Sports update: WHS pairings posted

Watauga’s two varsity basketball teams get to play at least one more game in the 2007-08 season.

Watauga’s girls’ team captured a wildcard berth into the state 4-A playoffs and will play at McDowell Monday at 7 p.m. The Pioneers (11-14) lost both of their regular season games to McDowell (22-3), including an 82-44 road drubbing a few weeks ago.

McDowell, the No. 1 seed in District 4, won the Northwestern 4-A Conference regular-season and NWC Tournament this year. The Titans beat Freedom 63-61 in the tournament final Friday night.

The Watauga boys’ team also earned a wildcard bid into the playoffs and will play NWC regular-season champion East Burke Tuesday night at 7.

The Pioneers (9-15) also lost two games to East Burke (20-5) during the regular season. East Burke fell in the semifinals of the NWC Tournament to Alexander Central. McDowell won the tournament with a win over Alexander Central.

Other NWC teams begin the playoffs this week. In the girls’ bracket, Freedom (18-9) hosts Northwest Guilford (19-8), with the winner taking on the winner of the Butler (24-3)/Providence (9-16) game. East Burke (11-14) plays at North Mecklenburg (21-5), and Charlotte Garinger (4-18) plays at South Caldwell (16-9). A.C. Reynolds (13-11) opens at East Gaston (22-5) All games are Monday night.

Alexander Central is the lone NWC team not to make the playoffs.

On the boys’ side, Freedom (17-9) hosts Charlotte Garinger (12-14) in the first round Tuesday night.

Northwest Guilford (7-19) plays at McDowell (23-4), while Alexander Central (18-8) plays at Charlotte Vance (23-5).

A.C. Reynolds and South Caldwell did not make the playoffs on the boys’ side.