UNSTOPPABLE FORCE, IMMOVABLE OBJECT: Terra Ceia, Pungo clash for 1st place
By Michael Prunka WASHINGTON DAILY NEWS
BELHAVEN — It’s been one of the most anticipated matchups since basketball season kicked off in early November. Pungo and Terra Ceia started off with high expectations and neither has disappointed.
The Knights, who travel to Belhaven for their first of two regular-season showdowns with the Raiders, opened their campaign with a dozen consecutive wins. Their first blemish was a 65-64 loss at Northside in a game that turned out to be an instant classic.
The Raiders stumbled out of the gate with a 68-62 loss to Faith Christian in their season opener. They bounced back and have since won 12 games and, like Terra Ceia, are perfect in the NCISAA Tarheel Conference.
The winner of Tuesday’s game will claim the top spot in the conference standings.
Both squads boast efficient and deadly offenses. The Knights have a flashy style that is only possible due to the team chemistry. The team has been together for years and it’s apparent in the way the Knights can connect on seamless no-look, Globetrotter-esque passes.
Terra Ceia has averaged just over 76 points a game while Pungo is scoring a shade above 70 points a game. The Raiders get it done however they can. They’re effective in the half court by wearing down the defense to create chances, but also thrive in a fast-pace transition game.
Pungo’s climb to the top of the league will be fueled by its defense. The Raiders can comfortably alternate between 1-3-1 and 2-3 zone schemes, as well as a strong man-to-man defense. Terra Ceia’s run-and-gun style will be hard to slow down, but once the Raiders settle into an effective defensive strategy, the Knights may find it hard to score at their normal pace.
Pungo’s biggest advantage is its depth. The Raiders have 13 ready to suit up for Tuesday’s first-place bout. Terra Ceia only has eight players listed on its roster. Both have bench scoring, but the fatigue alone may give an edge to the hosting Raiders.
On the other hand, Pungo is relatively untested compared to Terra Ceia. The Knights spent their Christmas taking on some top clubs in the area. They competed in the Greenfield Christmas Tournament, losing to the hosts, North Raleigh Christian Academy and Harrells Christian Academy. Even though they came up short, the Knights have challenged themselves in a way that Pungo hasn’t yet.
Tip off is set for 7 p.m. at Pungo.
By Michael Prunka WASHINGTON DAILY NEWS
BELHAVEN — It’s been one of the most anticipated matchups since basketball season kicked off in early November. Pungo and Terra Ceia started off with high expectations and neither has disappointed.
The Knights, who travel to Belhaven for their first of two regular-season showdowns with the Raiders, opened their campaign with a dozen consecutive wins. Their first blemish was a 65-64 loss at Northside in a game that turned out to be an instant classic.
The Raiders stumbled out of the gate with a 68-62 loss to Faith Christian in their season opener. They bounced back and have since won 12 games and, like Terra Ceia, are perfect in the NCISAA Tarheel Conference.
The winner of Tuesday’s game will claim the top spot in the conference standings.
Both squads boast efficient and deadly offenses. The Knights have a flashy style that is only possible due to the team chemistry. The team has been together for years and it’s apparent in the way the Knights can connect on seamless no-look, Globetrotter-esque passes.
Terra Ceia has averaged just over 76 points a game while Pungo is scoring a shade above 70 points a game. The Raiders get it done however they can. They’re effective in the half court by wearing down the defense to create chances, but also thrive in a fast-pace transition game.
Pungo’s climb to the top of the league will be fueled by its defense. The Raiders can comfortably alternate between 1-3-1 and 2-3 zone schemes, as well as a strong man-to-man defense. Terra Ceia’s run-and-gun style will be hard to slow down, but once the Raiders settle into an effective defensive strategy, the Knights may find it hard to score at their normal pace.
Pungo’s biggest advantage is its depth. The Raiders have 13 ready to suit up for Tuesday’s first-place bout. Terra Ceia only has eight players listed on its roster. Both have bench scoring, but the fatigue alone may give an edge to the hosting Raiders.
On the other hand, Pungo is relatively untested compared to Terra Ceia. The Knights spent their Christmas taking on some top clubs in the area. They competed in the Greenfield Christmas Tournament, losing to the hosts, North Raleigh Christian Academy and Harrells Christian Academy. Even though they came up short, the Knights have challenged themselves in a way that Pungo hasn’t yet.
Tip off is set for 7 p.m. at Pungo.
