NW Cabarrus at Robinson; Concord at Central

The landscape of the South Piedmont Conference (SPC) changed this year when it became an all-Cabarrus County league.

"Every game is exciting because you are always playing teams from your backyard in front of big crowds," Jay M. Robinson girls' basketball coach Lin Smithson said.

With more than half the SPC girls' basketball schedule complete, the conference has come down to three teams: Concord, Hickory Ridge and Jay M. Robinson.

Concord, who is 35-2 in conference play in the past two and a half years, has dominated the SPC for the past two campaigns, winning the 2008 3A state championship.

But Jay M. Robinson has been perfect in their inaugural campaign in the 3A and the SPC, going 16-0, including a 7-0 mark in conference play.

Jay M. Robinson

After climbing their way up the ladder of the ME-CA 7 for the last four years under head Lin Smithson, the Bulldogs, ranked No. 7 in the Observer Sweet 16, have found life easier in the SPC.

The Bulldogs have as much talent as any team beginning with senior forward Tabby Koerner (Gardner-Webb commit), who averages 13 points and 10 rebounds a game, and guard Kelsee Cheek (Division I recruit), who averages 20 points per contest.

Northwest Cabarrus

Like Jay M. Robinson, the Trojans are adjusting to a new conference after having played in the North Piedmont a season ago. But unlike the Bulldogs, Northwest Cabarrus (5-10, 3-3) isn't finding the SPC as friendly.

Led by seniors Brittany Broome and Kelsie Pethel, the Trojans have improved since losing to Robinson 52-32 in December with wins over South Mecklenburg, Mount Pleasant and Central Cabarrus.

The game against Robinson will be a different story, but if the Trojans can slow the pace to a crawl and turn their possessions into points, they will have a fighting chance.

Concord

The Spiders have dominated the SPC for last the two years, but will they make it three in a row? Concord (11-5, 6-0) has the firepower with UNC Charlotte commit Nyshia Hammonds leading the way, and Jatzmin Johnson and Jhemelia Edwards alongside to help. All three players are more than capable of putting up 20 points a night.

If the Spiders can establish their frenetic style of play early, it will be a long night for the Vikings.

Central Cabarrus

Former Charlotte Sting star and WNBA all-star Andrea Stinson is looking to turn the Viking program around. But Central Cabarrus, who was winless last year (0-22), has struggled mightily in a tough SPC conference.

Taking on Concord will not be easy as the Vikings are not ready to go at the Spiders' preferred pace. If Central Cabarrus can keep the game in the 30s or 40s they have a chance, but Concord will probably have that many points by halftime.