Boys basketball: Peninsula District tournament preview

[R.L. Bynum]

A look at the PD tournament

By Jason Jordan
jjordan@dailypress.com | 247-4648



When they play
All games at Heritage High School
Tuesday’s quarterfinals
No. 8 Phoebus vs. No. 1 Bethel, 3 p.m.
No. 5 Kecoughtan vs. No. 4 Heritage, 4:30
No. 7 Woodside vs. No. 2 Warwick, 6
No. 6 Hampton vs. No. 3 Denbigh, 7:30
Thursday’s semifinals
Kecoughtan-Heritage winner vs. Phoebus-Bethel winner, 6
Hampton-Denbigh winner vs. Woodside-Warwick winner, 7:30
Friday’s championship
Semifinal winners, 7:30.

How the teams stand entering the tournament

Bethel (21-1, 17-1)

Coach: Craig Brehon.
Recapping the Bruins’ season: Bethel clinched its second PD regular-season title in three years. The Bruins get it done defensively, forcing turnovers with their pressure defense and parlaying that into offense.
Outlook: The Bruins look to be in the driver’s seat in the PD tournament, and with the top seed, they already have locked down a berth in the Eastern Region tournament. The Bruins’ balance is what makes them so strong.

Warwick (18-3, 16-2)
Coach: Ben Moore.
Recapping the Raiders’ season: Warwick has balanced scoring, inside and out, which makes the Raiders very tough to defend. That’s how they knocked off Bethel earlier this season, giving the Bruins their only loss.
Outlook: Bethel isn’t invincible, and we only know this because the Raiders proved it. So if there is one team that can spoil the Bruins’ chances of a PD tournament title, it’s the Raiders.

Denbigh (13-9, 11-7)
Coach: Bryan Weaver.
Recapping the Patriots’ season: They proved their mettle Feb. 5, falling to the No. 2 Raiders 68-67. Chris Johnson (13.9 ppg) and Brian Hermann (14.5 ppg) make the offense go.
Outlook: Hermann and Johnson will have to take their games to another level if they want a shot at winning the PD tournament. Denbigh reached the Eastern Region tournament last year because of its guard play. If the Patriots go back, it again will be because of the guards.

Heritage (13-9, 10-8)
Coach: Dennis Koutoufas.
Recapping the Hurricanes’ season: The Canes started strongly, then hit a skid and ended the season with missed opportunities. The biggest miss was when Bethel beat the Canes at home on a last-second floater.
Outlook: The Canes have one of those teams that can be very good if they are playing with emotion. Dimitri Batten is a budding star and Lawrence Turner must show up. If that happens and Jamar Harris remains steady at the point, the Canes could pull it off.

Hampton (12-10, 10-8)
Coach: Walter Brower Sr.
Recapping the Crabbers’ season: Hampton had a tough schedule in the end, losing its last two games to Bethel and Warwick. But the Crabbers nearly knocked off Bethel earlier this season, which proves they can contend if they come to play.
Outlook: The Crabbers will have to get solid production from Chris Johnson in the paint and Nick Chamblee on the perimeter. Also, Paul Shaw will have to show up like he did against Bethel on Feb. 12 (17 points).

Kecoughtan (12-10, 10-8)
Coach: Joel Hines.
Recapping the Warriors’ season: The Warriors showed signs of being a big-time team with wins over Booker T. Washington and Warwick, but they weren’t consistent throughout the season. They nearly knocked off Bethel in their regular-season finale.
Outlook: The Warriors go as PD Player of the Year Ricardo Ratliffe goes, but Anthony Dorsey and Xavier Lee have the ability to put up big numbers on any given night. If Kecoughtan’s big three can turn in solid all-around games, the Warriors have a shot.

Woodside (9-13, 7-11)
Coach: Eric Wakefield.
Recapping the Wolverines’ season: The Wolverines started off slowly, but had solid wins over Phoebus and Heritage in the second half of the season. They played Bethel to 60-55 on Dec. 20, but haven’t had the consistency across the board.
Outlook: Dadrian Collins is a workhorse in the paint for the Wolverines, and if they can establish him early and consistently get contributions from Thomas Scott and Chris Burton, Woodside could have a shot.

Phoebus (8-14, 5-13)
Coach: James Daniel.
Recapping the Phantoms’ season: The young Phantoms have been competitive, but were just overmatched in most games. Still, with talented guards Brian Darden and Reid Evans, the Phantoms could make a run.
Outlook: The Phantoms have to find a way to compensate for their lack of size. It’s not likely that Phoebus makes a run at the PD title this year, but the experience could prove beneficial next season.

[Phoebus_Dynasty]

***** that Heritage and Kecoughtan have to play in the 1st round, because both of these teams belong in the ER playoffs but now only one can make it. I'm stamping this game as the game to see in the 1st round. Kecoughtan just played Bethel to the wire and if they play every game like that then watch out for them.

Tuesday’s quarterfinals
No. 8 Phoebus vs. No. 1 Bethel, 3 p.m.
No. 5 Kecoughtan vs. No. 4 Heritage, 4:30
No. 7 Woodside vs. No. 2 Warwick, 6
No. 6 Hampton vs. No. 3 Denbigh, 7:30
Thursday’s semifinals
Kecoughtan vs Bethel
Denbigh vs Warwick
Friday’s championship
Bethel vs Warwick

[cruz21]

***** that Heritage and Kecoughtan have to play in the 1st round, because both of these teams belong in the ER playoffs but now only one can make it. I'm stamping this game as the game to see in the 1st round. Kecoughtan just played Bethel to the wire and if they play every game like that then watch out for them.

Tuesday’s quarterfinals
No. 8 Phoebus vs. No. 1 Bethel, 3 p.m.
No. 5 Kecoughtan vs. No. 4 Heritage, 4:30
No. 7 Woodside vs. No. 2 Warwick, 6
No. 6 Hampton vs. No. 3 Denbigh, 7:30
Thursday’s semifinals
Kecoughtan vs Bethel
Denbigh vs Warwick
Friday’s championship
Bethel vs Warwick

I agree No. 5 Kecoughtan vs. No. 4 Heritage will be the game to see! You say Kechoughtan played Bethel to the wire, but Heritage too also played them to the wire losing by 1 pt with a Bethel floater by Weaver with 7 secs. left.

[MYVOICE1]

I'm thinking Denbigh will lose in round2, Warwick has a hard game ahead of them. Its hard to win three times against 1 team in any season, that plays you so close every time, that has nothing to lose.

The pressure is on Warwick to win, also the 4 & 5 slots in the tourney, that's going to be a good game also. I like the 5 team though, I think the player of the year will be to much to handle.

Bethel is ahead of the class this year by far, their solid all around the board. I never seen a high school team that is so deep they can go 10 players deep, and not lose a beat.

Bethel vs. Warwick or Woodside in finals!

[VA High Sports]

I truely believe that Warwick is going to come to play in districts. Their floor generals epidemize leadership about 90% of the time and they (as a team) have a genuine will to win like no other (partly because their teams have not been as succesful in the past). Im aslo a firm believer in Micheal Davis' ability to change the dynamics of any game. He is by far the most talented guard I have seen in the district. Their team is so strong, they just have to learn to put their all forth for every minute of the game and play the way they are capable of playing. I dont believe any team can beat them if they come together. Bethel and Warwick...this time they have Micheal Davis which will certaintly make the game more intriguing. Play hard Raiders!!!:clap2:

[cruz21]

The pressure is on Warwick to win, also the 4 & 5 slots in the tourney, that's going to be a good game also. I like the 5 team though, I think the player of the year will be to much to handle.


Bethel vs. Warwick or Woodside in finals!

I have to disagree, I feel Heritage can take K-tan! Yes Ratliffe is hard to contain, but thats for any team and unless Dorsey and Lee step up with him then there will not be much of a game.

Also Woodside is a good team, but right ow I can't see them in the finals.

[pa2va]

I agree No. 5 Kecoughtan vs. No. 4 Heritage will be the game to see! You say Kechoughtan played Bethel to the wire, but Heritage too also played them to the wire losing by 1 pt with a Bethel floater by Weaver with 7 secs. left.


They lost by two and it was Paul Meredith who made the winning shot.:D

[MYVOICE1]

I have to disagree, I feel Heritage can take K-tan! Yes Ratliffe is hard to contain, but that's for any team and unless Dorsey and Lee step up with him then there will not be much of a game.

Also Woodside is a good team, but right ow I can't see them in the finals. Woodside has a strong shot to beat Warwick, they can beat Denbigh, Denbigh doesn't match up with Woodside well. If the player of the year steps up himself. They can take Heritage the guy is 6'7" 230lbs. plus, if I had him on my team he'd score 30 to 40 a game, no different then what Jordan did with the Bulls in the early 90's, he just has to know how too put a battery in his teammates back.

Player of the year means he's the best player, so his teammates should know they have too play outside themselves, they also have too know that even though their not super stars doesn't mean they can't play like one even if it is for just one game. Magic Johnson said that same statement a couple years back on TNT! You know, they just have too play outside themselves, even if it is for one night!

[cruz21]

They lost by two and it was Paul Meredith who made the winning shot.:D

i kinda looked at it afterwards (and was hoping no1 would say anything lol)but thanks for the correction anyway :D

[cruz21]

Woodside has a strong shot to beat Warwick, they can beat Denbigh, Denbigh doesn't match up with Woodside well. If the player of the year steps up himself. They can take Heritage the guy is 6'7" 230lbs. plus, if I had him on my team he'd score 30 to 40 a game, no different then what Jordan did with the Bulls in the early 90's, he just has to know how too put a battery in his teammates back.

Player of the year means he's the best player, so his teammates should know they have too play outside themselves, they also have too know that even though their not super stars doesn't mean they can't play like one even if it is for just one game. Magic Johnson said that same statement a couple years back on TNT! You know, they just have too play outside themselves, even if it is for one night!

I'm not saying they can't do it cuz i actually like Woodside, especially the boy you have been praising Chris Burton (disappointed he didn't make District team or honorable mention). But, with the return of Michael Davis,Woodside would have their hands full to stop that whole team!

Yeah Ratliffe can put a battery into his team but will they turn it on is the question! Also, I'm not knocking Dorsey or Lee because they are good ball players, but against Heritage in DISTRICTS I DO NOT SEE THEM RISING TO THE OCCASION!

[MYVOICE1]

I know where your coming from cruz21, you keep good clean comments on here, I've read some of your post. I think the last game they had played Davis was playing, Scott made some untimely miscues Warwick won, but thats going to be a good game!

I really think K-tan can pull it off, the kid only has one game left. I just think in his heart he doesn't want it to be his last! I'm rooting for him, just because of the type of team he's playing with, they beat Warwick this year, they can get the canes!

[MYVOICE1]

I'm not saying they can't do it cuz i actually like Woodside, especially the boy you have been praising Chris Burton (disappointed he didn't make District team or honorable mention). But, with the return of Michael Davis,Woodside would have their hands full to stop that whole team!

Yeah Ratliffe can put a battery into his team but will they turn it on is the question! Also, I'm not knocking Dorsey or Lee because they are good ball players, but against Heritage in DISTRICTS I DO NOT SEE THEM RISING TO THE OCCASION! They might I'm just trying too give them a shot, where did you see Burton play? I just like K-Tan, Ratliffe should be more aggressive then he already is for his size, he would've ran the point for me, how Kobe and Lebron did in high school, if they would of gave him the ball like that. The shape of the district would look a lot different right now!

[Oldschook]

All teams look good, but I'm going with Warwick. K-tan just have Rat and he can't do it alone. I feel Moore will put a fire under his boys. Good luck to ALL!

[cruz21]

They might I'm just trying too give them a shot, where did you see Burton play? I just like K-Tan, Ratliffe should be more aggressive then he already is for his size, he would've ran the point for me, how Kobe and Lebron did in high school, if they would of gave him the ball like that. The shape of the district would look a lot different right now!

I have known Burton for a while and we played at McIntosh on many occasions and I knew how good he was when he was even at Dozier ( we didn't go to the same school but I've known him 4 a a couple of years now) also I'm only a grade higher than he is.

Also I understand where you're coming from with Ratliffe having the ball more. Because Ratliffe has become a better ball-handler this year and I would like to see him runthe floor more often!

[MYVOICE1]

All teams look good, but I'm going with Warwick. K-tan just have Rat and he can't do it alone. I feel Moore will put a fire under his boys. Good luck to ALL! It will be a good game, I can't wait to see the game. I think Rat can he just has too will his self for the victory, his coaches should not limit him, or think less of him. Not saying they even think like that, but let him win his maybe last game, give him that much. You can never say never lay the chips, & let them fall where they fall.

They should force the moment on him, because they won't have him next year, so they should take full advantage of the time and place where they might not never get the chance to coach a player of his like again, I say let him lose, its his last ride if they lose!

[Oldschook]

It will be a good game, I can't wait to see the game. I think Rat can he just has too will his self for the victory, his coaches should not limit him, or think less of him. Not saying they even think like that, but let him win his maybe last game, give him that much. You can never say never lay the chips, & let them fall where they fall.

They should force the moment on him, because they won't have him next year, so they should take full advantage of the time and place where they might not never get the chance to coach a player of his like again, I say let him lose, its his last ride if they lose!
K-tan got there as a team, play as a team. J.R. Reid tryed the same thing on Denbigh a few years ago and lost. He though he was a 1 man show.

[MYVOICE1]

K-tan got there as a team, play as a team. J.R. Reid tryed the same thing on Denbigh a few years ago and lost. He though he was a 1 man show. Don't lose the concept I'm giving you. He can score 45pts. and lose yes, but he can also score 45pts. have 15rebs. 8asst. 4blks. and win, he has to get his teammates in the game also, ( I believe he's smart enough) one guy with 15pts. another with 8, then you got maybe 3 players with at least 5 to 6pts.

This kid is a legit 6'7" 230 player, who isn't going to have to learn how to play 2 or the 3 position in college, he has that skill set now, he's going to be playing in the Big East, I say put him at his true position and he'll look like Lebron James on the smaller players.

Also he would cause problems for the taller defenders that would have to come out and check him, because they aren't used to guarding out beyond the 3pt. line, that would keep the lane clear all night long for him and his team easy win.

For him to put up those numbers he has to be highly active all night long he's 17 or 18 yrs. old he can more than do it, yes they are a team, but without him their not even in the tourney this year. I can't really say that, but I think it would be really hard.

Don't forget they beat Warwick this year! The Canes are not Warwick by a long shot, nobody gave them a chance against the Raiders. They won and he lead the way, same thing with this game he has to lead the way. Yes they are a team, but its his team! He's the leader leading his troops into battle tonight!

[VA High Sports]

I understand what MYVOICE1 is saying. Basically your calling for the same concept that all great players embody such as Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant and Air Jordan; the capability to be able to lead ones team despite the caliber of players that make up the squad. Iverson did it by leading the Sixers to the NBA Finals without a great supporting cast but he was able to get the full potential out of everyone of his teamates because they fed off of his intensity and drive. Very good concept, but the only question now is "Do you think that Ratliffe is that type of player? A player with the ability to carry a team in such a tough district?"

[MYVOICE1]

I understand what MYVOICE1 is saying. Basically your calling for the same concept that all great players embody such as Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant and Air Jordan; the capability to be able to lead ones team despite the caliber of players that make up the squad. Iverson did it by leading the Sixers to the NBA Finals without a great supporting cast but he was able to get the full potential out of everyone of his teamates because they fed off of his intensity and drive. Very good concept, but the only question now is "Do you think that Ratliffe is that type of player? A player with the ability to carry a team in such a tough district?" YES! I do! I believe in the kid! I seen him I watched his body movements very carefully on the court, if K-Tan would of let him play the 2 0r 3 positions' on offense not defense but on offense this would be a whole other conversation.

[Oldschook]

Don't lose the concept I'm giving you. He can score 45pts. and lose yes, but he can also score 45pts. have 15rebs. 8asst. 4blks. and win, he has to get his teammates in the game also, ( I believe he's smart enough) one guy with 15pts. another with 8, then you got maybe 3 players with at least 5 to 6pts.

This kid is a legit 6'7" 230 player, who isn't going to have to learn how to play 2 or the 3 position in college, he has that skill set now, he's going to be playing in the Big East, I say put him at his true position and he'll look like Lebron James on the smaller players.

Also he would cause problems for the taller defenders that would have to come out and check him, because they aren't used to guarding out beyond the 3pt. line, that would keep the lane clear all night long for him and his team easy win.

For him to put up those numbers he has to be highly active all night long he's 17 or 18 yrs. old he can more than do it, yes there are a team, but without him their not even in the tourney this year. I can't really say that, but I think it would be really hard.

Don't forget they beat Warwick this year! The Canes are not Warwick by a long shot, nobody give them a chance against the Raiders. They won and he lead the way, same thing with this game he has to lead the way. Yes they are a team, but its his team! He's the leader leading his troops into battle tonight!
I'm not taking nothing away from him. But I seen him on Boo's team (last year) and he was not what you call an Big East player. He will get his points over the smaller kids 2 nite, but remember win or go home!

[MYVOICE1]

I'm not taking nothing away from him. But I seen him on Boo's team (last year) and he was not what you call an Big East player. He will get his points over the smaller kids 2 nite, but remember win or go home! & you know that's right win or go home its the playoffs baby! You know your right in some ways, but I think it was of how he played and what positioned he played while at K-Tan.

See as coaches the first thing is to recognize when a player needs a promotion, don't leave him at his same position if he has proven that he can do other things. That only hurts the coach and the player, 1. Because the coach isn't looking for ways to better his team. 2. The player will have a hard time translating his new position at the next level.

[Oldschook]

& you know that's right win or go home its the playoffs baby!
I'm still going with Warwick!

[MYVOICE1]

Thats going to be a game Thomas Scott had 26pts. to lead all scorers last game and Davis was playing, I don't know, but the crowd will love this game, if they play anything close to what the last two games were!

[cruz21]

YES! I do! I believe in the kid! I seen him I watched his body movements very carefully on the court, if K-Tan would of let him play the 2 0r 3 positions' on offense not defense but on offense this would be a whole other conversation.

You know I understand the point you have made and I totally agree, but just because he is good enough to bring his team out does not mean his team will step up. SO the question is do you think his team mates will step up?

[MYVOICE1]

You know I understand the point you have made and I totally agree, but just because he is good enough to bring his team out does not mean his team will step up. SO the question is do you think his team mates will step up? You know cruz21 that's for them to choose, do they want to play in rd.2 or do they want to go home and play PS2. Its on them! They know he's coming to play, (so I believe) they have to show their appreciation for what might be their last game together. For real they have to honestly know that they have to capture the moment, this is their only chance!

[VA High Sports]

I've heard so much about this young Woodside team and im away at school. Can someone please fill me in on the weapons they have that could possibly qualify them to beat a team such as Warwick, who I thought was the cream of the crop?

[cruz21]

You know cruz21 that's for them to choose, do they want to play in rd.2 or do they want to go home and play PS2. Its on them! They know he's coming to play, (so I believe) they have to show their appreciation for what might be their last game together. For real they have to honestly know that they have to capture the moment, this is their only chance!

At least we both see eye to eye on this situation, because we both agree Ratliffe is great player and is capable of bringing greatness out of his team mates, but his team mates are the ones who will have to show it !

[cruz21]

I've heard so much about this young Woodside team and im away at school. Can someone please fill me in on the weapons they have that could possibly qualify them to beat a team such as Warwick, who I thought was the cream of the crop?

Dadrian Collins (force inside), Thomas Scott (solid game all- around) and Chris Burton (young talent on the rise, stat stuffer)

[MYVOICE1]

I've heard so much about this young Woodside team and im away at school. Can someone please fill me in on the weapons they have that could possibly qualify them to beat a team such as Warwick, who I thought was the cream of the crop? (Woodside)They play very hard! Warwick is very good, they play close contested games, 1 was by 5 the other by 4 I think, and that was because Woodside had to foul at the end of each game because of miscues, their a very young team, but they have talent also!

[woodbigh07-08]

Tuesday’s quarterfinals
No. 8 Phoebus vs. No. 1 Bethel, 3 p.m.
A Phoebus team that is up and coming will not give up in the Bethel game. They are the type of team that just doesn’t give up. Even though Phoebus won’t give up Bethel still wins easily in my opinion.
X-FACTOR- Phoebus Chris Calvin he scored 17 points in the 4th quater on a great defensive Patriot team

No. 5 Kecoughtan vs. No. 4 Heritage, 4:30
Two teams that should both make it to the Eastern Region, but only one will make it who it depends on who wants its more. My opinion is Radcliffe takes over and does not let his team lose.
X-FACTOR- Is defiantly X Lee a great shooter sometimes just watch Radcliffe go to work but if he gets into the Kecoughtan flow watch out for Shymeek Stanfield on Heritage down low
No. 7 Woodside vs. No. 2 Warwick, 6
Woodside a team nobody think will win against the No 2 seat raiders. I can happily say if Warwick don’t show up to play they will lose
X-FACTOR- Thomas Scott I think the most athletic person in the pd a college type body with exponential potential Warwick be careful
No. 6 Hampton vs. No. 3 Denbigh, 7:30
Denbigh vs. Hampton the hardest thing I do is to beat a team 3 times in a row. Even with the revenge factor Hampton has I think Denbigh will come out on top.
X-FACTOR- The Denbigh Patriots are not a great 1 on 1 team so the x factor tonight is the Crabbers to make them shoot off 1 pass. If the Patriots come down and take there time this game will not be close. So I make the x-factor will be the guard play of the Denbigh patriots
Thursday’s semifinals
Kecoughtan vs Bethel
This is a toss for the big men. Is the Bruins Africans as good as Ricardo. The answer is no, but bethel play around the board will win the game for them.
Denbigh vs Warwick
X-FACTOR- Tre Lee a great player that knows when his team needs him and he will step up when his team needs him
Denbigh vs Warwick
After a hard game with Woodside, the raiders now know they cant take anyone for granted. They come in ready to play a Denbigh team that has been hot since the new year. I pick the Raiders to lead early but the Denbigh to come out in the end. Why? The 1 point loss that the Patriots had against Raiders was almost you could say luck. I was at that game The Patriots missed key free throws that they usually don’t miss, I cant see them letting it fall through there hands again .
X-FACTOR- No doubt on my mind the x-factor is Brian Hermann the Patriots will put in his brain that he is a force to be reckon wit and they have to guard him. I see him having a big game. On the other hand you have Mike Davis if he would have not had all his personal issues he would be giving Radcliffe a run for his money in PD player of the year


Friday’s championship
Bethel vs. Denbigh
Surprising enough I think Patriots make it to Championship, but there will be no trophy except runner up in there trophy case. They aren’t deep enough to run with the Bruins. The Patriot bench goes 7 deep not touching a 8th player. This will enable them to keep up with the Bruins 10 to 12 deep team. While Bethel is resting there starters Denbigh will be playing theirs.
X-FACTOR- In order for the patriots to be succesfull their bench has to step up. If anyone gets in to foul trouble who is going to be there to guard and get rebounds over the athletic players of Bethel. The x factor in this game is athleticism out of Brian Hermann there is no one on the Patriots bench that can get up.
Champions
Bethel


WHY DENBIGH IN CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
I think the patriots have games of teams they can beat. They also been on a great streak only losing to Bethel, Warwick, and a heartbreaker to Woodside since the year started, and guess who they play if they pass Hampton, either Woodside or Warwick. It’s all about the revenge factor how bad you want it.

Projected 1st team district tournament
1. Radcliffe
2. Weaver
3. Herrmann
4. Lee(Bethel)
5. Wooten or Johnson(Denbigh)

[MYVOICE1]

Tuesday’s quarterfinals
No. 8 Phoebus vs. No. 1 Bethel, 3 p.m.
A Phoebus team that is up and coming will not give up in the Bethel game. They are the type of team that just doesn’t give up. Even though Phoebus won’t give up Bethel still wins easily in my opinion.
X-FACTOR- Phoebus Chris Calvin he scored 17 points in the 4th quater on a great defensive Patriot team

No. 5 Kecoughtan vs. No. 4 Heritage, 4:30
Two teams that should both make it to the Eastern Region, but only one will make it who it depends on who wants its more. My opinion is Radcliffe takes over and does not let his team lose.
X-FACTOR- Is defiantly X Lee a great shooter sometimes just watch Radcliffe go to work but if he gets into the Kecoughtan flow watch out for Shymeek Stanfield on Heritage down low
No. 7 Woodside vs. No. 2 Warwick, 6
Woodside a team nobody think will win against the No 2 seat raiders. I can happily say if Warwick don’t show up to play they will lose
X-FACTOR- Thomas Scott I think the most athletic person in the pd a college type body with exponential potential Warwick be careful
No. 6 Hampton vs. No. 3 Denbigh, 7:30
Denbigh vs. Hampton the hardest thing I do is to beat a team 3 times in a row. Even with the revenge factor Hampton has I think Denbigh will come out on top.
X-FACTOR- The Denbigh Patriots are not a great 1 on 1 team so the x factor tonight is the Crabbers to make them shoot off 1 pass. If the Patriots come down and take there time this game will not be close. So I make the x-factor will be the guard play of the Denbigh patriots
Thursday’s semifinals
Kecoughtan vs Bethel
This is a toss for the big men. Is the Bruins Africans as good as Ricardo. The answer is no, but bethel play around the board will win the game for them.
Denbigh vs Warwick
X-FACTOR- Tre Lee a great player that knows when his team needs him and he will step up when his team needs him
Denbigh vs Warwick
After a hard game with Woodside, the raiders now know they cant take anyone for granted. They come in ready to play a Denbigh team that has been hot since the new year. I pick the Raiders to lead early but the Denbigh to come out in the end. Why? The 1 point loss that the Patriots had against Raiders was almost you could say luck. I was at that game The Patriots missed key free throws that they usually don’t miss, I cant see them letting it fall through there hands again .
X-FACTOR- No doubt on my mind the x-factor is Brian Hermann the Patriots will put in his brain that he is a force to be reckon wit and they have to guard him. I see him having a big game. On the other hand you have Mike Davis if he would have not had all his personal issues he would be giving Radcliffe a run for his money in PD player of the year


Friday’s championship
Bethel vs. Denbigh
Surprising enough I think Patriots make it to Championship, but there will be no trophy except runner up in there trophy case. They aren’t deep enough to run with the Bruins. The Patriot bench goes 7 deep not touching a 8th player. This will enable them to keep up with the Bruins 10 to 12 deep team. While Bethel is resting there starters Denbigh will be playing theirs.
X-FACTOR- In order for the patriots to be succesfull their bench has to step up. If anyone gets in to foul trouble who is going to be there to guard and get rebounds over the athletic players of Bethel. The x factor in this game is athleticism out of Brian Hermann there is no one on the Patriots bench that can get up.
Champions
Bethel


WHY DENBIGH IN CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
I think the patriots have games of teams they can beat. They also been on a great streak only losing to Bethel, Warwick, and a heartbreaker to Woodside since the year started, and guess who they play if they pass Hampton, either Woodside or Warwick. It’s all about the revenge factor how bad you want it.

Projected 1st team district tournament
1. Radcliffe
2. Weaver
3. Herrmann
4. Lee(Bethel)
5. Wooten or Johnson(Denbigh) If they play Woodside in the 2nd round Denbighs' Coach knows his team is going home for the summer! They don't want no parts of Woodside, they are praying for a Warwick victory tonight! Last game they played, I just can't ride with you on that one! This is going to be a night to remember though.

[MYVOICE1]

Dadrian Collins (force inside), Thomas Scott (solid game all- around) and Chris Burton (young talent on the rise, stat stuffer) They might be a insider don't give up the goods cruz21!

[cruz21]

They might be a insider don't give up the goods cruz21!

Lol sorry i just love all the PD teams and yall have more over at Woodside too, but PERSONALLY I WANT HERITAGE HURRICANES TO WIN IT ON BOTH SIDES!

I JUST LOVE MY SCHOOL GO CANES!

[woodbigh07-08]

They might be a insider don't give up the goods cruz21!

you might be right i think woodside is the team of the future i dont know if denbigh can run with them either but experince is alot I think the patriots will make it because they have experince but there bench don't, and there starters will get tired so were is there bench. Actually I see tanlent when the Patriots warm up they have a couple players that can get up especially odu sign e devon simmons so can another kid but i dont think that they know how to incorparate into there game on the court

[MYVOICE1]

you might be right i think woodside is the team of the future i dont know if denbigh can run with them either but experince is alot I think the patriots will make it because they have experince but there bench don't, and there starters will get tired so were is there bench. Actually I see tanlent when the Patriots warm up they have a couple players that can get up especially odu sign e devon simmons so can another kid but i dont think that they know how to incorparate into there game on the court I'm proud of Denbigh very, I went to Denbigh in the early 90's, but I have to go with Woodside, for other reason, but if they won or got to the finals I would not be mad, I'd be very happy with my old school!:clap2:

[MYVOICE1]

Lol sorry i just love all the PD teams and yall have more over at Woodside too, but PERSONALLY I WANT HERITAGE HURRICANES TO WIN IT ON BOTH SIDES!

I JUST LOVE MY SCHOOL GO CANES! Oh so you saw the game winner Burton did, against those Canes of yours! lol

[woodbigh07-08]

NO CREDIT PATRIOTS
A Patriot team that competed with every team in the PD. I live in the Denbigh area I go to all the Patriots games. A graduated from Warwick High I should go with the my school team but I can’t after the Patriots showed my old school that they can play the Raiders winning off pure luck. I saw the game when Ricardo scored over twenty in the first half, or when Chris Calvin scored 17 in the 4th quarter, and the come back from the Hurricanes all these are games the Patriots won. Down the clutch except for Bethel they find away to win. it’s all about the end of the game. Brian Herrmann you can say is the best perimeter post man in the district but gets what second team. Chris Johnson a junior guard who plays the whole game every game can’t get nothing but honorable mention. What is going on? When you look in the pictures in the newspaper do you see Devon Simmons dunking the ball or Ricardo Radcliffe getting a rebound in a losing effort? This is a team that is 3rd in the PD last time I checked it was the best district in Virginia. I’ve seen the Patriots guards there 2nd team guards could start on most other teams. If the Patriots beat Hampton tonight there has to be some apologizing in the paper.

[cruz21]

Oh so you saw the game winner Burton did, against those Canes of yours! lol

lol I was not in attendance but its ok lol we all in the tourney now

[cruz21]

NO CREDIT PATRIOTS
A Patriot team that competed with every team in the PD. I live in the Denbigh area I go to all the Patriots games. A graduated from Warwick High I should go with the my school team but I can’t after the Patriots showed my old school that they can play the Raiders winning off pure luck. I saw the game when Ricardo scored over twenty in the first half, or when Chris Calvin scored 17 in the 4th quarter, and the come back from the Hurricanes all these are games the Patriots won. Down the clutch except for Bethel they find away to win. it’s all about the end of the game. Brian Herrmann you can say is the best perimeter post man in the district but gets what second team. Chris Johnson a junior guard who plays the whole game every game can’t get nothing but honorable mention. What is going on? When you look in the pictures in the newspaper do you see Devon Simmons dunking the ball or Ricardo Radcliffe getting a rebound in a losing effort? This is a team that is 3rd in the PD last time I checked it was the best district in Virginia. I’ve seen the Patriots guards there 2nd team guards could start on most other teams. If the Patriots beat Hampton tonight there has to be some apologizing in the paper.




I have nothing to say about the Patriots bcause they have already earned their respect! They ar a good team and I've been a fan of Denbigh even b4 my brother graduated from there (2004). So Brian and Chris are good and there supporting cast is good too with much production coming from Spratley also.

[VA High Sports]

Denbigh is a very good team it's just that they have no superstars for journalist to broadcast. It's the same way for Warwick, who is the 2 seed. They never really have any articles in the paper (exception Davis' article) even when they win because when you play in a district with a team where they have a very good two sport star, a athlete whose hops emulate Vince Carter's in high school, a point guard who like superman keeps saving the day, and three six foot eight transfers from Africa everyone else in actuality becomes mere shadows. In addition to their team, there is another team in this tough and rugged district that is suppose to be a "no-show" at every game but has a player that is pound for pound the best player in the district and comes through for them. No one gets any press over here:lol:. I really like Denbigh and all that they offer as a team but I have a firm belief that as hard as will be to stop their key players it will be even harder to stop Warwick's. The only scenario I can see working for Denbigh is if Warwick beats themselves, which they did every game this season except for the first game against Bethel. If they play like that with the addition of Micheal Davis this region (not states because I dont know much about teams out of our region) is wrapped up.