set to take on No. 4 Geneva

By STEVEN G. WATSON

Sports Editor

The Pike County Lady Bulldogs couldn’t ask for a much bigger game than the one they have tonight against Geneva.

The Lady Panthers (13-4) hold on to a No. 4 ranking in the Class 4A at the moment, but stand in jeopardy of falling down that list after losing their second straight last Thursday just before the new rankings came out.

A win over the No. 9 ranked team in Class 4A would more than likely reserve Geneva a spot in the Top 10, but to do that they will have to accomplish something no other team has been able to all season – defeat Pike County.

At 11-0 the Lady Bulldogs finally got a little respect in the state and crept in at the No. 9 spot. They have had numerous close contest, but that only seems to stiffen the Pike County girls’ resolve. The experience they’ve gained from the close games has helped them do the little things they’ve had to in order to pull out the W’s in the end.

"This team continues to play hard as a team and they realize that the game is never over until the final whistle blows," PCHS head coach Leroy Bryant said. "No matter what the score is we’re going to play hard the entire ball game."

Bryan and some of his players have already gone to scout out their opponent. They traveled to watch the Lady Panthers play and feel like it will be a great matchup that just happens to have Area implications as well.

With the Lady Bulldogs already sweeping Daleville in Class 4A Area 3 play and picking up their first win over Dale County in dominating fashion, Geneva is the only team left in their way.

"They know what’s on the line just like we do," Bryant said. "Whoever wins will be ahead in the Area. Tuesday no doubt will be the biggest game that we’ve played all year."

The quality on the court will be evident as the two teams clash. Pike County will look to use their speed and defensive pressure to turn the tide, while Geneva will depend a lot on their size inside.

"Geneva is a really good club," Bryant said. "There’s no doubt that they are a quality team, they’re ranked No. 4 in the state.

"They’ve got a big girl down low and if she gets the ball inside she really knows what to do with it," he continued. "I think we can run with them and we probably got more speed than they’ve got. Overall I really feel these two teams are pretty even, but what we’ve got going for us is they have to come here first."

Tipoff is for the B-team matchup is set for 5 p.m. with the girls’ game following.