As Sam Sees It

Winslow fans may count themselves fortunate, as they will not only get to see the Enchantment Region Wrestling Tournament this weekend, but the basketball tournaments next weekend.

Speaking of the wrestling tournament, I was in error in crediting Athletic Director Don Petranovich with directing the Doc Wright Wrestling Tournament. It was directed by Don Baker, as were the last 12 such tournaments. Baker will also direct the Enchantment Region Tournament this weekend as well. My apologies for the error, Don. You are appreciated.

The Enchantment Region Boys and Girls Basketball Tournaments begin on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at the home court of the higher seeds. Quarterfinal games will be played on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at the home of the higher seeds. The semi-finals, finals and third place games will be held at Winslow on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 9 and 10.

The Winslow girls should finish the regular season in either first or second place and assure themselves of a bye to the semi-finals. Tuba City will probably finish either first or second and assure them of a bye as well. All four teams in each tournament qualifying for the final four will be assured of a berth in the Arizona State 3A Championship Tournament beginning Feb. 13 at Flagstaff. The first two rounds will be played at Northern Arizona University on Feb. 13 and 14. The semi-finals and finals will be played at America West Arena in Phoenix on Feb. 23 and 24.

All four of the semi-finalists in the 2000 girl's tournament were from the our region. The battle for state tournament berths looks even tighter this year. Winslow and Tuba City have the upper hand; but Monument Valley and Ganado may have battles on their hands to survive a major challenge from a much-improved Window Rock Lady Scout team.

The finals in the boys state tournament were Winslow and Tuba City. State Champion Tuba City looks like a good bet to return to the state tournament, but have not yet assured themselves of even a berth in the regional semi-finals. There appears to be a battle for the two byes to the semi-finals between the Warriors, Monument Valley and Window Rock.

The Winslow boys are probably going to have to win at least one game to get to the semi-finals. At this date, it looks likely that the Bulldogs will host a quarterfinal game on Wednesday, Feb. 7.

The Bulldogs will likely face either Ganado, Greyhills or Pinon in elimination game. All three of those teams give some reason for concern. The Ganado Hornets have not played up to their potential thus far this season, but have their share of quality players and were a state tournament entrant last season. The Pinon Eagles have been playing good basketball of late and could present a formidable obstacle for any opponent. Greyhills is usually competitive and capable of defeating anyone in the league on a given night.

Winslow fans can count themselves fortunate to be able to see high school basketball at its best when the four Enchantment Region semi-finalists arrive. This region is usually well represented among the elite of Arizona 3A high school basketball.

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