sportsnerd

What makes CPA tough is that most teams cannot afford to have their best player (or two) have an off night, get in foul trouble, etc., or they can't overcome a bad quarter or half against a good team. CPA has 5 really good starters who individually can keep you in a game if others struggle, and 3 bench players who hold their own and provide energy on defense. The pressure never lets up, so it may be a close game, then you look up and before you realize it, they are up double figures. Once they get up, it takes so much offensive energy to stay with them, you give up easy baskets on defense. For example, in the district finals against East, Holt (a very good player) had an off night and CPA went up early and easily won. In one of CPA's PC games, the team (especially Lindsey) had a horrible first half, but they still controlled the game and he came back late in the game and ended up in double figures, and they won easily.

That kinda goes without saying, but my point is that CPA breezed through playoffs, substate and state last year, winning all games fairly easily, even in the state, and I don't think that will happen this year. The gap between them and the other top teams is not as great this year. They are still the most talented, but not as strong at the guard position and that is key in big games.

Richard didn't play in that game, and that makes a big difference, especially against a quick team like Pearl, but now he is back, can't see Pearl hanging with CPA. CPA / East finals, just like district. East can beat CPA but have to play well and catch CPA on a down night. Probably won't happen. I do see the road to the gold a lot tougher this year for CPA. There are several teams statewide who can beat them, IMO. One thing about CPA. They play better against better teams usually.

Totally my bad. CC (not so sure about Creekwood) has a great chance to win the Region, as good as Giles or SH.

Will really be important for a higher seed not to slip iin this tourney. You don't want to end up having to win at Spring Hill or Giles Co. to get to the Boro.

The finals is not a gimme if Richard and Howell can't play. A little foul trouble and a depleted bench and East could beat CPA. Why hasn't Richard been playing? Anyone know Howell's prognosis for the upcoming games. Without those two, I don't think CPA can win the gold. Not enough depth.