In high school basketball – it’s March Madness time

Finally.

When we threw it up in November, we pretty much knew two things. 1. The Dawgs were going to be good. 2. The Lady Dawgs were going to have to learn – a lot.

So now, three months later – we’re here, and sure enough, both of those predictions have held true.

The Dawgs are good. The Lady Dawgs have learned – a lot – and endured a lot.

But finally, after all of the wins, the losses, the disappointments and the thrills – not to mention for the Lady Dawgs – the injuries – we’re here. For Kentucky high school basketball teams, coaches and fans – it’s March Madness time.

Never mind that the calendar says we’re still looking at more than 10 days remaining for the month of February. When 6:00 p.m. rolls around on Monday night, February 20 – the post season gets underway at Russell County High School and tournament time has arrived.

Come Monday – some 270 plus girls’ teams and a like number of boys’ teams throw the season out the window and start again on the District Tournament level – then on to the regional tournaments and finally – hopes of that common goal for hoops lovers across the state – being one of the 16 teams to reach the KHSAA State Tournament.

It’s been a wild ride.

Sitting at the Official Table on Friday night, working the public address position for the final home game of this 2011-12 season, Robbie Davis, who was filling in as the boys’ Official Scorer, looked over at me during a break in the game and asked the simple question: “Had fun this year?”

I thought for just a brief second – and replied – “You know, I have.” We went on to talk a few seconds about how some years are fun, and some years just “stink”, but this one was a fun year for me – for both the girls games and the boys games.

The girls have had their ups and downs – entering this week’s games with a 6-22 overall record (3-12 region/2-4 district), but it’s been a fun year watching these young girls learn about Darrell Thompson’s system, and watching Coach Thompson learn about these girls’ abilities. He’s endured a host of sickness and injuries that complicated his efforts of trying to coach a squad that was already thin on numbers and experience.

But they’ve both learned, and they’ve both gotten visibly better and believe me – when they take the floor next Tuesday night for round one of the 16th District Tournament, Russell County’s Lady Lakers had better not be thinking ahead to Metcalfe County because they’ve got to get past a much improved, very determined Lady Dawg squad first.

Fun – even at 6-22, it’s been one of my favorite years working the Lady Bulldogs games. This is just a great group of young ladies and they have represented Clinton County in a fantastic manner. Thanks girls.

When you talk about the Bulldogs – you know it has to have been fun. Clinton County met that milestone number on Friday night – one of the factors that every high school fan uses to measure success each season when they picked up their 20th win of the season – making it back to back 20 plus win years for Coach Todd Messer and his Dawgs.

Sure, there have been a couple of disappointments along the way – namely the All “A” Classic loss at Glasgow – but in reality, that loss came against a very good Scottie squad – a Scottie squad that on that night, was the better team.

The Dawgs have learned, the coaches have learned and they’ve put what they’ve learned to good use.

One of the most fun parts of this season has been watching the fan base – especially our CCHS student fan base, get behind this squad in the manner they have. They’re enthusiasm at each game – home and away – is not only contagious and spreads over to the adult fan base, but it’s noticeable (and often annoying) to the opposing team. That’s a big, big advantage.

So, yes, it’s been a fun year – and as we enter this upcoming start of the “second season” next week in 16th District play – the fun is going to continue.

So remember – the calendar may say February, but for high school basketball fans – March Madness starts next week.

It’s March in Kentucky – and I’m busy, don’t call me until April.

TURNOVERS

by Alan B. Gibson