I think last night's games proved who the M7 POY should be. Gunner Garrett showed up big time when his team needed him and finished with 33 points. I watched the entire Central-Graham game and Collins was an absolute non-factor; didn't score his first points until the end of the 2nd quarter and was a liability on defense. Horne carried the Warriors with 25 points. Next year will be interesting on the hill when the Hayes kid is added to the mix. The combo of him and Horne might be the best duo we've seen in our area in a few years.
I agree last night probably sealed it for Garrett. Collins still ended up with a double-double. Hayes moving up with Horne then factor in Collins, who led M7 in assists, will be dangerous.
Garrett averaged one more point per game than Collins but Collins led M7 in assists and averaged more rebounds per game. You know, points are all that matters. It could go either way. Like I said Garrett will get it because he's senior.
I know they found a loophole to be able to host the Region D tournament at Gate City instead of the Prior Center at UVA Wise. Because of that, I believe that if Gate City doesn't win the Region D Tournament on its home floor then that is just a total wash.
There is no way they should lose any game on their home floor. Marion is not that good. Marion has been absolutely rolled by Virginia High. They just about were not good enough to beat a bunch of Class 1 Region D teams that couldn't hold a pail of water for the bottom of Class 2 Region D.
If Marion does anything, I expect them to get toasted with butter when they come to Gate City. Say a score of 84-32. It will be bad.
As for the rest of the Region D Tournament....
1) GCvs 4)Marion —- GC ....... we have already spoke of this.
2)Graham vs 3)Central —- Graham. Central isn't that good. They had a fluke win at Gate City last year and they will never ever win at Gate City ever again. They won't make it to Gate City this year to win again after this game.
1)VA High vs 4) RV —- VA High ... Virginia High is the second best team in Region D. They can beat just about anyone... except the Blue Devils. Like Central they had themselves a fluke win in the past region tournament at Gate City. They won't win again. Southwest District just isn't good enough to beat the Mountain 7 for a Region D championship. Ridgeview may put up a fight for a quarter. Thats about it though.
2) Union vs 3) Lebanon —- Union in a squeaker They should probably beat Lebanon by about 1. Lebanon will put up a fight. Union though won't make it past Virginia High once they beat Lebanon.. Just aren't good enough. Just aren't tough enough. Just don't have what it takes. Even if they made it to the Region D finals and faced anyone from that bracket....they wouldn't be good enough to beat Gate City. Not at all. Don't have what it takes. They woudn't have won state when they did if it wasn't for Covid and Richmond City telling their schools they could n't compete. Sometimes you're the bird catching the worm. They caught a big one during Covid.
Region D Semifinals
Gate City vs. Graham at Gate City Gate City 67 Graham 43
Virginia High vs. Union at Gate City Virginia High 75 Union 58
Region D Finals
Gate City vs. Virginia High - Gate City Gate City 82 Virginia High 60
State Quarterfinals
Gate City vs. Martinsville - Gate City Gate City 78 Martinsville 48
Virginia High vs. Floyd County - Floyd County Floyd County 79 Virginia High 73
State Semifinals
Gate City vs. Floyd County - Gate City Gate City 77 Floyd County 46
In the M7, it should be Ethan Collins. He's the better overall player. He finished the last two years above Garrett for POY. Garrett will probably get it because he is a senior, which is wrong. SWD, in my opinion, it comes down between 2 players. Reece from Lebanon and Mozell from Va High. Arguments can be made for each.
According to this site. There are no stand out players in SWVA. At least that's what I read from all the professional critics/college scouts, Oops! I mean members on here. My opinion there are several:
Union-Bostic, a kid that is only a sophomore but plays older. Hard to guard, quick, nice shot. Can defend and can get a shot from anywhere.
Lee-Brynan Pendergraft, Athlete, defends and scores. Has had to do it all for Lee this year.
Gate City- Garrett, he's like 6'6", scores 20 night, getting college attention
Central-Collins, a kid that does do it all, passes, scores, rebounds, and defends. He also just about leads the M7 in all those categories.
Central-Horne, young but really coming on and will command respect. his ppg is only going to go up.
It's the last week of regular season play. Big games in store for the week. Any storylines for the games this week? How does the M7 standings finish? What does the standings look like right now?
Union vs Central tonight. I give Union the edge. It's hard to beat a good team 3 times and Union is a really good team. Central is also out a starter the rest of the year. Should be a tight, and intense game. (It's a super night, but I am talking about the boys teams)
Take in to consideration Collins is 4 inches shorter also but still rebounds the same as the 6'7". Garrett will get the M7 POY because he is the only senior.
Even if you played against teams you never seen or heard of, people would still gripe. Excellent tournament, I think they do a great job with what they have. You are never going to make some people happy. Simple as that.
And central also lost in ot to honaker and beat Union in ot and he has them at 7. Not saying they are better than either of those teams I just feel like they are definitely better than marion
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