State Quarterfinal Thoughts...

[leemen]

Thought it would be nice to start a thread and discuss the upcoming State quarterfinals.

Greensville County Vs R.E.Lee
Central-Woodstock Vs Goochland

Gate City Vs Radford
Martinsville Vs Graham

Greensville and Lee is a match-up that is interesting. I don't know much about Greensville other than they're obviously good and athletic. I think Lee playing closer to home and having the momentum may be enough for a win. Lee's depth and experience should help in this one.

Central is good and could have easily won that game against Lee last night. Goochland has had their best season in school history(I think). This one seems like a toss up so...maybe fans with more info can break this one down.

Gate City and Radford will probably be the most talked about quarterfinal. I think if Gate City can get refocused they will go toe to toe with Radford. Again...too close for me to call. I will say Radford is undefeated and that does say a lot about who they are. How will Gate City handle the regional loss is another question in this one. Does it motivate them or deflate them?

I never count Martinsville out when State time rolls around and won't here either. I do think Graham made a huge statement last night against Gate City. I think they have to be a favorite by a few in this one.

Thoughts?

 

[AntGZee]

Very nice leeman. Good write up.
1. R. E. Lee
2. Goochland
3. Radford
4. Martinsville

 

[DanvilleSportsHead]

1. R. E. Lee Leemen by 15
2. Central by 5
3. Radford in a very close game
4. Martinsville in a close one

 

[lucustookis]

Ive seen Grn. Coutny. Always a tough out and athletes everywhere, but not on the level of Lee this year. Lee wins this game by a margin greater than any other final 8 game.

Central and Goochland will be a nail biter. I got Goochland by 5 or less.

GC and Radford. I'm going with Radford by 5.

Graham and Martinsville. I'm going with Graham by less than 5 IF the game is in Tazewell County. If it's in Wise, I am going with Martinsville as Graham completely loses any home court or host team advantage.

 

[swva_havok_fan]

Robert E. Lee
Goochland
Gate City
Graham

 

[AntGZee]

If Gate City can't play defense they'll be in for a long nite. I doubt GC has anyone near as fast as Quinton Morton-Robertson. He won't be able to be checked by one man.

 

[eh31]

From Gate City’s Ad

 

[eh31]

 

[OnceAKnight]

View embedded media

From Gate City’s Ad

Only seats 3800 is that gonna b enough?

 

[BigWinners]

I'm not too familiar with the Radford roster, do they have enough perimeter defense to stop three players if GCs shots are falling? If Dean and Ervin get going along with McClung, GC will win. If it all falls on McClung, Radford wins by 8-14 points. From what I've seen and heard, Radford isn't particularly big so that doesn't hurt GC at all as they aren't very big either. But Radford is known for defense, GC offense. GC now knows if they don't play their game, get into the lane, get fouled and hit open shots, they can lose and it won't be particularly close.

Referring may be a huge factor. If it's a rough game where the officials largely swallow their whistles, GC loses. If it's tightly called, GC has a shot. Pace will also be very important, if it's in the 80s, GC likely wins. If it's in the 60s or lower, Radford wins.

I think GC probably shoots better wherever the game is held, they REALLY don't like playing at UVAW, but teams now have the blueprint and Radford is like Graham but better. Hope I'm wrong but I think Radford by six.

Graham knows what Martinsville does, they have similar style and will grind on defense. Martin gets overlooked but he will be best player on the floor I believe. Graham has a feel for UVAW as well. One Region D team advances but not the one most expected, Graham by three.

I know very little about Regions A & B, but I'll pick Lee by 12 and Central Woodstock by one.

 

[eh31]

Only seats 3800 is that gonna b enough?

I’ve never been there but I assumed it was bigger than that

 

[OnceAKnight]

I’ve never been there but I assumed it was bigger than that

Website says 3800, I'm guessing that's a conservative #, have to run a shuttle from somewhere, I don't think they have enough parking for that many

 

[hrsepasture1]

I'm not too familiar with the Radford roster, do they have enough perimeter defense to stop three players if GCs shots are falling? If Dean and Ervin get going along with McClung, GC will win. If it all falls on McClung, Radford wins by 8-14 points. From what I've seen and heard, Radford isn't particularly big so that doesn't hurt GC at all as they aren't very big either. But Radford is known for defense, GC offense. GC now knows if they don't play their game, get into the lane, get fouled and hit open shots, they can lose and it won't be particularly close.

Referring may be a huge factor. If it's a rough game where the officials largely swallow their whistles, GC loses. If it's tightly called, GC has a shot. Pace will also be very important, if it's in the 80s, GC likely wins. If it's in the 60s or lower, Radford wins.

I think GC probably shoots better wherever the game is held, they REALLY don't like playing at UVAW, but teams now have the blueprint and Radford is like Graham but better. Hope I'm wrong but I think Radford by six.

Graham knows what Martinsville does, they have similar style and will grind on defense. Martin gets overlooked but he will be best player on the floor I believe. Graham has a feel for UVAW as well. One Region D team advances but not the one most expected, Graham by three.

I know very little about Regions A & B, but I'll pick Lee by 12 and Central Woodstock by one.

Radford has enough defense to cover 3 shooters. Can they be beat? Sure they can. But nobody has done it this year. Last night they played very good help and recover man to man and turned the Dogs into a jump shooting team which is not their strength. They have Jones inside at 6'5" who can play and they have 3-4 very good shooters. Morton-Robertson is the real deal. He doesn't look like he would dominate a game but he does. They also played a little zone and also played a soft 2-2-1 press just to control tempo. If you make a basket you better not high five the crowd or mug for the cameras because they get it and go. They will beat you down the floor all night if you let them. I've seen Graham and Radford in person this year. Graham is real good, Radford is very good. I know both have games before they would meet each other, but that would be a good matchup.

 

[toughy299]

3800 is probably a good estimate. Parking shouldn't be too bad. With that being said the game starts at 8:30 I plan on being there at 6.

 

[toughy299]

Solid analysis of Radford hrspasture. Don't let Q's size fool you he can do anything he wants on that court.

 

[BigWinners]

Radford has enough defense to cover 3 shooters. Can they be beat? Sure they can. But nobody has done it this year. Last night they played very good help and recover man to man and turned the Dogs into a jump shooting team which is not their strength. They have Jones inside at 6'5" who can play and they have 3-4 very good shooters. Morton-Robertson is the real deal. He doesn't look like he would dominate a game but he does. They also played a little zone and also played a soft 2-2-1 press just to control tempo. If you make a basket you better not high five the crowd or mug for the cameras because they get it and go. They will beat you down the floor all night if you let them. I've seen Graham and Radford in person this year. Graham is real good, Radford is very good. I know both have games before they would meet each other, but that would be a good matchup.

Have you caught any GC games? Curious to how you see GC matching up. GC has basically no interior presence, Ervin is prob their biggest player but he's more of a perimeter forward, he's a matchup nightmare for big guys tho, can shoot and drive the lane either way. Dean is their X-factor, if he plays well and hits his outside shots (he has range for days but often doesn't shoot a ton. If Radford collapses on McClung's drives, Dean will get open looks. He's for sure capable of hitting them, but he hasn't been aggressive last few games (Dean is the PG btw, if you havent caught GC this year).

 

[leemen]

In my opinion...Gate City needs to rebound better and get Dean going. It seems he's knda been a non factor in the last two games. I think if the big three for Gate City are doing their thing...they are a favorite to make a deep run. Losses can be huge motivators and I expect the Blue Devils will be well focused for Radford. With that being said...Radford seems to be a nightmare quarterfinal match-up. Being undefeated at this point in the season says a lot about the them as well.

Very interesting and loaded Class 2 Tourney this season. Should be a fun one!

 

[sharkfan83]

If GC stands around without running an actual offense against Radford.......the Bobcats will embarass them. GC has been skating by on pure talent for the past 3 or 4 games....they just havent played well at all and Graham exposed that and made them pay after the first qtr of that game. GC ran no set offense and showed zero fight or physicality and no attempt to beat their zone. Radford i feel will play a similar defense but it will be better than Grahams. Bottom line.....if Ervin doesn't get to or close to 20 pts and Dean doesn't hit double digits, GC wont stand even a punchers chance to win this game. It will take the Devils driving into the paint and playing their typical game to have a shot which they didnt even attempt to do against Graham. If its the GC ive watched all year long aside from the past few games, i like their chances. And im honestly glad the Devils are playing away from Wise.....that place has always been a nightmare for the Devils.

As far as the Graham and MHS game goes, i think it's a toss up this time. Graham is by no means super talented but they play very well together and they hustle as every Carlock team does. Just very tough and resilient. I think the outcome of this game is different this time though. Not saying MHS wins this time around....but i think it comes down to the wire. I think its a 5 pt game....ive been wrong before though.

As for the other two games, im pretty much clueless. Its hard for me to pick against the Leemen though. However, i know nothing about Goochland and Central.

Good luck to everyone this weekend though and safe travels. Would like to be headed to Radford but not sure my shift work is gonna allow it to happen.

 

[OnceAKnight]

Solid analysis of Radford hrspasture. Don't let Q's size fool you he can do anything he wants on that court.

Have yet to see him dunk, but he'd probably find a way!

 

[Hampton Roads 6]

I don't think Dedmond Center is big enough for this game. Should move it to VT.

 

[Buc101]

It would be great if some of the other role players for GC would step up too. Offensively they had about 5-6 WIDE open shots and only one was made. Zac hit his first two shots the other night but after that he couldn't hit anything. Dean had one nice drive in the first half then disappeared. He also got into a little foul trouble if I'm not mistaken. Jon (10) isn't a bad defender. He isn't the quickest on the floor but he does an ok job at making the guy he's guarding work for it. IMO, if Radford presses than Dean needs to have the ball. Mac brought it up the court most of the night against Graham and had to pass it off which helped slow it down. If Dean brings it up and passes off to Mac then it may get the D to scramble a little bit to get back and cover him. Bottom line is if Zac and Dean don't combine for more than 30-35 points than GC goes home disappointed in the quarters again. I'm afraid Radford will win this one just because GC has been down the wrong path for the last 3-4 games. I really hope I'm wrong though.

I'll say Graham wins too just to support the other SWVA team. They are a solid unit and play extremely well together. The fact that they've already beat Martinsville this year is why I'll also give them the nod. I know it was at the very beginning of the season but I still say Graham.

Lee wins because I know nothing about that side. It was interesting to see that when Vaughn was out they struggled it seemed, if I read the scores right. I believe I seen where they were down while he was out with an injury maybe, but when he came back in they made a nice comeback to win. Maybe get him in foul trouble and see what happens.

I'll pick Goochland solely on the name. Don't know where the name comes from but it has a nice ring to it.

 

[Marshall-Dillon]

Central seems to be last years Amelia. No talk at all about them but they can play. In reality, they had Lee beat in Region finals. But credit Lee for digging deep to get the win. I think the key for Central is Estep. If he plays up to ability, Central has a chance of making the finals. Also, if the threes are falling for them, look out. I definitely think they get by Goochland. I think the top of the Bull Run was better than most thought this season, myself included.

 

[ArcticBuc]

I've seen a few Highlander games at the Dedmon Center...3800 is SRO.

It's a nice facility but small.

 

[9fter]

i think graham will take down martinville in that game, and i think the worst thing that could have happened to radford was for them to meet GC after being beat by graham, i think GC will out score radford in this game and take them down, just my thoughts, GC can put up the points so we will see

 

[orange31]

I agree, 9fter. I was told that the loss has really lit a fire in GC. Not just the loss but the way they lost. Also was told that some were upset with other things that happened within the game. GC players got 2 T's, with one being on the coach's son and that the coach had to be held back in the aftermath. I wasn't there so maybe some that were can comment more on this. Source said the players were highly pi...d and now felt they had something to prove. I believe it's very possible they come out and control Radford in much the same way Graham controlled them. Keeping emotions under control may be the challenge because they are going to Radford ready to play.

 

[AntGZee]

Easier said than done. GC gonna be in for a tough time trying to contain Quinton MR. He may very be the best player in 2A.

 

[OnceAKnight]

Easier said than done. GC gonna be in for a tough time trying to contain Quinton MR. He may very be the best player in 2A.

Agreed, contain the rest and try and limit him is your best option. With a weak defensive team that's all but impossible.

 

[eh31]

I agree, 9fter. I was told that the loss has really lit a fire in GC. Not just the loss but the way they lost. Also was told that some were upset with other things that happened within the game. GC players got 2 T's, with one being on the coach's son and that the coach had to be held back in the aftermath. I wasn't there so maybe some that were can comment more on this. Source said the players were highly pi...d and now felt they had something to prove. I believe it's very possible they come out and control Radford in much the same way Graham controlled them. Keeping emotions under control may be the challenge because they are going to Radford ready to play.

#BreakingNews Gate City players are pissed they lost a game

 

[swva_havok_fan]

I agree, 9fter. I was told that the loss has really lit a fire in GC. Not just the loss but the way they lost. Also was told that some were upset with other things that happened within the game. GC players got 2 T's, with one being on the coach's son and that the coach had to be held back in the aftermath. I wasn't there so maybe some that were can comment more on this. Source said the players were highly pi...d and now felt they had something to prove. I believe it's very possible they come out and control Radford in much the same way Graham controlled them. Keeping emotions under control may be the challenge because they are going to Radford ready to play.

I wasn't there either, but heard a Graham player got hacked pretty hard. A Graham fan behind the Gate City bench started yapping at the Gate City coach, then a Gate City fan got involved as well, then the Gate City coach started yapping back at the Graham fan. Police came and escorted both fans out I believe.

 

[orange31]

#BreakingNews Gate City players are pissed they lost a game

Well, we all knew that would be the case. If it were not, that would be a huge problem. Like I said, I wasn't there, but what was relayed to me was the players and coaches feel like something was taken away from them. I don't know what that meant because from looking at everything they got destroyed in every fashion. Supposedly coaches and administrators were upset with some off the court things. And I figured it would but acutally hadn't heard it until this conversation but they felt it was "the worst officiated game this year." Again, I expected to hear that as it's the number one thing thrown out when you get beat. And, supposedly the team is all the more determined to do whatever it takes to get to the final game. I guess time will tell on that as Radford is always a very, very tough team to play.

 

[9fter]

antgzee, he isn't better than mcclung, mcclung needs a lot of fundamental work for the next level but all the talent is there, I agree GC doesnt play D very good, but they can score points and they know that, so i see a very high scoring game, and i am pulling for radford

 

[AntGZee]

9fter, have you ever seen QMR play??McClung may possibly be better but I won't concede that to him so fast... Yes, I have seen McClung play. I doubt very seriously that GC will be able to control QMR or Radford. If GC couldn't stop Graham, I don't see them stopping the Bobcats. High scoring affair is what I expect. It should be an exciting game.

 

[Hampton Roads 6]

I'd love to see this game, but I will be at University of South Carolina watching softball.

 

[eastspartan]

Wanna wish both teams luck and all the fans safe travels. Would love to go but RU could potentially be in the Big South Semifinals Friday night and if so I’ll be at home watching that instead.

 

[BigWinners]

9fter, have you ever seen QMR play??McClung may possibly be better but I won't concede that to him so fast... Yes, I have seen McClung play. I doubt very seriously that GC will be able to control QMR or Radford. If GC couldn't stop Graham, I don't see them stopping the Bobcats. High scoring affair is what I expect. It should be an exciting game.

I mean it's not like McClung broke A.I.s record for season points and has a chance to break the VHSL career record or anything lol. I've only seen Robertson in clips and on video and have seen McClung in person many times so maybe I'm bias some (but you could say the same for those who've seen Robertson play a ton and not caught much of McClung) but I think McClung will be the best player on the court. If his outside shot is falling, no player in 2A is more dangerous.

 

[AntGZee]

I have seen McClung in person but it was his Sophomore year. I will leave it at this, QMR will be just as dangerous. Trust me, he will give GC problems. I'm not pulling for either team. I'm contemplating going up for this game.

 

[DanvilleSportsHead]

I'd love to see this game, but I will be at University of South Carolina watching softball.

LOL!!!!!!

 

[Buc101]

I was at he GC-Graham game and the officials were absolutely horrible. With that said, GC still would have lost the game had they not been. A team can't win with only one guy scoring, he has to have help. Credit to Graham for making adjustments after the 1st quarter, GC didn't have an answer. At least GC chose that game to play their worst game of the season, again a lot of that is due to Graham.

If GC can hit their shots then it should be a great game Friday, if not it will be an encore from this past Saturday.

 

[they call me tater salad]

I give all the credit to Graham. It wasn’t that GC played their worst game. All season, the competition was sub par which made them look much better. When u play a team like Graham and Mecklenburg, the real players perform. McClung will still do his thing but Ervin and Dean have a much harder time. Most teams put their best defender on Mac and what they have left can’t guard the other two. Better teams have defenders for all 3. Ervin is not as good 1on 1 but will still tough out double figures. Dean still not at that level yet. He can shoot and drive when defense keys on other 2 but when you put a quality defender on him it’s not gonna happen. It goes back to my earlier comments about other kids getting more involvement instead of chasing highlights and records in blowouts. May have been more beneficial to the team to develop role players for this point in the season.

 

[Buc101]

I hear what you're saying but a lot of the problems scoring the other night were just flat out missing shots. Yea some were tough because of Graham's stingy defense, but a lot of those shots are what was falling for them all season. GC didn't take advantage of their strength and that's driving and creating contact. Against Cleveland they put their best player on the bench in the first 3 minutes of the game by creating two quick fouls. GC settled too much in my opinion against Graham.