LUMBERTON — Picking the boys field of the Robeson County Shootout is a challenge this year.
While there are some teams that many perceive to be the favorites, all eight teams have a viable shot at winning this year based on the balance in talent. While those words have been uttered about this tournament in the past, those that have followed high school basketball in the county this season know that the champion of this tournament is whoever can survive three rounds of play because there are no easy games. Teams in the past who have struggled are stronger thanks to experience and transfer play, while the usual suspects are starting to come into their own.
After the last couple of months of turmoil and heartbreak, this area has been through in non-sports related events, this event is a shining light and a breath of fresh air to the community. Nothing more can show that Robeson County is tougher than what it has faced this year than to have fans pack the English Jones Center at UNCP to capacity on Saturday to see the area’s best on the hardwood.
Let the games begin.
On the top side of the bracket, Lake View takes on St. Pauls in the opening round, with that matchup paired with South Robeson at Lumberton. The Wild Gators, while sitting at 1-4, have shown they are a tough out after defeating South Robeson by 10 last week, and St. Pauls has yet to figure out consistency. Lake View takes this game and will face Lumberton in the semifinals, after the Pirates shake off a dangerous South Robeson team, that has the capability to do damage in the tournament.
On the bottom side, Keagan Brayboy returns to his old stomping grounds to lead Red Springs against a senior-heavy Purnell Swett team. Despite the loss to Scotland on Friday, the Rams have what it takes to challenge teams in this tournament, including topping the Red Devils to move to the semifinals. Fairmont’s quest to complete a four-peat in the Shootout starts at home against Dillon opening its season. The Golden Tornadoes that played in the second half against East Bladen will have to show up against the Wildcats, and should do so at home as Fairmont finishes this one off to meet up with the Rams on Friday.
In the consolation side, St. Pauls once again falls to South Robeson in Rowland as the Mustangs advance to the fifth-place game. Red Springs at home against Dillon will be a battle, but the Red Devils’ experience this season should benefit it as it moves to the fifth-place game to take on South Robeson on Saturday.
Lumberton has its eyes set on making it back to the championship game for a third straight year and should do so easily at home in the semifinals against Lake View thanks to its depth. Purnell Swett has played well this season, but hasn’t faced a test like playing at Fairmont all year. Because of the Rams’ experienced guards, they end the Golden Tornadoes’ shot at defending the title to set up a rivalry matchup in the championship game.
Saturday should be a fun one starting off with South Robeson and Red Springs for fifth place. The meeting would be the second of the week between these two teams, and the Mustangs should have no problem repeating what happened on Monday. Fairmont has a history of closing strong on Saturday at the Shootout, and playing neighboring Lake View in the third-place game should be no different.
And for the championship game between Lumberton and Purnell Swett, both teams have talented starting lineups with skill and experience. The Rams are new to the stage and have the firepower to hang with the Pirates, but what separates the teams, more importantly, is the depth and defensive toughness Lumberton possesses. Lumberton should get over the top this year with a 74-64 win with Jordan McNeill, Braylan Grice and Kwashek Breeden leading the way.
