by 5 points (45-40), man are you in for a long night! The only hope I see Garinger has is for McDowell to miss a lot of easy shots, because they will get them if you press them, and for McDowell to make a lot of mental mistakes (not going to happen), but you can always hope I guess. The fans for McDowell will be there in droves, and there is a good chance they will out number Garinger, dispite the Garinger boys playing prior to the girls game. Atkinson, Lovik, and Co. will have a great game and once again the NW4A will come back from Charlotte with another win! McDowell 78 Garinger 59

Butler @ AC Reynolds: Here comes another running and pressing team to AC Reynolds. The Lady Rockets have several girls that can handle the ball, so the pressure will not bother them, although yes there will be some turnovers. Look for Sydney Alexander to have a BIG game as ACR will pound it inside and will pound the glass on the offensive end. These girls will be thrilled not to have to face another front line like South Meck had and will show it by their inside play. The guards won the South Meck game for us, it's time for the inside girls to win this one and I think they will. The students will be wild as ever, and that will get the girls really fired up to play an exceptional game. AC Reynolds 65 Butler 53

[reynoldsrocks23]

Well, Bigdan it's nice to see some predictions out of you! So now that I have a little insight about these teams I'll pass along mine. By the way Bigdan, ACR defeated West Forsyth earlier this year in a Christmas Tournament 63-48, and were up by more than 20 in the 4th until the subs came in. I am sure West Forsyth is playing better ball now though. Well, here goes:

Northern Durham @ West Forsyth: Not knowing much about either team except the fact that AC Reynolds has already defeated West Forsyth this year by 15, I have to go with Northern Durham. They seem to be playing great ball now, and although it's at West Forsyth, I don't think that will effect Northern Durham all that much...Northern Durham 68 West Forsyth 55

Vance @ East Forsyth: It's crunch time in the playoffs and sorry East Forsyth, one player will not beat a "team". Vance is playing great ball and East is depending on one player to carry them. It's getting too late in the game to depend on one person. Freedom defeated East Forsyth earlier this year, and were the 3rd or 4th best team in the NW4A conference (depending on if Tara Tate is healthy). Bottom line is Vance wins this one as they are the better TEAM. Vance 61 East Forsyth 53

McDowell @ Garinger: People talk about Garinger being #2, and how great they are at pressing, and running. NEWS FLASH....YOU ARE PLAYING MCDOWELL!! That is their bread and butter, they love to be pressed, and love to run, just ask Independence. I see Garinger beat Independence by 5 points (45-40), man are you in for a long night! The only hope I see Garinger has is for McDowell to miss a lot of easy shots, because they will get them if you press them, and for McDowell to make a lot of mental mistakes (not going to happen), but you can always hope I guess. The fans for McDowell will be there in droves, and there is a good chance they will out number Garinger, dispite the Garinger boys playing prior to the girls game. Atkinson, Lovik, and Co. will have a great game and once again the NW4A will come back from Charlotte with another win! McDowell 78 Garinger 59

Butler @ AC Reynolds: Here comes another running and pressing team to AC Reynolds. The Lady Rockets have several girls that can handle the ball, so the pressure will not bother them, although yes there will be some turnovers. Look for Sydney Alexander to have a BIG game as ACR will pound it inside and will pound the glass on the offensive end. These girls will be thrilled not to have to face another front line like South Meck had and will show it by their inside play. The guards won the South Meck game for us, it's time for the inside girls to win this one and I think they will. The students will be wild as ever, and that will get the girls really fired up to play an exceptional game. AC Reynolds 65 Butler 53

Don't know any details but Northern Durham won, in a game played tonight (Saturday) against West Forsyth 63-55 to advance to Winston-Salem. Not bad on my part, as I just missed this score by 5 points, and had West Forsyth's point total exactally right! I hope for McDowell and AC Reynolds sake this is a good sign about my predictions!

[bigdan]

any last thoughts as we go into tonight's games...? How could this three day layoff affect any of the teams? None of the Charlotte teams were allowed to practice, I'm sure the other teams did something extra to prepare?

[reynoldsrocks23]

any last thoughts as we go into tonight's games...? How could this three day layoff affect any of the teams? None of the Charlotte teams were allowed to practice, I'm sure the other teams did something extra to prepare?

Well, I said before that I thought AC Reynolds and McDowell both had an advantage seeing that they played tougher competition all year long. Now, seeing that the Charlotte teams haven't even gotten to practice the past three days, I say there is an even greater advantage to the Lady Rockets and Lady Titans. I know both of those teams have practiced and went about their business as though it were a regular week. I look for Butler and Garinger to be a little rusty to begin with and maybe even more so for Butler having to travel 2 1/2 hours on a bus, and having limited shooting time in a new gym for them. Also, look for Vance to struggle to begin with which might just change the outcome of that game as well. Vance was on a roll, and the layoff might hurt them, with no practice and having to travel as well. If I were to change a pick, this would be the game, East Forsyth might just be able to get them, should Vance come out rusty.

[bigdan]

Well, I said before that I thought AC Reynolds and McDowell both had an advantage seeing that they played tougher competition all year long. Now, seeing that the Charlotte teams haven't even gotten to practice the past three days, I say there is an even greater advantage to the Lady Rockets and Lady Titans. I know both of those teams have practiced and went about their business as though it were a regular week. I look for Butler and Garinger to be a little rusty to begin with and maybe even more so for Butler having to travel 2 1/2 hours on a bus, and having limited shooting time in a new gym for them. Also, look for Vance to struggle to begin with which might just change the outcome of that game as well. Vance was on a roll, and the layoff might hurt them, with no practice and having to travel as well. If I were to change a pick, this would be the game, East Forsyth might just be able to get them, should Vance come out rusty.

I just hope neither Reynolds nor McDowell are the ones coming out slow. The fast starts has been the advantage for McDowell the last 6 games.

[The Warden]

I just hope neither Reynolds nor McDowell are the ones coming out slow. The fast starts has been the advantage for McDowell the last 6 games.

Actually, McDowell uses a 15-o run in the first quarter, but Garinger survives and manages to play the Lady Titans tough the rest of the way. McDowell despite a career-high 30 points from Anna Atkinson, the Lady T's played a overall sloppy game as they were committed way too many turnovers. But, a win's a win.

Reynolds also goes into the Regionals as they knock off Butler by 9. Hey Reynolds Rocks, whats the story from ACR?

The Great Mountain Ball Express rolls along!!

[75gitane]

garinger is a scrappy team that's not afraid to run. they came back from 15 down against south meck in the 4th quarter ... they do not give up!

[reynoldsrocks23]

Actually, McDowell uses a 15-o run in the first quarter, but Garinger survives and manages to play the Lady Titans tough the rest of the way. McDowell despite a career-high 30 points from Anna Atkinson, the Lady T's played a overall sloppy game as they were committed way too many turnovers. But, a win's a win.

Reynolds also goes into the Regionals as they knock off Butler by 9. Hey Reynolds Rocks, whats the story from ACR?

The Great Mountain Ball Express rolls along!!

Well, our game sounds a lot like yours. ACR jumped out to a 19-3 first quarter lead only to have Butler cut that to a 4 point halftime lead. Butler even tied the game in the 3rd at 42, but ACR kept running their offense and shooting the ball fairly well and took a 3 point lead into the 4th. In the fourth, ACR controlled the boards and got several easy looks and hit all but 3 free throws in the quarter to win going away. Alex Thompson had a career high as well for the Lady Rockets with 28, Katie Rybacki had 13, and Brianna Worley had 10. Katie and Brianna both played well inside as Butler keyed on Sydney Alexander (4 points) and kept her touches to a minimum. Overall the Lady Rockets played a great game and showed a lot of maturity by not quiting when Butler came back and tied it at 42. It looks like a great year for the NW4A regardless of the outcome in Winston-Salem, but good luck to McDowell against East Forsyth, ACR will be cheering you on!

[The Warden]

Yep, and No Charlotte teams remain!!!!

If we gotta lose, we'd rather lose to you folks than to East Forsyth or Northern Durham. At least the Nw4A would be well represented in Raleigh. If McDowell wins I'll wear my Blue and Silver and if ACR wins I'll wear my Green and Gold!!