#13 (19-6) Washington vs #20 (11-11) Greene Central: Playoff Preview

Washington vs. Greene Central: 2A State Playoff First-Round Preview

The 2A State Playoffs present a conference rematch in the first round as No. 13 seed Washington (19-6) hosts No. 20 seed Greene Central (11-11). The two teams have already faced off twice this season, with Washington winning both games—68-58 at home and 67-60 on the road. The Pam Pack enters as one of the top teams in the bracket, while Greene Central looks to pull off an upset and break their four-game losing streak against Washington.

Greene Central’s Road to the Playoffs

The Rams finished fourth in the Eastern Plains Conference with a 5-7 record and struggled away from home, posting a 4-6 road record. On the season, Greene Central averaged 61.7 points per game while allowing 59.2. Their inconsistency has been a challenge, with multiple two- and three-game losing streaks throughout the year, but they have shown flashes of solid play.

A key strength of the Rams is their deep rotation, with 10 players averaging at least 10 minutes per game and seven players seeing at least 19 minutes. They are led by senior point guard Dontrez Evans, who averages 12.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 3.5 steals per game. Junior DJ Williams contributes 10 points per game, while junior Nick Avent adds 8.5. Sophomore Josh Cetnar (7.6 ppg) and senior Jalin Sutton (7.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg) add depth, along with junior Jason Wilson (5.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg).

Greene Central is a streaky outside shooting team, hitting 33 percent of their threes with 88 made three-pointers this season. They also shoot 66 percent from the free-throw line, which could play a major role in a close game.

Washington’s Road to the Playoffs

Washington has been one of the most dominant teams in 2A East, finishing second in the Eastern Plains Conference with a 10-2 record. Their only two conference losses came against NCHSAA 2A No. 1 overall seed Farmville Central. The Pam Pack averages 76 points per game, a stark contrast to Greene Central’s 61.7, and also distribute the ball well with 17.6 assists per game. Defensively, they average 9.4 steals and 3.5 blocks per game.

Washington started the season 7-0 before suffering their first loss to Peninsula Catholic, a strong Virginia program, by just two points. They then dropped a one-point overtime game to private school Harrells Christian, followed by a six-point loss to 4A powerhouse Garner High School and another loss to private school Word of God. Every team Washington has lost to is highly competitive, and the Pam Pack finished the regular season winning 12 of their last 13 games.

Washington is led by 6’3” junior Chase Smith, who does it all, averaging 20 points, 4 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1 block per game while shooting well from three-point range. The Pam Pack has three additional double-digit scorers: senior Javion Williams (16.7 ppg), 6’5” junior Jarryn Payne (16.3 ppg, 8 rpg), and Jacob Daniels (11.7 ppg). Washington also has four players who have made at least 20 three-pointers this season, making them a dangerous perimeter team.

Matchup Outlook

Washington has controlled this matchup recently, winning the last four meetings, including both games this season. However, Greene Central holds the edge in the long-term series, winning 16 of the last 28 meetings.

For Greene Central to have a chance, they will need to slow down Washington’s high-powered offense, limit turnovers, and find consistency on the offensive end. Their ability to knock down outside shots and take advantage of their deep rotation will be key.

Washington, on the other hand, will look to continue their strong play and use their balanced scoring attack to dictate the tempo. Their ability to push the ball in transition, make plays on defense, and control the glass will be critical in securing a first-round victory.

With both teams knowing each other well from conference play, this third meeting could be an exciting battle between Washington’s offensive firepower and Greene Central’s depth and defensive effort.

Summary: No. 13 seed Washington and No. 20 seed Greene Central face off for the third time this season in a first-round 2A playoff showdown, with Washington's fast-paced offense and multiple scoring threats giving them the advantage, while Greene Central looks to break their four-game losing streak in the series by relying on their depth and three-point shooting to pull off an upset..