22nd District Tournament Preview (6th Region)

22nd at Western

* Monday – Iroquois (5) vs. Butler (4), 6:30

Butler has struggled this season with 5 wins and 18 losses. They have lost 6 in a row to end the season, but their last win was against Iroquois which leaves them hope in this game. In fact, Iroquois has only won 6 games and lost 21 with a 9 game losing streak. Both teams are incredibly young and are a mirror image of each other. I predict the team that has been able to continue believing in their coaching staff during the string of losses will win this one. On that note I am going to predict Iroquois given that Coach Morrow has more experience in dealing with defeats over the course of his career.

* Tuesday – Western (3) vs. DeSales (2), 6:00

A couple of weeks ago I would have predicted a very close game and possible upset alert with Western capable of giving DeSales everything they wanted and more. However, DeSales has closed the season well while Western recently was upset 35-34 playing Holy Cross. I believe Western was missing their best player and not sure the extent of that absence or if he will return. However, it will not matter in this one as DeSales is playing well right now with senior leadership, especially from Chase Shellman who is a top player in the region.

* Tuesday - Iroquois-Butler winner vs. Doss (1), 7:30

This should not even be a contest and Doss will win easily. But with that said, Doss beat Iroquois by only 3 points two weeks ago. I think they were bored and when tournament play begins we will see a revitalized Doss team. Blowout regardless who they play as they move on to play DeSales.

* Thursday – Final, 7:30

Predicting a good game in this District Final with Doss lining up to play DeSales. This is the toughest district in the 6th region to advance as a #1 seed. Both of these teams along with Bullitt East are the clear favorites to advance to Rupp. They could even both advance during regional play to meet again in the regional final in a 4th match-up of the season. This will be their 3rd meeting with Doss winning by 12 in the first and 22 in the second. I just think Doss has a match up advantage when playing DeSales. I pick a DuJuanta Weaver led victory for Doss in this one.