FINAL THREE REGULAR SEASON GAMES RECAP AND PLAYOFFS PREVIEW (2012)

The Tribe finished their regular season winning 2 of their last 3 games and clinching the Region 3 4A Championship. They head into the playoffs with an 18 and 5 record overall and 9 and 1 in Region 3. Let's recap the final three regular season games.

Clover @ Gaffney..... The Tribe came into this game knowing all they had to do was win one of their final three games to win the Region 3 4A Championship. The drama was over quickly, as they clinched the Region 3 Championship with a 69 to 51 win over the Clover Blue Eagles. The Tribe improved to 17 and 4 overall and 8 and 0 in Region play. It was also their 11th consecutive victory.

Northwestern @ Gaffney..... Score wise it looked like another impressive performance by the Tribe. Not so fast my friend. It was a flat lackluster performance but, a win is a win and I would rather win ugly than loose pretty. The Tribe just couldn't put the Trojans away until the games final minutes, as they pulled away for a 67 to 49 victory over Northwestern. The Tribe improved to 18 and 4 overall and 9 and 0 in Region 3. It was also their 12th win in a row.

Gaffney @ Spartanburg..... The regular season finale had the Tribe heading on the road to play rival Spartanburg on the Vikings senior night. Hoping for a more inspired and focused performance heading to the playoffs, the Tribe looked even more uninspired and showed a cause of some concern heading to the playoffs. The starters were benched for most of the 3rd quarter with star L.J. Peak not coming back into the game until less than two minutes left in the game. The Tribe could not get any closer than two points in the 4th quarter and saw their 12 game winning streak snapped by the inspiring play of the Spartanburg Vikings, as Gaffney fell 64 to 58. Gaffney's record fell to 18 and 5 overall and 9 and 1 in Region 3.

My View From The Stands..... I like this team but, I am concerned heading to the playoffs. For most of the season they have faced adversity and found ways to win ball games. They found ways to win games even when they didn't have their A-game. The issues from Friday night at Spartanburg looks as though there might be some dissension developing on the team. The maturity of star L.J. Peak has come into question, as has the teams focus and intensity. When they play smart and focused on both ends of the court they can beat anyone in the state. When they don't they can lose to anybody. Just look at the playoff debacle, in the first round, to a bad Byrnes team last basketball season. I think we will have a good idea about this teams chances in the playoffs this season with how their focus and intensity level is against an inferior team in the 1st round. It is going to be interesting and hopefully not another disappointing and egg laying performance by the Indians.

PLAYOFFS PREVIEW

The Tribe opens the playoffs as Region 3 4A Champions with an 18 and 5 overall record. If they can continue to win they will have home court advantage through the first three rounds until the Upper State Championship Game at the Bilo Center. Let's look at Round 1 of the 2012 High School basketball playoffs for the Gaffney Indians.

Round 1 Mauldin @ Gaffney..... The Mauldin Mavericks come into The Burial Ground on Wednesday night February 15th for the 1st round match-up with Gaffney with an 11 and 13 overall record. They are the 5th seed out of seven team Region 2 4A. If the Tribe will focus and play with intensity it should be an easy victory for the Indians. You can't take a win for granted, just think back to the 1st round last season when a BAD Byrnes team came into our house and pulled one of the biggest upsets in state playoffs history. THE TRIBE CAN NOT LET THAT HAPPEN AGAIN! I have confidence that they can right the ship and get it done. I expect L.J. Peak to have a big game and carry the Tribe to the 2nd round on Saturday night.

Round 2 Possible Opponents..... The 19 and 5 Easley Green Wave, the number 2 seed out of Region 1 or the 9 and 12 Byrnes Rebels, the number 3 seed out of Region 2. The Tribe cannot afford to overlook Mauldin or the Easley Brynes winner to a possible game with Number 1 Ranked Irmo in the 3rd round. If they do it will be an early exit. Being a fan I would love to see a Gaffney vs Irmo game in the 3rd round. They played in the Finals of the Upwards Classic in December 2010 which was a double overtime game won by the Indians. It was the best High School basketball game I have ever seen. LET'S FOCUS ON MAULDIN AND TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS THERE AND THEN FOCUS ON THE 2ND ROUND GAME AGAINST THE BYRNES AND EASLEY WINNER.

We will recap the first two playoff games in the next Tribe Blitz on Monday February 20th.

Until Next Time.