Well, I hope all my faithful readers have recovered from all the New Years Eve festivities.
I had planned on hitting the town, but was so overwhelmed by the thought of the upcoming Ball State-Arkansas State matchup in the GoDaddy Bowl this Sunday night, I couldn’t tear myself away from the pre game media hype.
Speaking of bowl games, was someone pulling the wool over our eyes with the Sun Bowl’s cavalcade of gifts for the coaches and participants? Traditionally, this collection has to do with nice sponsor gift cards, televisions and electronics or specialty gifts for all involved. It was reported the Sun dished out a t-shirt, sombrero and hair dryer……….wait a minute………a hair dryer? To football players? I hope my recent late-night product review on curling irons didn’t spark this trend.
A couple of the latest bowl upsets provided some definite excitement. University of Central Florida, a 17-point underdog to Baylor in the Fiesta, pulled a stunner in its win. My contact in Port Orange, Florida reported yesterday that UCF was due back to the Orlando area for a celebration that may close the central part of the state.
Same for Oklahoma, a 16.5 point dog to Alabama in the Sugar where the Sooners took the Crimson Tide to the woodshed. Is Auburn next?
Both games showed how well-prepared teams can rise to the occasion when the chips are down rather than fold under adversity.
Now, to local high school basketball where district play starts the meat of the schedule for the next six weeks. No better time than to offer the first Wild Bill ” Big-11 ” Top-5 poll to set the stage toward the postseason playoff run. No doubt things will get shaken up in a hurry, but here’s the early look.
#1- Lord Botetourt- The undefeated Cavaliers have all the ingredients to be a state contender. The Northside Invitational championship validated a team that is deep, executes well has mastered the fundamentals. Warning for opponents-don’t send these guys to the free throw line.
#2- Salem- The defending Group 2A state champions are putting the pieces together for another strong run. Late arrivals from football slowed the non-district schedule and they let one get away against Broadway in the K-Guard Holiday Hoopla. But Kevin Garst’s team should look good in the River Ridge, although a run in the new 4A tournament may be a challenge.
#3- Cave Spring- The Knights are in position to be a contender rather than a pretender. Cave Spring is dominated by underclassmen, but junior Cager Hicks, along with sophomores Adam Sledd and Brody Hicks, can score points in bunches. Consistency on defense will be critical for a tournament run.
#4- William Byrd- Kevin Tuck’s squad is capable of running an opponent out of the gym. They hung tough in the Northside Invitational, and Marvey’o Otey, Zac Hill and Koty Collier can all be game-changers for the Terriers.
#5- Patrick Henry- The Patriots regroup after the graduation of Marcus Banks, but Jack Esworthy’s team may be the team that makes a big rise in the poll. PH may prove to be the big dog in the River Ridge before the ever-tough 6A tournament.
Top pollbreakers lurking in the shadows-
William Fleming- Mickey Hardy’s Colonels were winless heading into the K-Guard Holiday Hoopla before riding out of Salem with three wins and the championship trophy. A healthy Colonel team will be dangerous.
Hidden Valley- Never underestimate a Troy Wells coached team. Wells has 8 state championship rings from Martinsville, 3 as head coach and 5 more as assistant under Husky Hall. That jewelry didn’t result from luck.
Next week, at reader’s request, we take a look at a new late-night product review that would have been a dandy in the days of the Egyptian mummies.
We’ll keep you guessing on that one, but until then, send those inquiries to [email protected]
– Bill Turner
