Ashbrook says it has nothing to lose in fourth try against Jags

Considering the way Forestview’s girls have already dominated Ashbrook three times season, a fourth meeting might seem like a monumental task for the Green Wave.

But there’s a pertinent story Ashbrook coach Juan Smith shared with his girls Tuesday. It’s a story from 1977, when the Ashbrook boys handled Hunter Huss three times during an undefeated regular season. The rivals got together once more that winter — in the state championship game. In a dramatic end to the season, Huss reversed its fortunes and won the game 60-59 to claim the 4A state title and hand Ashbrook its only loss.

The stakes aren’t quite that high in Wednesday's 3A sectional semifinal at Forestview, but the coach’s message is clear: there’s a reason you play the game.

“I told the girls it’s another opportunity,” Smith said. “I told them we don’t have anything to lose.”

The first three meetings weren’t even close, with the Jaguars winning by average of 25.7 points. Forestview won 57-26 at Ashbrook, then 67-48 at home in the other regular-season game. In the conference tournament semifinals, Forestview, on its home court, ran away with a 64-37 decision.

“We just need to go in there and minimize our turnovers and play at our pace instead of the pace they want us to play because of the pressure defense they put on you,” Smith said.

Ashbrook (12-13), the No. 11 seed in the 3A West, advanced with a 58-55 road win at No. 6 seed Franklin on Monday. Brittany Patterson had 27 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Green Wave.

“Brittany put on a show last night,” Smith said. “She did everything that a senior needed to do at this time of the year.”

Forestview (23-2), the No. 3 seed, opened the playoffs with a convincing 60-35 defeat of Enka in which all 13 Jaguars entered the scorebook.

Other local teams at home Wednesday include the Ashbrook boys against R-S Central, the Highland Tech boys against Mitchell and the Lincolnton boys against West Caldwell.

In other area boys games, East Gaston travels to Olympic, Hunter Huss visits Freedom and East Lincoln goes to Lexington. Girls action sees North Lincoln visit Pisgah and Lincolnton hit the road to take on Wilkes Central.

Wednesday's winners advance to Friday’s sectional finals, where regional berths will be on the line.

Phillip Gardner: 704-869-1843; twitter.com/gazettephil