Happy New Year to you (two or three) fine readers of my
weekly visit. I hope 2004 brings you peace and
prosperity.
A few more state championships would be nice, but that's
a story for another time.Before I get started, let me
apologize (remember, I like to do this first) to
McKenzie senior Kris Sydnor. He was named to the All
6-2A team as a defensive lineman and for some unknown
reason, I didn't list him in the photo description. I
know, many of you are wondering how I could miss such a
colorful and robust character.
But he made the list and was pictured, but not
mentioned. Again, too much aspartame. We'll leave it at
that.
There are several topics to discuss as we enter a new
year:
* Last Friday night, I went to see the Memphis Grizzlies
of the NBA battle the horrid New York Knicks, barely of
that same league. It was eye candy, escapism, something
to do.
It was the first NBA game that I have watched from
start to finish in more than eight years. Yes, I am not
a fan of the "Association," as the self-important radio
guys like to say. It was both a good and bad experience.
Addressing the good, we have the luxury of seeing a
big-time sports team without worrying about a three-day
excursion and pricey hotel room. And, the NBA being what
it is, the Grizzlies put a decent product on the floor.
There are some players with potential. For better or
worse, I'm glad we got 'em.
Addressing the bad, if you are going to see the NBA
in Memphis, don't forget to bring your diamond mine or
shares of Microsoft. To sit in the National Geographic
Mountaineering Expedition section still costs $18 per
and the concessions are confiscatory ($7 for a barbecue
sandwich, $3.75 for hot dogs and popcorn, $6.25 for
adult beverages). Also, if you plan on shelling out
close to $20 for a snack and drink at halftime, be
prepared to miss the entire third quarter. Like I often
do, when I travel to pro sporting venues (major league,
minor league and college), I try to assess how
fan-friendly the accommodations are.
Well, let's put it this way, I used to think building
a new arena in Memphis was wasteful; now, I'm beginning
to think it's a great idea. The lines for concessions
are too long and the way they are staffed is poorly
planned. If you are over 6-2, bring a shoehorn so you
can fit in your seat, then a can opener so you can get
out.
However, Shane Battier is worth watching. It's nice
to see an NBA player not stand around on defense or go
one-on-four on offense.
* Congratulations to our all-state football players.
Trust me, the Tennessee Sports Writers Association
scrutinizes all these guys very carefully and sometimes
the discussion can become heated. You are the very best
of the best.
The TSWA doesn't bestow these honors on you lightly.
* Watching Duke play basketball on TV last week, then
watching Kentucky and Louisville play each other over
the weekend, I am ever impressed at the coaching chess
match that occurs. I'm also blown away at the effort
Duke shows on defense. It's almost an exercise in
calculus the way those guys help and switch off.
Then, it's like a splash of cold water to watch an
NBA game. I thought the Air Jordan shoes were supposed
to be light. They must be filled with lead-based air.
More and more, high school and college basketball seems
to be the superior game to me.
* Speaking of high school and college basketball,
post-holiday action begins briskly. On Jan. 2, McKenzie
travels to Big Sandy, Huntingdon is at Bruceton, Fayette
Academy is at Clarksburg for a 3:30 start and Bethel's
men travel to Nashville to play Indiana-Wesleyan.
Huntingdon takes on Carroll Academy on Jan. 5 while the
Bethel women travel to Blue Mountain.
On Jan. 6, Milan visits McKenzie in a district
battle. Camden visits Huntingdon, Bruceton is at West
Carroll and Clarksburg is at Big Sandy. |
