Thursday at the state tournament: What to watch for

By John Varlas
Memphis Commercial Appeal
Jade Wells will carry much of the scoring load for Northpoint in Thursday's Division II-A semifinal game against Knoxville Webb.

Northpoint's girls and Lausanne's boys open play Thursday at the Division II-A state tournament at Allen Arena on the campus of Lipscomb University in Nashville. Here's what to watch for as the Trojans and Lynx take the floor.

Division II-A girls

Matchup: Northpoint (29-2) vs. Knoxville Webb (20-9)

Tip-off: 1:15 p.m.

The scoop: Jade Wells and Lauren Gross were supporting players — albeit very talented ones — who have embraced their roles as senior leaders on this year's Northpoint team. And although both are capable of big nights, this year's team has won with rebounding and a fierce half-court defense. Webb doesn't have the one star name like it has in past years (although Casey Collier is a Miss Basketball finalist) but the Spartans are going to be well-coached and won't get rattled regardless of what Northpoint throws at them. Expect this game to come down to the final quarter.

Worth noting: This will be the fourth time in five years the Trojans and Spartans have met at state. Webb defeated Northpoint in the 2014 title game and in the semifinals in 2015 before the Trojans turned the tables in the 2016 championship game. ... The teams have one common opponent — and posted similar results. Webb defeated Chattanooga Christian 57-29 in the East Region semis before Northpoint eliminated the Chargers 71-39 in Saturday's quarterfinals.

Division II-A boys

Matchup: Lausanne (19-8) vs. Knoxville Webb (28-5)

Tip-off: 2:45 p.m.

The scoop: The defending state champs got a battle from Goodpasture in the quarterfinals Saturday before advancing, 86-82. Talented 6-5 freshman Alden Applewhite scored 28 in that one, and it will be interesting to see how he fares in his first state tournament game. Sky Forrest (6-5 junior) has been here before; he was MVP last year and is capable of putting up big numbers any time. Size-wise and athletically, Lausanne has the advantage but coach Marvis Davis' squad must avoid turnovers and play with intensity for 32 minutes.

Worth noting: Lynx senior forward Corteze Love was the defensive Most Valuable Player of the victory over Chattanooga Notre Dame in the Division II-AA football championship game in December. ... Lausanne will be going for its third state championship after winning last year and in 2013. A third title would tie the Lynx with Harding for most titles by Memphis schools since competition in Division II began in 2003.

Reach John Varlas at john.varlas@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @johnvarlas