District games were inspiring

Despite the stakes being low for the majority of 2B teams in last weekend's tourney, there were several quality games in Malta last weekend.

Though there was the spirit of competition, I also saw many fans and players on opposing teams hanging out together, which was great to see.

I also had the opportunity to take photos of out-of-county teams, which really let me focus on several kids that I have seen play over the last few years. It was great seeing so many athletes compete so hard, several of which are seniors and won’t ever play organized sports after the second week of March.

My only bummer is that I couldn’t be in Malta and Glasgow at the same time so I could cheer on all six of our local basketball teams.

As far Malta, many Mustangs and M-ette players have played their last home game last weekend. Everyone on those Malta teams, win or lose in the next couple of weeks can at least call themselves District champions, which is something that only came with hard work and dedication.

The Malta teams have done something that is simply unrealistic for thousands of high school sports programs throughout the country, with both teams winning their district title last Saturday. Every senior that played can say that they won their final home court game as a champion.

Many high schools won’t experience both of their boys’ and girls’ teams win matching titles, I’ve now seen it happen twice, since I’ve moved here, the first time being in 2014.

Our Phillips County student athletes have been an inspiration to me on and off of the court and it has been an honor to cover them for the past four years.

Covering these sports teams have not only made life a lot more interesting for me since moving from the land of pizza and baby back ribs, but it continually gives me an avenue to meet people young and old.

PJ hasn't caught many games this season due to the flu bug that has been going around. He himself has been sick all winter but seems to be getting over it. He is running around the living room as I speak, asking “What are you doing?”

I typed this week’s column on a wireless keyboard that is sending info to my phone, which has to look strange to my two-year-old son. Five minutes later, Shark Tank came on the television and I’m amazed that he seems to enjoy the show as much as Susan and I.