District pairings are set for next week and one of the biggest district games (according to Louisville Courier-Journal) is the Manual/X game at Male. This one was a tight contest first time around with Manual winning 70-68. I would say atleast half of X's losses have come on last second shots this season. The ones that stick out being Ballard, Fern Creek, Moore, and Manual. Does X have what it takes to pull out the big one when it counts and send Manual home early? What does everyone think about this match-up? What are the keys for both teams?

Neutral court makes it a toss up. Top 3 in thid district are competative with each other. Don't think any of the teams in this district are serious contenders for the Regional title though. I don't see a CAL baseball thing happeng here.

What type of defense will St. X employ this time around?

Probably depends on how much, if any, Just plays Samsel,and if Jenkins can go hard for 24+ minutes.

Probably depends on how much, if any, Just plays Samsel,and if Jenkins can go hard for 24+ minutes.

 

Jenkins didn't have to go 24+ minutes the first game. He did his damage in 19 minutes with 23. It'll be interesting now that he's over 90% and has a week to condition after going 27 minutes against Iroquois. I agree, Samsel makes it go and is the best point.

X will be ready to play. Maybe they do have the edge.

X will be ready to play. Maybe they do have the edge.

 

Whether Samsel plays or not, Manual has very capable guards in Bond and Bell that will get the job done. With Jenkins nearing full strength I think St X has some serious match up problems. How do you stop Jenkins?

 

Aleks N will neutralize Gunter. St X's best chance is that they must shoot lights out in order to win. I think they shot the ball very well the last time they played each other and still lost.

 

It will be a fun game to watch.

Jenkins had 21 points in the first matchup and made 2 long,very difficult threes coming off a high screen as well as a 3/4 court 3 at the buzzer. St.X shot 40% from the field compared to Manual at 50% and still had more than one chance to win the game at Manual. Gunter did not play well and had 7 points.This may happen again in the rematch,but it does show that the Tigers do not HAVE to shoot "lights out" to win the game.Bond and Bell combined for 0 points and 0 assists in the first game.

All this being said,it will depend on TEAM effort to determine the winner of this game!

I think this game depends on which Manual team shows up!

 

They have taken some bad losses this year (Waggener) and I can't recall many quality wins(against top 20 teams).

 

St.X appears to have been much more consistent all year and will bring a good effort in this game.

 

Too close for me to call! :idunno:

Jenkins had 21 points in the first matchup and made 2 long,very difficult threes coming off a high screen as well as a 3/4 court 3 at the buzzer. St.X shot 40% from the field compared to Manual at 50% and still had more than one chance to win the game at Manual. Gunter did not play well and had 7 points.This may happen again in the rematch,but it does show that the Tigers do not HAVE to shoot "lights out" to win the game.Bond and Bell combined for 0 points and 0 assists in the first game.

All this being said,it will depend on TEAM effort to determine the winner of this game!

 

Jenkins was 50% that game. He didn't even play the next game due to the injury. He was his old self against Iroquois, but you missed that game since you were busy at your own game that night.

 

Jenkins missed nearly 20 games, and has only practiced full speed about 3 times in the past 6 weeks.

 

Keep discounting him and Manual. You got this game won.

Jenkins was 50% that game. He didn't even play the next game due to the injury. He was his old self against Iroquois, but you missed that game since you were busy at your own game that night.

 

Jenkins missed nearly 20 games, and has only practiced full speed about 3 times in the past 6 weeks.

 

Keep discounting him and Manual. You got this game won.

 

Nothing in my post suggested "discounting" Manual or Jenkins,just stating what happened in first encounter.

I believe it all depends on whether or not Samsel plays IMO.

Nothing in my post suggested "discounting" Manual or Jenkins,just stating what happened in first encounter.

 

St. X is in the driver's seat in this one. You won't need any gimmick defenses then. Play'em straight up. You got this one.

I believe it all depends on whether or not Samsel plays IMO.

 

I agree. No Samsel, then Manual has no shot at this game.