Unexpected storyline adds to intrigue of Upson-Lee and St. Pius X in championship

By Michael A. Lough

The Sports Report

centralgasports@gmail.com
 

Class 4A Boys

Upson-Lee (30-0) vs. St. Pius X (28-3)

          The week leading up to the game would have been nice and hype-filled anyway, what with the two teams from last year’s championship back for a rematch.

          But the arrest last Saturday night, a day after the semifinals, of three Upson-Lee players, including starter JaCorey Smith, added to the already-high analysis of the game.

          Smith was the Knight’s fifth start, a glue-type player who averaged about 7 points a game and 3 rebounds, but could go get 15-20 points and double-digit rebounds on a given night against a quality opponent, often picking up when one of the Knights’ perimeter weapons might be off.

          His dismissal shortens an already small rotation for Upson-Lee, which is perfect this season despite playing only about seven players a game.

          The Golden Lions are deeper, and needed that depth to get past Baldwin 66-61 in the semifinal. Eight players scored for St. Pius in that game.

          But it’s doubtful that the Golden Lions will force the pace to wear Upson-Lee down. Going inside to get Travon Walker in foul trouble, however, is likely, although teams haven’t had much success with that.

          All the strategy and analysis aside, the game will come down to the simple stuff, making plays and avoiding mistakes. Both teams have stars, Everett Lane for St. Pius and Tye Fagan for Upson-Lee. Who has the better game is relevant, but neither has to be great to be better.

          But Lane has more of a supporting cast- remember that depth – and Fagan has had a little inconsistency in the postseason.

          Upson-Lee won 53-48 last year, holding off St. Pius down the stretch. Lane had 29 points, 21 on 3-pointers. Fagan had 30 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.

          Walker will need to score more than the 9 points he had last year to go with 16 rebounds. Don’t be surprised if Upson-Lee point guard Zyrice Scott has a big game, but his main role won’t be statistical, it’ll be running things on the floor and maintaining the tempo.

          With a smaller bench, Upson-Lee may be more patient on offense, and Scott is an upper-level point guard.

          The only surprise will be if this doesn’t come down to the final minute. Then let’s see who handles that better.