Upon Further Review

OK, here’s why I like Wilson Memorial’s chances in the Region B tournament. And yes, I’m well aware defending Group A Strasburg calls Region B. But here’s why I like the Green Hornets.

They play tough, what’s not to like about that?

They’re so much more than just Kala Guy. Though, Guy is the grease that keeps those wheels turning, you always expect the likes of Taijha Jones, Noel Bartley and the others to get in the mix.

They’re coached by fiery former volleyball player who, and here’s what I really like, puts the pressure and responsibility on the kids to play as good as they know they’re capable of. And, trust us, the Green Hornets are very capable. Heck, they swept Group AA Stuarts Draft and always, one way or another, have pulled out at least one win in their two meetings each year.

I also like since the title-clinching win over Luray, they’ve chucked those Game 2 blues out the window.

But here’s what I don’t like. I cannot, in any way shape of form, bring myself to enjoy the fact that the Hornets can jump out to a 17-5 lead in the third game and not get the job done.

I mean, come on, this is a team that is leaps and bounds better than Page (we’re just being honest here) and has a chance to go home with a three-game sweep over the Panthers. But they let Page crawl back in, pick up the 25-23 win then sit back and watch Page pick up a 25-19 victory in Game 4 to force a completely unnecessary Game 5.

Fix this. Fix this now.

Sooner or later the Hornets, in their last chance with the current crop of talent to make a move toward a state title whilst in Group A, will have to meet with Strasburg and, in the first round of Region B, will meet with the Bull Run’s usually-tough No. 2 team. Don’t just worry about fixing Game 2, you’ve already done that. Worry about fixing it for the match. Score the sweeps and go home early while you can, ladies. Come Region B time, they’re all going to five (for the most part) and you’ll want to be fresh for that.

And another thing: Good on the Bison for avoiding what everybody was expecting Monday night — a loss to Stonewall Jackson. To go out there and hand the Generals a loss shows heart. Character and a will to win.

My question: Where was that all year?

Since nobody wanted to win the Southern Valley District, no automatic Region III bids have been handed out yet. OK, that makes sense. But, I have to ask, in a five-team district where you take the No. 5 team (this year, R.E. Lee won the prize) and throw them out of the tournament, how is handing out three regional bids among four teams left considered exciting?

With the three-way tie between Stuarts Draft, Waynesboro and Fort Defiance and no berths handed out, just think about how cool it would have been for all five teams batting it out in a tournament for those three slots? Man, I couldn’t imagine.

But now, this is the Southern Valley DoesStink, where excitement and smart moves are foreign and the second someone mentions “realignment” everybody immediately starts thinking, “Oh, we can finally bring back the old Valley.“ What did you expect from these wonks? Fun? Yeah, whatever.

Get. A. Clue.

So instead we’re left with a first night of tourney action tonight where . . . wait for it . . . wait for it . . . wait for it . . . nothing, that’s right, nothing will be decided. Lose tonight and you’re still alive for the final Region III slot that you can win in a “consolation” (a polite way to say, “Loser”) game.

Fix this too.

But hey, none of this is the players’ faults, and, if I’m one of those players, do you really want to be playing Waynesboro at this point of the season? Seriously, remember last year when this team was in the toilet and won the “You Can Spend The Tournament At Home Because Our ADs Can’t Do Anything Right” prize (you know, like Lee won this year) and didn’t make the DoesStink “tournament.“

Now, this year, all they did was become one of the hottest teams in the area down the stretch, benefited from hiccups by Stuarts Draft and Fort Defiance, beat both teams in the second go around through DoesStink play and earn themselves a share of the title.

Rachel Binda, your table is oh so ready.

Hey look, I just think Kala Guy bashed another kill into the Eastern Mennonite University floor. Is EMU going to send this girl a bill when she graduates for all the damage she’s done to that hardwood?

Just asking.