Week 2: 5 Noteable Games Played vs 5 Games to Watch Today
Its only week two so teams are still figuring out their identity. I selected to games that were highly competitive and mattered in their prospective districts or were rivalry games. These games are in no particular order.
5 Noteable Games Played this week
1. Strawberry Crest vs Tampa Bay Tech – the game was closer than the final of 73-53 would appear. The chargers led most of the first half. Midway thru the 4th the Titans created havoc with their defense and went on a 15-0 run to close out the game. Chargers are 1-2 and faces one of its rivals Durant. The Titans are 4-0 and face Middleton tonight.
2. Anclote vs Sunlake – Anclote came out strong and by halftime they led 38-22 but Sunlake came out the second half imposing their will. The Sharks were able to hold on and win by two. Anclote is 4-1 going into tonights matchup with Hudson. Sunlake is 2-3 and will face Superior Collegiate.
3. East Bay vs Plant City – the Indians work hard and Coach Chambers has them focused. Plant City hadn’t beat East Bay In 12 contest and the came in focused. This game was tight the entire way through and with seconds left in the game junior Justyn King made the games winning layup. Plant City 4-1 faces Lennard as East Bay 2-1 face Bloomingdale tonight.
4. Durant vs Newsome – both teams are so evenly matched. At the end of the third, the score was 30-31 Durant. Although there was much flash and flare, this contest ended up being better than advertised due to going wire to wire. Durant 3-3 plays Strawberry Crest and Newsome 2-1 face Riverview.
5. Wharton vs Wiregrass Ranch – Wednesday’s rivalry/ district game was a very good game for the Wildcats. They’ve struggled in close games this year so far but was able to pull this one out 52-49. Tonight they face Sickles in a must win game if they want to stay near the top of their district. Wiregrass Ranch will play Plant tonight.
5 Games To Watch Tonight:
1. Wiregrass Ranch vs Plant – being in this district is tough. Plant and Sickles are undefeated. Wiregrass and Wharton have one loss, a district loss. It could be a 4 way tie for first after tonight.
2. Wharton vs Sickles – every year for the past few years, the district title has came to these two. New coach, new system for Sickles and with emergence of whartons back court winning this game could be pivotal in this district race.
3. Auburndale at Winter Haven – this rivalry is off the charts. The neighboring cities shut down and pack the gym whenever the two play. Although I’d give the upper hand to Winter Haven, Auburndale is undefeated and that cant be taken for granted.
4. Lakeland at Lake Gibson – dubbed “the crosstown game,” will feature a few players whose stock has risen, the top guy is Luke Anderson. The Braves are undefeated while the Dreadnaughts have one loss.
5. Cambridge Christian at Santa Fe Catholic – I dubbed this game this game “Christians vs Catholics.” This game should be a good match-up. The Hawks are 2-2 and the Lancers are 2-1, this game could go either way.