ACC women’s basketball, Cannes, high school basketball shine
NC State’s Kayla Jones (25) holds the ACC Regular Season Champion trophy following NC State’s 95-53 victory over Syracuse at Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, North Carolina on Sunday, February 20, 2022.
So, we hear there’s a big basketball game this week? Perhaps a swansong for a certain longtime manager in his last home game?
There’s going to be a lot to read and digest about the showpiece Duke-UNC matchup across all platforms this week, so let’s focus here on what else is happening around the Triangle in sports this week.
Tournament time
With the ACC Men’s Tournament a week away, the ACC Women’s Tournament is fast approaching, with a handful of intriguing stories.
First and foremost is the No. 3 NC State Wolfpack, who will be the tournament seed, a favorite to win, and likely the NCAA Tournament seed when that field is announced later. The Wolfpack capped a historic run to the top last Sunday and hoisted what they hope will be the first of three trophies this season.
Meanwhile, the UNC women have quietly built their own solid resumes and are in prime position for an NCAA berth and a solid ACC seed with a 12-5 record heading into the action. Last weekend. The Heels are 22-2, with their five losses all coming in ACC play.
Duke, meanwhile, could be in trouble, after a recent tough run that puts them 7-10 in ACC play but 16-11 overall. The Blue Devils seem to have done better away from home, so perhaps a neutral venue tournament in Greensboro could be just what the doctor ordered.
Busy week on the ice
The Hurricanes just wrapped up a home game Friday against Columbus and will play four games this week (and five over the next eight days).
The Canes start Sunday night at home against the Edmonton Oilers, who recently revived after a coaching change, and possess one of the best 1-2 punches in the NHL with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
A quick turn on the road to Detroit on Tuesday and Washington on Thursday is followed by a quick home game Friday against Pittsburgh, which Carolina just faced a week ago with the Metro Division lead on the line. Washington is also in that picture, making this streak difficult for the Canes.
Although technically “next” week, the Canes end that five-game streak at home next Sunday against expansion Seattle Kraken.
High School Championships
The best of the best high school basketball teams will be on display this week as we play through to our Regional Finals and hold the State Finals across all grades.
A handful of early upsets gave way to top teams rising when it mattered most. The Raleigh and Durham area teams continued to shine all week, and there is sure to be some high-tension local competition as the regions play inside their final four.