SportsWestTN

Thursday Goodpasture v. TKA 12:00 pm TCA vs. TRA 3:15 pm Championship Saturday at noon.

Wasn't at the game so didn't see it happen, but don't need to see it to draw the moral of the story. Especially in high school, officials have an absurdly short leash for things they perceive as showing them up. In the NBA it takes a lot to get a tech, in high school it doesn't. Have to be very careful to not let your emotions put yourself in the situation that a technical can be called, especially in a close game. Easier said then done, but it is the lesson you have to learn. Additionally, a lot of times that call comes as a culmination of multiple reactions to foul calls throughout the game. The player might not have been too over the top, but if that official has dealt with complaining all night, it might just be the final straw. You'd like to see the official swallow their whistle in that situation. Some do, some don't. I really hate when fans put everything on the officiating. Whether or not you are getting calls, you've got to adjust and play through it. It's high school basketball, officials aren't going to be the best. Bad calls are going to be made. Some calls you think are bad are also actually the right call. Sadly, it is part of the game.

Went pretty much how I expected. In all honesty, GC played them nearly even until midway through the 3rd quarter, if you take away the first couple of minutes when they were freaking out and turning it over left and right. Once GC settled in, it was a pretty entertaining half of basketball. Greenfield just has too much talent. GC struggled to get to the basket against Greenfield's tight defense and couldn't get any open looks from outside. At this point, I think the only team that can beat Greenfield is themselves.

First time getting to see Greenfield and was very impressed. Obviously knew they were going to be talented, but was surprised at how well rounded they were. With respect to holding the ball, I viewed that as more of a courtesy to both teams. I know GC's fans didn't like it, but in reality it did them a favor. Mid-3rd quarter they were gassed and unable to do much offensively. If Greenfield kept their foot on the gas, I think the score would have been ugly. The way I saw it, the result was determined and both teams were resigned to that fact. Try and finish it out without injuries with a trip to state on the line next game for both teams.

Yeah wasn't at any of those games so not sure what all happened. Can't recall if there were injuries around that time or what might have caused that. In that same time period, Madison played Crockett twice and split with them. SGC also split with Crockett in the regular season. Madison is a really good A team. SGC has played well in 2020. They have the tendency to find themselves in a lot of close games, but find a way to pull them out. I think they might surprise you. Then again, they might come out and lay an egg. lol

I have seen South Gibson play. Very versatile offensively. Can shoot, drive, score in the post. Defensively they are real scrappy and gritty. They had to go to Wooddale last year and lost by quite a bit, but have the experience of playing there in that type of game. Think they'll be better prepared this time around.

Not a guarantee, just my prediction.

South Gibson beats North Side by two possessions, but game is tight down the stretch. Free throws might make the difference. South Side rolls over Dyersburg after a slow start by both teams. South Side beats South Gibson on a last second shot to win the title. Both teams advance to the Boro.

They've found a way to knock off two really good teams in a row, so wouldn't count them out. Slowing down Pankey is the key, but they have role players who fill their roles well. If Pankey gets going early and can open things up for others, she doesn't have to do it on her own. Also seem to have found a way to step up big defensively. Like I said, I don't know about Covington's PG, but recent data shows they aren't playing their best ball right now. Not sure how much will change in the next few days with an injured player.

They were down by five going into the final quarter and had to force the game to overtime to win. They were almost put out...but survived. That doesn't mean there is any carryover to games moving forward, but as someone analyzing what games might look like in the future, it leaves some question marks. Not going to ignore that a game was close just because it was a win.

No clue, only saw the score updates online. My guess based on your analysis would be that she didn't, but purely speculation.

I saw that Covington nearly got put out last night, had to go to OT to come away with the win, which is why I wasn't sure if they'll win that region or not. Big question I'd have on them is who have they played recently that would have them prepared to take on a Crockett Co. team that is on a hot streak. They dominated in a really weak district and have only been challenged by decent teams twice since Christmas. I'd give Crockett a decent shot in that matchup just because they are battle tested. Not sure they'd come away with the road win, but I wouldn't count them out.

What a run here from Crockett since losing to SGC in consolation game. Kayla gets the most out of her kids and that has shown these last few games. That being said, I don't think they have enough to beat Westview. Westview just has too much for them to handle. Chargers win by 15, but lead gets up to 25 at some point. I hope that Crockett gets a substate draw they can beat, cause I'd love to see them get to the Boro.

Yeah, I'd pump the brakes on the Gold Ball talk right now. I think they get to the Boro, but even that isn't a guarantee. They definitely have a shot at it, but still plenty to do. It is impressive, though, that Weakley Co. has two teams that have a realistic shot to do it in the same year.

Lol I'd say this is pretty much the key to any game. Take care of the ball, don't allow second chance points, good shot selection and limit the other team's best scorers. I think GC's best crack at the upset relies on the 3-ball. It is the great equalizer. If the Pioneers can hit at a high clip on Tuesday, they'll at least keep themselves in it. Hart has played well inside; but if I'm Greenfield, I'll take my chances getting beat by her alone and sell out to defend the three. I expect to see Greenfield get up defensively and deny. Try and force GC to beat you off the dribble and force TOs. Greenfield is going to be able to score, it is up to GC to keep pace.

Not sure what SS is going to try and throw at them, but having seen both teams I think Westview wins by double-digits (10-12 points). I think Westview just has more weapons and the poise to handle the moment. Both teams are beatable though. I just think Westview is the safer pick. If I had to pick a score I'd say 48-36 W'view.

Will be my first time to get to see Greenfield play Tuesday night. Their reputation precedes them, so I'm expecting quite the show. GC at home will be a rocking atmosphere. Should be a fun night! Will be a final opportunity for both teams to prove themselves before heading to the Boro.

I'd be worried about pressing UC if I was GC. Leaves the opportunity for the game to turn into a track meet and UC wins that matchup. Running some zone might be good, as Bonds can get a bit passive offensively. Wilkins is a great coach and will have a good game plan, so I wouldn't be concerned about that. I'd just be worried if that will be enough to win.

Watching Westview play in the championship game last week, there is an obvious difference between them and everyone else in the district, with the exception of Dyersburg. Ball movement and decision making happens a lot quicker for those two teams. South Gibson has the potential to get to that level, as we've seen flashes from them, but still a sizable gap. Dyersburg can knock off Westview, but it'll take the right night to do it.

UC has some kids who could pose matchup problems for GC. Hosting the tournament this year will help, as GC is always a tough team to play at home. If Neal wasn't hurt, I'd feel better about the matchup, but I think this will end up being a close one.

Newsome can ball out too, but I agree that Dyersburg isn't quite as versatile offensively. Can't let them get out in transition with their athleticism or they will burn you. CC can't afford to turn it over. Crockett is well coached and can hang around with the best of them, but I don't know if they can matchup with McNairy. Losing in the consolation game was a big loss for them. Regardless, we should see some fun matchups at the regional semifinals.

Unpopular opinion coming in.... Mr/Miss Basketball, Mr. Football, really doesn't matter. Way too much importance is put on it and there is absolutely no way anyone is watching a majority of the teams in the state play to build their opinion. It is a great honor if you win it, and all are deserving of the honor. However, not winning doesn't make your contributions any less valuable. We have many districts and regions that can't get their MVPs correct, why do we expect that they can do it on a state level. That being said, there are a lot of fan bases that are unrealistic about how good their own players are. Most fans watch their own team all season long and struggle to view everyone through unbiased lenses. Just because your player had a great year, doesn't make them the best. Doesn't take anything away from them, but is just the way it is. Too many people in this world think the "system" is out to get them.

I think the higher seeds will sweep. I don't see any of the lower seeds being able to matchup with the talent of the higher seeds. Anything can happen, but I certainly wouldn't count on an upset.

Haven't gotten an opportunity to watch much DII this year, but have seen USJ and TCA and both are really good. TCA's best shot at a state title is probably this year with talented upper and underclassmen. They've been right on the verge of being a title contender in D-I, I think this year is the year to try and pull it off. USJ has a lot of younger talent and should have a shot over the next few seasons. TCA seems to be slightly better this year, but USJ has given them tough games before TCA pulls away in the 2nd half. I know TRA is supposed to be really talented as well. Can never sleep on the other end of the state, but there is certainly a lot of good basketball out West.

Your hearsay is misinformed. Crockett was definitely trying to beat SGC, just didn't have a good night. SGC played one of their best games of the season and style of offense was completely different from what they've done most of the year. I think they caught Crockett off-guard, but Crockett wasn't losing that game on purpose.