The stage is set for a first-place showdown in middle school boys basketball on Thursday afternoon when Table Rock Middle hosts East Burke.
Both head coaches say it’s just another game on the schedule, but the stakes are even higher this go-around since there is no Foothills Athletic Conference postseason basketball tournament following the regular-season slate, which is scheduled to conclude on Feb. 9.
“This game is big for both teams,” said EBMS coach D.J. Carswell, “but we have to make sure we don’t get caught up in the excitement of ‘what ifs’ whether that be win or lose. We have to take care of business one game at a time.”
Table Rock (7-1 FAC) leads East Burke (8-2, 6-2 FAC) by one game in the league standings, but the Raiders won the first battle 51-36 in Icard. The Falcons played without leading scorer and rebounder B.J. Emmons in that first matchup, and Russell Cuthbertson was hindered by foul trouble.
But TRMS has been balanced this season, with strong play from Austin Fisher, Josh Johnson and Elijah Dale.
“B.J. is a game changer. He is a good athlete,” Carswell added. “With that being said, we have to play the team, not just B.J. We must be fundamentally sound in all areas to win.”
East Burke’s starting five — Austin Hicks, Tyler Hernandez, Brandon Clark, Jonas Bradshaw and Drew Kelly — are a solid group and get help from the services of Christian Parson and Michael Richardson off the bench.
Table Rock boasts one of the loudest gyms in the area when it comes to basketball, as their cheerleaders and student section create a tough playing environment.
“Table Rock Middle has a passion for athletics which includes the faculty, student body and parents,” said Falcons’ head coach Jeff McCarrick. “All give championship quality support.”
The girls will tip off at 4 p.m., while the boys game will start at approximately 5:15 p.m.
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