Friday's top games to see (1/4)

Chester County (9-4, 3-0) at Liberty (5-10, 2-2) (Girls)

Last year: Chester County won both meetings (59-56, 64-32)

Players to watch:  Chester County post Iesha Sims; Liberty guard Rhaven Kemp

What to know: Chester County is one of three teams undefeated in District 14-AA play, and the Eaglettes are looking to keep it that way. Liberty is tied with South Side for the No. 4 spot currently. Chester County is on a two-game losing streak after falling to Dyersburg and DeSoto Central (Miss.) in the Dyersburg Christmas Invitational. Liberty went 2-2 in the Heritage Bank Hardwood Tournament, ending the tournament with a win over Memphis East. The Lady Crusaders need to open the second half of the season with a win because Union City and McNairy Central are the next two opponents.

 

Lexington (4-7, 1-3) at McNairy Central (12-2, 3-0) (Girls)

Last year: McNairy won two of the three meetings (McNairy won 56-52, 50-36; Lexington 54-47 (Dist.))

Players to watch: McNairy Central post Mallorie Sweat; Lexington post Kalee Goff

What to know: The first half of the season is not what the Lady Tigers expected as they sit 1-3 in District 14-AA play. A win over McNairy Central could be a big step in correcting the slow start. McNairy Central’s two losses have come to rivals that are close by in Hardin County and Adamsville. A key to this game will be which team can produce the best post presence because both teams have quality players in that department.

 

Scotts Hill (10-3, 2-0) at Middleton (8-5, 2-1) (Girls)

Last year: Middleton won two of the three meetings (Middleton won 60-44, 55-50; Scotts Hill 52-46 (Dist.))

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

What to know: Middleton won six of its last seven games before the Christmas break, but the one loss was also a District 15-A loss to Trinity Christian Academy. Scotts Hill is one of two teams that are undefeated in district play so far. That Lady Lions are also on a two-game losing streak after falling to Chester County and Stewart County, so they are looking to get back to their winning ways of earlier in the season. This will be another game that will feature two quality post players.

 

West Carroll (9-5, 6-1) at Huntingdon (9-3, 5-1) (Girls)

Last year: The teams split two meetings last season (West Carroll won 53-49; Huntingdon won 77-38)

Players to watch: Huntingdon forward Allee Maxwell; West Carroll guard Tierra Williams

What to know: These are two of three teams sitting with one loss in District 13-A and in a tie for first place. The Fillies are on an eight-game winning streak dating back to Dec. 4. Huntingdon has beaten some quality opponents like Riverside, Gleason and Camden during the streak. West Carroll lost two of its last three games going into Thursday’s game against Trenton Peabody. The Lady War Eagles are looking to open the second half of the season with wins before a rematch with TCA that West Carroll lost by five.

 

Obion County (13-4, 6-0) at Westview (15-2, 7-0) (Girls)

Last year: Obion County won all three meetings (62-42, 42-29, 54-46 (Dist.))

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

What to know: These have been two of the top three teams in this district for over five seasons now. These are also the only two teams undefeated in district play. The Lady Chargers’ two losses were both to Union City by a combined five points. Obion County went 5-3 in two different tournaments over the Christmas break. The Lady Rebels went 2-2 in the Heritage Bank Hardwood Tournament and reached the championship game of the Dragon Fire Invitational.

 

Adamsville (7-5, 1-1) at Riverside (9-4, 2-0) (Boys)

Last year: Teams split two meetings (Adamsville won 58-54; Riverside won 71-59)

Players to watch: Adamsville forward Tucker Campbell; Riverside guard Payton Hehe

What to know: Riverside has won seven of its last eight games and is one of two teams sitting 2-0 in district play. The Panthers are playing well behind the scoring of Dylan Scott and Payton Hehe. Adamsville is 1-1 in district play. The Cardinals are on a two-game losing streak after big losses to North Side and Goodpasture in the McNairy Central Banker’s Classic. Both teams want that district victory to open 2013.

 

Humboldt (11-4, 3-3) at Bradford (10-6, 1-5) (Boys)

Last year: Humboldt won two of the three meetings (Humboldt won 60-32, 75-57 (Dist.); Bradford 60-59)

Players to watch: Humboldt guard De’Sonta Bradford; Bradford guard Tyler McCartney

What to know: Bradford went through a five-game losing streak earlier in the season, but other than those losses the Red Devils’ lone loss is to Dyer County in the Martin Lions Club Christmas Tournament. Bradford is near the bottom of 14-A, but the Red Devils beat Lake County just before the Christmas break. Humboldt has won five of its last six games with the lone loss coming against Kenwood. The Vikings sit fourth in the district a half-game behind Halls.

 

Munford (10-6, 2-1) at Hardin County (13-1, 2-1) (Boys)

Last year: Munford won two of the three meetings (Munford won 60-46, 44-43; Hardin County won 53-49 (Dist.))

Players to watch:  Munford guard Jonathan Starks; Hardin County post Will Shelton

What to know: This is the big test for the Tigers this season. Hardin County’s lone loss was to Dyer County by 11 at home. If Hardin County wants a shot at playing for the district title, the season series against Munford is crucial. Expect the gym to by loud with Coach Brown’s Clowns in full attendance. Hardin County has won seven games since its loss to Dyer County.