Highlands drew the short straw, and got Cooper, the district runner up from one of the state's toughest districts. The winner of this one gets either Holy Cross or Lloyd and then would perhaps have to face Conner or Holmes from the bottom half of the bracket.

 

This should be a good matchup, well coached and talented girls on both sides. Good luck.

A lot of items that make this one tough to call. The first meeting, Cooper was on a great run of wins. They were rolling through everyone! They have seemed to cool a little. (still a very good team) Also, HHS said they played awful in that game. I wasn't there, so I'm going off of trusted hearsay. But this time around, HHS is going in a little banged up. They have some depth, but that depth will have to perform tonight on the big stage.

 

Cooper is scary because Held has the ability to take over the game and doesn't seem to crack. However, will that be the same for her on the big stage in her first regional game. (My guess is it won't be a problem, but you never know how kids will react). But she is good enough to put Cooper on her shoulders and carry them for a couple games. She also has a good supporting cast.

 

HHS has been up and down this year. They have the potential to beat anyone on a given night and then look "not so hot" the next night. I would expect they will perform tonight on the big stage (doesn't mean they will win, but I expect them to show up!) Martin and Barth have the "refuse to lose" mentality and they will be on full display tonight. I think it will be a high scoring game that comes down to who executes in the end and hits their free throws.

 

It's a win/win for me! I would love to see the Birds win and move on. However, if they lose...I get my softball players earlier!!! LOL.

 

Good luck to both teams!!!