Sports
Whitefield Looks to Return to Class A Title Game
The Wolfpack look to make another long run into the playoffs.
Wolfpack Nation will cheer on Whitefield Academy boys once again as they look to contend for another state title.
Whitefield Academy boys won the Region 9-A tournament championship and have a No. 1 seed in the state playoffs. Their first-round match-up is against Wesleyan at home Saturday evening.
Whitefield, 25-3, will play host to the defending Class A champions, Wesleyan, in a rematch of last year's Class A state title game in which they came up short 63-52. The Wolves, 24-4, enter the postseason with a tough region semifinal loss in their region tournament to St. Francis. Game time Saturday is scheduled at 7 p.m.
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Whitefield defeated Paideia on their home-court last week in the region tournament finals to win their third straight region title. "I'm proud of my boys winning the region championship," said head coach Tyrone Johnson. "Miller Grove (Class AAAA) lost their first game of the season in the region championship game, so you can never take any game for granted."
Junior shooting guard, Kenneth Gaines, leads the Wolfpack attack scoring 22. 8 points a game, along with 6.4 rebounds. Senior point guard, Tekele Cotton, conducts the offense averaging 16.5 points and 5.4 assists per contest. Senior power forward, Kennard Backman, dominates the paint for the Wolfpack with averages of 13.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per ball game. With three viable options leading the way for a deep and talented squad, look for Whitefield to make a long run into the tournament.
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The Wolfpack have been virtually unbeatable this season, winning 21 of their last 22 ball games heading into the Class A state tournament. Coach Johnson knows that Saturday's opponent will be a tough opening round match-up, and that his team will be up for the challenge.
"I commend Wesleyan on making a run to the state title last year as a No. 4 seed," said Johnson. "I believe last year's loss has motivated the whole Whitefield community, from the players, coaches, student body and faculty, and believe we are well prepared and hungry to make up for last year's loss."
Coach Johnson looks to lead Whitefield to their second Class A state title (2008-09) in three years.
