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That is what East Davidson junior’s Alyssa Cutshaw and Anna Freeman will get to do this Saturday afternoon in Raleigh, when the Golden Eagles play Graham for the 2-A NCHSAA state title.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet that we are actually going to go,” Cutshaw said.
The two have virtually known each other since birth, with their dad’s Billy Freeman and Avery Cutshaw coaching football together at Thomasville. They have played basketball together for a long time, and could probably tell someone anything they want to know about the other one. Whether after a game or out in public, the two are inseparable, usually found together doing what teenage girls do — having a good time.
With their exceptional play on the hardwood, the two have helped the rest of the school have a good time with the first ever appearance in a state championship basketball game for the girls. Since the school has not seen a state championship of any kind since the baseball team won it in 1999, basketball fever has quickly caught on with just about everyone.
“People that don’t normally get into basketball are talking about it,” Freeman said.
East is going to have its hands full against the Red Devils, who appeared in the championship a year ago. With a smothering man-to-man defense, Graham will get after it and try to force turnovers. That suits the two just fine, having had plenty of experience playing against rival Salisbury in the CCC. Even if the Red Devils were to switch it up to a zone defense, East is prepared for whatever may be thrown at them.
Graham has a slight advantage having been here before in 2007, but East has plenty of playoff experience themselves.
Just getting to the finals has not been easy the past few seasons for the Eagles. East has lost to Smoky Mountain the previous two campaigns in the regionals, but changed all of that this year to break the spell.
Reaching the ultimate game is an achievement in itself, but there is plenty of work still to be done. Nothing is a guarantee and the game will not be handed to them by any means, but it is hard for the two not to be thinking about what it will be like to hoist the trophy and have the medals placed around their necks.
“It is going to be amazing — I can’t even imagine how it is going to feel,” Cutshaw said.
“It is something we have been working for forever, and the past few years have ended sadly for us. It is hard to imagine a season ending happy,” added Freeman.
Getting to play in the championship game at Reynolds Coliseum is extra special for Freeman, who just happens to be an avid NC State fan. On the other hand, she would have been fine playing it at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill as well.
“I’ll play it anywhere — they could put us in a high school, but we would just be happy to be there,” she said.
The two have been lucky enough to play under coach Terry Allmon, who just happens to be one of the nicest and respected coaches around. His father-like relationship with the girls has made them better people on and off the court, and undoubtedly the main reason the team is getting this chance.
“In every aspect of life he cares about us more than just as players,” Freeman said.
“He yells when he has to, but he doesn’t get in your face,” Cutshaw added. “If you disappoint him you want to work harder to make things right.”
Coming to practice on Tuesday afternoon had a little different feel for the players. This is uncharted waters for the program, and the excitement of it all can be overwhelming and distracting. Cutshaw and Freeman realize what is at stake, and are doing their best to prepare like they would for any other game.
“You know what you are going to play for all year, but this whole week is just focusing on the biggest game of our lives,” Cutshaw said. “We know how hard and good we can play. We just need to make sure we bring our game.”
Rest assured, these two competitors will bring their ‘A’ game and some at noon on Saturday.