Cherokee. Why?
Home Court Advantage. From the games I've been to this year, cherokees student section creates a tremendous atmosphere, and this game is against the most important, in many of our minds, team on our schedule. Look for 800+ of cherokees students and fans to be there.
Star Power. Volunteers best players are Cradic and Browder, who are nothing compared to any 4 out of 5 of the cherokees starting lineup. Brian Snow always hits some electrifying shots that get the momentum going in the favor of the chiefs, and Milan penetrates the paint like he owns it.
Cherokees Defensive. Volunteers main attack will come from the perimeter, because of their size compared to cherokees big men. Williams brings girth and strength to the table that I do not believe Ed Smith will be able to overcome. However, back onto the topic.. Darren Haun of Cherokee will most likely be put on whoever looks to be the hottest from the line, and it is my opinion that Haun can shut down either of Volunteers shooting guards and deminish their main scoring attack: the outside.
As it may be obvious to see by now, I believe this game will be won from the area of high percentage shots, down low. And if this is the case, Volunteer is in for a long night as I see it.
Why Cherokee may lose?
TURNOVERS. We cannot prevail with 23 turnovers a game as we were shown against Greeneville. Turnovers that were our own fault lost us this game, I hope it won't be the same case against volunteer.
Also, Volunteer is on a winning streak, and we are on a two game losing streak. You may point out the different talents of the teams we played the last two games compared to volunteers, but it's alot easier to win whenever you've been doing it night in and night out.
As a conclusion, if Cherokee can go into this game with the right mentality and limit their turnovers to a minimum, I don't foresee them having much trouble in soundly defeating the Falcons.
I stand with my first prediction. Cherokee by 15+.
Hope to see you all out there.