TRIBE ENDS SEASON AS REGION 3 4A CHAMPS

The Tribe ended the regular season as Region 3 4A Champions! They finished strong winning their last three games, after they were shocked at The Burial Ground by Lancaster 54 to 53. It was Gaffney's second loss to the Bruins this season. They followed up the Lancaster loss with road victories over Clover 70 to 62 and Northwestern 72 to 54. The Tribe then came home for the regular season finale and Senior Day against the rival Spartanburg Vikings. They rolled to their second victory over the Vikings this season 82 to 64. The Indians end the regular season with a 22 and 2 overall record and an 8 and 2 record and Champions of Region 3 4A. It is playoff time and the Tribe opens defense of their State Championship at home in The Burial Ground against Byrnes. Let's look at the first two playoff games.

Byrnes @ Gaffney..... The Rebels come into this 1st round playoff game with a 7 and 12 record and the Number 5 Seed out of Region 2 4A. The Tribe blew out the Rebels twice back in December by 37 and 18. It is a huge accomplishment for the Rebels to make the playoffs, as they won only one game last season. The Indians will be without key reserve Willy Smith, as he sits out a two game suspension for being ejected in the season finale against Spartanburg. Should the Indians win this game, it would be the upset of all upsets if they didn't, they will play the winner of J.L. Mann @ Westside on Saturday night at The Burial Ground.

My View From The Stands..... There is probably 8 to 10 teams that are legitimate threats to win the State Championship in 4A this season. The list is led by Gaffney and Irmo in the Upstate and Wando and Lexington in the Lowerstate. It is going to be a very tough and exciting 4A playoffs this season. Whomever wins the State Championship will have to earn it. Starting with the 2nd round through the finals there will be some monster match-ups. I still see Gaffney as the team to beat. The two keys for Gaffney to defend their Title will be (1) their mental approach and focus on each opponent. (2) Free throw shooting. If Gaffney plays the way they are capable I don't see anyone beating them.

TRIBE FACTS..... The Gaffney Lady Indians won their 1st round playoff game with Laurens on Tuesday night 46 to 31. The Lady Indians came into the playoffs as Co-Champions of Region 3 4A and the Number 2 seed out of Region 3. They Travel to play Greenwood on Friday night.

I will have another Tribe Blitz on Monday to recap this weeks playoff games and to look ahead to the next round.

Until Next Time.

GO INDIANS!!!!!