Playoff Selection process changes for 2005-06 season...

http://www.nchsaa.org/genPage/index.pl?pgid=434

This was mentioned recently in another thread, due to multiple factors including the number of split conferences in the state, there is a new process in playoff selection for basketball. There will be 17 automatic berths in each region with 7 Wild Cards based on overall record. Also, conferences can now play each other in opening round action. I know as we get into the basketball season, this new playoff selection format will be the hot topic of conversation.

My only real concern is that I hope coaches won't abuse this new Wild Card format and stack a really easy non-conference schedule and then hope for a .500 finish in conference to get theirself a playoff berth.

I do know one thing, there will be a lot more scoreboard watching from across the West Region. People from North Meck may be cheering for South Caldwell and Freedom to beat up on each other while RJ Reynolds is hoping that Providence or Weddington loses.

 

I am not sure it will affect this year that much because most teams have thier schedule started by summer - that is well before it was announced at this years coaches clinic. Coach's were not very happy and speculation that some coach's will pad schedules with sure wins was thrown around in a very lively discussion. But I have also heard through the grapevines that some coach's have been frantically changing schedules to accomadate for this new format. What does that mean now? Will teams who wanted to try and take a shot at the Mcdowells, AC reynolds, Hickorys, or Thomasvilles be looking for easier games?

My personal view is that it does not take into account what conference you play in. If you play in NW4A you are playing 3 or 4 teams which are always or nearly ranked and you have to play them twice. To compete and play with those teams you have to make your non-conference schedule tough or your going to get killed by the time you hit conference . So easy wins are few and far between. It seems to be punishing teams that are trying to beef up thier schedule for what was the only games that used to matter - conference games. It will be real interesting how they make these decisions and how coaches pick thier teams next year. Interesting!!

 

I have several problems with this idea.
It will have no bearing this year, because schedules are set.
However next year....
1. No matter what anyone says, schools will look for easy games.
2. McDowell and other good teams might have trouble finding games.
3. It seems unfair to teams in small conferences, cause they have to schedule more non conference games. With travel costs soaring, the pressure will be to play locally, regardless of strength.
4. In a number of counties including Union and Cabarrus, the non conference games are virtually set with other in- county rivals and Christmas tournaments with local teams. Consider Mt Pleasant a small 2A school. Its pre conference schedule includes all the Cabarrus schools (which are 3A and 4A ) , and the Cabarrus Christmas tournament which includes many of the same teams. There travel costs are minimal , but even if they did well in the conference, they have no chance against that type of schedule.