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Let’s start locally. In softball, R-S Central and Chase are still undefeated in conference play, while East Rutherford has just on SMAC loss so far. All three are among the top four in conference right now.
R-S Central (4-1) seems to be playing the best right now. They are hitting 4.16 as a team and have hit five home-runs between Makayla Crawford and Katie McEntire. Freshman, Madison Crain already has three wins from the pitching circle so far.
East Rutherford (2-2) has struggled offensively so far, but their pitching and defense will keep them in games, if not help them win a ton of games this season. Chase (3-0) is putting the ball in play and scoring, but they are giving up five runs a game so far. This is a young team, and the SMAC should be pretty interest as the season continues with Kings Mountain and Crest likely to be strong as well.
On the baseball field, East Rutherford (4-1) is still competitive. No matter who they play, it will probably be close since the Cavs are having to find ways to generate offense. They play Draughn at home on Friday (3.20.15).
R-S Central (2-2) has two wins against 2A squads and two losses to 3A teams. Just like Chase, I still believe the Hilltoppers will be among the top six team in the SMAC and among the top three in the 2A portion (East Rutherford and Chase). Chase (2-2) is very interesting and could play hot and cold all year. They can score a lot or lose close games. No matter how you slice it, the Trojans are too hard to figure out right now.
It’s that time of year again as March Madness begins. The NCAA Selection committee has narrowed it down to 68 teams that will decide college basketball’s national champion for 2015.
The East is by far the toughest region. Villanova, Virginia, Oklahoma, Louisville, Northern Iowa, Providence, Michigan St., N.C. State, LSU are the top nine seeds in that region. No doubt, this was done on purpose to solidify that Nova was the final number one seed. Flip a coin, this region could go to anybody.
N.C State should win their first round game, but they won’t beat Villanova. Virginia could reach the Final four or lose in the third round to Michigan St.
Kentucky comes from the Midwest. Wichita State and Notre Dame are the only two teams in the way for Kentucky to make it into the Final Four.
The West is likely the second strongest region with Arizona, UNC and VCU, BYU, Baylor, Ohio St. and Xaiver in this region. The Tarheels are going to be tough to beat. They should make it to the Sweet 16 if not the Elite 8.
In the South, Duke should win this region. Iowa St. is the biggest threat, while Gonzaga, SFA, Iowa or SMU won’t be pushovers.
On the teams who did not make the field, there are five who should be upset. Murray State, Tulsa, Temple, Rhode Island and UCONN. Take Georgia, Ole Miss, St. John’s, UCLA and Texas/Oklahoma St. out. Then again, those six schools who are in will generate more money to the NCAA than I just mentioned are out. Political, I think so.
Potential Upset Alert: Belmont could challenge Virginia but won’t beat them. Davidson could win two games or lose big to Iowa. Wofford could scare Arkansas. If Clemson can do it, why can’t Wofford?
Kansas won’t make it to the Sweet 16. SFA will make it to the Sweet 16 and Buffalo makes it the round of 32.
Final Four: Wisconsin, Kentucky, Duke and Villanova. Kentucky and Duke for the National Title with Kentucky winning. Kentucky is the best team this season and the last two wins this season will be earned. Closing an undefeated season at that for the Wildcats which hasn’t been done since Indiana did it in 1976.
