Patriots prepare for first round

The North Vermilion Patriots are trying to put the finishing touches on their game plan for their first round opponent Northwest.

The Patriots are the number nine ranked team in 3A and they are taking on the 24th ranked Northwest tonight at North Vermilion’s gym.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight.

Northwest is sporting a 13-12 overall record, but don’t let the record fool you: the Raiders are playing some of their best basketball heading into this first round match-up with the Patriots.

Northwest has won eight of its last 10 games.

“I think it is going to be a battle,” North Vermilion Head Coach Jack LeBlanc said. “Regardless of records, if you make the playoffs, you are a good team.

“They (Northwest) do a real good job at putting pressure on the ball, and they (Northwest) play good sound defense.

Coach LeBlanc went onto say that his Patriots team have been working on their defense, and trying to limit the number of turnovers they commit.

Along with defense and turnovers, the Patriots have been paying a little extra attention to their blocking out and rebounding, in the hopes of reducing Northwest to only one shot per possession, according to LeBlanc.

The Patriots are also playing some of their best basketball as well.

North Vermilion is currently on a five game winning streak, and have only lost three games out of the last 20 they have played.

This trip to the playoffs marks the second straight year the Patriots have made the playoffs, and are looking to make it out of the first round this time around.

The difference this time for the Patriots is that they are playing at home, where they have a perfect record on the season.

“It is always good to play at home,” LeBlanc said. “We have played well there (at home) all season long. We expect a large crowd, and any time you can play in front of the home crowd, it always helps your team.”

Coach LeBlanc also mentioned that his Patriots team is about as healthy as they could be, given the time of the year.

“The guys are just ready to play,” LeBlanc said. “We played a tough schedule just to prepare us for the playoffs. We don’t want to be a team that is only good at beating district teams. We want to make a run in the playoffs, and reach our ultimate
goal.”

The Patriots get their first chance to make a run tonight at 7 p.m. at the North Vermilion gym.

Andy Bullard
Sports Editor