Basketball Highlights

Highland Tech's Josh Neely, bottom, wins a rebound over Hayesville's Weston Jordan during the NCHSAA Western Regional semifinal game in the UNC-Greensboro Fleming Gymnasium on Wednesday February 29, 2012.

I don't have any statistics to back this up, but I believe that this past season I covered the fewest basketball games of any year since I began working for a newspaper. That's partly because there were only a few good teams this year, but mostly because The Gazette had more stringers than ever covering games. 

The highlight for me was definitely Highland Tech in the NCHSAA Western Regional Semifinal in Greensboro. I've said it before, but the Fleming Gymnasium at UNCG is a fantastic venue for basketball. 

They have broadcast lighting, ample room to move around on the sidelines, and a balcony over one of the baskets. 

Did I mention they have a balcony over one of the baskets? 

This type of shot is something you typically only see from NBA and major college games in arenas with a catwalk. And even then rarely, since it requires some special access, planning and time to pull it off. 

But if you can get it, it's always worth it. Since much of the peak action of a basketball game is under the rim, with players looking up, this lets you get all the facial expressions instead of armpit.  

Hayesville's Justin Gonyea, left, and Clint Coleman guard Highland Tech's Jevon Patton in the final minutes of the NCHSAA Western Regional semifinal.

Highland Tech's Joe Deese, clockwise from top, Hayesville's Weston Jordan, Highland's Robert McMillion-El and Hayesville's Hunter Lewis jump after a rebound during the NCHSAA Western Regional semifinal.

Belmont Abbey's Paula Regalado and Limestone's Kaileigh West jump after a rebound during the game at Belmont Abbey on Friday February 24, 2012.

Belmont Abbey's Darryl Durham and Limestone's Phillip Moultrie jump for a rebound during the game at Belmont Abbey on Friday February 24, 2012.