Sports

Boys Basketball-Playoff Preview: (9) Trimble vs (8) Miller

Posted on: Monday, February 20, 2012

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The boys from Glouster have struggled this season finishing the regular season with a 2-17 record. One of the main reasons for the tough games has been the stagnant offense. The team has only averaged 38 points per game in the last five games, while giving up an average of 66. To add insult to injury, senior guard Chris Spears will not be available the rest of the year due to a torn ACL suffered a couple weeks ago.

But with all the woes and difficulties, Trimble has a chance to play a very familiar opponent in the tournament. The Tomcats drew a nine seed in the Division four tournament and will play the Miller Falcons, who finished the regular season at 4-15. Two of those wins coincidentally were against the Tomcats. The teams will meet for a third time on Tuesday.

In the first game, the Tomcats fell to the Falcons 67-53 and in the rematch Miller toped Trimble again 81-59. Trimble struggled with turnovers in both games and allowed easy baskets for a Falcon offense that can put a lot of points on the board. Miller was able to capitalize on the Tomcats’ turnovers for easy buckets and also played solid defense.

If the Tomcats want to turn the tables in the third game, they must consistently put the ball in the basket. Senior point guard Cyrus Jones must take over the offense and lead the team. The Tomcats must also find a way to pound the ball inside to junior forward Cody Bragg, who has done a decent job this year rebounding and scoring in the paint.

If the Tomcats can score consistently, rebound well and limit turnovers, they may be able to achieve their third win this season, in the third and final game against Miller.