I watched Spotswood/Northside and Hopewell/Meridian today. This should be a really fun game on Saturday. I've seen Spotswood play in person multiple times this year, and though I've only seen Hopewell online, they look intimidating as hell.
-Hopewell for sure has the size advantage. Rebounding will be key if Spotswood wants to win this game. Other than Pacheco (a 6'3-6'4 PG) they are pretty undersized.
-Hopewell played their tough 2-2-1 against Meridian. Curious to see if they do this against the Blazers. Spotswood handles pressure pretty well but they haven't seen Hopewell's length or athleticism all year, not even Northside was as physically imposing as the Blue Devils this season
-If Hopewell goes man, this game will be in Pacheco's hands. If he can be the best player on the court (very likely) they can win this game. He is an excellent playmaker and one of the smartest guards in the state. Turns it over rarely, always hits the right guy, great defense. I wonder who Hopewell would put on him-their guards, while quick, give up a few inches to Pacheco, and I'm not sure Hopewell's bigs are quick enough-might be better for them to roam in the paint. Pacheco is a great finisher (has a nice pull up and floater game) but hasn't seen the shot blockers Hopewell has this year. Then again, especially if Sprague is healthy, Spotswood has some good shooters...but surprisingly enough only Sprague and #22 for them are extremely confident letting it fly...the rest can be somewhat hesitant. Hopewell may not go man, but we will see.
-Hopewell needs to be disciplined offensively. Playing at VCU is always a big moment, and kids tend to play a little wild on the offensive end-we'll see some backboard 3s and questionable airballs early, it's just what happens. Hopewell has a tendency to go a little chaotic on that end, and while they certainly have very talented shot-makers, they've gotta be able to slow the game down when needed. Spotswood wants to play fast too, but they are methodical on offense. Hopewell just needs to be able to adjust should their early jumpers not fall at the Siegel Center.
In the end, I do think Hopewell wins this game. Just think Spotswood's supporting cast is a little too young...but then again, there's a bit of storybook magic to the Blazers this year, most notably seen in that Northside game. Yet on the other end, Hopewell has been knocking on the door for a while...including that state championship loss two seasons ago. I'm sad one team has to lose...both are fantastic programs that deserve a ring. I'm planning to be there Saturday, if anyone is there at VCU and wants to meet up let
I watched Spotswood/Northside and Hopewell/Meridian today. This should be a really fun game on Saturday. I've seen Spotswood play in person multiple times this year, and though I've only seen Hopewell online, they look intimidating as hell.
-Hopewell for sure has the size advantage. Rebounding will be key if Spotswood wants to win this game. Other than Pacheco (a 6'3-6'4 PG) they are pretty undersized.
-Hopewell played their tough 2-2-1 against Meridian. Curious to see if they do this against the Blazers. Spotswood handles pressure pretty well but they haven't seen Hopewell's length or athleticism all year, not even Northside was as physically imposing as the Blue Devils this season
-If Hopewell goes man, this game will be in Pacheco's hands. If he can be the best player on the court (very likely) they can win this game. He is an excellent playmaker and one of the smartest guards in the state. Turns it over rarely, always hits the right guy, great defense. I wonder who Hopewell would put on him-their guards, while quick, give up a few inches to Pacheco, and I'm not sure Hopewell's bigs are quick enough-might be better for them to roam in the paint. Pacheco is a great finisher (has a nice pull up and floater game) but hasn't seen the shot blockers Hopewell has this year. Then again, especially if Sprague is healthy, Spotswood has some good shooters...but surprisingly enough only Sprague and #22 for them are extremely confident letting it fly...the rest can be somewhat hesitant. Hopewell may not go man, but we will see.
-Hopewell needs to be disciplined offensively. Playing at VCU is always a big moment, and kids tend to play a little wild on the offensive end-we'll see some backboard 3s and questionable airballs early, it's just what happens. Hopewell has a tendency to go a little chaotic on that end, and while they certainly have very talented shot-makers, they've gotta be able to slow the game down when needed. Spotswood wants to play fast too, but they are methodical on offense. Hopewell just needs to be able to adjust should their early jumpers not fall at the Siegel Center.
In the end, I do think Hopewell wins this game. Just think Spotswood's supporting cast is a little too young...but then again, there's a bit of storybook magic to the Blazers this year, most notably seen in that Northside game. Yet on the other end, Hopewell has been knocking on the door for a while...including that state championship loss two seasons ago. I'm sad one team has to lose...both are fantastic programs that deserve a ring. I'm planning to be there Saturday, if anyone is there at VCU and wants to meet up let me know.
If Hopewell plays man they'll either put Spellman 6'7 on him or Cherry 6'4 to guard Spotswood best player, both play excellent defensive . But Hopewell guards are quick and play good defense also so that may not happen. I'm sure Hopewell will go inside to 6'10 center Jordan early and often.
