There was even an article recently listing the recent girls teams across the state in every level who had managed a perfect season.

Then, before the Lady Warriors take the floor, we are bombarded at full PA volume, with the same information plus the fact that their current record is 21 and 0, or whatever, plus another winning streak reminder and that they are No. 1 in the state, nationally ranked and have the State Tournament MVP.

Now all of this is fine but it does not help them win a game and may, in fact, add pressure.

These are very young women (all teenagers) and we appear to delight in giving them a heavy load to carry.

The 74-72 Riverdale win in overtime over Memphis Central was the best game I’ve seen this year.

It might be well to remember that Memphis Central had a long bus ride and played in front of a large, 99.9 percent pro-Riverdale crowd.

This is January; the State Tournament is in March.

Riverdale faces a lot of serious problems – Blackman, Siegel and Oakland to name three teams that are heading toward 20+ wins, and there will certainly be more to follow in the Regionals and perhaps beyond.

I intend to inform as best I can but also it might be a good idea to stop blowing the red and gold horn so much and so loudly.

What do you think?

Blackman wins pair from Oakland

The Blackman girls (16-4; 5-1) grabbed a tighter hold on second place in the district with an easier than expected 53-31 over rival Oakland (16-6; (2-4) this past week.

Blackman got off to a fast start and won every quarter.

There are always reasons for victory and defeat and in this one, the Blackman win was likely because of a poor Oakland shooting night caused in part by an aggressive Blackman defense.

The Patriots shot only 11 of 21 from the line and had only nine field goals (two 3s) while Blackman hit nine of 14 free throws and had 22 field goals with no 3s.

Amy Duke had 14 points for the Blaze while Tieri Norris and Kelsey Nowlin had 11 each.

Oakland, reflecting the poor shooting night, had no one in double figures.

Emily Eubank led the way with eight points, Brianne Alexander chipped in seven and Savannah McIntyre had six.

The boys game, a 63-50 Blackman win, began differently as Oakland (5-18; 1-4) jumped to a 16-6 first quarter lead but trailed by one at the half and never led again, as Blackman, (13 – 8; 2-4) won the second half 38-26.

Oakland can’t seem to find anyone to score consistently except the district’s leading scorer Christian Adams.

Sean Carter did his share, tallying 17 points to more than match Adams’13 but no one else was in double digits.

OHS shot only 22 of 38 from the line and had only 13 field goals with two 3’s.

Blackman, 17 of 26 from the line with 22 field goals and two 3’s was led by Cole Robinson with 17 points, Leroy Jefferson with 13 and Alec McMiller had 10.

The rematch is Tuesday at Blackman: Tip off at 6:30 on WGNS Radio, 1450AM, 101.9FM and 100.5FM with Bryan Barrett and Jon Dinkins.

Listen on the internet any where in the world if you want.