Well, well, well. The Honey Badger has gone into hiding. And that was before they kicked off in New Orleans. No swagger. No stealing. No real factor in the game. Hats off to the Crimson Tide for capturing its 14th national title and cementing Coach Saban as the best college football coach in the modern era.
A week ago Friday night we traveled into enemy territory for the second grudge match between Altamont and Indian Springs boys varsity teams. Playing on Springs' court (they really need a nickname) proved to be very exciting game. Although our boys lost in a close one, the refereeing was certainly suspect. Fans on both sides were treated to blown calls, make up calls and the truly bizarre. Springs prevailed by four in a hard fought game.
For their last game of the season, this past Friday the Lady Knights took on Victory Christian School at their little bandbox of a gym. This gym was so small that when someone sneezed during a timeout, fourteen fans in the stands responded with "gazuntite." (Ok, they really said, "May g-d bless you, you sweet honey-child.") I forgot where we were, but you get the point. Oh, and I was the one who sneezed. Back to the game.
Coach Keith dressed only seven for the game as several were in the school play and others had moved up to varsity (Players can only play a total of 20 games per hoops season). That left Emily, Lizzie and a few others to take on a team they had not played yet.
Having not played a game in more than five weeks, the first quarter showed just how rusty the players were. They might have set the sport back fifty years, or even closer to the age of peach baskets and underhanded granny-style shots. Losing 13-9 at half, this team looked ready to head home for the middle school lock-in. They gave up easy baskets and missed countless shots inside the paint.
During halftime Coach Keith worked her magic (and changed defenses). The team put on a clinic in the third quarter as they went on a 14-2 run. Trapping defense and six points by Em spelled the doom for the VCS Lady Lions. Running away with 27 points in the second half, the Lady Knights captured their twelfth win of the season. The final was 36-15. Oh yeah, they only gave up two points in the second half. Not bad considering the starting five played almost all the minutes. Very proud of Em. She knocked in nine points and grabbed at least eight boards.
Ending the successful season with a 12-2 record, the Lady Knights have several key players returning next season. However, I suspect several of these girls will see some action for Coach Matt on the varsity squad. This year's varsity is a juggernaut, winning most games by 30 or more. With five seniors they look poised to make a run at the Final Four in a few weeks.
Em starts lax and spring track seasons in a few weeks. Before those seasons begin she has something chanting to take care during Super Bowl weekend. She's been ready. Really, since age 10. It's everyone else involved that I'm concerned about. Should be legend-wait for it-dary.
Sid has been dancing and singing her heart out for weeks now. Spring recitals for both will be here before we know it. Sid is also working on the technical aspects of the school play, James and the Big ole Peach. She will also be cast in the upper school play in a few months.
The stars have aligned in the NFL world. Having the Giants and Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI just makes sense. These two teams were meant to meet in a few weeks. Look for Brady to capture yet another title.
Having a good week: Our buddy in the ATL, Michael Wynne, will become a bar mitzvah next weekend. Cannot wait! New England Patriots QB Tom Brady & wife Gisele Bundchen are reportedly ready to move into their new $20 million Brentwood, California mansion. Vanessa Bryant will be getting $75 million plus three mansions in Newport Beach in her divorce settlement with Kobe Bryant.
Not having a good week: The Towson Tigers men's basketball team lost its 39th game in a row after falling to George Mason 72-60 on Saturday.The L.A. Dodgers told the U.S. Bankruptcy court on Friday that they are $573 million in debt. Accused Toomer's Corner tree poisoner Harvey Updyke rejected a plea deal that would have meant 13 years in prison & a lifetime ban from Alabama Crimson Tide sporting. Updyke's attorney denies such report. Brian Downing, the Alabama fan accused of teabagging a passed out LSU fan in a YouTube video, was released from jail Friday after posting $10,000 bail. LA Laker Kobe Bryant. See Vanessa Bryant post above.
11 more days. 11 more days. 11 more days.
R.I.P. JoePa.
Pitchers and catchers are packing their bags.
The Sports Guy
