Wright expects tough game

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March 4, 2010

Les Dixon, Sports Editor The Times-Tribune The Times-Tribune Thu Mar 04, 2010, 09:11 AM EST

CORBIN — Round three between the South Laurel Cardinals and Knox Central Panthers begins today.

Many believe South Laurel (17-12, 12-4) received a good draw, but the Cardinals will have the task of trying to knock off Knox Central (14-12, 9-8) for the third time this season during the 6:30 p.m. contest.

South Laurel won at home during the two team’s first meeting, 91-57, and came away with another win on Jan. 19, 65-54.

Even with the favorable draw, Wright knows you can’t overlook any team.

“You just see who you play and go prepare,” he said. “You’re not here unless you can really play. I don’t look at wins and losses, just potential. They’re a tough team and they are well-coached. They are no freebies this time of year.

“I’m happy with where our team is,” he added. “We are executing the game plan better and really improving in a lot of areas. We’re a little healthier now. We lost a lot of games that we shouldn’t have, healthy or not healthy. But that’s a blessing in disguise.”

Even though the Cardinals sport their worst record they’ve had since 2002, Wright believes his team can make some noise.

“I’m confident in our team’s chances. I’m not stupid though,” he said. “I’m not overconfident. I’m just confident we will come out and play hard. This is what you look forward to.”

Knox Central coach Brian Evans also believes his team has a solid chance to make a run, too.

“I think if we can defend and rebound, we have a great shot to win this,” he said. “I’ve always said that. The draw is what it is. South Laurel has beaten us twice, so it’s going to be a real challenge for us. I think this tournament is wide open. Corbin and Clay have to be the favorites, but some other teams have a chance, too.”

Today’s game will feature two of the top players in the 13th Region in South Laurel’s Matt St. John and Knox Central’s Cody Miller.

Wright said the key for his team is to play solid on the defensive side.

“We’ve got to play team defense,” he said. “Cody Miller is a very good player and there really isn’t anything he can’t do.

“He’s also got a good group of teammates that can play, too,” Wright added. “There is no way we’re going to overlook Knox Central. Many believed they were one of the top teams in the region when the season began and I still believe they are.”

The bad news for the Cardinals is the fact Knox Central is playing its best basketball at the present time.

The return of Johnathon Barger has given the Panthers a spark they desperately needed.

“We didn’t have Johnathon or Tobi (Merida) the last time we played, so we’re hoping they make a difference this time around,” Evans said.

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