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Smoky Mountain has bounced the Lady Eagles from championship contention both years in the regionals, mainly because of star Cetera DeGraffenreid, who now wreaks havoc in the ACC for the Tar Heels. With her playing at the next level, the Lady Mustangs were unable to get back to the regionals, leaving East coach Terry Allmon and his ladies some optimism of finally reaching the title game.
“To be honest with you, I would rather see Cetera play on television,” Allmon said in a phone interview Monday. “She was a great player, but that is water under the bridge now.”
Standing in the way Thursday night at Atkins High School is the 24-3 Mitchell Mountaineers. Mitchell plays in the Western Highlands Conference, and features solid play from its point guard and a post player who average 18 and 17 points, respectively. Allmon says they consistently play man defense, and put plenty of pressure on the ball. Ballhandling was a big question mark for the Golden Eagles coming into the season, but guards Candace Fox, Haley, Grimsley, Stacy Hicks and Megan Byerly have developed throughout the season.
“Those girls have come on and really played well for us,” said Allmon.
East (25-4) features star forward Anna Freeman, who can play any position on the floor. Her post presence along with fellow forward Elizabeth Merritt will be key in Thursday’s contest.
On the perimeter lies junior guard Alyssa Cutshaw. Freeman does a good job kicking out when getting doubled down low, and Cutshaw has been deadly in recent games.
Allmon was wondering how the Lady Eagles would respond following its double overtime loss to Salisbury in the CCC tournament, but saw his team put that behind them and get back to a familiar place.
“They responded well last week and I hope they can play the same this week,” he said. To be here three years in a row is just an accomplishment for those girls, and they have really worked hard to get here.”
The two will tangle starting at 8:30 p.m.
In the first game Thursday night, Salisbury (27-1) will battle with East Rutherford (25-4). The Lady Hornets have beaten East two of the last three meetings, and the two very well could encounter each other with a lot more on the line this time around. Another shot at its CCC rival would be just fine with the Lady Eagles, but there is a lot of work to be done before that can happen.
“I think they realize it is just one at a time,” said Allmon. “You can’t get to Salisbury or East Rutherford unless you win Thursday night. I think all they have on their minds is Mitchell County right now.”
Winners of each game will advance to the regional finals on Saturday at 5 p.m., at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum Annex.