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The difference between these teams of last year and this year, is one player. Her name Lashia Ward. She spear headed Bradley's defense and offense. Ashland has absolutley no athleticism on the team outside of the Freshmen Farris. This is not a slam to the Kittens, it is just the facts. Bradley is a very good coach and will have a good game plan but, but, but, but the truth of the matter is that there is no quickness on Ashland's team (Farrow has some but is too little to really defend) as I stated earlier its Rowan's backyard (it does make a difference) quick guards that defend and Brockman will probably push Connors off the block. With that being said, Connors is hard to handle in this era of girls basketball and she has come a long long ways since last year but it will be her height nothing more. My predicition is that if Ashland plays man, Rowan will take Connors out of the paint, if Connors slags back like against Lewis then Brockman will have 20+. Good luck to both teams. The Pittsburgh Fish has spoken now someone else take the bait.

OK, I'm game Pittsburgh Fish, but just be warned that I skin the fish I catch.

First off, some of your comments just don't make any sense (unless you just made some careless mistakes or didn't explain yourself very well). "Brockman pushing Conner off the block"? Are you saying that Brockman will be guarding Conner in the post - I can only hope so (and if so, an early congrats to Conner for scoring 50 points regardless of who wins). I'm assuming you meant to say Riddle will be pushing Conner off the block. But then again, Conner wasn't pushed off the block in Ashland's first match-up with Rowan when she scored 29 points.

Regarding Ashland's defense, I believe that Bradley knows the strengths and weaknesses of his defense and of Rowan's offense. Bradley knows that Conner can't stray from the paint too much defensively and he will come up with an effective defensive strategy to allow for this. If this means that Rowan gets a few more outside shots off (not their strong point) - so be it. Rowan will not get clear drives to the basket or cuts down the lane (Rowan's offensive strong point).

Why would Brockman score 20+ if Conner stays in the paint? Conner will not be the primary defender of Brockman (of course) and Brockman does not do most of her scoring on the perimeter. Brockman will have problems if she encounters Conner on her drives in the lane (contrary to your comments).

To say that "It is Conner's height and nothing more" is a ridiculous statement. I personally believe that she has some of the best footwork for a center in the region, but that's beside the point. Of course her height makes her a better player, just as Brockman's speed makes her a better player. Take these qualities from either player and you just have marginal players instead of the impact players they are now.

But, I do agree with you that Rowan is much more athletic than Ashland. But I remember some very good Princeton teams that beat a lot of teams much more athletic than themselves. Good game plans have been known to "offset" the strengths of the opposing team.

All this being said - who is the favorite? - no question it is Rowan. Ashland will have to play well to win this game, but it wouldn't entirely surprise me if it goes down to the wire.