15th Region title Pregame notes
What’s more difficult than beating a team three times?
Beating them four times.
That’s the task in front of the Belfry Lady Pirates tonight as they go for their first regional title in 11 seasons.
Belfry (22-7) comes into tonight’s game with a 22-7 mark. They defeated Pike Central last week in a 67-66 thriller in the 60th District title game at the BHS gymnasium. The Lady Bucs’ other two wins against Central (14-12) came in a 75-66 decision at home on February 5 and a 71-69 overtime victory on January 16 at the Hawks’ Nest.
“We know that when we play, we are going to get their best shot,” Belfry coach Rick Mounts said. “They [Pike Central] are playing very well, and this is the time of year when you want to play your best basketball.”
Pike Central, led by senior guards Holly Harris and Hannah Thompson, will be going for its third regional title in six years. The Lady Hawks won regional titles in 2004 and 2007. In 2007, the team earned a spot in the state semifinals.
MY THOUGHTS: It’s going to take more than JJ Bevins for Belfry. The sharpshooting junior had 26 points in a win over Lawrence County in the semifinals, and Meghan Staten added 10 points, most of them came early in the game.
The Lady Pirates must storm out of the gate, avoid playing from behind and control the tempo of the game.
For Pike Central, it comes down to experience. Holly Harris and Hannah Thompson has played in big games. Their careers have spanned seven seasons, six regional championship game appearances and two regional titles.
The two guards have showed poise and leadership throughout the tournament.
As these two players go, so does the Lady Hawks.
If Thompson and Harris combine for 35 points, it could be a “sweet” ending and another Sweet Sixteen appearance.
