37-2, Defending State Champs, winners of Asics Challenge and countless other invitationals, the Roman Empire of Kentucky High School Volleyball. Everyone in the country expects another trophy for the Lady Rockets of Assumption.
Henry Clay, however, has a different story. 23-16, 4th best in Region 11 Regular Season. Escaped the Regional Final in 5 sets vs Tates Creek after blowing 2-0 lead. Nonetheless, they can easily be called the "giant killer" of Private Schools after stunning Mercy last year in the Round of 16.
Two vastly different roads to the State Finals. One team basically gets a reserved seat at State every year while the other has to fight for every win in an improving region. Should things go as planned, Assumption and Henry Clay are scheduled to meet tomorrow in the semifinals of the 2012 State Volleyball Championship.
Time to break it down: On paper this looks like a straightforward fixture for Assumption. They're KY Volleyball royalty and proved that by beating HC 2-0 last year in route to another title. But don't write off the Lady Devils at all. Just look at their schedule so far. They have prepared for this moment. If anyone has the potential to knock off Assumption, it will be Henry Clay. Top to bottom, this team is the best we've seen in awhile. They put up Assumption-like numbers against Russell today in the first round, not giving up more than 12 points in any set in a 3-0 rout.
Prediction: This feels like the perfect time for HC to make the run of a lifetime. I'm calling a 2-1 upset of epic proportions for the Lady Devils tomorrow over Assumption tomorrow. This is the year that HC finally reaches the top of the ladder.
Rest of the tournament: A win over Assumption will consequently lead to a matchup with Mercy or the lower bracket winner in the Final. I'm not sure Mercy will survive. So here we go: HENRY CLAY WILL WIN THE 2012 STATE TITLE. It's a bold call, but I have a feeling the ladies can back it up. This is the year. -Trevor Kennedy, Pulse of the Blue Devils
No comments:
Post a Comment