Basketball Playoffs Start

Despite just playing Friday night, there is no time to celebrate a conference tournament championship as Rocky Mount hosts Western Alamance Monday evening at 7.

Every team is like a puzzle and this year's Gryphon basketball team took a while to get all the pieces in place.

Tashawn Mabry who during this eight-game winning streak is probably having the best period of what is becoming an illustrious Gryphon career.

Philip Wilkins has been close to double-digit scoring and rebounding during this streak.

Bobo Sharpe is approaching 500 assists in his career to go with over 1,100 points.

Darius McKnight has become a scorer and ball handler which was sorely lacking when the team was 8-10.

Nick Hahula continues to rain 3-point shots at just the right moment.

If the Gyrphons win Monday, they play the winner of the Bartlett Yancey-Northern Vance game which will more than likely be Northern Vance since they are 23-2 and at home.

The only way the Gryphons get a home game is if Bartlett Yancy wins which is not likely since they are only 6-15.

Tomorrow night is in all likelyhood the last home game of the year for the boys.

Despite being 20-4, the Lady Gryphons have a major injury to deal with since point guard Lakia Bynum was injured Friday night.

The girls start the playoffs on Tuesday. If they manage to defeat 9-15 Eastern Wayne, they play again Thursday against the Havelock-White Oak winner in Rocky Mount.

Tonight Duke defends home court and beat Wake Forest. To this point in the season, there doesn't seem to be a Big Four team that will make it to the Final Four.

However, Raleigh is hosting a first-round weekend and if Carolina and Duke can get to Raleigh then they both have a good chance for the Sweet 16.

Now, in retrospect, it may not have been such a great deal with all of Carolina players returning this year. They have all improved their offensive game but not a one has worked on defense.

I still like what I see in Wake. I know it is hard to believe, but the Wolfpack can still make the NCAA and have a good shot at finishing at 8-8 in conference play. Who would have thought that three weeks ago.