Ballard vs. Elizabethtown Predictions/Updates (Sweet 16® Semifinal)

[DevilMayCare]

Elizabethtown (21-2) has raced past two opponents in Rupp Arena by a combined 49 points, but they have yet to encounter a team with the personnel of Ballard. The Bruins (21-2) have the athleticism on the perimeter from Gabe Sisk and Kennedy Hayden to excel in transition and off the dribble. Maker Bar gives them a 6'10" interior presence that's a matchup problem on both ends of the floor. His length alone should allow for some easy buckets and rim protection against a much smaller E'town line-up.

Conversely, the Panthers could create match-up problems of their own with their end to end quickness and pace of play. Everyone on the floor for E'town can run for days and finish at the rim. All five starters average 12+ ppg. Throw in their defensive pressure and busy hands, and you've got an intriguing chess match for a spot in the state finals.

Game time is set for 11am.

 

[DragonFire]

With respect to Highlands and Ashland, I believe the winner of this game will be your state champion. 

[DanvilleFan]

Ballard hasn't had an easy path, that's for sure.

[Tigerpride94]

I’ll take Ballard in what should be a high scoring game. I think Maker Bar is the difference with his rim protection and unmatched size down low.

[DevilMayCare]

Starting lineups:

Ballard - Gabe Sisk, Keno Hayden, Maker Bar, Chaunte Marrero, DJ Tilford

Elizabethtown - Jaquais Franklin, Khia Sherrard, Kam Sherrard, Cam Williams, Alandre Murphy

[DevilMayCare]

Franklin steals and scores right away.

2-0 E'town

[DevilMayCare]

3 for Williams.

5-0 E'town

[DevilMayCare]

Bar with an easy 2.

5-2 E'town

[DevilMayCare]

Another 3 for Williams.

8-2 E'town

[DevilMayCare]

Bar throws one down.

8-4 E'town

[DevilMayCare]

Sherrard with a bucket.

10-4 E'town

5:19 in 1Q

[DevilMayCare]

Ballard with three early turnovers.

[DevilMayCare]

Bar has all six Ballard points.

10-6 E'town

[DevilMayCare]

Wright closes the lead to 2.

10-8 E'town

[DevilMayCare]

Sherrard collects a loose ball and scores.

12-8 E'town

3:26 in 1Q