Upon Further Review: Busy hoops season comes to an end
Every month seems to be filled with things that keep us very busy.
They all have their own special meaning to each of us, but February is a month which, at least for me, has some of the most important days in it.
First of all, it’s the start of tax time. We get our W-2’s and pull all our records and deductions together in hopes of getting back a giant return — maybe even enough to take that dream vacation we’ve talked about for 10 years.
President’s day is at the top of my list. It’s that special holiday, for which most Americans get a day off in order to have a three-day weekend.
Not me, however. I’m devoted to my work and wouldn’t think of letting the Southern Standard down.
Ah, the day most men look forward to all year, Valentine’s. Now depending on how you look at it, it can be a day of gloom if you forget about it. Or it can be a day you can reconcile all your mistakes with your spouse or girlfriend. Men, it’s the one day in the year that we can become a hero or goat. Nothing says “I’m sorry” like a dozen roses and a five-pound box of candy.
Sadly enough, February also marks the end of basketball. For some the season has been a long hard road, while for others it’s ending way too soon.
For me it’s been a long hard road. The season seemed to start way too early, and if you sit through at least 10 games a week — which, by the way adds up to somewhere in the neighborhood of just a little over 200 basketball games I have watched this year — I have to admit I’m glad to see spring just around the corner.
Monday night ended the seventh- and eighth-grade basketball season with the conclusion of the Warren County Elementary tournament. Each and every contest was a hard-fought battle, but the games on Monday were nothing less than exciting.
The Lady Warriors of Centertown won a hard-fought battle over the Lady Pioneers, and Dibrell claimed first place with thrilling come-from-behind win over Centertown. It doesn’t get any better than that.
To all these kids and coaches, I say thank you for giving us such a great tournament.
For some this will mark the end of their basketball carrers. But for others the journey will continue at the high school level.
All will not take their game to the next level. Some will choose not to play and others may not make the team. But for all you moms and dads out there, be proud of what each player has accomplished — regardless of what the future may hold.
Warren County has some good young talent out there, and many of these kids we watched this past week will be out on the hardwood next year helping out our high school programs.
But just remember all can’t make the team and that’s when as a parent you have to do one of two things: Be proud that your kid was able to enjoy and play ball in elementary school, or get outside and practice and work with them to give them that extra edge to succeed at the next level.
Whatever the choice may be, congratulations to all.