by

Alan B. Gibson

That’s the way it should be played

If you weren’t on hand for Saturday night’s match up between Clinton County and long-time 4th Region powerhouse Warren Central – well, all I can say is, I’m sorry, because you missed a great one.

In fact – that’s exactly the way high school basketball should be played. The players battled from the opening tip-off to the closing horn (and as it turned out, for just a couple of seconds after), the coaches coached their butts off, the fans were involved, vocal and into the game, and refs actually did what they were supposed to do – officiate the game without becoming a factor in the outcome.

The action was plenty physical, yet no one fought, no technical fouls were assessed and most importantly – at the end, there had been no injuries.

Oh yeah, and the popcorn was hot!

Then came those final seconds. With the Bulldogs – the home team, mind you – holding a narrow three point lead, all eyes were focused on the Warren Central goal and the outcome of that final shot that would have sent the game into overtime.

The ball bounced, the horn sounded, the ball bounced again, then again, then took a short roll around the front of the rim, then fell off as the Bulldogs, their coaches and their fans let out a victorious cheer, while the Dragons stood silently in defeat.

I’m telling you – it just don’t get any better that Saturday night’s game for high school basketball fans. Coach Todd Messer has proclaimed for a while now that this is going to be a fun year – and I’ve told all of you that very same thing in this very space.

Take note – it was one of the best games we’ve enjoyed in awhile on the local hardwood – and the season is just two games old.

If you missed it, well, again, I can only say one thing . . . “I’m sorry.”

Sixth man award goes to

Sure, the players, coaches and the players’ families always get into the games each season, but in reality, the biggest fans should be the student body. That isn’t always the case as student numbers in attendance at home games for the past several years, have seemed to dwindle at Clinton County High School.

This year, there seems to be a movement going on, and it’s a noticeable improvement. The student pep section is not only growing, but their participation is beginning to become a factor.

Situated under the west goal at the Lindle Castle Gymnasium, the student pep section is vocal and animate, and their efforts don’t go unnoticed – by other local fans but especially by the opposing team.

I’m guessing this trend will not only continued as the season progresses for both the Dawgs and Lady Dawgs, but I’m going to be surprised if it doesn’t continually grow in participation from the C.C.H.S. student body.

Saturday night’s boys’ varsity contest against Warren Central sees the “sixth man” award go to the student pep section – great job.