A plethora of area boys basketball teams will play for regional championships on Saturday in the northern half of the state.
Outside the Huddle is previewing every local matchup. Remember, regionals is now just one game, with semistate being two.
TRITON REGIONAL: TRITON VS. LAKEWOOD PARK CHRISTIAN, 1 P.M.
HOW DOES TRITON WIN?
Shut down Avery McFarlane. Lakewood Park Christian’s lone double-digit scorer is McFarlane, who averages a double-double at 18.8 points and 12 rebounds per game. He thrives close to the basket and will touch the ball on every possession. His 77 made free throws are more than anyone else on the team has attempted on the season. Triton’s defense is phenomenal, allowing just 33 points per game. Senior Davi Freitas is an outside threat for Lakewood Park, but its hopes are firmly on the shoulders of McFarlane. If Triton neutralizes him, it should breeze to a win.
HOW DOES LAKEWOOD PARK CHRISTIAN?
Keep the game low scoring. In wins against Bethany Christian and Canterbury in sectional play, Lakewood Park was able to keep both games in the 30s. With Triton so good defensively and the Panthers lacking in terms of proven scoring depth, the magic number feels like 50. That is, if Lakewood Park allows Triton to eclipse the 50-point mark on the scoreboard, the Panthers’ chances are likely shot.
This will be a tremendous challenge for Coach Tim Voss’s team. But if Lakewood Park can play aggressive defense and Triton has an off game shooting the ball, the Panthers can keep this game in the 30s or 40s and have a chance to pull off an epic upset.
BY THE NUMBERS
Records: Triton 22-4; Lakewood Park Christian 7-16
Last regional title: Triton – 2013; Lakewood Park Christian – never
Last matchup: N/A
OTH PREDICTION
Coming Friday.
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