Thursday, February 28, 2013

Thursday's top HS basketball game to see (2/28)


No. 1 Humboldt (24-6) vs. No. 4 Lake County (7-22) (Region 7-A boys’ championship)

Time: 7 p.m. at Humboldt

Previous meetings: Humboldt won two of three (Lake County won 55-50; Humboldt won 83-72, 64-59 (Dist.))

Next opponent: Both advance to sectionals to play TCA or MAHS

Players to watch: Humboldt guard Stephen Turner; Lake County guard Zay Coleman

What to know: These two met in last year’s region championship game. Lake County might have just seven wins, but the Falcons are playing well in the postseason. Lake County reached the state semifinals last season, but returned just two starters in Zay Coleman and Devon Jones. Humboldt is on a six-game winning streak. The Vikings are a young team with just one senior on the roster, but they are playing like veterans thus far in the postseason. Both teams are quick and athletic, so there is no advantage for either team in that category.

 

No. 2 TCA (26-5) vs. No. 2 Memphis Academy of Health Sciences (20-8) (Region 8-A boys’ championship)

Time: 6:30 p.m. at TCA

Previous meetings: First meeting

Next opponent: Both advance to sectionals to play either Humboldt or Lake County

Players to watch: TCA’s Kyle Akin; MAHS’ Kelvin Pruitt

What to know: The Lions are coming off the biggest win in program history, knocking off the No. 1 team in the state Booker T. Washington. But TCA must now refocus quickly and be ready to try and beat MAHS in the championship to host a sectional game next Monday. The Lions have won six of their last seven games with the loss coming in the district championship. MAHS has beaten Middleton by nine and Riverside by four to get to this spot in the region tournament. MAHS is 4-3 in its last seven games with the three losses coming against Booker T. Washington by 19, 15 and six points.

 

No. 1 Liberty (26-7) vs. No. 2 South Side (24-3) (Region 7-AA boys’ championship)

Time: 7 p.m. at Dyersburg

Previous meetings: Liberty has won two of the three meetings (Liberty won 69-63, 65-59 (Dist.); South Side won 72-71

Next opponent: Both advance to sectionals to play either Sheffield or Mitchell

Players to watch: Liberty guard Kendell Walker; South Side guard AJ Merriweather

What to know: Nothing like a city rivalry to be played in a region championship game. South Side’s three seniors have not fared well against Liberty during their high school careers. AJ Merriweather and Wray Fuller are the two starting seniors and they are 1-12 all-time against Liberty. The Hawks have won 10 of their last 11 games with the loss coming against Liberty in the district championship. The Crusaders have won 13 of their last 14 games.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Wednesday's top HS basketball games to see (2/27)


No. 2 Middleton (22-9) vs. No. 3 Madison (23-10) (Region 8-A girls’ championship)

Time: 6:30 p.m. at TCA

Previous meetings: Middleton won all three meetings (63-46; 58-41; 70-60 (Dist.)

Next opponent: Both teams advance to sectionals to play either Lake County or Union City

Players to watch: Middleton post Deja Faulkner; Madison post Taylor Davis

What to know: Middleton has beaten Madison by double digits all three times the two have met, but the last time it took until overtime for the Lady Tigers to pull out the win. Middleton has won seven of its last nine games.  Madison has won six of its last seven games, including knocking off District 15-A champion Riverside on Monday. The Lady Mustangs are playing in their fifth region championship since 2005, and the Lady Tigers for the fourth time since 2007, so both are experienced at this level. Madison won region titles in 2006, ’09 and ’12, and Middleton won a region title in 2008.

 

No. 1 Covington (32-2) vs. No. 2 Westview (28-5) (Region 7-AA girls’ championship)

Time: 7 p.m. at Dyersburg

Previous meetings: Covington won two of three meetings (Westview won 54-40; Covington won 46-40, 50-49 (OT) (Dist.))

Next opponent: Both teams advance to sectionals to play either Trezevant or Manassas

Players to watch: Covington post Ashia Jones; Westview guard Kaley Leyhue

What to know: A rematch of the District 13-AA championship where Covington pulled out the one-point lead in overtime. These two teams know each other well, so winning will come down to which team executes their offense. Westview has won eight of their last 10 games. Westview has reached the region championship game eight times since 2001, but this is the first since 2010. Westview has won just one region championship in 2005. Covington is on a 19-game winning streak, and is in the region championship for the second straight season. Covington hasn’t won a region championship since 2002.

 

No. 1 Munford (26-5) vs. No. 4 North Side (13-18) (Region 7-AAA girls’ championship)

Time: 7 p.m. at Brighton

Previous meetings: Munford swept all three meetings (50-46; 54-28; 68-37 (Dist.))

Next opponent: Both teams advance to sectionals to play either Memphis Central or Memphis Overton

Players to watch: Munford’s Alex Turner; North Side guard Jada Perkins

What to know: Munford’s margin of victory has increased each time the Lady Cougars have beaten North Side. Munford is on a seven-game winning streak since losing to Briarcrest during the regular season. The Lady Cougars have gotten better each of the three years that Steve Poindexter, a former Liberty coach, has been there. North Side has been played its best during the region tournament with wins over Millington and Dyer County. The Lady Indians now have to beat another district foe to win their first region championship since 2007.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Tuesday's top HS basketball games to see (2/26)


No. 1 Union City (27-3) vs. No. 4 Lake County (16-10) (Region 7-A girls’ championship)

Time: 7 p.m. at Union City

Previous meetings: Union City swept two meetings (65-41; 51-42)

Next opponent: Both advance to play Region 8-A teams in sectionals on Saturday

Players to watch: Union City post Tori Reedy; Lake County post Shamon Pearson

What to know: Union City was the No. 1 ranked team for most of the season in Class A, and the Lady Tornadoes are now one game away from the state tournament. This game will decide if they play at home or on the road. Union City upset Lake County last year in the region championship, and now the Lady Falcons will try to do the same. The Lady Falcons are playing in their sixth region championship in the last eight years.

 

No. 1 Booker T. Washington (25-3) vs. No. 2 TCA (25-5) (Region 8-A boys’ semifinal)

Time: 7:30 p.m. at TCA

Previous meetings: Booker T. Washington won 46-42 in last year’s championship game

Next opponent: Winner advances to the championship to play the Riverside-MAHS winner

Players to watch:  BTW’s Zarmarlus Griffin; TCA guard William Hall

What to know: These two teams have been ranked in the Class A poll all season and Booker T. Washington finished at No. 1. Zarmarlus Girffin is one of three Class A Mr. Basketball finalists. The Warriors are on a 19-game winning streak and haven’t lost since a Christmas break tournament. TCA has won five of its last six games, and the Lions are coming off of a big win over Westwood.

 

No. 1 Riverside (18-11) vs. No. 2 Memphis Academy of Health Sciences (19-8) (Region 8-A boys’ semifinal)

Time: 6 p.m. at TCA

Previous meetings: First meeting

Next opponent: Winner advances to play the BTW-TCA winner

Players to watch: MAHS’s Kelvin Pruitt; Riverside’s Dylan Scott

What to know: The Panthers found a way to get hot at just the right time. Riverside has won four straight in postseason play after ending the season 1-5 in its last six games. Riverside will have to again bring its best game if the Panthers want a shot at reaching the region championship. MAHS has won 14 of its last 17 games, including an 11-game winning streak, with the three losses coming against Booker T. Washington.

 

No. 1 Liberty (25-7) vs. No. 3 Bolivar (18-11) (Region 7-AA boys’ semifinal)

Time: 7:30 p.m. at Dyersburg

Previous meetings: Split two regular season meetings (Bolivar won 81-68; Liberty won 68-56)

Next opponent: Winner advances to the championship game to play the Haywood-South Side winner

Players to watch: Liberty post Tyler Taylor; Bolivar guard Chris Woods

What to know: One of the biggest rivalries in the state of Tennessee will play in a win-or-go-home game in the region semifinals. These two teams have won six of the last nine Class AA state championships. Liberty is playing well, winning 12 of its last 13 games, including the district championship. Bolivar is 4-4 in its last eight games, but Rick Rudesill will have the Tigers ready to play in a big game.

 

No. 1 Haywood (24-8) vs. No. 2 South Side (23-3) (Region 7-AA boys’ semifinal)

Time: 6 p.m. at Dyersburg

Previous meetings: South Side won 71-65 in Feb. 2011

Next opponent: Winner advances to the region championship to play the Liberty-Bolivar winner

Players to watch: Haywood post Sadarius Delk; South Side post Malik Hicks

What to know: These two teams haven’t met in two years, but there is history between these two programs. South Side and Haywood played in the highest scoring game ever in the state tournament (211 points). This time the season is on the line as well as a trip to sectionals for the winner. The Hawks have won nine of their last 10 games with the loss coming in the district championship to Liberty. The Tomcats are playing like an experienced bunch with an 11-game winning streak.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Monday's top HS baektball games to see


No. 3 South Fulton (19-11) vs. No. 1 Humboldt (23-6) (Region 7-A boys’ semifinal)

Time: 7:30 p.m. at Humboldt

Previous meetings: Humboldt swept two meetings (58-43; 56-47)

Players to watch: South Fulton guard Harrison Hawks; Humboldt guard De’Sonta Bradford

Next opponent: Winner advances to the region championship to play the Union City-Lake County winner

What to know: Humboldt took over as host of the Region 7-A tournament after District 14-A swept the region quarterfinals. The Vikings are tough to beat at home and have won nine of their last 10 games overall. South Fulton finished third in the District 14-A tournament, and the Red Devils are 3-3 in their last six games. Humboldt will look to push the ball and use its quickness as an advantage. The winner is one step away from the state tournament, a spot Humboldt has played for many times in recent history.

 

No. 2 Middleton (21-9) vs. No. 4 Scotts Hill (20-8) (Region 8-A girls’ semifinal)

Time: 7:30 p.m. at TCA

Previous meetings: Two teams split two meetings (Middleton won 49-48; Scotts Hill won 42-39)

Players to watch: Middleton post Deja Faulkner; Scotts Hill post Chelsea Wyatt

Next opponent: Winner advances to the region championship to play the Riverside-Madison winner

What to know: Both teams had an opportunity to win in the two regular season meetings. Middleton has won four of its last five games. The Lady Tigers are playing in their seventh region semifinal in the last nine years, so they have experience at this level. Middleton fell to Adamsville in the region semifinals last year at TCA, but the Lady Tigers return that entire team minus Rachelle Parks (injury) with a year more of experience. Scotts Hill slipped up in the district tournament with two losses, but the Lady Lions responded with a win over top-seeded Booker T. Washington. Scotts Hill is playing in its third straight region semifinal.

 

No. 1 Riverside (18-11) vs. No. 3 Madison (22-10) (Region 8-A girls’ semifinal)

Time: 6 p.m. at TCA

Previous meetings: Madison swept two meetings (54-47; 59-46)

Players to watch: Riverside forward Lauren Jones; Madison post Dakota Smith

Next opponent: Winner advances to the region championship to play the Middleton-Scotts Hill winner

What to know: Riverside has gotten hot at just the right time to win the District 15-A crown. The Lady Panthers have won their last four straight games and eight of their last nine. Riverside is playing in its first region semifinal since 2007, and now it will try to get to the championship for the first time since 2002. The Lady Mustangs are also playing well, winning 11 of their last 13 games. Madison has solid guards and two dominant post players. Madison has advanced to the region semifinals eight of the last nine years and are looking to advance to the region championship for the fifth time in that period.

 

No. 2 Westview (27-5) vs. No. 4 Obion County (26-9) (Region 7-AA girls’ semifinal)

Time: 6 p.m. at Dyersburg

Previous meetings: Westview has won two of the three meetings (Westview won 57-48, 59-53 (Dist.); Obion County won 47-40)

Players to watch: Westview post Teddy Vincent; Obion County post Brandi Goodman

Next opponent: Winner advances to the region championship to play the Covington-Dyersburg winner

What to know: Westview and Obion County are two of six area teams to have advanced to the region tournament every year since 2003. The Lady Chargers have reached the semifinals nine times and Obion County eight. The two will play again for a spot in the sectional round of the postseason. Obion County center, a Memphis signee, is a tough matchup for any team with her inside strength. Westview will look to hit some 3-pointers like it did in the district semifinals. These two teams have played in some classics over the past five years, and this one should be the same.

 

No. 2 Dyer County (19-9) vs. No. 4 North Side (13-18) (Region 7-AAA girls’ semifinal)

Time: 7:30 p.m. at Brighton

Previous meetings: Dyer County swept two meetings (59-54; 72-39)

Players to watch: North Side guard Brendi Stokes

Next opponent: Winner advances to the region championship to play the Munford-Hardin County winner

What to know: Dyer County has swept North Side during the regular season, but the Lady Indians are coming off their biggest win of the season over top-seeded Millington. This is Dyer County’s first berth in the region semifinals in over a decade (our records only go back to 2003). North Side on the other hand has played in eight region semifinals in that time period. So one big question is how the Lady Choctaws will play on a big stage? But rest assured that Derek McCord will have Dyer County ready to play. North Side will rely on guards Jada Perkins and Brendi Stokes to limit turnovers and put points on the board.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Saturday's top HS basketball games to see (2/24)


No. 3 Westwood (19-6) at No. 2 TCA (24-5) (Region 8-A boys’ quarterfinal)

Time: 6 p.m.

Previous meetings: TCA won 81-77 in last year’s region semifinals

Players to watch: TCA guard Ben Moroney; Westwood’s Jamarcus Ricks

Next opponent: Winner advances to play the Booker T. Washington-Adamsville winner.

What to know: The Lions pulled off the huge upset in last year’s region semifinals, and they will try to pick up a second win over Westwood tonight. Limiting turnovers will be key for TCA with solid ball handling from its many quality guards. Westwood graduated quite a bit of last year’s team so the players will be the different, but the Longhorns will look to still push the ball quickly.

 

No. 3 Middleton (18-10) at No. 2 Memphis Academy of Health Sciences (14-7) (Region 8-A boys’ quarterfinal)

Time: 7 p.m.

Previous meetings: Middleton won 55-45 in last year’s region quarterfinals

Players to watch: Middleton guard Cornelius Patterson; MAHS’s Kelvin Pruitt

Next opponent: Winner advances to play the Riverside-MASE winner

What to know: The Tigers have won 10 of their last 12 games with the two losses coming against South Side and Riverside (in the district semifinals). MAHS has played No. 1-ranked Booker T. Washington close all season, so Middleton will have to bring its best for a chance to beat MAHS. Both teams are full of speed and athleticism.

 

No. 4 Memphis Academy of Science & Engineering (13-11) at No. 1 Riverside (17-11) (Region 8-A boys’ quarterfinal)

Time: 6 p.m.

Previous meetings: First meeting

Players to watch: Riverside guard Dylan Scott; MAHS’ Fabian Effinger

Next opponent: Winner advances to play the MAHS-Middleton winner

What to know: Riverside won its first district title in 18 years, and now the Panthers will look to continue the momentum. MASE didn’t reach the region tournament last season, but the Phoenix are a quality side out of Memphis. A big asset is the fact that Riverside gets to play at home, and MASE will have to make the long trip from Memphis to the Tennessee River. The Panthers have to come out composed and not let nerves get the best of them early.

 

No. 4 Fayette-Ware (21-9) at No. 1 Haywood (23-8) (Region 7-AA boys’ quarterfinal)

Time: 7 p.m.

Previous meetings: Fayette-Ware swept two meetings (71-58; 69-55)

Players to watch: Fayette-Ware guard Carlos Hart, Jr.; Haywood guard Kyler Douglas

Next opponent: Winner advances to play the South Side-Westview winner

What to know: Fayette-Ware swept a regular-season series, but this is the postseason. Haywood seems to be peaking at the right time after winning the District 13-AA crown. Fayette-Ware slipped in the District 14-AA tournament, falling to a No. 4 seed. Haywood will pack the house for this game and make it tough on the Wildcats. Staying out of foul trouble and playing with experience could be the difference for the Tomcats’ young squad.

 

No. 3 Bolivar (17-11) at No. 2 Ripley (17-11) (Region 7-AA boys’ quarterfinal)

Time: 7 p.m.

Previous meetings: Bolivar won 60-51 in a Hall of Champions game this season

Players to watch: Bolivar guard Jerrious Sain; Ripley guard Chad Culbreath

Next opponent: Winner advances to play the Liberty-Crockett County winner

What to know: Bolivar beat Fayette-Ware for the first time this season in the District 14-AA consolation game and will look to continue the momentum in the region tournament. Ripley played many of the top District 13-AA teams close, but couldn’t get a win until the district semifinals against Westview. The district championship wasn’t as nice to Ripley. Ripley does have the advantage of playing at home, but a Rick Rudesill coached team is hard to beat.

 

No. 3 Westview (27-5) at No. 2 South Side (22-3) (Region 7-AA boys’ quarterfinal)

Time: 7 p.m.

Previous meetings: South Side won 87-49 in a Hall of Champions game

Players to watch: Westview guard Antonio Hogard; South Side guard A.J. Merriweather

Next opponent: Winner advances to play the Fayette-Ware/Haywood winner

What to know:  South Side picked up an easy win over the Chargers early in the season, and the Hawks might be fired up enough after losing in the district championship to cross-town rival Liberty to do it again. South Side played almost flawless in the district semifinals, but couldn’t find the basket in the championship. Westview had a slip up in the district semifinals to fall from the No. 1 seed to a No. 3 seed for the region tournament. The Chargers are a senior-laden club that will have to rely on experience to have a chance to win.

 

No. 3 North Side (16-13) at No. 2 Craigmont (14-10) (Region 7-AAA boys’ quarterfinal)

Time: 7 p.m.

Previous meetings: North Side won 86-84 in Mar. 2010

Players to watch: North Side post Larry Fuller; Criagmont’s Terique Brewster

Next opponent: Winner advances to play the Munford-Arlington winner

What to know: North Side is a team that has been on the verge of a big win all season. The Indians have played state-ranked Dyer County close in two of the three meetings and took the Choctaws to overtime in the district semifinals. This might be North Side’s chance to pick up that signature win to the season. North Side will have to limit mistakes and shoot the ball well to have a shot at reaching the region semifinals.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Friday's top HS basketball games to see (2/22)


No. 4 Lake County (5-22) at No. 1 McKenzie (22-7) (Region 7-A boys’ quarterfinal)

Time: 7 p.m.
 
Previous meetings: Haven’t met in recent history

Players to watch: Lake County guard Zay Coleman; McKenzie guard Trevor Willis

Next opponent: Winner plays the Union City-Huntingdon winner

What to know: McKenzie has won 12 of its last 14 games, but Lake County will provide a tough test. The Rebels will have to come out and shoot the ball well for the start. If they get behind 16-1 like they did in the district championship, a comeback is probably out of the question. Lake County might only have five wins, but the Falcons are still a dangerous team.

 

USJ (24-5) at Franklin Road Academy (27-3) (Division II-A girls’ sub-state)

Time: 6 p.m.
Previous meetings: FRA won 70-27 in last year’s sub-state

Players to watch: USJ post Eliza Edwards; FRA’s Derica Wyatt

Next opponent: Winner advances to the Division II-A state semifinals

What to know: These teams played last year with FRA winning easily, but this year’s game should be much closer. Two Miss Basketball finalists will be featured in USJ’S Eliza Edwards and FRA’s Derica Wyatt, an Oklahoma signee. The Lady Bruins will have to stay out of foul trouble and play their best game of the season to pull out a win.

 

No. 4 Scotts Hill (19-8) at No. 1 Booker T. Washington (Region 8-A girls’ quarterfinal)

Time: 6:30 p.m.
Previous meetings: Scotts Hill won 65-43 in last year’s region quarterfinals

Players to watch: Scotts Hill post Chelsea Wyatt; BTW’s Terrica Robinson

Next opponent: Winner advances to play the Middleton-Soulsville winner

What to know: These two teams met last year in a No. 1 vs. No. 4 matchup, and Scotts Hill pulled out the win. The Lady Lions will look to do the same this season. Scotts Hill didn’t fare well in the district tournament down in Middleton, but this is a new tournament and Scotts Hill could return to its old self that won the regular season title. The Lady Lions will look to score off their offensive sets on offense and slow down BTW on defense.

 

No. 3 Dyersburg (20-10) at No. 2 McNairy Central (22-7) (Region 7-AA girls’ quarterfinal)

Time: 7 p.m.
Previous meetings: Dyersburg won 85-65 in Nov. 2011

Players to watch: Dyersburg post Chari Swift; McNairy Central post Mallorie Sweat

Next opponent: Winner advance to play the Covington-South Side winner

What to know: The Lady Bobcats are coming off a heartbreaking loss to Bolivar when Tymeria Franklin was fouled at the buzzer and sank a free throw. McNairy Central will be playing at home in this one. Dyersburg played well in the district tournament, taking state-ranked Covington to overtime and beating Obion County. The Lady Trojans will hope that momentum continues into the region tournament.

 

No. 4 Obion County (25-9) at No. 1 Bolivar (21-6) (Region 7-AA girls’ quarterfinal)

Time: 7 p.m.
Previous meetings: Bolivar won 56-44 earlier this season

Players to watch: Obion County post Brandi Goodman; Bolivar guard Tionne Herron

Next opponent: Winner advances to play the Westview-Chester County winner

What to know: Bolivar has experience beating Obion County this season as the two played in November in Bolivar. But now we are in tournament time, and this game could go either way. The Lady Tigers have won eight of their last nine games. Bolivar will look to push the ball quickly up the floor on offense, but the key will be how the Lady Tigers defend Brandi Goodman. Obion County is coming off two straight losses in the district tournament and will look to get back to winning.

 

No. 3 Chester County (20-10) at No. 2 Westview (26-5) (Region 7-AA girls’ quarterfinal)

Time: 7 p.m.
Previous meetings: Westview won 65-48 in Nov. 2005

Players to watch: Chester County post Iesha Sims; Westview post Teddy Vincent

Next opponent: Winner advances to play the Bolivar-Obion County winner

What to know: Westview took Covington to overtime in the district championship before falling. The Lady Chargers will look to get back to winning, as they won six of their last seven games before that loss to Covington. Chester County plays tough defense that will look to slow down Westview’s guards pushing the ball up the court.

 

No. 4 North Side (12-18) at No. 1 Millington (15-14) (Region 7-AAA girls’ quarterfinal)

Time: 7 p.m.
Previous meetings: Millington won 63-60 in Mar. 2010

Players to watch: North Side guard Jada Perkins; Millington’s Tiara Caldwell

Next opponent: Winner advances to play the Dyer County-Bolton winner

What to know: North Side has to have hope going into this game. Millington lost to Munford twice as well as Dyer County, Middleton and Bolivar once. The Lady Indians have a win over Bolivar on the season. If the Lady Indians come out composed, North Side could have a shot at the end of the game to advance.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Thursday's top HS games to see (2/21)


No. 3 Greenfield (17-10) at No. 2 Dresden (21-6) (Region 7-A girls’ quarterfinal)

Time: 7 p.m.

Previous meetings: Greenfield won 50-37

Players to watch: Greenfield guard Brittany Peoples; Dresden guard Amy McAlpin

Next opponent: Winner plays the Union City-West Carroll winner

What to know: Greenfield won the earlier meeting, but this time the losers’ season is over. So don’t expect the same type of game out of Dresden. The Lady Yellowjackets have won four of their last five games with the lone loss coming against the No. 1 team in Class A Union City. The earlier loss to Greenfield ended a nine-game winning streak for Dresden. The Lady Lions will look to respond from a loss in the district championship with a win.

 

No. 4 Lake County (15-10) at No. 1 Gleason (22-7) (Region 7-A girls’ quarterfinal)

Time: 7 p.m.

Previous meetings: Lake County won 58-14 in last year’s region quarterfinal

Players to watch: Lake County guard Tiana Gray; Gleason post Briana Jones

Next opponent: Winner plays the South Fulton-Huntingdon winner

What to know: Lake County won the region quarterfinal easily last year, but the Lady Falcons were ranked in the top five of the state last year with players like T.T. Flowers and Carnation Hart. Lake County is fourth in District 14-A this season with some solid players, but not as strong as last year. Gleason played well in the district tournament to earn the crown and are on a four-game winning streak. The Lady Bulldogs will look to dominate in the post with Briana Jones underneath. Lake County has lost six of its last seven games.