Two teams, both No. 7 seeds, will be entering the 52nd annual Lanierland tournament this week as big underdogs, and not necessarily just because they will each be playing last year’s runner-ups in the first round. The Lakeview boys (6-2), who open against North Hall (7-1) and the Jefferson girls (3-6), who play Chestatee (5-2) on Monday, will both be attempting to make history. Lakeview is the only school in Hall County (outside of Riverside, which has not played in the tournament) that has never had either a girls or boys team reach the finals of the prestigious event. The girls are not in the tournament for the second consecutive year, so it is up to the Lions, on a six-game winning streak, to put the smallest school in the county on the winner’s plaque. "We’re excited to have the opportunity to play," said Lakeview coach Seth Vining. "And we’ve been underdogs all eight years that I’ve been here." The Lady Dragons, which this year are the team to replace the Lady Lion’s former spot, are looking to become just the second ever team outside of Hall County to win the tournament (the Forsyth County girls won in 1965). Like last season, in which the Lady Dragons finished seventh, the team will open with Chestatee on Monday at 3:30 p.m. "We’re hoping to come out and play a little better this time," said Jefferson coach Jason Gibson. "I’d love to win the first game and get a chance to play a late game the second night for the atmosphere." Gibson has always been fond of the tournament and Hall County basketball, which he learned about from his time coaching at North Georgia College and at Emmanuel recruiting Hall County players. When the Lakeview girls withdrew from the tournament before last season, Gibson jumped at the chance to get his Lady Dragons a spot. "It’s a great opportunity for all the teams involved," Gibson said. "We’re very excited to be a part of it. "I know the Lakeview girls are talking about getting back in and if that’s the case, then we’ll be happy to have had the chance to play in it for two seasons." Gibson also likes to see all the community benefits to the tournament, including the breakfast at the Edmondson-Telford Center For Children and the toy drive done by the local teams in the tournament for needy children in the community. Its one underdog cause that everyone can get around. "I think it’s outstanding," Gibson said. "Anything high school kids can do to help the community is great." It’s yet another reason why Gibson says he’s a little envious of the Hall County teams. Like coach Vining at Lakeview, Gibson likes his players having the opportunity to play a tournament in the regular season with the intensity of postseason play. Vining is well versed in the Lanierland atmosphere. The current Lakeview coach has led 15 teams to the Lanierland championship, including the East Hall girls (four times), the Johnson girls (once) and most recently the East Hall boys (10), with whom he last won in 2003 before then assistant Joseph Dix took over. And while the Lakeview boys have yet to win a second round game, senior Austin Pearson believes that this year’s team might just have what it takes. "I think this year’s team has the best shot of all the teams we’ve had, Pearson said. It wouldn’t be the first time the Lions have shocked a favorite. In 2008, Pearson’s freshman season, Lakeview roared past a favored Flowery Branch team by 20 points. "It was fun as a freshman to beat Flowery Branch by 20 points as a major underdog, Pearson said. "I’ll never forget it." North Hall coach Benjie Wood isn’t counting out his team’s first round opponent. "We absolutely have the utmost respect for Lakeview and we know its going to be a pretty good game," Wood said. "Lakeview could win it all this year." But Lakeview, just like North Hall, is focused on Monday night’s 5 p.m. matchup at East Hall, where Vining will be going for his 711th career win. One of the many things Vining has realized in all his time in the tournament is that every game is a toss up. "If we’re able to pull of the upset then we’ll be excited for the next round," Vining said. "You have to go out and perform whether you’re the favorite or the underdog." "That’s why you play." And whether Lakeview wins or loses, playing against Hall County’s best is always helpful once the team drops back into Region 8-A play. Because there are few other teams in the state that get the same regular season experience that Lanierland can offer. "Our players have really been blessed to have a tournament of that caliber," Vining said. "It prepares you for region and state, that’s the advantage." "And it gives you bragging rights for a year." This season two big underdogs will try to surprise the favorites, not to mention make some history. Zac Taylor is a sports writer for The Times. He can be reached at ztaylor@gainesvilletimes.com
Taylor: Underdogs will try to make their mark at Lanierland
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