Martinsville vs Gate City

[sharkfan83]

What's yalls predictions for this game? Would like to see a packed gym and a crazy environment. Hope MHS fans travel well and give the support those kids deserve. I know GC fans will do their part to pack the gym.

I think if GC shoots the ball well and doesnt come out flat in the first half it will be a close, hard fought game. If GC is cold from deep it could get away from the Devils quickly. I think the Dogs defense will give the Devils problems early on until they get settled in....Who knows if it will be too late at that point. Largely depends on whether the Dogs get the Jekyll or Hyde version of the Devils. GC has been largely inconsistent lately.

My picks:

5 pt spread or less......GC wins

6+ pt spread and MHS gets the W and advances.

 

[sharkfan83]

Well.....nevermind. Doesn't sound like too many MHS fans will be making it.

 

[AntGZee]

It should be a good game. Martinsville plays a 2-3 zone. That 2-3 zone is a real liability in my opinion. If GC is hitting from the outside, then my Dawgs are in trouble.

 

[hrsepasture1]

2-3 zone vs a poor man to man. When we do play a little man we have no help side D. I'd rather us live or die with the zone than watch guys shoot layups all night. Dogs need to control tempo and play their game, dont give up transition points and attempt to control the boards. Also biggest key will be how the game is called. Martinsville is not deep. A closely called game, which is normally the case when traveling to Swva, is not in the Dogs favor. Dont mean that I think the refs are one-sided, but games out towards Roanoke and east are generally allowed to be a bit more physical. Hope the Dogs represent theirselves well tonite but it will be a tough road against a very good GC squad.

 

[Mayberryite]

And once again...this isn't your typical sagging or lazy 2-3 zone that just allows you to chuck it uncontested from 19'9". Martinsville gets 15-20 steals a game in that zone. The last several years, MHS is only allowing something like 37-40 points a game. MHS allowed 45 or fewer points in something like 20 games this season. The only team to hold Radford to under 50 points all year?? You guessed it - Martinsville. GW only scored less than 50 three times this year - 2 of those times were against MHS. I can't believe knowledgeable fans are still pissed about the defense.

Keys to the game are simple for the Dogs.... Outside shots have to fall. Foul trouble cannot happen.

 

[hooper2tite]

Is there a radio broadcast for this?

 

[sharkfan83]

I've wanted GC to play more of a 2-3 zone for years and especially when matched up with a team that's superior athletically across the board. I'd rather take my chances on a team just getting hot from deep and beating you that way as opposed to getting easy buckets at point blank range. MHS plays a zone but they play it the way it's supposed to be played. Its not a lazy mans defense if it's done the right way and MHS does it right.

I cant shake the feeling that its gonna be a really good game tonight. Excited to witness the environment at VA High.

And yes there will be live coverage!

 

[sharkfan83]

 

[AntGZee]

We all have our opinions. I respect your opinions. I still simply don't care for that 2-3. Yes, it does work at times. I still believe in using traps and some pressure D at times. I'm a Bulldawg no doubt. I'm pulling hard for those kids to handle their business this evening.

 

[sharkfan83]

Oh trust me.....you and about 3/4 of the GC population disagrees with me on the 2-3 zone. Haha I'm used to that. Its certainly not the popular choice. I think theres several defenses that have their time and place. Im all about some pressure defense as well if you have the athletes to run it. What I dont like seeing is the lack of mid game adjustments if something isnt working.

 

[AntGZee]

Well said Sharkfan83.....

 

[AntGZee]

2A Final 4 should be good for the boys. As for the girls side, I think whoever win between RV & Wise will be the eventual champ. I wish whatever those young ladies in Region D has would rub off on Region C ..