Deaf Toros Shut Down Dallas Blasterz to Win Fifth, 71-48

Each year the common theme in the SWBAD region is “we need a team capable of beating Austin.” For the past two seasons Mississippi has came the closest to presenting a challenge to the now five time reigning champs. There had been some chatter all season long that Dallas possessed a potential threat.

The Toros for some reason have come out kind of sluggish. Dallas jumped out to a 12-3 lead. Coach Bobby Loeffler called a quick timeout to regroup. With an obvious size advantage the Deaf Toros pounded the Blasterz around the basket going back and forth with Chris Brass and Joe Estep. Brass couldn’t seem to finish his early opportunities from point blank range but Estep proved to be the go-to guy in this one.

The Blasterz refused to go down as they have in the past and fall to a barrage of three point shots that are disheartening to a lesser foe. Dallas decided to switch to a 3-2 defense with emphasis on the shooters. This strategy left a gaping hole in the middle of the paint which the Toros kindly exploited. Veteran forward Yo Moore carved the middle with precision finding Estep for three easy baskets. Moore relishes the chance to distribute in the paint and made the Blasterz pay for disregarding his ability to facilitate and finished with a team high eight assist. The Toros led 29-20 at the half.

For this game the Toros would ride Estep the entire way. He went on to score 27 and grabbed 14 rebounds along with 5 blocks. Estep was 11-14 from the field and walked away with his first ever tournament MVP in deaf club basketball. Not known to be a scorer but collects what he can when he can. Estep has never been a focal point in the paint for any team during his career. He does bring national championship experience with him from his brief stint with GDIC of Indiana.

The Toros had only two other players in double figures, Brass finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds. He struggled to finish baskets but was always a force in the interior. Luendran Hubbard finally found some success with 10 points. Danny Davidson had 8 to finish the game.

Next up the Toros will travel to Louisville, KY for the USADB National Championship. Looking to avenge last year’s sixth place disappointment the Toros are confident they’ll be able to play with the national elites.

Toros Dismantle East Memphis in the Second Half, 83-49

The Austin Deaf Toros continued their march to a fifth consecutive SWBAD title, with an impromptu 37-9 run to put away East Memphis. For much of the game East Memphis hung around for as long as they possibly could before the Toros put a strangle hold on the game. In the early going the Memphis squad played out of their minds. Led by Cedric Crowder and Jerry Butler, Memphis sprinted to a 15-5 advantage. The Toros would not panic this early in the game and found a spark from swingman William Spencer who gave the Toros a shot in the arm to get things underway. Spencer drove and grabbed rebounds for put back baskets as well as made transition scores to pace the Toros.

The Toros continued to feel their way into the game with Termiea Bowers by slashing the interior of Memphis defense. Bowers gashed the foe by dropping dimes for Chris Brass and Joe Estep in the paint and occasionally finishing off drives himself. With the score being stagnant and the Toros clinging to a slim lead with 11 minutes to go the storm had arrived and the Toros were done toying with East Memphis.

The defense set the tone. Repeated steals and costly error by Memphis coupled with fatigue the Toros took advantage of their opponent’s lack of stamina to run with them for 40 minutes. Brass was also a big help on the defensive end. All game he was in position to take charging calls but for some reason the refs were making blocking calls instead. During the 37-9 run Brass collected four charges. The officiating crew would have no choice but give him credit for positioning himself and taking on all drivers in the hole. Each charge would prove to be a big play for the Toros as they surged to victory.

The score was 46-40 in favor of the Toros when Spencer knocked down a three pointer to ignite the burst. Bowers found Brass for a couple of layups. Joe Estep had awakened from his slumber in this match scoring a couple of put-backs to extend the lead. But the story may have been an unheralded man off the bench, Danny Davidson. In the first half Davidson knocked down a three pointer while being fouled. The potential four point play got the Toros off the ground then but in the second half Davidson’s relentless energy off the bench gave the Toros an extra boost they needed. He collected rebounds, steals, assist and scores. His grunt work earned him his first double-double in points and rebounds as a member of the Toros.

This semi-final win sends the Toros to their fifth straight finals in as many years. Spencer led all scorers and rebounders with 21 and 12 respectively. Bowers had 18 points and 7 assist, Brass 14 points and 10 rebounds, Estep 10 points and 11 rebounds, Davidson finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds for the four times defending champions.

Austin Deaf Toros Skips by Oklahoma 80-62

The new look Deaf Toros opened the 2010 Southwest Basketball Associates for the Deaf regional tournament with a lopsided win against the Oklahoma City Chiefs. Seeking their 5th consecutive title the Toros showed why they have won this event annually. The Toros are playing without their superstar guard, Anton Jackson, due to suspension. Jackson has won three MVP awards for SWBAD during that consecutive tournament winning streak.

In the early going the Toros began as if this would be an uncontested blowout but the Chiefs refuse to lay down. Led by veteran sharp shooter, Edwin Alexander, who promptly showed his shooting range by knocking down four first half long range threes. The Toros got an early jump with repeated fast break baskets by guard Termiea Bowers who was on the receiving end of three easy baskets to open scoring and gave the Toros an early 14-7 lead in the first five minutes. Newcomer, William Spencer added on with a three pointer and two more layup but Alexander would answer each spurt with two consecutive three pointers to tie the game at 17 with 12 minutes to go in the first half.

Cagey veteran Darnell Woods got into the act by simply running off three consecutive threes that pushed the lead to double digits before the half. The Toros begin to look as if they were ready to pull away again as they built the lead to 18 but to only see it cut in half before intermission, 45-36. There were times the Toros looked superior and times they made careless turnovers. Coach Bobby Loeffler said “we need to play better team basketball. Keep it simple and sweet. We should have been blowing them out but we kept killing our momentum with bad plays in between the good ones.”

In the second half the Toros sought to capitalize on their early success while minimizing the careless errors. New Toros Joe Estep, their lone free agent, gave the Toros a presence in the paint that’s been missing on the defensive end. Estep led all rebounders with 15 and blocked a number of shots. He flirted with a near triple double if blocks were an official statistic. Estep also posted 17 points including one three-pointer.

With seven minutes left in the game the Toros built a 15 point margin as Woods headed to the bench 60-45. Within the next three minutes the Chiefs closed the gap to six, 66-60. Woods reentered and the lead was sustained once again as the Toros capped off the game with a 14-2 run.

Woods led the Toros with 19 points and 9 assist, Estep 17 points and 15 rebounds, Bowers 15 points and 7 assist, Spencer 14 points.
Wesley Layton led all scorers with 20, Alexander finished with 19 including five three pointers and Tracy Willis scored 16 for the Chiefs.

Next up for the Toros is a hungry East Memphis squad who are seeking to build on their blowout over New Orleans.

Deaf Toros 4-Peat!

Toros Turn Back Mississippi to Capture 4th Straight SWBAD Championship, 78-70

The boys for Mississippi reached the finals once again facing every possible challenge this weekend. First they fought a testy East Memphis team who refused to go away but prevailed using a 44 point performance by Thurston Williamson, the all time leading scorer in SWAAD/SWBAD history. Then they squeaked past a talented DFW-Texasboyz, 77-74, in a game that went down to the wire. Next up were the Deaf Toros of Austin.

 

Mississippi sought out the services of Williamson and Tilman Sims, long time Arkansas players, coupled with Alex Tyler and Rodrick Brown. Clay Courtland didn’t make the tournament for personal reasons. This team was built with one goal in mind, beat Austin.  For thirty minutes Mississippi gave the fans their money worth in the championship game.

 

The game featured some inconsistency in officiating. Three deaf referees called that game and it was rocky from the start. Anton Jackson was whistled for two quick fouls within the first two minutes of the opening tipoff. He picked up a third foul with 12 minutes left in the first half. The Toros would lose two other starters to foul trouble, Shannon Simon and Yo Moore. Simon had a tough task guarding the much slender built Tyler and Moore had his work cut out for him keeping Williamson in check. Brown struggled to get to the basket as he had done all weekend long and relied heavily on ill advised jump shots.

 

Mississippi jumped out to an early lead forcing the Toros to playing at a slower pace than expected. Using a match up 3-2 zone, a box and one and occasional 2-3 defense, kept the Toros guessing what defenses were being set. Jackson did manage to give the Toros a burst in scoring before being resolved to the bench with foul woes.  He opened the game scoring the Toros first 12 points. Tyler refused to be denied and kept attacking the Toros defense in transition using an array of midrange shooting. Williamson picked his spots nailing long range bombs to keep the Toros on their heels. 

 

Seeking for a spark the Toros inserted Ty Hubbard who calmly knocked down two big three pointers before the half to cut into an 11 points lead. Hubbard was the apparent sleeper for the Toros. He rose to the occasion when it seemed nothing could go right. With Darnell Woods slumping and only managing eight points in the first half Hubbard gave the Toros a much needed shot in the arm. Mississippi took a 39-34 lead into the half.

 

In the second half the Toros came out smoking. Getting three consecutive fast break baskets from Jackson and Termiea Bowers the score was tied 42-42.  After a timeout Mississippi again burst to a seven point lead. While down 49-42 and amid disarray, the champs sought refuge from their bench once again. This time Luendran Hubbard (no relations to Ty) provided the spark. The young point guard brought his speed and ability to make plays in the open floor as well as quick hands on the defensive end. L. Hubbard put new life into the Toros and suddenly the momentum surge had changed. Down two when he entered the game 53-51 Hubbard raced up and down the floor along with Jackson making two steals and a layup as well as three of four free throws. Coupled with his efforts and Jackson’s two layups and a three pointer by Woods, the Toros now led by 10 points at the five minute mark to complete an improbable 17 point turnaround.

 

Mississippi continued to scrap and gnaw at the hem of the Toros. Down the stretch Yo Moore and Ty Hubbard made big baskets to seal the victory. Jackson said “there was no sense of panic on our team. We knew we would overcome the adversity of the refs and fans against us.”  With 1:29 following two free throws Woods and Jackson promptly ran out the clock once realized Mississippi had folded their tent down eight.

 

Jackson, despite the foul trouble led all scorers with 28 on 13-27 shooting. Woods finished with 16 on 6-16 and a horrendous 4-13 from three point range. Ty Hubbard was 5-12 but 3-6 from the three point line finishing with 15 points. Yo Moore had a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds and repeatedly outworked the gangly Mississippi bunch.

 

Tyler was voted MVP of the tournament. He had his work cut out for him filling in as the team’s coach as well as playing major minutes for his squad. Jackson and Brown were first team all tournament while Woods finished second team all tournament also leading the tournament in assist and three pointers made.

 

*** Before the game, SWBAD posthumously recognized former Austin great, John Dabney. His entire family was present at the game for his Hall of Fame Induction. During the players introduction the family stood at mid court while both teams high fived every member of the family. It was an emotional moment for many who had been friends with Dabney through the years.  After the game celebrations continued with the Toros taking pictures with the family and friends. Former teammates of Dabney gathered to show their respect for a friend dearly miss.

Deaf Toros Bull Rushes Tulsa Hawks 88-51

The Austin Deaf Toros took on an eagerly waiting Tulsa Hawks of Oklahoma who were looking to pry open the strangle hold the Deaf Toros have had on SWBAD. The Toros have won three straight since 2006 and as far back as 2004 an Austin team has won SWBAD.  The Toros refuse to let go of its reins.

 

Once again the Toros jumped out to a quick start. Anton Jackson went straight to work early on hitting a layup in the lane to start off the scoring. Tulsa was without their biggest star in Tracy Willis who is now fighting professionally with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Willis poses a massive threat around the basket which was definitely missing from this Tulsa team. Jackson kick started the Toros in the early going.  He had a hand in the Toros first 12 points. During the early stretch he was 3-3 from the three point line tallying 10 points including a four points play.

 

During the next spurt Darnell Woods got into the act. Initially Woods took a back seat as Jackson ran amok of the Hawks. Woods then streaked his way to an eight point burst of his own including a 25ft bank shot to start the run. The Toros built a quick 15 point lead with the Hawks needing a spark to keep them in the ball game but the Toros would continue to deny them.

 

The Hawks made a quick run of their own after the Toros built a 25 point lead with 10 minutes left in the first half. Edwin Alexander led the charge with consecutive three pointers in transition. The Hawks kept chomping at the bit but were no match for the Toros speed and depth. Termiea Bowers and Luendran Hubbard teamed up in the backcourt and pretty much hosted their own track meet. Both guards used their quickness to get easy baskets on fast breaks infusing a spark in the Toros. Between the two point guards they combined 15-19 from the field for the game. The Toros took a 45-26 lead into the half.

 

In the second half the Toros kept the pressure on. Woods became a distributor and repeatedly found Yo Moore and Jackson for a variety of baskets. Moore took advantage of his opportunities finishing 4-8 from the field including a couple of misses at the tin cup. Moore said “I was surprised by the many opportunities I got down there. Most of the time I’m down there to clean up and collect garbage points. The guys were finding me and I made the most of my opportunities.” Moore is the hometown boy playing in familiar surroundings.

 

The Toros placed four players in double figures. Jackson was 12-15 from the field including a perfect 5-5 from the three point line finishing with 29.  Hubbard was 9-10 from the field and 18 points. Bowers 6-9 laying in 13 and 5 assist and Woods finished with 11 points and 9 assist.  For the game the Toros shot 59 percent from the field on 38-64 shooting which included 25 assist.

 

The Toros will have a rematch of last year’s final against Mississippi who presented the Toros with a bit of a challenge last year in Shreveport, La.

Austin Deaf Toros Dismantle Texaz Blasterz, 78-26

In their opening round game the Deaf Toros left no doubt who the number one seed of the 62^nd Annual SWBAD regional tournament. The game started off with the Toros scoring the first 11 points of the contest before the Blasterz called a time out to regroup after the first three minutes of play. Darnell Woods scored 8 of the first 11 points.  Woods capped the early spurt with a three-pointer and prior to that he scored on a three point play and another layup in transition.

 

The Toros used its superior speed to topple the Blasterz of Dallas. Anton Jackson and Termiea Bowers repeatedly found themselves leading fast breaks and finding an open Woods for easy treys from outside. Woods finished the night shooting 5-8 from the arc while leading all scorers with 23 points. Two other Toros scored in double figures, Jackson and Yo Moore posting 10 points apiece.

 

The entire bench was cleared for the first time this season with every player for the Toros scoring at last one basket.  Coach Larry Smith continued to push his squad to maintain and control the tempo. The Toros second unit was led by first year guard, Luendran Hubbard. Also, Ty Hubbard returned to give a spark off the bench. Both the Hubbards showed their mettle and overall speed and quickness in the open floor giving the Toros much needed depth.

 

Tomorrow at 9:15 am the Toros will face a hungry Tulsa team who will try to put up a major fight to reach the finals in the afternoon. The Toros should hold their own and be well rested and ready for the championship match.

Deaf Toros Seek a Four-peat at SWBAD

Once again it’s that time of year. United States Deaf Basketball make their splash with their own version of March Madness.  Regional tournaments are underway or in some cases completed.  Southwest Basketball Association of the Deaf will tipoff its 62nd annual men’s and 16th women’s tournament in Dallas, TX. 

The Deaf Toros are returning as three time defending champions and are favored once again to win for their fourth time in a row.  The Toros have managed to keep their core intact since their first championship. Led by Deaflympian, 6’3 guard/forward Anton Jackson.  Jackson is also a three time MVP of SWBAD. He’s proven year in and year out that he is in a league of his own.  Jackson is expected to lead the Toros in all facets of the game, scoring, rebounding and assist.

Teamed with Jackson you will find veteran point guard Termiea Bowers. Bowers has been a main cog for the Toros since his first year. He’s been a revving engine and has developed a strong game. Each season he has improved and it’s has given the Toros more confidence to compete at the national level.

Wiley veteran Darnell Woods, continues to man the shooting guard position. Woods is the team’s vocal leader and gives the team a lethal second scorer. The veteran guard has gotten in superior shape this year and looks to make a major surge both regionally and nationally.

In the post cagey veterans will solidify the paint with brute strength and determination. Yo  Moore and Shannon Simon will team up to provide the Toros with much needed muscle around the basket. Both have been solid role players over the years for the Toros but will be asked to take on much bigger roles with the absence of RJ Kaufman.

The reserves will feature a couple of young players with plenty to prove. William ‘Ty” Hubbard returns to Austin after being away for the last few years. He will provide depth at both the guard and post positions.  He’s a multi-skilled players who isn’t afraid to mix it  up. Along with Hubbard there will be a second Hubbard, Luendran, no relation. Luendran will give the Toros much needed speed at the guard position. He’s a flat our burner on the floor.

Cary McKeller, a 6’7 big man, will provide support to Moore and Simon in the paint. You can’t teach size and McKeller has plenty of it.  He and veteran Geoff Moore will manage the minutes of the reserve post players.  With help from second year man John McMahon.

Two first year players, Jimmy Solesbee is expected to log in a number of minutes at various positions in the front court to utilize his 6’5 frame and soft shooting touch. Solesbee is a veteran player who spent most of his early playing days with Houston.  To round off the roster is Henry Prince who will provide his support off the bench whenever called on.

The Deaf Toros will be coached by Larry Smith in his fourth season as the head man of this team. Smith is eager to get to the regional and can’t wait for his team to take home their fourth title.

Austin Seize 3rd Place in Orlando at USADB National Tournament

The Austin Deaf Toros took another crack at the annual USADB National Tournament.  After finishing fourth in the last two tournaments the Toros captured their highest finish in club history, third place.  This task was not an easy one as they were tested in every game.  In the first game against a young pesty Denver team the Toros stuggled to ignite a run to put them away.  In fact, Denver led in the early going by as many as eight points.  Battling sloppy play on both ends of the floor the veteran team was able to find whatever means necessary to pull away to their first victory.  The game didn’t end without a little bit of melodrama. Denver overcame a 14 point deficit three times during the final six minutes.  Finally they pulled within two with 35 seconds left.

Using a full court pressure defense Denver caused key turnovers in the Toros backcourt.  During one possession and leading by 4 the Toros faltered on the inbound pass and was picked off and laid in by Rob Sims.  Both teams struggled from the field but when it counted most the Toros converted crucial free throws down the stretch. Veteran Darnell Woods having one of his worse shooting performances connected on 4-6 free throws in the last minute despite going 0-7 from the three point line during the game. The Toroswere led by Anton Jackson and Chris Hamilton with 16 points apiece.  Jackson only 1-6 at the charity stripe. Termiea Bowers turned in 14 points but only 4-9 from the free throw line for the game.

The Toros were happy to get out of the first round.  It was the most competitive first round game they’ve faced in three years of existence.  Next up for Austin was Bridgeport of Connecticut.  Bridgeport cruised to a 14 point win over Arizona Desert-Storm in their first round win.  In the early going th Toros jumped out to an early 9-2 lead only to see it deminish and lose the lead.  Led by Ben Demario and Clement Lovelace, BPT team managed to take a seven point lead at the half, 38-31.

Once again, Jackson led the charge. He scored on fast breaks, slashes, mid range, and three point baskets.  The Toros stormed back in the second half after making a defensive adjustment.  They utilized a 2-3 match up zone that would crowd the middle limiting Demario from getting comfortable at the free throw area.  The Toros finally regained the lead with 12 minutes left in the game and never turned back. Using timely substitutions and fresh bodies the Toros were able to cruise to a much deserved win and moving on to the semi finals for the third consecutive year.

Jackson led all scorers with 26 points and 12 rebounds, Bowers had 16, RJKaufman had 14 and Woods finished with 12.

In the much anticipated third round game against the defending champions, East Zone, the Toros were up to task.  In the opening minutes the Toros jumped out to a quick start 7-2. Before long the DC team started to impose their strength in the paint with Mike Kent who scored at will around the basket.  Austin’s big men were in early foul trouble trying to tussle with Kent.  The Toros used a variety of defenses hoping to hold off and slow down East Zone but to no avail were they able to stop the on slaught of balance scoring.

East Zone begin to work on the perimeters with Luther Weedon, Sekoe White, and David Farias in transition.  The Toros were slow to respond but one match up East Zone had no answer for was Jackson.  Playing as if possessed with a basketball demon, Jackson single handily kept the Toros in the game.  East Zone held a 46-33 margin at the half keeping a lid on all of the Toros scorers, namely Woods.

In the second half theToros kept the score as close as they could in order to make a run down the stretch. Jackson weaved, circled, and pranced through East Zone defense. He tallied easy baskets, put backs, long threes, and hustle points. With remarkable guile and determination he pulled the Toros within five points three times with under four minutes.  Down 10 with 3:50 to go Woods knocked down a three following a three by Farias.  On the next possession Weedon attempted a three with from the right corner. During the attempt he ended up on the floor.  Kaufman was the only Toros in vicinity and a whistle was blown giving Weedon three free shots at the charity stripe. It was Kaufman’s fifth foul and the Toros had no answer from this point on.

It was a valiant effort by the Toros. Jackson scored 38 points and 15 rebounds and 5 steals.  He was supported by Woods with 13 points but only 4-15 shooting. Kaufman chipped in 8 points and Bowers six on 2-10 from the field. 

In the third place game the Toros faced Arizona Desert Fire.  Looking to revenge two consecutive losses at the nationals to AZDF the Toros kept things close and played with a vengence.  Struggling to establish a quicker tempo the Toros remained patient keeping the game close.  As always AZDF seemed to be waiting on the Toros to break down mentally as they have done in the past. Only this time to find a team with more heart and conviction not to be turned away.

Only trailing by one point at the half the Toros and AZDF traded baskets and lead changes numerous times.  Finally at the five minute mark the Toros seized the lead for good with layups by Chris Hamilton, Bowers and three pointers by Jackson and Woods respectively.  This run ignited a lead for 10 unanswered points. To keep the lead the Toros got major contribution from Kaufman who rallied the crew down the stretch with timely short jumpers and rebounds.  He finished with just seven points but each one was critical in the closing moments.

Jackson received much more help in this game offensively. He led all scorers with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Woods ended a weekend long shooting slump scoring 20 points and Bowers turning up with 13.

The Deaf Toros proved to be battle tested and the future of this squad is bright.  With the continued veteran savvy and youth they hope to return to the nationals taking bigger strides.  Needing a couple of more pieces to the puzzle they’re likely to make a jump to the championship game sooner rather than later.

Shall We Dance?

 It’s time to party and let the good times roll. USADB national championship has finally arrived. This year’s tournament is as wide open as ever.  Appropriately so, it’s time to do our homework on the bracket.  According to calculations it will be a memorable one when it’s all said and done.

 Defending champions East Zone returns with a stronger group this year as the number one seed.  Losing Robert Haney, Matt Johnson and Cy Saunders from last year’s team. They simply added firepower with Luther Weedon, Martise Colston, Sekoe White, and John Perry as head coach.  Mike Kent is still dancing with the stars after shocking the dance with a coming out party of the legends last year. If Kent can duplicate his championship game performance of 25 points including 9-10 from the free throw line, look for East Zone to finish strongly once again.

Number two seeded GIDC have their most formidable group and expect to finally get over the hump since adding the return of Haney.  Haney last played for GIDC in 2002 when he was a raw, yet green 19 year old who was learning the trade of the game.  No longer the youngster, he’s poised to help the veteran duo Brian Bippus and Keith Westhoelter capture another championship in the twilight of their careers.  With Eldin Dorn patrolling the paint and the new additions this could be the year of the men in black and white.

Third seeded AZDF has much to prove since finishing as runner-up to East Zone last year.   Not feeling the selection committee’s decision to seed them at number three this could be adding wood to the fire.  AZDF will be sporting two legends, Doc Torres and David Hamilton.   Both have combined for over 2,300 points in USADB history.  Besides that AZDF has added more athleticism to their roster with Akoma Hopwood.  Hamilton, if deemed healthy will manage the team as he always has with his savvy demeanor and floor leadership.  The big test for AZDF will be getting by GIDC in the semi-finals.  Accomplish this and a return to the finals is eminent.

Returning for the third consecutive year the Austin Deaf Toros hope to dig deeper into the tournament. The last two years the Toros have finished fourth, losing to GIDC and AZDF in the semis respectively.  Austin is led by the young Anton Jackson who leads this bunch in scoring and rebounding.  Jackson is accompanied by veterans Chris Hamilton, Termiea Bowers and RJ Kaufman.  The road to claim the crown will need the Toros to complete potential wins against Bridgeport and East Zone.  A bull rush will be needed to in order to make it happen.

Bridgeport the perennial fifth place finisher over the last several years are aiming to get past the second round and continue their flight east on the bracket this year.  Led by their big men in the middle, Chad Biskupiak and Ben Demario, this one two punch is probably the most dangerous combination duo in the paint. They’ve beefed up the front court by adding veteran Nick Lalanne who gives them depth with his versatility. Bridgeport will need their guards to step up to make it deep into the tournament this time around.  Would you call them a sleeper?

After completing somewhat of an upset in the SEAAD regional Carolina is set to make some noise.  After losing Tim Teeters and Randall Bostain to Florida State many thought Carolina was done for. They countered the loss with the addition of Willie Brown. Brown is obviously more nimble as compared to Teeters and it proved to be the case when Carolina walked away with yet another SEAAD crown.  They are led by the spunky guard tandem of Mark Hedrick and Fred Thompson.  In the past this team only fair as well as the two guards could take them.  These Carolinians promise to give a gutsy performance. To reach the finals they’ll have to go through the likes of GIDC or AZDF.  Can they do it?

Slotted in the 7^th and 8^th seeds are St. Louis and Utah respectively. Both these units aren’t star studded by far but will compete whenever they’re on the floor. Utah is known to extend games with their grit and grunt work.  They’re up against a scrappy WSAD –Orange team who will test their mettle in that seed 8 and 9 match-up.   St. Louis will attempt to ride their upset of Denver in MAAD, tough task.

Expect little to no surprises amongst the lower seeded teams. There hasn’t been a lower seed team to win national tournament since Chicago pulled it off in 2002 where they were a 9^th seed and went through the tournament unscathed. Is there a team lurking at the dark end of the party room?  We’ll have to wait and see.

See yall at the dance.  Bring your ‘A’ game and dance shoes. There’s going to be a ‘Soul Train’ line down the bracket going east.  The winner will jig, shimmy, pop-lock, moonwalk, and hip-hop when it’s all over and done with.  Let’s get jiggy with it.