Are they surprised?
Heck yeah.
Are they impressed with themselves?
Heck no.
The NFA Wildcats have kept their heads about them through this wonderful ride of a season thus far. They've won 22 straight games, they also realize they truly haven't won anything too big- yet.
The Wildcats have won the ECC Large Division regular season crown, Friday they try to take the ECC tournament championship which won't be an easy task. On the opposing side will be New London, on their home floor, and the two teams are playing for the second time in two weeks. A little revenge factor comes to mind after the Wildcats beat the Whalers on their home floor to close out the season.
NFA continues to be powered by the tandem of R.J. Evans and Garvin McAlister, the two scored 27 and 17 points respectively in the semifinals, but they're also starting to get a few more points inside. Kyle Onate contributed 13 in the semifinals and Kevin Donovan was one of the few players who impressed coach Neal Curland with his play.
Mike Mailhot's 3-point shooting has cooled off a bit and that might be a concern going into the state tournament as they need the shooting guard to do just that- shoot. Curland was also a bit concerned by his team's defensive effort or what he perceived to be a lack of effort as the Wildcats let St. Bernard back into the game, briefly, in the second quarter.
The Whalers can give the Wildcats trouble especially with six-foot-eight Allan Chaney in the lineup and a lot of quickness in the back court. Where the Whalers look to be most vulnerable is in the experience department.
The Eastern Connecticut Conference final is set for 7 p.m. tomorrow night in New London- we'll see you there.