The stage is set

The stage is set for Friday night. The states number 3 team Freedom will visit the states number 4 team McDowell. I look for a huge crowd at the Titan Dome,just like the good old days of this big rivalry. Any one got any last minute predictions and comments. Let's rock this board.

 

Let me say that I hope this thread was created in good faith. That being said here is my two cents...

Well, I'm like you Tony I hope it is a full house. I know the Freedom folks have to be pumped especially after beating the Lady Titans at the Christmas tourney. This game will feature once again two of the best scorers in the state of North Carolina, Kurie Washington and Ali Ford. When Freedom beat us two weeks ago they played their "A" game; they kept it close going into the fourth quarter and Ali inserted her will on the game in the end.

For McDowell to be successful we must get a lead and then show some killer instinct. The killer instinct part is something that McDowell hasn't yet acquired...for example on Tuesday against South Caldwell, the Lady Titans let a 24 point lead dwindle to as low as 9 points. We cannot let that happen again. Also, McDowell has to play with intensity for a full 32 minutes; IMO we haven't done that not once all year. I look for Kelsea Greene to rise to the occasion tomorrow night. She scored only 3 points back two weeks ago, I'm personally hoping for big things from her. You know Washington and Hamilton are going to play big for the Lady Titans, Jessica Smith could also be a wild-card factor in the game. If Jess hits a couple early shots, it may force Freedom to focus a little attention on her. Players like Dages, Gellman and Gallion can really contribute if they work hard on the defensive end and on the boards. Ward can add another permieter option coming off the bench.

For Freedom, we know what Ali brings to the table. Hopefully we can do a little better job in keeping her from hitting a really hot streak. Morrison IMO needs to keep out of foul trouble. When she got in foul trouble during the first matchup, it really limited her defensive capability. As I have said all year Freedom needs a second perimeter option from a guard/wing position to win the big games...Connelly or Surratt may play that role. Also, will Conley be available tomorrow? I had heard she took a fall tuesday night against Alexander Central.

With all that in mind...I'm gonna pick McDowell to win at home, but I see it being a one or two possession game at most, maybe even overtime?

That's my take on the situation, let the fun begin...

 

I believe its going to be hard for freedom to win this one @ mcdowell. I too hope freedom brings a good crowd , the past years thier crowd hasnt been as big as we have seen before. Ali will get her points but will it be enough? Just have to see

 

This is my take. Ali will get her 25 and washington will get maybe 30 but I look for Hamilton to have a breakout game. Her play will decide this contest. This will be a close game for 3 quaeters but I believe McDowell will pull away in the 4th. Lets get a big crowd up for maybe one of the best games in the state this year. :newsmile50:

 

Where's all the Freedom posters?

Where are all our Freedom posters on the board,lets hear some imput from you guys.

 

OK I'll post.
IF mcdowell is only whistled for 3 fouls in a half FHS is doomed, but if the Striped shirts don't take away the key players in the game...I look for a real battle.
FHS does have to run the floor...Ali's point will come but will the others finish on the passes she gives them??? Last game Washington made NO shots outside of the lane, so I'd make her shoot outside and limit her drives and easy snowbird baskets she gets. McDowell's sytem makes it easy for her to score...I'd make her work- If I'm gonna lose I want to see Greene and Jessica make that happen. Head to head player to player I think FHS is better in 2 positions Mcdowell in 2 that other 1 position(post) may be the key to this event.

 

I think McDowell has the ability to have a good defensive game, but it has to be for the whole game. I think the wild cards are Jasmine Conley, Chelsea Connelly, Autumn Ward, and Jessica Smith. Let's see what the total points scored from these 4 are after the game. It will also be interesting to see who outplays who between Hamilton and Morrison. Ford and Washington should cancel each other, and Kelsea Greene doesn't get to score as much from point guard, but she is usually solid.

 

Fun

Whatever happens this should be fun! I've spoken to the FHS coaches and they seem to be very prepared and looking forward to the game. Hopefully health will not be a concern (Conley) has been playing really well and should be fine.
Another wild card that is out there is C. Surratt, if she runs the floor and plays defense it could be a good night for Freedom.
If the refs get involved then McDowell could win easily, they may anyway but we'll see. I would just like them to call the obvious and let the kids play, I know you loyal MHS fans will be on them tonight!!
How many people will be there? How much does that gym hold?

How loud is it going to be? Round 2

 

To answer the first question, back in the late 80's early 90's I remember seeing them stand along the balcony behind the baskets by the time the varsity boys were starting up because no bleacher seats were available. If you fill every seat I would guess you be talking easily 4000 people.

 

I agree with this part of bigdan's statement. It very well could be a one possession game. But I still go with my pick earlier this week. Freedom by one.