Now that the girls Sectionals are about tip off next week it’s time to talk about how Warren Central’s still got the juice as the the defending Class 4A state champs. They’re going to be a tough to beat because they’ve got crazy confidence rolling into this last week of the regular season. They’re 17-2 with their only losses were to Pike in December and to No.1 Hamilton Southeastern at the beginning of January.
However, going into the tournament I give Dub-C the nod because they’ve been there before and their point guard play is NUTS!!! Shaila Beeler is still holding it down for the Warriors and you know as well as I do that you’ve got to have a floor general with crazy confidence come tourney time.
The IU recruit always has complete control of the floor at all times. Her vision and ability to distribute the ball to her teammates is sick. That’s edge number 1. Then there’s K’Ja Talley’s ability to finish at the rim. The junior was a starter as a sophomore on the state title team so this tournament stuff is no big deal for her. She’s got ridiculous confidence and understands the game better than any underclassman I’ve seen. Edge No.2.
Then there’s the not so secret weapon of Cydni Dodd, the Michigan State recruit, that completely dominates the paint. She’s 6’5″ and is a serious problem for anybody looking for problems. Edge No.3
Not only that they play like they’re supposed to play. The thing that most impresses me about this team is that they share the basketball very well and they listen to their coach. They’ve got superstars all over the floor but it doesn’t matter who’s getting buckets. Whoever’s open gets the rock because the point guard play sets the tone.
Yeah, I know that Hamilton Southeastern is rolling at 17-1 right now and have already beaten them but it’s hard to beat a team twice. When the tournament starts it’s a different season and in my Meek Mill voice, “It’s levels to this.”
Warren Central has already been to the mountain top last year and the mantra “Can’t Fold Won’t Fold” is real on the FAR EAST SIDE. There’s no way I’m betting against them not after what I saw from them in the tournament last year and how good they’re playing right now. In my opinion, they’re still towering over the rest of the field and we haven’t even started yet. Stop me when I stop lyin’!