2010 Regional Quarterfinal Previews
Sarasota Riverview @ Tampa Wharton (Class 6A - Region 2)
Date: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 7:00 PM
Location: Tampa Wharton High School (Get driving directions on right of this page)
Sarasota Riverview Rams
- Record: 15-11(District 6A-7 Runner-Up)
- Key Players: F Kyle Kragel (6-foot-5, 185, Sr.); G Jeremy Jones (5-foot-10, 160, Soph.); F Nemanja Rmus (6-foot-5, 200, Jr.); G Eric Traver (5-foot-10, 150, Soph.)
Tampa Wharton Wildcats
- Record: 26-1 (District 6A-8 Champion)
- Head Coach: Tommy Tonelli
- Rankings: #6 in 6A by Floridahoops.com, #6 in 6A by FSWA/FABC
- Key Players: G Damian Dixon (6-foot-1, Sr); F AJ Astroth (6-foot-5, Jr.); F Xavier Owens (6-foot-4, Jr.); PG C.J. McGill (5-foot-8, Frosh); F Jonathan Torres (6-foot-2, Jr.)
Preview:
- Riverview comes into the game looking to shock one of the best teams in 6A this season. The Rams have had some ups and downs this season due to their youth and varsity level inexperience. They usually go as their backcourt trio of sophomores Eric Traver, Jeremy Jones, and Vince Cherry goes. If the trio takes care of the ball and makes shots like they are capable of, then they are usually always hanging around or winning games. They will also need a steady presence inside from 6'5 senior Kyle Kragel, 6'5 junior Nemo Rmus, and 6'3 sophomore Tyreek Lang on both ends of the floor. Wharton will be led by their only senior starter, 6'1 guard Damian Dixon. They will also look for 5'8 (being generous) freshman point guard CJ McGill to run the show. The lefty McGill has shown maturity beyond his years all season and will be key in the matchup against the young Riverview guards. Inside the Wildcats will lean on juniors, 6'5 AJ Astroth, 6'4 Xavier Owens, and 6'2 Jonathan Torres. The Wildcats are currently on a 24 game winning streak and the records would say this will possibly be a blowout. However, in the playoffs everyone is 0-0 with an equal chance of winning it all. The Rams will need to truly believe that and play as a group to advance to the Regional Semifinals.
Prediction: