Elimination Tuesday is what they should call tomorrow as the states best hit the hardwood in their quest for gold in Murfreesboro.
Here are 10 games featuring excellent match-ups where someone gets left at home and someone moves on to the region final.
Grace Baptist vs. South Pittsburg
Region 3A boasts one of the top Class A match-ups in the state. Grace Baptist easily dispatched of Signal Mountain in the region opener and now faces an athletic test in South Pittsburg. Brandon Herman (Grace Baptist) is the top dawg for Grace and the Mr. Basketball finalist will face some tough backcourt competition from Terrell Robinson (South Pittsburg) and Malcolm Jones (South Pittsburg).
Brainerd vs. Howard
Brainerd shocked the Chattanooga area knocking off the top seed McMinn Central and setting up another meeting with chief rival Howard. The Panthers are salivating at another shot at Howard and will come into this meeting on a huge confidence high. Howard easily defeated Polk County in the region opener and has their eyes set on a region final.
Creek Wood vs. Marshall County
The Red Hawks of Creek Wood have put together a remarkable season and now face one of the state's top Class AA teams in an elimination clash. Look for The Wood to go to their inside advantage with Vincent Dotson (Creek Wood), Aaron Hydeman (Creek Wood) and Woody Corell (Creek Wood) hopefully able to contain the Tigers inside. Marshall County will counter with a bevy of guards led by junior sensation Kedren Johnson (Marshall County).
Bearden vs. Knoxville Central
The two regular season champs tangle in this elimination contest in Knoxville. Bearden got the best of Central during the Super 16 Christmas Tourney after the Bobcats led by double digits early in the game. The Bulldogs seemingly have a new player step up in every game and will need the contributions of everyone on the roster in this contest. This game will feature a great backcourt match-up with Dre Mathieu (Knoxville Central) going up against any one of four talented Bearden guards including Rico White (Bearden), Ty Greene (Bearden), Dion Fair (Bearden) and Jaeland Lawson (Bearden).
Oakland vs. Columbia Central
Jamal Hughes (Oakland) has been the guy for Oakland this season and the Patriots will strap to their workhorse for another game with very high season altering implications. Columbia Central comes into this contest with a talented and athletic group led by senior wing Dominique Parks (Columbia Central) and senior guard James English (Columbia Central). One of the better elimination games in Middle Tennessee.
Siegel vs. Lawrence County
The Wildcats may be the best team that no one in the state knows. They feature a balanced line-up of shooters and scorers led by Trent Garland (Lawrence County), Kyle Brink (Lawrence County) and Jake Richardson (Lawrence County). Siegel has done wonders to get to this position after losing their top two players early in the season. The return of Kerry Hammonds (Siegel) should help the Stars morale as they will look to junior riser Cedric Williams (Siegel) to dominate on the interior.
Dyer County vs. Cordova
The Choctaws head into this one with a roster full of depth riding the broad shoulders of talented sophomore guard Fred Yarbrough (Dyer County), who busted out with 26 points in the region opening win over Bolton. Cordova also possesses a good deal of balance and will have a match-up nightmare with senior wing/post A.J. Cunningham (Cordova).
Melrose vs. Southwind
Nick Mason (Southwind) provides the senior leadership that has carried the Jaguars to this point in the season. Youth and depth define this Southwind squad but their talent is not at all in question as they tangle with the Golden Wildcats. Melrose is playing its best ball after their late season stumble and this one should be a great one with the elimination factor on the line.
Ridgeway vs. White Station
It's so hard to believe this is an elimination game and one of these teams will not be heading to a spot in the ‘boro. A fantastic guard tangle highlights this contest with the present Joe Jackson (White Station) going against the future Cameron Golden (Ridgeway). The Roadrunners will need a big effort from Tarik Black (Ridgeway) as his presence could be the difference in this contest
