We are LIVE at the campus of UNC-Greensboro for this evening's NCHSAA 1A Girls Western Regional High School Basketball Tournament. In the first matchup, the Mitchell Lady Mountaineers take on the Mount Airy Lady Bears. The second game of the twin bill features the 24-3 Avery Lady Vikings tangling with the Lady Villains of Bishop McGuinness High School.Some things to watch in tonight's Avery/Bishop matchup:
1.) FAST START
-The Avery Lady Vikings got off to a fast start in its sectional semifinal matchup with Hiwassee Dam and built a double-digit lead, only to see the Lady Eagles come back on its home floor to take a late two-point advantage. In last Friday's sectional final at Robbinsville, the Lady Vikings fell behind early 7-0 but came back to take the lead late in the first quarter.
In a game where nerves and pressure seem to play a greater role than during a regular season matchup, the Lady Vikings would do well to get out in transition early, score some easy baskets, and get off to a hot start. Bishop is a good squad, but the one area Avery holds a distinct advantage in is EXPERIENCE. The Lady Vikings start four seniors who have been through big games before.
2.) "BUCK" THE TREND
-Bishop McGuinness guard Megan Buckland leads the team in scoring with over 19 points a contest. Buckland shoots 51 percent from the field, and made 70 of 148 shots from three-point range this season, a 47% clip. One other player, Sammi Goldsmith, shot 111 3-point shots, making only 28 for a 25 percent efficiency.
Buckland is the heart and soul of the Bishop attack. As she goes, so goes the Villains.
3.) THE AWARD FOR BEST PLAYER IN A SUPPORTING ROLE GOES TO.....
- For Avery to achieve optimal success, it must get a host of players involved doing the things that they excel in. Megan Tennant had a great game in last Friday's sectional final with 7 points and 10 rebounds off the bench. Megan's contributions off the bench will be crucial inside, while a strong game shooting by Mercedes Bentley will help open up the paint for Avery's frontline to dominate.
Lauren Avery has stepped up of late to score with the basketball, but the Lady Vikings could use a good scoring and rebounding evening from junior Katelynn Eudy, who has shown flashes of dominance this season, and she and teammate Sara Wiseman potentially can be matchup nightmares for the Lady Villains.
Bishop has Buckland to carry the bulk of the offensive burden, but players such as Goldsmith (60 steals this season) and Erin Fitzgerald (8.7 rebounds/game) must provide tangible contributions to keep Avery at bay.
4.) THE TEAM OF SECOND CHANCES
- Avery completely dominated the Lady Knights on the offensive backboards last Friday night at Robbinsville, making it appropriate that an offensive rebound and putback from Sara Wiseman won the ballgame.
If Avery experiences similar measures of success in tonight's contest, the chances of Avery punching a ticket to Saturday's regional final is substantially higher.
5.) TAKE CARE OF THE ROCK
-Despite its win last Friday night against Robbinsville, the Lady Vikings committed in the neighborhood of 20 turnovers. In games where Avery has struggled this season, it has done its part via turnovers to help the opponent.
Bishop McGuinness averages around 10 turnovers per game, a number the Lady Vikings will do well to up by using its press defense to generate offense.
Those are some areas to keep an eye on as the Lady Vikings and Lady Villains square off tonight. Time permitting, we'll provide a couple of updates on the night's first matchup between Mitchell and Mount Airy.
Thanks so much for following along, and.... GO LADY VIKINGS!!!!
