Basketball, holidays highlight this time of year

I hope everyone had an excellent Thanksgiving. I had an excellent holiday, except for the pitiful excuses for football games. I was glad to realize that as soon as I returned to Sidney, I would be able to watch some real quality hockey.

Once again, a fine tournament was put on in our community. The attendance was excellent and I couldn't have been much more impressed by the hockey. I thought the Rangers played very well all tournament long. On Saturday night, the Rangers put on a heck of a showing against Notre Dame.

The Greyhounds had not been scored on and had outscored their opponents 20-0 after two games. The Rangers had Notre Dame on the ropes and led most of the game. While the Rangers fell 4-3, it was an excellent game that showed why you play the games.

I cannot honestly believe that basketball starts up this week. Both Fairview and Culbertson kick off their seasons this Saturday. Sidney travels to Williston Tuesday to open up its season. It seems early to me, because basketball usually doesn't get into the swing of things until after Christmas.

Football is starting to pick up and the playoff picture is beginning to become less clearer than ever. The Vikings havea lead at the moment but I wouldn't look past the Lions (the Pack and da Bears are in the mix as well). I am hoping that someway the Falcons can make the playoffs this season, but I don’t know. Mike Smith has done an excellent job as have Matt Ryan and Michael “the burner” Turner.

College football is just hitting that time of year when everyone starts talking about playoffs. Honestly, I am really starting to support the bowl season just to see the reaction of everyone else. I think the bowl system is just fine, but that is just me.

We could not even have a regular season. We could have a tournament so that every team has a fair shot at the championship. Most teams would only play one game the whole season, but hey it is fair.

Lastly, I am looking forward to Christmas like no one's business. The Christmas specials, the holiday tournaments and the food is reason enough to love the holidays. I hope that everyone enjoys the weather we have had because I have a feeling that the grass will not stay green very long.