MMETT

I almost hate to post this - but it is sweet. My prediction yesterday - Grace - 64 Westwood - 59 Final Score Today: Grace - 66 Westwood 53 As some questioned yesterday: Quote from yesterday - contain Brandon Harman like Manassas did last year. Put a man on him and deny him the ball all over the floor. If he get it ran a double team at him so he will have to give the ball up. Westwood do that then they win in the teens just like they did Humboldt. NOT!!! How can a team slow the game down under pressure like westwood will bring it? YOU SAW IT TODAY!!! That game plan worked for manassas last year so why not westwood too? ONE YEAR LATER - MORE EXPERIENCE - MORE FUNDAMENTALS!!! Well, congrats to both teams for a good contest.

Here are few points to consider: One year later = more experience by the supporting players as well as Brandon - Grace has weathered or played in many close battles this year and against that type or greater pressure. At parts of the game, Grace can match that type of quick play as they did with McCallie or with CSAS or they can also slow the game down as they did yesterday. Grace's strength will be a solid offense and defense against a team that can run and probably rebound much better. Grace will need to box out on the boards and they will. I really think it comes down to a "run and gun" type offense vs a "fundamentally sound" ball club. From my viewpoint, if Westwood plays the way they did yesterday, they will lose. Westwood did not have a great game even though they outplayed Humboldt. It will be a great contest, worthy to watch and I wish both teams the very best.

While I would not begin to argue with Megatron's pedigree/experience or his knowledge of the game of basketball and his relationship with the Westwood players, I disagree with the game plan to slow down the Grace team, especially based on the sentiments and strategy he shares about Herman concerning the game against Manassas last year. While it may be true that Brandon Herman provides a full arsenal of offense and in my opinion, some difficult match ups for Westwood, if Grace is able to slow the game down (from the Westwood style to a more strategic game plan) (I cite Grace's game against Humboldt some years back), it could prove to be an interesting contest. Believe me, Grace has many different facets and added skill by other players to their game to beat Westwood. The game played against Oliver Springs yesterday was little indication of their offensive or defensive prowess. Westwood will have a solid contender in Grace. My prediction - Grace - 64 Westwood - 59 PS It will be much worse if Westwood shoots "Free Throws" like they did yesterday.

10:30am on Wednesday (Central Time) You can go to www.jim314.com and see all the brackets.

How do I and where can I find and watch the overtime movie clip of East Robertson's game?

This chat board is both interesting and exciting when it comes to cross-regional play. I am a Grace fan and will tell you that they are very deep. Even though the starters are mostly seniors, the rest of the team is cohesive and they will keep them in the game in order to give the starters a breather. As many of you had already indicated, I don't think that the coaching staff or the guys at Grace will underestimate ER but will be confident as they should be. I'm sure the ER fans feel the same way - and their players and coaching staff will have them ready to play and they will also exhibit a confidence. Most teams seem to have excellent players and maturity at this level and each of the games will be a game of match ups. If you look at the schedules and strength as well as the scores, I believe Grace would have to be favored by at least 10 points. As late as Jan 20, Pickett County beat East Robertson 59-51 at ER. While I'm sure there has been some improvement and you can add 10 points for a bad night, poor refs, I cannot imagine that ER has the winning edge. Grace just beat Pickett County by 19. Someone talked about over-confidence and another talked about underdogs, Grace will be ready to play. Teams will have to guard all five players on the court and conversely, all 5 players will also be guarded heavily. In Grace-Temple (5 games this year) Grace was down to Temple by 15 points and won the game. They have heart and they also have 4 seniors who don't want to graduate without the state honors. Grace also beat Temple by 18 points on Feb 10. While Carter is younger and still growing etc. , he is tough and I have seen him shoot 3 pointers from NBA range. He also played against another 6 10 kid from East Ridge and bodied him pretty well. GO Grace - they will be very tough.

This chat board is both interesting and exciting when it comes to cross-regional play. I am a Grace fan and will tell you that they are very deep. Even though the starters are mostly seniors, the rest of the team is cohesive and they will keep them in the game in order to give the starters a breather. As many of you had already indicated, I don't think that the coaching staff or the guys at Grace will underestimate ER but will be confident as they should be. I'm sure the ER fans feel the same way - and their players and coaching staff will have them ready to play and they will also exhibit a confidence. Most teams seem to have excellent players and maturity at this level and each of the games will be a game of match ups. If you look at the schedules and strength as well as the scores, I believe Grace would have to be favored by at least 10 points. As late as Jan 20, Pickett County beat East Robertson 59-51 at ER. While I'm sure there has been some improvement and you can add 10 points for a bad night, poor refs, I cannot imagine that ER has the winning edge. Grace just beat Pickett County by 19. Someone talked about over-confidence and another talked about underdogs, Grace will be ready to play. Teams will have to guard all five players on the court and conversely, all 5 players will also be guarded heavily. In Grace-Temple (5 games this year) Grace was down to Temple by 15 points and won the game. They have heart and they also have 4 seniors who don't want to graduate without the state honors. Grace also beat Temple by 18 points on Feb 10. While Carter is younger and still growing etc. , he is tough and I have seen him shoot 3 pointers from NBA range. He also played against another 6 10 kid from East Ridge and bodied him pretty well. GO Grace - they will be very tough.