7A Northwest Regional Final: 5 Things to Watch for
The Northwest Regional Final is the 4th matchup between Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills this season. The Spartans have won all 3 previous matchups vs the Rebels. The Spartans are coming off a win vs James Clemens in the regional…
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Continue ReadingThe Northwest Regional Final is the 4th matchup between Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills this season. The Spartans have won all 3 previous matchups vs the Rebels. The Spartans are coming off a win vs James Clemens in the regional semifinal, and this team is ranked 5th nationally with a 28-3 record. The Rebels shocked many by upsetting Florence in their semifinal matchup and have a record of 21-11.
Who controls tempo?
Vestavia’s senior guards Luke Couch and Jackson Smith did an excellent job at controlling the tempo in their win over Florence. The seniors limited turnovers, made the defense work, and limited Florence in transition. The rebels also controlled tempo by crushing Florence on the glass. Paul Hargrove and Michael Vice were hard to keep off the offensive glass. This same effort will be needed against a Mountain Brook squad that picks up full court and forces costly turnovers.
Mountain Brook’s Others
Trendon Watford is the best player in the state and the focal point of Mountain Brook’s offense. People know what Trendon brings to the table. With the forward commanding so much attention someone like Colby Jones, Alex Washington, Holt Bashinsky or Lior Berman will have to step up. Look for these four to make some noise for the Spartans.
Luke Couch vs Alex Washington
This is the best perimeter matchup in the game. Two senior guards that have played against each other for a long time. Couch is Vestavia’s floor general and primary ball handler. Washington’s production has gone up with the loss of Stramaglia, but this senior is a pit bull and expected his results. Washington will pick up Couch full court and make him work.
Defending Watford
How Vestavia chooses to defend Trendon Watford will be a critical decision. Watford is too good play 1 on 1 with in the post, and the 5 star forward can pick apart a zone with his passing ability. Look for the Rebels to throw different combinations of Paul Hargrove, Michael Vice, and Hunter Salmon at Watford. If the Rebels can create turnovers, they will have a better shot at staying in the game and controlling tempo.
Scoring Runs
Both the Spartans and Rebels utilized big scoring runs to create separation in their semifinal wins. Mountain Brook did it by creating turnovers and capitalizing on easy buckets. Vestavia created scoring runs by winning the battle of the glass, and capitalizing on second chance opportunities. Basketball is a game of runs. The team that outlasts the other, will walk away with a victory.