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“These girls have worked hard and have come a long way. They deserve this,” he said.
East (26-4) will be making its first ever trip to the finals, while opponent Graham (31-1) will be looking to avenge last year’s 85-62 loss to Smoky Mountain in the state championship. The Red Devils come in as the No. 1 team in the state.
“I have seen them play and they are good,” Allmon said. “They are a lot like Salisbury — very athletic, quick, they run up and down the court. Their pressure defense is what makes them go. We will have our hands full that is for sure.”
Even though Graham has the experience of playing in a state final, head coach Kyle Ward does not think it will be a big factor when it comes down to game time.
“I don’t think it is that much of an advantage,” Ward said. “When you get in a game of this magnitude, there is always going to be some nerves and butterfly’s no matter how many times you have been here.”
Graham features a man defense that at times shows press. Defense creates offense for the Red Devils, who feature double-figure scorers in Beth Miller (11.5 ppg) and Simone Robinson (12.4 ppg).
East counters with Anna Freeman’s sparkling double-double averages of 18 ppg and 10 rebounds per contest. Elizabeth Merritt also scores in double-figures with an 11 ppg average. Freeman is clearly the focus of the opposition, but the emergence of Haley Grimsley along with Cutshaw on the perimeter has been instrumental.
“I think everybody is realizing their roles now, and I think that has made us a better team,” Allmon said.
Ward did not know much about Freeman at the press conference, but is fully aware of her athleticism and ability to take over a game. Though she will be the tallest player on the floor, Ward does not plan on doing anything special to contain her.
“I know she is a great player and has a lot of different qualities,” he said. “We are just going to play our man defense and go with it. I think at this point in the season it would be crazy to change what you have done all season long.”
Guard play will be important for the Golden Eagles to have a chance. Sophomore guard Candace Fox has taken over the point position and is gaining confidence each game. She has gotten plenty of help from Stacy Hicks, who is not afraid to stick her nose in tough places.
Game time is set for noon on Saturday at Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh.
Tickets are now available at the school office for $9. Parking is free at the coliseum.