I have seen both teams this season and the PG match-up should be a classic. Buettel is more of an offensive threat with the 3 ball, while Gabbard is the better passer and gets inside the lane better.

 

To me, the difference is inside. Can Smith stay out of foul trouble on Earls? Beechwood has the talent to compete and if the shots are falling, the Rebels are in for a dog fight.

 

If the difference in the game is on the inside, then Boone will handle this one easily. Smith is not athletic enough or strong enough to hold down Earls.

 

I think Boone will win this one by 12.

I think Boone looks past this one and gets upset, BW by 9. Dont think the Rebs have respect for the DIII Tigers.

If the difference in the game is on the inside, then Boone will handle this one easily. Smith is not athletic enough or strong enough to hold down Earls.

 

I think Boone will win this one by 12.

 

I'd have to say that Smith is very athletic and I think he'll be fine in that aspect. Earls will have a big advantage in his strength as he is much stronger than Smith, but I don't know if that will be much of a factor because Early is more of a face up guy rather than back to the basket player.

I'd have to say that Smith is very athletic and I think he'll be fine in that aspect. Earls will have a big advantage in his strength as he is much stronger than Smith, but I don't know if that will be much of a factor because Early is more of a face up guy rather than back to the basket player.

 

:thumb: You took the words out of my mouth. If Earls does not go inside and play in the post like a big man, then Smith is a good athlete and will hold his own. The defensive matchups in this one will be interesting. Watch who Romes guards and that will tell you early on what Shumate thinks is most important to stop on Boone. I would not be shocked to see Romes guard Gabbard if Shumate thinks stopping penetration by him is the key to the game. Beechwood will have to hit threes (Beuttel, Pohlgeers) to win this one. Upset is possible but I think Boone has one or two more athletes than Beechwood and that will be the difference. Boone by 7.

Two very good teams, I got to go with Boone in this one, 62-54, Gabbard I agree could be the differnce in this one.

Boone Co. 63-52.

Cotton will be the x-factor in this one. He is the one player that Beechwood can't really match up with because of his size, strength, and athleticism. I see the Beechies hanging around for a while, but eventually Boone will pull away in the end.

 

Boone 66

Beechwood 57

Cotton will be the x-factor in this one. He is the one player that Beechwood can't really match up with because of his size, strength, and athleticism. I see the Beechies hanging around for a while, but eventually Boone will pull away in the end.

 

Boone 66

Beechwood 57

 

Boone by 14, playing good ball right now, Congradulations to BW for their outstanding season.

Gabbard is the best TRUE point guard I've seen in the 9th this season. He reminds me a lot of some othe past good ones in the 9th and I see him leading this group to the finals.

 

100% in agreement on this one.

BW by 4.

I think Boone looks past this one and gets upset, BW by 9. Dont think the Rebs have respect for the DIII Tigers.

 

For sure, Boone will not look past BW. Too much pain from the past few years of not even making it to the region. I think Boone will continue their excellent play vs. the Beechies. Should BW pull that "1 out of 10" upset, more power to them. I just do not see it happening although this game will be close for 2-3 quarters.

I was very impressed by both Spaulding and Popp in their game against Ryle. It is certainly a luxury to have guys like this that can come off the bench and drop in some points. I think Boone's bench depth will be the difference in this one and Boone wins by 10-12.

Gabbard is the best TRUE point guard I've seen in the 9th this season. He reminds me a lot of some of the past good ones in the 9th and I see him leading this group to the finals.

 

I like Boone County to comfortably win their 1st round game against Beechwood. If Buettel has an unconscious night where everything he heaves toward the basket goes in (e.g. round 1 District game against Cov Cath) the Tigers could make it interesting.

 

Gabbard is a fine player but if I had the first pick in the 9th Region fantasy point guard draft, I would go with Jamel Riley from Holmes.

I was very impressed by both Spaulding and Popp in their game against Ryle. It is certainly a luxury to have guys like this that can come off the bench and drop in some points. I think Boone's bench depth will be the difference in this one and Boone wins by 10-12.

 

I agree. Boone just has a few too many athletes. If BW could go 5 on 5, they would have a better chance but depth will be the difference in this one.

 

Anyone who thinks any team is looking past anyone at this time of year could not be more wrong. Come on guys. You lose and you go home. How can you not be focused?

Boone by 15