I simply love this time of year. Many of the local teams are getting geared. The playoffs have begun. Everyone has a clean slate. A few will advance. Maybe some will cut the nets. Buckle your seatbelts, sports fans.

I have been in the gym an awful lot. Jensen’s squad is holding its own. So far, so good in the Kyrie Hall Memorial Tournament. Williamsport Area defeated Danville in the first round. They play again tonight in this year-end 8th-grade showcase. Several of the area’s finest are also in attendance. I enjoy talking to many friends and watching the action — a quick shout to my mates from Montoursville, Loyalsock, and Hughesville. Congratulations on your seasons. These guys are at a great age. Junior High Hoops is fun.

I am loving this AA Highschool Hoops bracket. I am very intrigued by how it is going to finish. I no longer gamble on scholastic contests. St. John Neumann and South Side will tangle soon. Muncy and Northwest are the other semis. All four teams are solid. They are well-coached and feature some outstanding athletes. It could seriously go either way. I do not want to make any predictions. I can’t afford to lose any more friends. I am holding on by a short thread. Hopefully, the District IV committee will update its website. Good luck.

How about that shot from the Warrior Run kid? His 3/4 court heave at the buzzer knocked off the Green Hornets. I have watched it many times. It is now trending. The celebration was grand. I am back to following the Millionaires. Go Port. The other divisions will be a fun finish as well.

I also want to give some props to the Lycoming Warriors. Jensen and I made it to Lamade for their MAC Semifinal. The atmosphere was incredible. Arcadia came out on fire. They made several buckets early. Lycoming struggled but mounted an impressive second-half charge. The roars from the student section were outstanding. It brought back so many great memories. It went back and forth down the stretch. Division 3 basketball is the best. Lyco’s last-second shot came up a tad short. The Warrior’s fantastic run is done.

I am extremely proud of Lycoming’s senior class. They are all spectacular lads. It was an honor to watch them grow. I got the chance to know some quite well. These guys definitely set the bar, and they left their mark. The Warriors won 58 games the past four years. Made it to the postseason four times and brought home two conference crowns. They were so good to Jensen and the other younger fans. I told you about my man Moe Terry a few weeks back. This guy is off the charts. Words can’t describe how cool this guy is. Thanks to Moe, Dyson, Pablo, DeAundre, Luke, Tobias, and Danilo. All walks of life coming together and making my alma mater look splendid both on and off the court. Well done, boys.