AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2007 > February > 12 > Entry
Home where Lions’ heat - er, heart - is
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s old and raggedy, but it’s the perfect place to watch a high school basketball game.
There is nothing like watching a game at Westlake’s Lions’ Den. From the dim lights to the unbearable heat, Westlake has one of the best basketball atmospheres.
Over the last three years, the Lions have been unbeatable at home. A large part of the Lions’ three-year dominance has been that the talent level was far more superior to their opponents. But an underlining factor has been the difficulty that opponents have in playing in the gym.
Shooters have trouble adjusting to the poor lighting. To complicate matters more, Westlake is generous with the heat system while full-court pressing foes the entire game. The temperature is set somewhere between baking and roasting. All these factors make it difficult on the opposing team and give Westlake a true home court advantage.
Over the years, I’ve been in several gyms, but the Lions’ Den ranks among the top in best places to view a game.
In the next couple of weeks, teams will start playing at neutral sites. The GHSA has selected places that are large and accommodating.
Where is your favorite place to watch a high school game? And why?
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Comments
By TIGER
February 12, 2007 02:22 PM | Link to this
Fayette Co. High School boys has a 2 year home win streak, that my favorite place to watch high school basketball
By Bo
February 12, 2007 03:28 PM | Link to this
I was recently in Atlanta on business and took in the Centinniel vs. Chattahoochee game at Centinniel. That was as good a high school atmosphere I’ve seen in Atlanta in my 30+ years of watching games. The students in the end zone, the band playing loudly during timeouts, and at halftime, it was all a great basketball atmosphere.
By al
February 12, 2007 08:26 PM | Link to this
Whitefield Academy (The Den)
Whitefield has lost only one home game in the past two seasons combined, that coming to Alabama defending AAAAAA State Champs Jeff Davis.
That includes wins over SACA (1/7/06 & 1/27/07), KMHS (1/14/06), and Harrison (1/20/07).
The most note worthy home win would have to be the 106-94 win over East Hall last season, due to it being only East Hall’s second loss on the road since January of 1999.
By Jay
February 12, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this
Mays basketball games, especially the girls games are always a pleasure to attend.
By Yo
February 13, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this
If you have ever watched a game or played or coached at Henry Co. High, you know that is one of the best home court advantages in the state. They call it the “Hawks Nest”.
By Big Man
February 13, 2007 02:22 PM | Link to this
Yo, I am from Henry County. How is it a good homecourt advantage when they suck? Please stop it.
By Hill5
February 14, 2007 02:22 AM | Link to this
The Jay Perch in Montawk.