Thursday, January 26, 2012

The Aftermath

Lady Gryphons win over Northern was a fine team effort but what does that win do for them?  It gives them the early lead in the conference race.  If both should not lose between now and then when they play again in 15 days and Northern holds serve at home and they both are 9-1 in conference, Northern gets the top seed by virtue of winning the game when they met in the semi's of the Nash County Holiday Tournament.

Rocky Mount last night had to defend their home court because if Northern wins in Rocky Mount their chances of winning on their home court is good.  So in two weeks we can do it all over again and if Tuesday was any indication bring the medical kit because both teams gave it their best shot last night and when a foul occurred there was not a cheap one all night.

2010 the Gryphon boys came back from this exam/Semester break and they were ready to become State Champions. The last two week  siesta and Donte Battle's  injury has a play in this, but they have shown up sleepy at both the Southern Nash game and Tuesday against Northern.  If they continue to play in this mode they will never win the conference or survive the sectionals.This team is pretty dog gone good but not good enough to show up and flash their Rocky Mount jerseys at the other  team and they lay down and lose for you.

The other side of the court Rick Ruffin has done a good job with the players he has.  I don't think they have anybody over six two.  They put out on the court a lineup of guards and small forwards.  They are like gnats that aggravate you.  You swat them away and they come right back.  I would advise anyone  as much as they have improved since Christmas that you had better be ready to play Northern from here on out this season.

Tonight the Wolfpack travels to Chapel Hill to meet the Tar Heels and this is the first time in ten years that State goes over there and the Carolina folks are worried.  My personal opinion is the Tar Heels will win.  I will be shocked if it a double digit win for the Heels.  I think the Pack is greatly improved and I will be pulling like crazy for them.  If the final is something like 72-69 Carolina then the Pack showed me that they have improved even more.  The other side of the ledger I think Bullock is the only choice to now start at shooting guard.  Offensively he could score 40 on a good night.  The Heels problem is the man he is guarding even if he gets 20 then  the Tar Heels gave up too much on defense and that position.