Thank you sir...

 

FYI, Highlands is very close to securing final funds for a new Recreation Center, haven't seen plans yet but visiting teams, spectators and photographers will really enjoy the venue. :thumb:

First off, Congratulations Lady Bluebirds on the win. Now, some observations / thoughts from the game.

 

At the end of the first Highlands had a 13-6 lead and some definite momentum. At the start or early in the second quarter, WV switches to a zone that took all the air out of the Highlands sail. It ended up changing momentum over and the Bearcats come back to take a 4 point lead and all the momentum going into halftime. Pretty cool to see the adjustments and made for an exciting first half.

 

As stated, the first 3 minutes of the second half all went back to Highlands as they went on a 7-0 run. One thing that happened in that span was WV having to call a very early timeout to keep from a turnover. I think it was within the first minute of the third quarter. Later in the game, with around 30 seconds to go, WV had the ball and down 2. They did not call a timeout in that situation and it resulted in a lower percentage shot. I am not sure if they opted not to, or of they didn't have any left. It they didn't have any left, that early spent timeout turned out to be key and it would have been nice to have that one back. Walton beat Notre Dame earlier this year on a inbound play after a timeout.

 

Also, congratulations to Daley on the 1000th point free throw and it certainly deserved the recognition. Hitting the second of the two was very difficult with the announcer, the celebration and her emotion. That free throw with 50 seconds certainly left the door open for WV. Highlands gets the win, so no big deal, but if WV has a better final possession, at worst the game goes into overtime. Before anyone gets on my case...I am not criticizing. Just could have been an interesting and ironic twist.

 

Finally, I'm beginning to understand now how this reffing thing goes on the road out of region. That was talked about in the prediction thread, and seeing is believing.

All in all, good game for both teams. Congratulations to Highlands - hope the best for them in districts and hopefully regionals.

 

Adjusting from 8th region to 9th region officiating is really a big deal. Body foul calls that you would get in 8th region are simply not called by 9th region officials. I would think in a state tournament situation, not only would you need to scout your opponent, you actually would need a scouting report on the officiating!

 

You cannot got to the basket expecting to get calls. Especially late in the game. You have to be able to finish through contact! Or if you have to, mug somebody to force the officials to make calls!

Now hold on. In the prediction thread I believe I read that HHS would struggle with Walton's physicality and yet I read in this thread that calls were not made. My question for those in the know, which is it? This was a very competitive game in which Highlands was victorious, but the officials had little if anything to do with it IMO. Several missed calls at both ends of the floor, but none were game changing.

Now hold on. In the prediction thread I believe I read that HHS would struggle with Walton's physicality and yet I read in this thread that calls were not made. My question for those in the know, which is it? This was a very competitive game in which Highlands was victorious, but the officials had little if anything to do with it IMO. Several missed calls at both ends of the floor, but none were game changing.

 

My comments were a generalization, and not specific to this game. I did not attend this game nor do I believe anyone is complaining about the officiating. As long as the officiating is consistent, it is up to the players to adjust.

Adjusting from 8th region to 9th region officiating is really a big deal. Body foul calls that you would get in 8th region are simply not called by 9th region officials. I would think in a state tournament situation, not only would you need to scout your opponent, you actually would need a scouting report on the officiating!

 

You cannot got to the basket expecting to get calls. Especially late in the game. You have to be able to finish through contact! Or if you have to, mug somebody to force the officials to make calls!

It has been my experience that 8th Region teams tend to get whistled for fouls by 9th Region officials that do not get called by 8th Region officials.

It has been my experience that 8th Region teams tend to get whistled for fouls by 9th Region officials that do not get called by 8th Region officials.

 

I think this tendency is true. And could be vice versa for a 9th region going into the 8th. As far as the WV, Highlands game on Saturday I will leave it at this...Schaefer was NOT going to get in foul trouble, no matter how hard Walton would have tried.

It seems as if the 9th region folks percieve the 8th region as allowing more physical play while 8th region folks feel the converse?

Congrats to Highlands

I think this tendency is true. And could be vice versa for a 9th region going into the 8th. As far as the WV, Highlands game on Saturday I will leave it at this...Schaefer was NOT going to get in foul trouble, no matter how hard Walton would have tried.

 

And neither was Sandlin right?

I think this tendency is true. And could be vice versa for a 9th region going into the 8th. As far as the WV, Highlands game on Saturday I will leave it at this...Schaefer was NOT going to get in foul trouble, no matter how hard Walton would have tried.

 

TS, assuming that W-V had a similiar game plan against HHS as they did against NCC, it would be interesting to compare box scores. Didn't Kiernan foul out of that game??? Maybe its just the home teams that seem to be benefitting?

TS, assuming that W-V had a similiar game plan against HHS as they did against NCC, it would be interesting to compare box scores. Didn't Kiernan foul out of that game??? Maybe its just the home teams that seem to be benefitting?

 

Or just the better team won on that day...

 

I got a sneaky suspicion that someone is hard at work setting up an excuse for Thursday nite. Just play the games and really who cares until tournament time... Its Girls basketball, it is what it is, Just sayin.