PLAS, CHHS prepare for key area matchups
Published 9:08 pm Thursday, January 17, 2013
After seeing his team put together a very good game shooting wise, Charles Henderson head coach Carl Hollis is worried about his team being able to do it again.
On Tuesday night, Charles Henderson played what Hollis called “the most complete game all year,” and knocked of area-foe Headland, 77-40. The Trojans shot the ball well from the outside all game long, but Hollis said that was a first for the team this season.
“We shot the ball very well the other night,” said Hollis. “Prior to that game, we had shot it well in streaks but never for the whole game. I’m hoping that we didn’t use up all our shots in that game, because we will need them down the stretch.”
The Rams are looking to play the role of spoiler down the stretch. Headland has struggled this season, and sits at 7-13 overall and 1-2 in the area. The Trojans have an area title in sight, with a record of 11-5 and 3-0 in area play.
Desptite the recent run of success, and good shooting performances from all players the last time out, Hollis said the team must not get caught up in the moment.
“We have to take it one game at a time,” said Hollis. “We have Headland on Friday and they can beat you. We have Ashford and Bullock County next week and they sure can beat you as well. We can’t just show up and expect to win the game.”
Hollis said that he would love to host the area tournament because the team plays well inside the confines of Wagoner Hall. After the Friday night game against the Rams, Charles Henderson’s final two area games will be on the road at Ashford and in Union Springs against Bullock County.
Tip off for the Trojans and Rams is at 4:30 p.m. at Betty Wagoner Hall in Troy.
Across town at Pike Liberal Arts, the Patriots are scratching and clawing for every bucket and win to gain momentum heading in their respective area tourneys.
Coach Craig Kennedy said that he felt that Tuesday’s game against Macon-East Academy was one of the best games the Pats have had, but couldn’t get the ball in the basket.
“I went back and watched the film and we played so well,” said Kennedy. “Our offense was great, we just couldn’t get the ball to fall in the dang bucket.”
Both Pike Liberal teams sit at 1-2 in the area, and need a win to keep the title hopes alive. The Patriots will make the one hour trip to Hope Hull and face off against the Hooper Academy Colts.
“Hooper is a scrappy team,” said Kennedy. “They are going to zone us, and we have to take advantage of it, and get to the basket when we can.”
The Patriot girls team will have one extra player to utilize on Friday night. Mid-year transfer Ashley Dietrich will suit up for the first time. Dietrich, a sophomore, provides the Pats with another post player and height inside.
Tip off for the Colts and Patriots is set for 4 p.m. in Hope Hull.