Wednesday, March 14, 2001
Highlands Sweet Sixteen preview
Records: Highlands 22-8, Russellville 22-7.
When: 1 p.m. today.
Where: Rupp Arena, Lexington.
Probable starting lineups: HighlandsF Gino Guidugli, 6-4 Sr. (18.2 points, 6.8 rebounds); C Ross Neltner, 6-7 So. (15.7 points, 9.1 rebounds); G Mylor Rider, 5-8 Sr. (3.6 points, 5 assists); G Craig Forbes, 6-2 Sr. (9.5 points, 3.8 rebounds); G Derrik Moeves, 6-3 Jr. (8.4 points, 4.7 rebounds). RussellvilleF Tyree Todd, 6-1 Jr. (3.7 points); F Nathan Thompson, 6-3 Sr. (15.1 points); F Teco Dickerson, 6-2 Sr. (20.2 points, 5.3 rebounds); G Roland Dickerson, 6-0 Jr. (7.5 points, 2.7 rebounds); G Maurice Hampton, 6-2 Jr. (19.2 points, 4 rebounds).
Notable: Both Highlands and Fourth Region champion Russellville have been state tournament fixtures lately. The Bluebirds are here for the fourth time in five years; the Panthers are here for the third time in four years and made it to the semifinals last year.
Two teams cannot have more contrasting styles.
Russellville presses all over the floor, and led by Teco Dickerson a state track champion who'll play football at Western Kentucky the Panthers play up-tempo. If Highlands is forced into a running game, the Bluebirds could make a quick exit.
Highlandshas to slow Russellville and get the ball to Guidugli and Neltner in halfcourt sets.
Quotable: (Russellville) can really jump and scoot. We have to take care of the ball. - Highlands coach John Messmer.
(Hampton) is about the best overall basketball player in the state. He might be one of the top guards in the state. Teco is our best athlete. Russellville coach Phil Todd.
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