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Monday, February 18, 2008
New ‘home game’ format lacks playoff feeling
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The 160 basketball teams that earned the right to host first-round playoff games say they are treating it like another home game. The other 160 teams that will have to play in their opponent’s gym will approach it like it’s just another road game. For the first two rounds, the higher-seeded team will get a home game. The tournament will not move to a neutral floor until the quarterfinals.
If you are a fan of a particular team, you have to be more than excited about the new format of the GHSA playoffs, which offers the chance for two home games. For the high school basketball purist, it is very disappointing. With two rounds of home games, the playoff feel is missing, not to mention the opportunity to watch multiple games.
Several years ago, the first-round format allowed for one region to host all eight games against the region it was paired against in the first round. The hosting region would pick what they thought was the best and most accommodating gym. The next four rounds were played at neutral sites.
Playing on a neutral floor and making both teams travel gives the state high school tournament more of a special feel. For the basketball fan, this is usually the time of the year they can take in multiple games at one site and see all the talent the state has to offer.
Now you are left with the decision of having to pick only one site for only one game.
Post up: What do you think? Should all tournament games be played on a neutral floor? Should all games be played at the higher seed, including the championship? Sound off — what’s your choice?
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