Comment
Print
All that noise you here around work this week, likely has to do with who will take the 2012 title. So, why not go through the ACC teams in it and my random thoughts on the tourney itself.
Deservedly, N. C. State makes the tourney to give the ACC five teams. However, they draw a very good sixth-seeded San Diego St. in the first round. I think that’s a good test for the Wolfpack and it should be a great game. N. C. State has been my sleeper all year and I do like them to get past the first round with Howell, Leslie and a surging Brown doing the damage. I have them out in the second round as they have to face Georgetown.
Virginia started off well this season and even in conference play, but faded late as the injury bug hit them. I am glad that talented senior, Mike Scott gets to play in the NCAA tourney, but there is no way that they beat Kenny Boynton and Florida in a first round battle.
While Florida State won the ACC Tourney on Sunday, I believe that they are playing in the toughest region the 2012 NCAA tournament has to offer. As a three-seed in the East, they should easily beat St. Bonaventure, but Cincy would be the second round match up. Cincy has won seven of their last nine games with wins against Marquette, Louisville, Georgetown, and Syracuse during that span. I like the Seminoles’ Michael Snaer, but it’s a shame they won’t make it to the Sweet 16.
As for Duke, the X factor is Seth Curry. Yes, Austin Rivers is their best player, but when Curry is making baskets, it’s gonna be a long day for the opponent. I have Baylor knocking out Duke in the Sweet 16, but never underestimate the Blue Devils.
A ton rides on the fact of how John Henson’s sprained wrist injury heals over the next few days for North Carolina. No doubt, they are one of the most talented teams in the land and Kendall Marshall’s 9.7 assists per game is the second best among the nation‘s college players. I really do like Carolina’s chances in the tourney. Creighton could provide some trouble, Michigan isn’t scary at all, but they seem to find ways to win. However, UNC overpowers them easily. Which leaves them a tough Kansas squad in the elite eight. More on UNC later.
The most intriguing first round match-up stands as (7) Gonzaga vs. (10) West Virginia. Gonzaga is deep, but shows flashes and then disappears at times. Gonzaga is a great defensive team, with some crafty offensive plays in their bag of tricks. West Virginia, not that deep off the bench, maybe one of the most athletic teams in the tourney with Kevin Jones leading the attack. I will pick WVU since Gonzaga (from Spokane, Washington) has struggled on the road and the Mountaineers have to travel a mere 75 miles to play in Pittsburgh.
The first No.1 seed that I have getting beat is Syracuse. Syracuse was my early favorite to win it all, but I boldly predict Kansas St. pulls off the upset in round two.
My final four picks have Kentucky versus Missouri, while North Carolina plays Ohio St. Give me North Carolina and Missouri in the championship game and I make a gutsy call. Unfortunately, I may get some nasty voicemails about this one with Missouri winning it all. Marcus Denmon and Kim English get the job done for the Tigers. And why pick them? They are playing well and five of the last six champs have won their conference tourney before capturing the national title.
On the home front, Rutherford County baseball and softball off to a decent start. East Rutherford baseball is off to a 2-2 campaign with Patton at home on Thursday. R-S Central is 1-2 so far.
Chase baseball has blast out to a 3-0-1 record and Thomas Jefferson has a 3-1 start to the year.
East Rutherford softball has climbed out a 4-0 start, picking up a solid win over St. Stephens already. Chase has began a win streak as well, walloping Kings Mountain and a predominantly strong Owen club to go 2-0. However, R-S Central is 0-4, but have a good, young team this season. Scoring has been the issue so far. They have East and Chase this week, but the confidence is gaining after a two-run and one-run loss in those four early contests.
