Ronald Curry Christmas Classic Preview
By: Matt Aiton
Ronald Curry Christmas Classic Preview:
All games are held at Hampton University
Rd. 1
Woodside (2-4) vs. Oscar Smith (2-3) - The Tigers of Oscar Smith have beaten Nansemond River and their only losses have come against teams in the top 10 of the power poll, so look for Oscar Smith to move to the next round. Woodside will make this game interesting, but Oscar Smith has looked very competitive to start the season.
The Pick: Oscar Smith 68-50
Lake Taylor (3-3) vs. Menchville (2-4) - This is one of the more intriguing matchups in the first round. The Titans have lost close games to I.C. Norcom and Indian River but seem to be on the verge of being a great team. The Monarchs on the other hand have had a tough season thus far and are looking for this tourney to be a turning point in their season. For Menchville to win, senior wingman, Chris Burton will need to play big.
The Pick: Lake Taylor 59-48
Sidwell Friends (3-4) vs. Bethel (5-1) - The Bethel Bruins are a hot team right now, fresh off their triple OT victory at Hampton. Sidwell Friends is from Washington DC and has had mixed results in their season, but you can never count out private schools. Bethel is the tournaments reigning champ, and has a legitimate shot at bringing this year's title home as well.
The Pick: Bethel 80-63
Nazareth Regional vs. Hampton (5-2) - Hampton is still one of the better teams in the 757 with strong play and leadership coming from Sean Johnson and Anthony Barber. Look for the Crabbers to be focused and ready to take out some anger after losing to Bethel on the 18th in triple OT. Plus, Hampton will carry some extra swagger headed into the tournament, being Ronald Curry's alma mater.
The Pick: Hampton 64-52
Poly Tech High vs. Atlantic Shores(2-3)
The Pick: Atlantic Shore 45-40
Warwick (2-3) vs. Freedom - The Warwick Raiders have talent and are headed in the right direction. They have a solid basketball past and should elevate their game come tip-time.
The Pick: Warwick 50-48
W.T. Woodson (4-3) vs. Phoebus (2-0) - Phoebus, fresh off their state title football run, are hot to start the season beating Woodside and Menchville. Peninsula District Player of the Year candidate, Brian Darden can light it up, averaging 18 ppg. DeShawn Stitt is also a Phantom force, averaging 16.5. W.T. Woodson is nothing to be overlooked as the Cavaliers have a good basketball history behind them.
The Pick: Phoebus 83-60
Denbigh (2-4) vs. I.C. Norcom (5-2) - The Denbigh Patriots are a deceptive 2-4 on the year. They have great talent but came across the top three teams in the Peninsula District early in the season. They are led by big man, Quinton Bills and Allen Simon. I.C. Norcom is easily one of the most talented teams in the 757. Ranked 5th in the latest power poll, the Greyhounds have won keys games so far this season and will be a legitimate threat to take this years crown back to Portsmouth.
The Pick: I.C. Norcom 59-53
Granby (1-5) vs. George Wythe (0-4) - The Granby Comets should notch one in the win column with this game. Their record doesn't indicate what this team is capable of.
The Pick: Granby 45-40
There will be winner's bracket games and loser's bracket game held on Tuesday and the Championship Games will be played on Wednesday.
