NW4A Conference Tourney...

I think the reason behind McDowell and the two Burke County schools having the tourney every year may be as much location rather than crowd size. I-40 cooridor is considered the centralized location for the conference.

 

Yep they are always held in those three places. My sophmore year was at McDowell, my junior year was at East Burke and last year was at Freedom. And this year it is at McDowell again. The location is the biggest factor in why they are only played in those three places. Because they are in the center of all the schools. It wouldn't be fair for the players if they had to travel for long distances for a couple of days in a row. The tournament being played in these places limits that.

 

I understand the location factor, but if that is the big thing, then why do they have the BASEBALL and other tournaments at the other schools? Do they not care about those athletes having to travel the long distances a couple days in a row? Baseball is traveling to Watauga this year for their tournament, and softball is at Alexander Central, or South Caldwell is that not a lot of travel for those athletes? All I am saying is if they are going to use the "travel" excuse for having the tournament at these 3 schools, then do it in ALL the sports and not just basketball, that would make their reasoning a lot more believible!

 

are there any predictions for the quarterfinal games tomorrow night? Here are my picks...

#2 McDowell vs #7 Alex. Central: McDowell is on a roll now winning 6 straight. Now that its tourney time, you'll see McDowell step it up a level. Let's see if Atkinson can continue her hot shooting? I'll pick McDowell 74-50

#3 Freedom vs #6 Watauga: I haven't heard anything new about Tara Tate's condition. IMO, I would be suprised if she plays this week. Their offense looked a lot better against McDowell, other players are stepping up trying to produce on offense, we'll see if that continues. For Watauga, they have nothing to lose, just go out there and play hard, and who knows? I'll pick Freedom, 55-42

#4 South Caldwell vs #5 East Burke: If there is a mild upset, it could be here. South Caldwell won the last matchup on a contraversal technical foul. For East Burke, they will need Helton to really produce. If she can score in the mid to high 20's they'll have a chance. I'll pick South Caldwell, 69-62

 

I am going to say no upsets in the opening round of the tournament. Obviously, McDowell wins, my pick 72-43. Freedom takes out the Pioneers 58-49. South Caldwell at home will get by East Burke 61-48, as they really want another shot at AC Reynolds after two close calls! Should be a fun semi-finals although I think McDowell will have the easier of the two games, assuming East Burke doesn't upset South Caldwell.

 

off topic reynoldsrocket.........good NC State/Duke game, didnt you think?

love this time of the year.......next month or sooooo will feed our passions for sure!

 

Actually it was a good game! too bad the wrong team won, but hey I didn't expect Duke to go undefeated in the ACC, I still think 13-3 will win the ACC.

 

Just a word on location......

Hey Everyone. Just a word on why locations are McDowell, Freedom, and East Burke. Those locations were picked not only for centralizing the tournament, but also weather reasons. Think about it, would you really want to drive up to Boone with the weather the way it has been up there this winter? Personally, I would like to see each school have the opportunity to host a tournament. Just think of what it would mean to the players to have the opportunity to play a conference tournament on their home floor.... WOW! I know I would have.

My predictions:
McDowell 78
Alexander 35

Freedom 70
Watauga 54

South 68
East 63

Good luck to all the teams.
Do you all think there are any surprise teams? Maybe not just in wins/ losses, but also how they played this season?

 

IF any, East Burke would be it. Im covering that game tonight for The News Herald and the Lady Cavs are very confident that they can win, even at the Dungeon. But if they do, it sets up a bad matchup with them and Reynolds.

 

Well, it's the ole Freedom/McDowell match-up and South Caldwell/AC Reynolds match-up just like every one predicted! So now that we have come to this, how do you think things will shake down? Here are my thoughts:

Freedom vs McDowell: I see McDowell taking it to Freedom and trying to send AC Reynolds a message knowing they are in the stands watching. Freedom, assuming Tate doesn't play, just doesn't have the fire power to keep up and McDowell will run away in the second half. Look for Anna Atkinson to continue her hot play of late as McDowell wins 68-49.

South Caldwell vs AC Reynolds: Well, it's been a dog fight for ACR each time these teams have played, and this should be no different. With EVERYONE in the stands against the Lady Rockets it will be a tough game, one where if they don't shoot well could go to the Lady Spartans. I look for ACR to pound it inside to Alexander and Rybacki, and if ACR can stay out of foul trouble the Lady Rockets will be victorious 62-55.