Matchups set for 7-AAA tournament
The “second season” begins for Warren County High School’s basketball teams this week.
The District 7-AAA tournament tips off Monday at Murfreesboro’s Blackman High School, and continues through the championship round on Friday night.
Warren County’s boys come into the tournament as the league’s No. 6 seed, after finishing with a 4-8 record in district play. The Pioneers will open tournament play Monday at 6:30 against the third-seeded Lebanon Blue Devils.
During the regular season, Warren County lost at Lebanon 80-62, but bounced back at home to take a 79-69 win.
“I think we should’ve won both games against them, but we had a little meltdown the first time (at Lebanon),” said WCHS senior Cody Hillis, whose team won three of its last four district games. “But we learned from that, and over the last third of the season we’ve played real well together.
“I think Lebanon’s going to be a challenge, but I think we can overcome it.”
Coach Doug Keil said WCHS fans can expect a hard-fought game between the Pioneers and Blue Devils, and said his team expects to benefit from the strong crowd support that has served them well all season.
“Lebanon is a well-coached team,” he said. “They’re very athletic, and they’re going to get after it. We’re going to get after it, and it’s going to be one exciting ballgame.
“I don’t know what the result’s going to be, but I think we’re ready to play. We’re prepared, it’s going to be fun to watch, and we need the volume up at Blackman’s gym.”
On the girls’ side of the bracket, Warren County begins the first round Tuesday night as the No. 7 seed, and takes on second-seeded Riverdale at 5 p.m.
The Lady Pioneers were swept by the Lady Warriors this year, losing 61-45 in Murfreesboro and 61-29 at home.
“You start your second season, and in this district it doesn’t matter who you play,” said coach Ann Eades. “It’s all tough, and it’s going to be a great challenge. But if we continue to play and improve defensively, like we have the last two ballgames, and have a good night from the field we can get some confidence.
“There are going to be some upsets in tournament play, and it might start with us. So we’re going in very positive.
“There’s no pressure on this ball team. We’re not favored to win, we can go in relaxed and just play, and these kids are looking forward to the challenge.”
A win by either WCHS squad will land them in Thursday’s semifinal round. The Pioneers would play at 8:30 p.m., and the Lady Pioneers would play at 7 p.m.