The fact that the Chapel Hill High girls’ basketball team is the final local team remaining in the state playoffs is predictable, but their path to the regional semifinals hasn’t been.
On Friday night when Chapel Hill plays Eastern Wayne, it will be the Tigers’ fourth game in six days. Coach Sherry Norris says the weather has wreaked havoc with the state tournament schedule.
“I had hopes that maybe they (the North Carolina High School Athletic Association) would just back the Eastern Regionals up and let us have the first three rounds this week, and then play the regionals the same week as the state championship.” said Norris, who led the Tigers to the 3-A state championship last year. “But I understand when you’re under contract and you have those types of commitments with the facilities that they’re in.”
Regardless, Chapel Hill has made the final 8 of the 3-A state tournament for the fourth consecutive year. The Tigers are led by Raziyah Farrington, who has surpassed 1,000 points for her career and committed to Western Carolina.
On Wednesday against Corinth-Holders, it was Jessica Wall who led the Tigers with 18 points in an 80-48 victory. Autumn West added 16.
However, in order for Chapel Hill to claim its third straight berth in the 3-A state championship game, they will have to win five games in seven days. Norris says it’s a familiar obstacle.
“Last year when we went down to the regionals (also in Fayetteville), we couldn’t travel until later that day (on the day of the regional finals),” said Norris. “We didn’t notify them (the NCHSAA) the night before. We got there, and we were rushed that day at the game.”
Chapel Hill will face Eastern Wayne Friday night at the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville at 7 o’clock. The winner plays for the 3-A Eastern Regional championship on Saturday night.
