Sports
Alexander Playoff Preview
By: Anthony Marino
Posted on:
Southeastern basketball playoffs are upon us and both girls and boys look to make a run at the state title in 2017. Here is what you need to know about the Alexander Spartans and Lady Spartans this postseason
Boys
Record: (10-10) overall (7-5) conference
First Round Opponent: River Valley Raiders (7-13) at Jackson High School, Friday, Feb. 20, 8 p.m.
With the seven seed, Coach Jim Kearns looks to rally his players this postseason in hopes of a state championship. The Spartans are a relentless group of players that are both talented and a well-rounded team. If Alexander wants to make a serious run in 2017 they must play up to their full potential. Earlier this season they handed the number one seed Vinton County (19-1) their only loss, 73-71. If the Spartans play the way they did that night, they will definitely be a Cinderella team to watch out for.
Alexander is a young, unpredictable team lead by senior forward Chace Harris. Establishing a balance between Harris in the paint and the sharp shooters of Ryan Davidson, Luke Kish and Wyatt Radford will be key for the Spartans success.
Something that Alexander will need is the support from their bench. The starting five cannot carry the team especially in the post season. They are going to need a whole team to make a run and have any hope of winning a state title.
The first round for the Spartans begins on February 20th against 10 seed River Valley. In their last meeting, it was all Alexander, 68-38. Despite a 30-point victory, the Spartans must follow the lead of Coach Kearns and take the playoffs one game at a time.
Girls
Record: (16-2) overall (12-0) conference
First Round Opponent: Bye (will play winner of River Valley vs. Westfall) at Athens High School, 10:30 a.m, Feb. 18.
This might be the best team the Lady Spartans have had in the past couple years. With a stunning undefeated conference record, earning them the TVC-Ohio Conference Title, the Lady Spartans look to carry this momentum into the post season. Third year coach Corey McKnight truly has something special with this group of girls. He embraces a family like attitude with his team and it shows on the court. They are unselfish with their play always looking to share the ball.
The Richardson sisters, Leah and Rachel, are a dynamic duo around the perimeter and Jala Mace down low make this a very well rounded team. Don’t be surprised if Coach McKnight and the Lady Spartans make a deep run in the playoffs this year.
With an overall record of (16-2) the Lady Spartans earned a bye in the first round and will play the winner of eight seed River Valley vs nine seed Westfall. The second round for the Lady Spartans chase for a state title will begin on Feb. 18 at Athens High School at 10:30 a.m.