Comment
Print
So, here is a quick round up of High School basketball from this past week. All eight teams had just one game this week due to exams.
The Hilltopper boys seemed to be poised for beating Shelby on the road as they lead 35-33. R-S Central (11-5, 6-2) was then held to 16 point in the second half in a 79-51 loss. Central started out hot hitting 24 first quarter points. No need to panic, Central is still third overall in the SMAC standings.
On the ladies side, R-S Central (13-3, 8-0) won 61-32 and sit atop the SMAC standings. The Lady Hilltoppers got 11 points from Alina Chavez and outscored Shelby 36-12 in the second half.
R-S Central will go to Crest on Friday (1/22) and host Shelby 1/27.
East Rutherford's boys (7-7, 3-6) gave a valiant effort but fell 89-75 to Kings Mountain. The Mountaineers stuck 12 from three point land and continue to play well after being crushed by R-S Central a month ago. East sits sixth out of nine in conference play at the moment.
Meanwhile, the Lady Cavs (11-4, 6-3) survived Kings Mountain on an Emily Elgin lay up to remain third in the conference standings. East Rutherford will go to Asheville Christian Academy on Thursday (1/21) and host Burns on Tuesday (1/26).
Chase boys (6-9, 2-6) and girls (2-12, 0-8) both lost their only game of the week at Burns. The boys game was a bit surprising in that Chase won by five earlier in the season versus Burns, but fell by 18 on the road in the second meeting. Chase will go to Draughn on Friday (1/22) and host Crest on Tuesday (1/26)
Thomas Jefferson's boys (6-7, 1-3) lost their last two games by 13 in a very tough Southern Piedmont Conference, while the ladies (2-8, 1-4) have lost their last three contest. The Gryphons will host Highland Tech (1/22) on Friday.
In the NFL, we are down to the final four.
New England at Denver:
Who else would it be in the AFC Championship game? Both have been here. Both teams have won Super Bowls. If Denver is to win, they will have to ball control and played unbelievable defensively. Both are actually strengths and the Patriots defense can be run on.
Although, Denver has the home field advantage, New England is healthier and the better team. New England 27-13.
And now to the big game: Arizona at Carolina
Carolina just destroyed Seattle......in the first half that is. The Seahawks awoke and Thomas Davis' last second onside kick recovery saved the Panthers from a monumental collapse, winning 31-24 at home.
I said last week that Russell Wilson would have to beat Carolina with his arm. He DARN well nearly did! What a tale of two halves? Both teams were impressive with Carolina showing up early and Seattle arriving later. Still, it is a win and now they have to beat Arizona.
The Panthers beat Arizona last year at home in a wildcard game, but both teams are much better now. Both can run the ball effectively, pass efficiently and can get defensive. The Panthers will have to play better pass defense this coming week because Carson Palmer isn't afraid to throw the deep ball. With that being said, to break the tie, the Panthers are still better in the trenches and at linebackers. Those two areas give Carolina the advantage. Carolina 31-21. Keep Pounding, Carolina!!!
