GAINESVILLE — The Gainesville boys are just one game away from reaching the Region 6-7A championship game.
But Denmark stands in the way in the semifinals of the region tournament on Tuesday. Game time is set for 6 p.m. at the Gainesville High School Gym and can be heard live on 94.5 FM The Lake.
"We are looking forward to playing them again," Gainesville coach Chuck Graham said. "The game will be a challenge, and our guys are focused on getting better. We have been preparing all season for games like this."
The Red Elephants enjoyed a first-round bye, and although the bye gave them an automatic bid to the Class 7A state tournament, it also meant no game action for a week.
Head Coach Chuck Graham, however, says his team has been working hard since they sealed the berth last Monday and will be ready.
The old saying, it's hard to be a team three times in one season, might come into play on Tuesday.
Denmark gave the Red Elephants a fight in their last meeting, but Gainesville was outpaced, outrebounded and outplayed the Danes to sweep the regular-season series.
The Red Elephants can be assured the Danes will throw every punch to get past them and into the title game.
"Generally, I would not like a week off, but this is an experienced group and I don’t see it being an issue," Graham said. "After the last couple of weeks, playing makeup games, I felt like we needed a break."
Gainesville played five games in eight days to finish the season, including two make up games due to COVID-related issues with its opponents. They finished 4-1, only losing to the region's top seed, South Forsyth.
If the Red Elephants get past Denmark on Tuesday, they'll possibly face South Forsyth for the title.
But Graham is not worried about looking ahead. He's focused on guiding his team past Denmark.
"They are a good, well-coached team," he said. "We have to defend, rebound, and take care of the ball."
