The good times ended there, however.
No one could foresee the team's - and Hall County's - leading scorer Brent Benson getting hurt and inconsistent offensive play in the region tournament leading to losses in both the region seeding games, first to White County and then to Johnson.
"It's not exactly the way you want to be going heading into the playoffs," coach Jerry Davis said.
Now, the Red Elephants (21-8) must face unbeaten and Class AAA No. 1 Carrollton Friday at 5:30 p.m. in the first round of the state tournament.
Gainesville gets one break in that it will be on its home floor.
"We're glad we're playing at home. We need all the help we can get. But we're looking forward to the challenge," Davis said.
Benson is listed as questionable for Friday's game.
"He's still got a lot of soreness in his elbow. We'll have to see what he's like at game time," Davis said.
The team went through a shake up when it returned from the Christmas break with two starters being ineligible because of grades. And then the Trey Smith transfer from West Hall late in the year surrounded the team in controversy.
Davis said it only affected things off the court.
"Team chemistry overall actually has been better since he joined us. The only issue is that Trey and the rest of the team are still learning how to play together," Davis said. "Trey is still just trying to fit in."
The task may be tough but it's nothing new to Gainesville. The Elephants have always seemed to find a way in the playoffs. Last year they upset No. 1 East Hall in the region finals and used that to make a run to the Final Four.
Can Davis pull off a similar miracle this year?
"It doesn't take but one win to get things turned around. Hopefully we can get a win tonight," he said.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2004/2/163355