2012 has just begun and already we're talking about it being almost a quarter over. Like my favorite show, "Game of Thrones" states, "Winter is coming." How to deal with that? Think Spring. With the end of college basketball usually signifies the break in winters deep grasp and that also means tournament time.
Come on, is there really anything better than March Madness? As the halfway point of the WVIAC season is here, or was anyway's, it's time to check out who should start thinking about shining up their dancing shoes.
Now, because its next to impossible to predict who will win the WVIAC Tournament to get an automatic spot in the D-II tournament, I'm going to give percentages on the teams from our area to tangle with the current conference leaders.
MENS HOOPS
Challengers:
For the second year in a row, everyone's chasing West Liberty. You know, the team that went all the way to the NCAA Division II CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. While they aren't the same team they were last year, they are the front-runners for the conference title.
As of today, Alderson-Broaddus is the only team from our area I believe can truly challenge the Hilltoppers for the league crown. Nate Barnes is playing out of his mind basketball right now, and the supporting staff is as good as any in the conference. Chances: 70%
Teams that could surprise:
Fairmont State - I still don't think there's a better guard combo than Steve Custis and Issac Thornton. Custis leads the league in scoring and Thornton plays both inside and out better than most in the league. But preseason distractions and a lack of team unity have hintered the Falcons success, as they have struggled in league play thus far. Chances: 30%
West Virginia Wesleyan - The Bobcats are my second-half surge pick of the lot. They have the talent, but I think its the coaching advantage that will get them back into the thick of the conference race. Jim Boone is using defense to make the Bobcats win games, and while it takes time to get everyone on board, they're making some solid progress. Chances: 25%
Women's Hoops
Challengers:
Well, who's not a challenger? With four of our five teams sitting at third-sixth in the conference, at this point, a moss covered rock's guess is as good as mine. I'm feeling a bit crazy, let's take a stab at it.
Glenville State - Bunky Harkleroad's Pioneers stumbled out of the gate a little bit, but I believe the tough scheduling will help this team win the tough games that lie in front of them. Remember, this is the team that lead the nation in scoring last season, and plenty of these women know how to score. Chances: 80%
Fairmont State - The Falcons are still young and probably a year away, but you should never count out Kaitlyn Snyders scoring ability. She leads the league in points per game, and if a couple of the younger women can step up and compliment her better, this team can beat anyone. Chances: 60%
West Virginia Wesleyan - The Bobcats have Lydia Bridenbaugh and Jamie Kaufman and they are scores with a solid support staff. If this team can figure out how to finish better, they'll be as good as anyone. Chances: 40%
Teams that could surprise:
Davis & Elkins - The Senators are already a great surprise thus far this season, but I question just how long they can continue to play at a high level. This is a new situation for a team that's been at the bottom for so long, so I ask, how well will they handle success? Chances: 20%
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