Miles A Part

Ever since the change was made a few years ago that both boys and girls high school playoffs start the same night and the sectional ends on Friday with Saturday as a weather date if needed I like it when both teams play at the same time same place.  In the past few years it has meant that the Gryphons  were always home at the same time  Last year for the first time we in this area were faced  with a major problem.

The Gryphon girls played for the sectional finals in Vanceboro against West Craven while the boys won their sectional at home.  Boy the texting was hot between Vanceboro and Rocky Mount as the Lady Gryphons lost in the last seconds.

Wednesday more decisions will have to be made.  The girls play 116 miles west in Burlington and the boys play 118 miles south east in Havelock.  They will both be playing at the same time 203 miles from each other and both will be under dogs.

The Lady Gryphons 15-8 have the taller task playing Williams High in Burlington.  Williams is 21-2 and we all think we had a tough  time around here with the weather.  Last night's first round sectional game was the first time they had played a game since Feb. 5th.  They did not get to finish their regular season games or play in their conference tournament.  If the Lady Gryphons have a shot just maybe being out of school and no practice the Lady Gryphons can out last a team maybe not in great condition with the long lay off. The lay off didn't seem to hurt them last night. The Lady Gryphons will have to play better than at any other time to win this one.

Even though the Gryphon boys 16-8 are on the road they have a shot against Havelock.  Havelock lost their first five games of the season because of their football team playing in December and since football ended they are 17-1.  If you look at those last 18 games  they haven't beaten to many really good teams in that stretch.

Last night the first five minutes of the third quarter the Gryphons play state championship caliber basketball but there is their problem.  This teams has shown signs of being really good and then look awful for twenty minutes and you can't win in the playoffs like that.  I have no idea Havelock's  17-6 size but judging looking at who they have beaten the Gryphons have a shot to play Friday.

The only team enjoying home cooking Wednesday is Northern Nash girls 23-1.  They play East Alamance 17-6 who beat Big East Hunt by 9 Monday.  Northern beat Hunt by 17 at Hunt and by 9 at home.  Northern will have to play well to win but if they play their A game  they will play again Friday.

This is the second round of the playoffs so all of the teams filling in the slots to make 32 playoff field were eliminated Monday.  Eastt Alamance is a good team that Northern had better not go to sleep on. I think the home gym in basketball is harder for the visiting  team that any other team sport to win at. The Lady Knights are the only team home Wednesday.  Pack the Gym for them.