[Stardust]

EC defintely has the advantage at home. Prior to the All 'A', I would have given this game to EC purely because of homecourt advantage since both of these two teams are tow of the States best. But if EC had trouble with the 2-2-1 trapping press of Shelby Valley, then they will have the same kind of problems with Mason County.

I won't predict a winner, but I do feel that EC will have to find an answer for the press of MC.

I understand that EC like to press themselves to create easy buckets from defense. Mason Co. is a tough team to press. Their gurads, Middleton and Setty are 6-5 & 6-7, huge for guards. They are both tremendous ball handlers, and can dribble through a press and see over anyone guarding them.

What I think EC can do is shoot the 3 against MC. Once EC gets the ball past 1/2 court, MC has been suspect at best in their permiter defense. If you want to beat MC from the outside, dribble penetrate and kick-out. Easier said than done when you have such length guarding you.

I'm a 10th region fan, so my loyalties favor MC, but I became a fan of EC's style while watching them last year at Rupp. This will be a different MC team than the one that EC faced last year. MC does not count on Miller as the do all guy. though you don't magically replace a Mr. Basketball from your team, Mason Co. may acutally be a better "team" than last year.

This should be a fun match-up to witness. Good luck to both.