Dawgs take a quick turnaround

Always a busy time of year right now as we juggle regular duties with holiday chores that don’t seem to get crossed off the list as fast as new ones get added, and also knowing that we are headed to the gym for a few nights this week to take in some high school basketball.

Speaking of which, a lot will be happening on the local and area hardwood (I think that’s the mandatory five times a year use for that term now) in the next couple of weeks, with the lineup of regular season games this week and next week’s lineup of holiday tournaments that will see both our squads involved in play.

First of all, looking at the past week and game results, it seems that after a somewhat cold-natured start, our Bulldogs suddenly had a light bulb go off somewhere overhead as if they “got it” and are now rearing to go.

After a 0-3 start that had a lot of us scratching our heads a little, the Bulldogs put together a 3-0 run last week with wins AT Monroe County (never an easy feat) and Metcalfe County, followed by a nice down to the wire finish at home on Saturday against Greenwood.

That equals a “reset” of sorts for the boys as they head into this week’s schedule at 3-3 with back to back games against Cumberland County on Tuesday night (too late for this week’s coverage) and then traveling across the dam on Friday to take on the Lakers.

After the win over Monroe, then the hold on to win night against Greenwood, I felt a lot better about this season and I’m sure Coach Messer and staff also breathed a little sigh of relief. That first win is always a welcomed event.

On to next week’s holiday tournament lineups, round 1.

It’s no secret that I’m not the biggest fan of the now traditional holiday tournament, but I am a big fan of having our own tournament and at least getting to stay at home when we’re not in the gym.

Combine that with the fact that with several holiday tournaments now under their belts, our two, next week’s Twin Lakes Holiday Classic for the boys and the Best of the Lakes Classic the week after Christmas for girls’ play, are two of the best held in the entire state.

That’s not just a bunch of smoke being blown from the Editor’s desk either, I’ve heard enough compliments from coaches, Athletic Directors, parents and players who come to Clinton County to play in our events to realize that they all appreciate the work that goes into our two tournaments here.

The fine tooth comb organizational work that makes them worthwhile for all of the visiting teams and most importantly, the level of hospitality our staffs and our community extends to these visiting teams, is what not only keeps the teams coming back, but makes it an event that other teams want to be added to.

Next week, our Bulldogs are hosting our Twin Lakes Holiday Classic that runs Monday through Wednesday with some fantastic teams on tap for local roundball fans to enjoy, including Grant County, Metcalfe County, Anderson County and Christian Academy Louisville.

A complete schedule appears elsewhere this week in Sports, but the bottom line is a gift to fans for the price of admission will be three days of fantastic basketball action.

At the same time, our Lady Dawgs will be headed to Madisonville for the Lady Storm United Mine Workers Classic at Hopkins County Central for that event, playing in at least four games there Monday through Wednesday, going up against teams like Graves County, Todd County, Ohio County, Christian County and Franklin-Simpson.

Yep, it’s a busy season for everyone as we head into the Christmas and New Year’s stretch, but don’t forget the two most important things – spend some time with the family, and some time watching some roundball!

I’ll see you in the gym.