This is a favorite time of the year for anyone who enjoys non-professional basketball. We know that eliminates the NBA, and we think college basketball still qualifies. But certainly the purest form of amateur basketball is at the high school level, where physical abilities have matured enough to make for quality competition, but aspirations are still pure enough to celebrate teamwork, comradery and school spirit.
We congratulate the girls? teams from Hillsboro and Centre, our two Marion County teams that qualified for the state tournament this week. It?s the closest thing high school has to ?The Big Dance? that doesn?t require a rented tux and a corsage. Even though Hillsboro is making its fourth consecutive trip to the tournament, you can never take the opportunity for granted. Many good teams don?t make it. Success at that level starts with skill, but it takes focus, determination and a little bit of good fortune, too.
So, well done, Hillsboro and Centre girls. Enjoy the moment. You?ve earned the adulation of your fans. We look forward to the challenge ahead. ?DR
