'Grounded' Eagles Hope To Soar To State Title

A year ago, Eastside High's boys basketball team rose to a No. 1 ranking at the AAA level in the state, racking up 25 wins with a starting five featuring mostly sophomores and juniors. 

That squad fell short against Southside, the eventual Upper State champ, in the third round of the playoffs in 2012. 

Eastside, once again No. 1 in the state, boasting a 22-3 record and a second consecutive Peach Blossom Region Championship, will take on Seneca High School on Friday night in the second round of the Upper State playoffs.

And while the talent level is similar to 2012, Head Coach Tom Chamness believes his squad has learned a painful lesson about playing with consistency, especially in a playoff environment, where a subpar outing can mean the end of a season. 

"There were times last year when it seemed they cruised along and maybe took for granted at times how hard you really have to play to stay on top," Chamness said. "I think we're maybe a little more grounded."

And while seniors like Kyle Van Hoff, Davaris McGowens and Luke Jones are hoping for a championship send-off, it may be junior guard Keil Sherman with the most to gain in the Eagles' 2013 playoff run. Sherman, a smooth perimeter shooter averaging 17 points per game, has already eclipsed 1,000 career points in just three years at Eastside - but a seemingly rattled Sherman tossed up some noticeably forced shots down the stretch in their home loss to Southside a year ago in the playoff game that ended their dream season. 

"That Southside game last year, we played ourselves out of it. Keil in particular tried to do too much at times," Chamness said. "That's when you have to grow and get better - I know he takes that as a challenge. 

"I know he'd love to avenge that loss. I don't know that you ever really get over that. It sticks with you," he added. 

Of course, Sherman won't have to do it on his own. McGowens, averaging 24 points and 10 rebounds per game, was named the AAA State Player of the Year for the second year in a row this week. The Eagles' formidable frontcourt is rounded out by Luke Jones and Wesley Johnson, and Chamness pointed out Van Hoff's leadership in his last playoff run as an Eagle as crucial. 

The Eagles will take on a "scrappy" Seneca High team, as Chamness described them, led by freshman Xzavier Barmore, who has averaged nearly 16 points per game in a season that earned him All-State honors. Seneca's backcourt also boasts junior Marquis Hunter, who represents Seneca's 3-point threat, averaging 15 points per game. 

Seneca beat Woodruff 69-56 on Wednesday to earn the school's first playoff win since 2005. The Bobcats have a 19-5 overall record, having finished second in their region due to a pair of one-point losses in region play. 

Chamness, referencing a sign that is posted in the Eagles' locker room, said the Bobcats have his team's attention. 

"'Respect all, but fear none,'" Chamness quoted the sign.

"We want to respect every opponent, and not let anyone sneak up on us again," Chamness said.  

They can't if they are to reach the most ultimate of goals this year. The Eagles are assured of home court advantage until the Upper State finals at the Bi-Lo Center should they continue their winning ways. Two more wins would put the program's win total in the last two years at a whopping 50 - a nice statistic, but not enough for Chamness. 

"You talk about the elephant in the room - that's the elephant in the room," he said. "The opportunity to be No. 1 for real, not just on paper."

Eastside hosts Seneca at 7 p.m. Friday