February 16, 2011
By David Selig

NORTHWESTERN DISTRICT
(at Skyline High School)No. 1 Millbrook vs. No. 5 James Wood, 6 p.m.

The Pioneers (15-6) have won seven straight district games, but no team has played them tougher in that stretch than James Wood (5-17).

The Colonels stayed within three points in both regular season meetings, falling 65-63 on Jan. 14 and 61-58 on Feb. 1.

And while Millbrook has been the most consistent team in the district all season, the Pioneers have much less to play for now that they're regular season champions and guaranteed a high regional seed. (They also haven't played a game in more than a week.)

Meanwhile, James Wood - which defeated Skyline 73-58 in Friday's play-in game - has experience in this position. After beating the Pioneers in the play-in game last year, the Colonels knocked off top-seeded Handley in the district semifinals.

PLAYER TO WATCH: James Wood guard Chris Skinner got off to a slow shooting start this season after playing football in the fall. But he's been an instant source of offense lately - especially late in games.

If the Colonels are within striking distance heading into the fourth quarter, he could propel them to an upset.