It's VHSL State Basketball Championship Thursday on this March 9, 2023. Four games at the VCU Siegel Center in Richmond features only one team with a chance to repeat from a season ago and that is Varina in Class 4 Boys. We provide Keys to Victory with each game below...
So how did the State Playoff Picks do for the semifinal round? Here's a review below...
Class 6 = 2-0
Class 5 = 2-0
Class 4 = 1-1 (missed on Varina/King's Fork)
Class 3 = 2-0
Class 2 = 2-0
Class 1 = 2-0
Hat's 2023 VHSL Semifinal Total = 11-1 (91.7%)
Hat's 2023 VHSL State Tournament Total = 33-3 (91.7%)
Hat's 2023 Playoff Record = 186-42 (81.6%)
CLASS 1 GIRLS STATE FINALS – Rappahannock County Panthers (21-7) vs. Eastside Spartans (24-5)
Rappahannock County Keys to Victory:
#1 – Turn Eastside Over: Eastside committed 18 turnovers vs. J.I. Burton in the State Semis. Rappahannock thrived with a lot of steals in the State Tournament quarterfinal triumph over King & Queen. Being able to turn the opposition over and score off those miscues is becoming a staple in year six at the helm for Coach Jeff Atkins and his team.
#2 – Stop Dribble Penetration: Sophomore 5’7” guard Azzy Hammons (20.7 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.5 SPG, 2.6 APG) and 5’6” junior guard Taylor Clay (14.7 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.7 APG, 3.5 SPG) make the Spartans go. Both are so lethal as Hammons has already scored over 1000 points, including 23 in the State Semis. Clay went off for 38 points, 13 boards, two assists and a couple of steals in the 71-49 win over Fort Chiswell in the State Tournament quarterfinals. They have to keep them from getting to the rim on drives, especially Clay.
#3 – Capitalize on Free-Throws: This was a troublesome area in their 47-36 win that the Panthers had over Franklin in the regional quarterfinals. In a game like this that could go right down to the wire, converting at the foul line with their main pieces – such as lone senior Savannah Loving, 5’9” center Chloe Jenkins (who scored the go-ahead hoop vs Buffalo Gap in the State Semis and had 18 vs. King & Queen in the State Quarters) and sophomore Summer Shackleford (13 vs. King & Queen) – is paramount.
Eastside Keys to Victory:
#1 – Second Chance Points: The Spartans, who suffered three of their five losses in a tourney in North Carolina, out-rebounded Burton 43-31 in the State Semis. That enabled them to get a hard-fought 53-52 win, reversing the outcome from their 49-41 loss in the Region 1D Championship. Particularly influential in this effort should be 5’11” junior forward Reagan McCoy, who collected 11 rebounds in the last round.
#2 – Play with Pace: In order to get Hammons clean looks and allow Clay to operate freely on the drive, it’s critical that Eastside plays at a nice pace and is able to operate in an up-tempo setting against Rappahannock County’s defense. The more transition opportunities, the better their chances are to get a lead and then settle in as the game moves along into the second half becomes more of a half-court chess match.
#3 – Finish Strong: Eastside led Burton by 12 in the second quarter of the State Semis, but got outscored 23-15 in the fourth period and had to hold on late. In some earlier playoff wins – by 22 over Fort Chiswell in the State Quarters as well as by 22 over Grundy and by 14 over Twin Valley in regionals – this was not an issue. Rappahannock County was down 12 early in the fourth quarter before a 17-4 run turned into a thrilling 42-41 win over Buffalo Gap in the State Semis, so the Panthers will fight to the end.
Hat's Pick – Eastside 50-44
CLASS 1 BOYS STATE FINALS – Lancaster Red Devils (28-0) vs. George Wythe Maroons (26-3)
Lancaster Keys to Victory:
#1 - Fast and Furious: When you watch Lancaster play, you wouldn't think they are a Class 1 team. Sure, in size perhaps, but not at the rate of speed in which they operate, constantly fast and furious - - like a Vin Diesel movie. Just go back to the State Semis vs. Altavista, where they quickly turned an 8-2 deficit into a 17-12 lead after one quarter of play. This team plays a track meet better than anyone else at this level. Since regionals started, they're putting up 69.2 PPG and they don't just get to the rim at will, they're able to dial it up from distance, as illustrated when they drained 12 3's in the Region 1A Final vs. Middlesex.
#2 - Apply Pressure: Part of how Lancaster plays its pedal to the medal style is because of a suffocating full-court pressure defense. Against whoever, whenever and wherever, they don't mind going to its 2-2-1 early in games and trying to get the opposition unglued with a four-guard, sometimes even five-guard, lineup. In the regional semis vs. Essex, a game they cruised to a 62-32 win, the Red Devils forced the Trojans into 18 turnovers. Jumping out to a double-digit lead before the first period is over is what they want
#3 - Stay Out of Foul Trouble: Because Lancaster plays so aggressive on defense, it lends itself to foul issues. That was seen vs. Altavista the last time out, where the Red Devils were called for their eighth team foul with 6:10 to go in the second quarter. Their tenth team foul, putting the Colonels in the double bonus, came with 1:14 before half-time. Now, Lancaster led comfortably 37-22 at the half in that one, but they don't want to give Wythe - a team that gets to the foul line 16 times a contest - free trips to the charity stripe.
George Wythe Keys to Victory:
#1 - Be Proficient from 3: A season ago, the Maroons were 154-of-537 (28.7%) from three-point range. This season it is even better, to the tune of 258-for-700 (36.9%) from behind the arc. That includes a riveting 16-of-22 three-point shooting display in the State Tournament quarterfinal win over a Twin Springs team known for its perimeter snipers in Bradley Owens and Connor Lane. Kirtner and Goode have 127 makes from deep between them, but this is going to come down to being efficient and proficient on their triple tries. A showing like the 4-of-18 from 3 vs. Auburn the last time out probably won't be enough to prevail.
#2 - Control the Backboards: Lancaster isn't known to be a great rebounding team. After all, the Red Devils are guard heavy with only one player taller than 6-foot-3 and that is 6'5" reserve forward Kelvin Davis, a senior. On the flip side, Wythe isn't the biggest of teams either, sporting just two bodies - 6'4" junior forward T.J. Pulliam and 6'4" sophomore forward Conley Martin - over 6-foot-2. As a team, Wythe has grabbed 789 rebounds, an average of 27.2 per contest. Rainey is their top board guy at 4.8 per contest. He along with Campbell and 6'2" sophomore forward Rex Delp are the three guys on the roster with 100-plus rebounds on the season.
#3 - Stay Balanced Offensively: As outlined earlier, Wythe is known for balanced scoring. That must continue in this spot to keep pace with a high-octane opponent like Lancaster. If Wythe tries to get someone to go for 30 and carry the scoring load, it's probably not going to end with the outcome they want. Keeping all five on the court involved so that the Lancaster defense has to account for everyone, rather than go to double teams or trapping, will be a big deal, too. The goal is to get more than three players in double-figures, which is what happened in each of their three losses to date.
Hat’s Pick – Lancaster 68-60
CLASS 4 GIRLS STATE FINALS – Hampton Lady Crabbers (24-3) vs. Pulaski County Lady Cougars (26-3)
Hampton Keys to Victory:
#1 – Work Inside-Out: Coach Shanda Bailey’s team needs to establish the inside game before finding the touch from three-point land. They don’t want to fall in love with three-pointer. Certainly their go-to playmaker is George Mason signee Kennedy Harris, who put up 27 points per game as a junior en route to Peninsula District Player of the Year honors and has been even better this season in posting 31.4 PPG during the regular season. The more the defense collapses on her in the paint and sends a second defender, that should open perimeter opportunities as the game progresses.
#2 – Find Complementary Scoring: As great as Harris is, putting up 31.9 PPG through the team’s first nine games, no one else was averaging more than 9.6 PPG during that span. There are some capable options, especially 6’1” sophomore forward Kaliya Perry (15 points, 15 rebounds, 5 blocks vs. Heritage on Feb. 10), 5’2” junior point guard Breyanna Foster, and 5’10” junior power forward Jaiden Hunter. Perry, who holds offers already from Delaware State and Coppin State, hit a huge three-pointer at the third quarter horn to cut King’s Fork’s lead to 36-32 in their 55-49 comeback win. Foster later hit a game-tying three-pointer and made 4-of-4 at the foul line late.
#3 – Make Pulaski One-Dimensional: Either take away the three-point shot or the paint touches. Or, the Lady Crabbers can try to keep them out of transition. Whatever they do, it’s vital they make them depend one aspect. Hampton’s versatility can be the difference in this game. They have the athleticism at the necessary positions to switch their defenses up and keep Pulaski off balanced effectively.
Pulaski Keys to Victory:
#1 – Weather the Storm: It’s crucial for Coach Scott Ratcliff and his Lady Cougars that they don’t get behind early by multiple possessions and start to get antsy against a team that can score in bunches like Hampton. Pulaski trailed by 10 at the half in its 54-53 comeback win over Tuscarora in the State Semis. Fall behind double-digits vs. Hampton with its weaponry and a dynamic scorer like Harris could be their demise, even though this is a Pulaski outfit that has yet to lose to another Class 4 opponent.
#2 – Neutralize Harris: Stopping Harris seems unlikely. How do they go about neutralizing or off-setting her impact on the game? By having their own D-1 talent, Indiana State commit Keslyn Secrist (21.5 PPG), step up and play one of her best games. Secrist has raised her play since the regular season when she was putting up 15.5 PPG and 7.9 RPG. Besides the River Ridge District Player of the Year, this Pulaski team brought back four starters, including First Team All-District junior forward Hannah Keefer (15 PPG) and Second Team All-District selection Jaden Lawson.
#3 – Get Huff Clean Looks: Hampton can stymie opponents with its in your face, aggressive defense. An x-factor in this game can definitely be 5’7” senior guard Paige Huff, who exploded for 26 points on 6-of-8 shooting from three-point territory in their 66-52 triumph over Louisa in the Region 4D Championship. The Hampton defense is likely to zero in on Secrist, so chances to do damage from there may be deep for this Pulaski sniper.
Hat’s Pick – Hampton 56-45
CLASS 4 BOYS STATE FINALS – Varina Blue Devils (22-4) vs. E.C. Glass Hilltoppers (25-2)
Varina Keys to Victory:
#1 - Sharp Start: The struggles were real for Varina offensively, both in the Region 4B title game vs. Matoaca when they fell behind 14-1 and in the State Tournament semis against King's Fork, where they scored more points in the fourth period - 21 - than in the previous three quarters combined (19). Glass is too potent in putting up 65.6 points per game while being a low turnover team and having the ability to do damage both inside and beyond the arc, where they've connected on 122 3's. Too potent in that if they get behind double-figures, Varina will be playing with fire and likely get burned. Coming out of the blocks strong is essential.
#2 - Control Harris: It's no secret that Harris is the straw that stirs the drink for Glass. Not only did he pour in a career-high 40 points vs. rival Heritage-Lynchburg late in the season during a 74-40 win, but he went off for 32 points and nine steals in the State Tournament quarters, then lit up Tusky for 34 points in the State Semis. On the year, he's scored 680 points, leads them in both rebounding and assists along with steals, plus shots it from all areas at an efficient rate: 78% from the foul line (146-of-186), 66% from 2-point distance (184-of-279) and 36% on 3's (32-of-90).
#3 - Beat the Press: On the year, Glass has generated 280 steals, an average of 10.4 per contest. Six players have 23 or more steals. They don't turn it over that much themselves with just 191 giveaways, equating to 7.1 a contest. But they sure did make Handley cough it up a lot, 22 times in fact, in their State Tournament quarterfinal tilt. It's important that Varina not only beats the press, but does so and gets buckets out of it before the Hilltoppers can get organized and set up their defense in the half-court.
E.C. Glass Keys to Victory:
#1 - Get Harris Help: As great as Harris is, he will need some help to slay the dragon that is reigning State Champ Varina, oozing with confidence after their fiery comeback win over a King's Fork team many - myself included - felt was the favorite, especially in the '804' area code where they are sure to be plenty of boisterous fans of the Blue Devils in attendance at the Siegel Center. Most dependable from that supporting cast are Treacy and Knox. Varina is known for its comebacks, and they don't want Harris to get worn out trying to do too much. Handley went from down 19 to within five with 5:06 to go two rounds ago against the Hilltoppers. They need their marquee guy fresh for the finish.
#2 - Second Half Surge: In both of their State Tournament wins, Glass had enormous surges in the second half, particularly that third quarter after Best re-groups with his guys in the locker room at half-time. Against Handley, they used a 13-0 run to open the third period to gain separation in a game they led 31-25 at the half. At the break vs. Tusky, the advantage was only three at 30-27 before they went on a 34-12 binge to put the deficit at 25 with under four minutes to play.
#3 - Points in the Paint: The rim protector for Varina is the 6'8" Hughes and there are other physical bodies to bang around in there with him like Derricott from the football team and Cosby, who is no pushover on the baseline either. This Glass team can convert from three-point land, but their bread and butter is getting to the basket as they shoot 62% on 2's in the form of 447-of-720. By comparison, they're hitting 29% of their 419 three-point attempts. Finding ways to score in the paint will be critical to dethroning the Blue Devils.
Hat’s Pick – Varina 62-58
So how did the State Playoff Picks do for the semifinal round? Here's a review below...
Class 6 = 2-0
Class 5 = 2-0
Class 4 = 1-1 (missed on Varina/King's Fork)
Class 3 = 2-0
Class 2 = 2-0
Class 1 = 2-0
Hat's 2023 VHSL Semifinal Total = 11-1 (91.7%)
Hat's 2023 VHSL State Tournament Total = 33-3 (91.7%)
Hat's 2023 Playoff Record = 186-42 (81.6%)
CLASS 1 GIRLS STATE FINALS – Rappahannock County Panthers (21-7) vs. Eastside Spartans (24-5)
Rappahannock County Keys to Victory:
#1 – Turn Eastside Over: Eastside committed 18 turnovers vs. J.I. Burton in the State Semis. Rappahannock thrived with a lot of steals in the State Tournament quarterfinal triumph over King & Queen. Being able to turn the opposition over and score off those miscues is becoming a staple in year six at the helm for Coach Jeff Atkins and his team.
#2 – Stop Dribble Penetration: Sophomore 5’7” guard Azzy Hammons (20.7 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.5 SPG, 2.6 APG) and 5’6” junior guard Taylor Clay (14.7 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.7 APG, 3.5 SPG) make the Spartans go. Both are so lethal as Hammons has already scored over 1000 points, including 23 in the State Semis. Clay went off for 38 points, 13 boards, two assists and a couple of steals in the 71-49 win over Fort Chiswell in the State Tournament quarterfinals. They have to keep them from getting to the rim on drives, especially Clay.
#3 – Capitalize on Free-Throws: This was a troublesome area in their 47-36 win that the Panthers had over Franklin in the regional quarterfinals. In a game like this that could go right down to the wire, converting at the foul line with their main pieces – such as lone senior Savannah Loving, 5’9” center Chloe Jenkins (who scored the go-ahead hoop vs Buffalo Gap in the State Semis and had 18 vs. King & Queen in the State Quarters) and sophomore Summer Shackleford (13 vs. King & Queen) – is paramount.
Eastside Keys to Victory:
#1 – Second Chance Points: The Spartans, who suffered three of their five losses in a tourney in North Carolina, out-rebounded Burton 43-31 in the State Semis. That enabled them to get a hard-fought 53-52 win, reversing the outcome from their 49-41 loss in the Region 1D Championship. Particularly influential in this effort should be 5’11” junior forward Reagan McCoy, who collected 11 rebounds in the last round.
#2 – Play with Pace: In order to get Hammons clean looks and allow Clay to operate freely on the drive, it’s critical that Eastside plays at a nice pace and is able to operate in an up-tempo setting against Rappahannock County’s defense. The more transition opportunities, the better their chances are to get a lead and then settle in as the game moves along into the second half becomes more of a half-court chess match.
#3 – Finish Strong: Eastside led Burton by 12 in the second quarter of the State Semis, but got outscored 23-15 in the fourth period and had to hold on late. In some earlier playoff wins – by 22 over Fort Chiswell in the State Quarters as well as by 22 over Grundy and by 14 over Twin Valley in regionals – this was not an issue. Rappahannock County was down 12 early in the fourth quarter before a 17-4 run turned into a thrilling 42-41 win over Buffalo Gap in the State Semis, so the Panthers will fight to the end.
Hat's Pick – Eastside 50-44
CLASS 1 BOYS STATE FINALS – Lancaster Red Devils (28-0) vs. George Wythe Maroons (26-3)
Lancaster Keys to Victory:
#1 - Fast and Furious: When you watch Lancaster play, you wouldn't think they are a Class 1 team. Sure, in size perhaps, but not at the rate of speed in which they operate, constantly fast and furious - - like a Vin Diesel movie. Just go back to the State Semis vs. Altavista, where they quickly turned an 8-2 deficit into a 17-12 lead after one quarter of play. This team plays a track meet better than anyone else at this level. Since regionals started, they're putting up 69.2 PPG and they don't just get to the rim at will, they're able to dial it up from distance, as illustrated when they drained 12 3's in the Region 1A Final vs. Middlesex.
#2 - Apply Pressure: Part of how Lancaster plays its pedal to the medal style is because of a suffocating full-court pressure defense. Against whoever, whenever and wherever, they don't mind going to its 2-2-1 early in games and trying to get the opposition unglued with a four-guard, sometimes even five-guard, lineup. In the regional semis vs. Essex, a game they cruised to a 62-32 win, the Red Devils forced the Trojans into 18 turnovers. Jumping out to a double-digit lead before the first period is over is what they want
#3 - Stay Out of Foul Trouble: Because Lancaster plays so aggressive on defense, it lends itself to foul issues. That was seen vs. Altavista the last time out, where the Red Devils were called for their eighth team foul with 6:10 to go in the second quarter. Their tenth team foul, putting the Colonels in the double bonus, came with 1:14 before half-time. Now, Lancaster led comfortably 37-22 at the half in that one, but they don't want to give Wythe - a team that gets to the foul line 16 times a contest - free trips to the charity stripe.
George Wythe Keys to Victory:
#1 - Be Proficient from 3: A season ago, the Maroons were 154-of-537 (28.7%) from three-point range. This season it is even better, to the tune of 258-for-700 (36.9%) from behind the arc. That includes a riveting 16-of-22 three-point shooting display in the State Tournament quarterfinal win over a Twin Springs team known for its perimeter snipers in Bradley Owens and Connor Lane. Kirtner and Goode have 127 makes from deep between them, but this is going to come down to being efficient and proficient on their triple tries. A showing like the 4-of-18 from 3 vs. Auburn the last time out probably won't be enough to prevail.
#2 - Control the Backboards: Lancaster isn't known to be a great rebounding team. After all, the Red Devils are guard heavy with only one player taller than 6-foot-3 and that is 6'5" reserve forward Kelvin Davis, a senior. On the flip side, Wythe isn't the biggest of teams either, sporting just two bodies - 6'4" junior forward T.J. Pulliam and 6'4" sophomore forward Conley Martin - over 6-foot-2. As a team, Wythe has grabbed 789 rebounds, an average of 27.2 per contest. Rainey is their top board guy at 4.8 per contest. He along with Campbell and 6'2" sophomore forward Rex Delp are the three guys on the roster with 100-plus rebounds on the season.
#3 - Stay Balanced Offensively: As outlined earlier, Wythe is known for balanced scoring. That must continue in this spot to keep pace with a high-octane opponent like Lancaster. If Wythe tries to get someone to go for 30 and carry the scoring load, it's probably not going to end with the outcome they want. Keeping all five on the court involved so that the Lancaster defense has to account for everyone, rather than go to double teams or trapping, will be a big deal, too. The goal is to get more than three players in double-figures, which is what happened in each of their three losses to date.
Hat’s Pick – Lancaster 68-60
CLASS 4 GIRLS STATE FINALS – Hampton Lady Crabbers (24-3) vs. Pulaski County Lady Cougars (26-3)
Hampton Keys to Victory:
#1 – Work Inside-Out: Coach Shanda Bailey’s team needs to establish the inside game before finding the touch from three-point land. They don’t want to fall in love with three-pointer. Certainly their go-to playmaker is George Mason signee Kennedy Harris, who put up 27 points per game as a junior en route to Peninsula District Player of the Year honors and has been even better this season in posting 31.4 PPG during the regular season. The more the defense collapses on her in the paint and sends a second defender, that should open perimeter opportunities as the game progresses.
#2 – Find Complementary Scoring: As great as Harris is, putting up 31.9 PPG through the team’s first nine games, no one else was averaging more than 9.6 PPG during that span. There are some capable options, especially 6’1” sophomore forward Kaliya Perry (15 points, 15 rebounds, 5 blocks vs. Heritage on Feb. 10), 5’2” junior point guard Breyanna Foster, and 5’10” junior power forward Jaiden Hunter. Perry, who holds offers already from Delaware State and Coppin State, hit a huge three-pointer at the third quarter horn to cut King’s Fork’s lead to 36-32 in their 55-49 comeback win. Foster later hit a game-tying three-pointer and made 4-of-4 at the foul line late.
#3 – Make Pulaski One-Dimensional: Either take away the three-point shot or the paint touches. Or, the Lady Crabbers can try to keep them out of transition. Whatever they do, it’s vital they make them depend one aspect. Hampton’s versatility can be the difference in this game. They have the athleticism at the necessary positions to switch their defenses up and keep Pulaski off balanced effectively.
Pulaski Keys to Victory:
#1 – Weather the Storm: It’s crucial for Coach Scott Ratcliff and his Lady Cougars that they don’t get behind early by multiple possessions and start to get antsy against a team that can score in bunches like Hampton. Pulaski trailed by 10 at the half in its 54-53 comeback win over Tuscarora in the State Semis. Fall behind double-digits vs. Hampton with its weaponry and a dynamic scorer like Harris could be their demise, even though this is a Pulaski outfit that has yet to lose to another Class 4 opponent.
#2 – Neutralize Harris: Stopping Harris seems unlikely. How do they go about neutralizing or off-setting her impact on the game? By having their own D-1 talent, Indiana State commit Keslyn Secrist (21.5 PPG), step up and play one of her best games. Secrist has raised her play since the regular season when she was putting up 15.5 PPG and 7.9 RPG. Besides the River Ridge District Player of the Year, this Pulaski team brought back four starters, including First Team All-District junior forward Hannah Keefer (15 PPG) and Second Team All-District selection Jaden Lawson.
#3 – Get Huff Clean Looks: Hampton can stymie opponents with its in your face, aggressive defense. An x-factor in this game can definitely be 5’7” senior guard Paige Huff, who exploded for 26 points on 6-of-8 shooting from three-point territory in their 66-52 triumph over Louisa in the Region 4D Championship. The Hampton defense is likely to zero in on Secrist, so chances to do damage from there may be deep for this Pulaski sniper.
Hat’s Pick – Hampton 56-45
CLASS 4 BOYS STATE FINALS – Varina Blue Devils (22-4) vs. E.C. Glass Hilltoppers (25-2)
Varina Keys to Victory:
#1 - Sharp Start: The struggles were real for Varina offensively, both in the Region 4B title game vs. Matoaca when they fell behind 14-1 and in the State Tournament semis against King's Fork, where they scored more points in the fourth period - 21 - than in the previous three quarters combined (19). Glass is too potent in putting up 65.6 points per game while being a low turnover team and having the ability to do damage both inside and beyond the arc, where they've connected on 122 3's. Too potent in that if they get behind double-figures, Varina will be playing with fire and likely get burned. Coming out of the blocks strong is essential.
#2 - Control Harris: It's no secret that Harris is the straw that stirs the drink for Glass. Not only did he pour in a career-high 40 points vs. rival Heritage-Lynchburg late in the season during a 74-40 win, but he went off for 32 points and nine steals in the State Tournament quarters, then lit up Tusky for 34 points in the State Semis. On the year, he's scored 680 points, leads them in both rebounding and assists along with steals, plus shots it from all areas at an efficient rate: 78% from the foul line (146-of-186), 66% from 2-point distance (184-of-279) and 36% on 3's (32-of-90).
#3 - Beat the Press: On the year, Glass has generated 280 steals, an average of 10.4 per contest. Six players have 23 or more steals. They don't turn it over that much themselves with just 191 giveaways, equating to 7.1 a contest. But they sure did make Handley cough it up a lot, 22 times in fact, in their State Tournament quarterfinal tilt. It's important that Varina not only beats the press, but does so and gets buckets out of it before the Hilltoppers can get organized and set up their defense in the half-court.
E.C. Glass Keys to Victory:
#1 - Get Harris Help: As great as Harris is, he will need some help to slay the dragon that is reigning State Champ Varina, oozing with confidence after their fiery comeback win over a King's Fork team many - myself included - felt was the favorite, especially in the '804' area code where they are sure to be plenty of boisterous fans of the Blue Devils in attendance at the Siegel Center. Most dependable from that supporting cast are Treacy and Knox. Varina is known for its comebacks, and they don't want Harris to get worn out trying to do too much. Handley went from down 19 to within five with 5:06 to go two rounds ago against the Hilltoppers. They need their marquee guy fresh for the finish.
#2 - Second Half Surge: In both of their State Tournament wins, Glass had enormous surges in the second half, particularly that third quarter after Best re-groups with his guys in the locker room at half-time. Against Handley, they used a 13-0 run to open the third period to gain separation in a game they led 31-25 at the half. At the break vs. Tusky, the advantage was only three at 30-27 before they went on a 34-12 binge to put the deficit at 25 with under four minutes to play.
#3 - Points in the Paint: The rim protector for Varina is the 6'8" Hughes and there are other physical bodies to bang around in there with him like Derricott from the football team and Cosby, who is no pushover on the baseline either. This Glass team can convert from three-point land, but their bread and butter is getting to the basket as they shoot 62% on 2's in the form of 447-of-720. By comparison, they're hitting 29% of their 419 three-point attempts. Finding ways to score in the paint will be critical to dethroning the Blue Devils.
Hat’s Pick – Varina 62-58
