Since post season play began, Bartlett has been able to step up its defensive pressure and stay out of foul trouble, creating huge "point differentials" in their wins. Many of their points have also come off fast break points by teams trying to apply full court pressure on them. They appear to be solid enough to handle any ordinary press. Northside recognized this last year and did not press them. HOWEVER, they did employ a triangle and two, essentially doubling Herring and James whenever they touched the ball in the half court. That gets beat if they put Herring, James, and Thompson on the same side of the flooor.
To it's credit, the Northside team is not a team of quitters. No matter how far behind they fall (if they fall behind) they will play hard to the end. They are athletic, aggressive and fairly big inside. Even though Bartlett's press gave them problems in the 2nd half of the game last year, I believe they are familiar enough with Bartlett that they will have a solution for any pressure Bartlett may try to bring. From this point on I am not predicting any outcomes. Any of the teams still in it have a shot at getting to state no matter who is playing who, or where. Teams will be riding emotional highs just from the thought of possibly going to the boro.
THIS IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR FOR GREAT BASKETBALL!! /cool.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="B)" border="0" alt="cool.gif" />