Year-end notes and thoughts in the sports whirl:
•The Chicago Bears are on a relatively high note with four victories in six games. The are 6-9 in the NFC North, in fourth place of the four-team division, however, one game behind the 7-8 Greem Bay Packers. The rivals, Bears and Packers will end the season, Saturday, Jan. 7 in Green Bay. Regardless of circumstances it will be a grudge match. Green Bay won the first match, the 2023 season-opener, 38-20. Detroit’s Lions won the division championship.
•College football bowl game are just fun. The fun increases with victories. Saturday, Dec. 23 both Northern Illinois and Northwestern won their bowl games. There will be five games New Year’s Day and four games Saturday, Dec. 30. The University of Illinois plans for next season is to go to a bowl game.
•High school holiday basketball tournaments are special, even with diminished crowds attending games. Its fun and a preview of the State tournament games. College basketball’s excellence and television coverage prevail in late March and early April. We can enjoy it all.
•Time does not stand still. Following the holiday basketball season, thoughts for some fans turn to baseball. Spring training offers glimpse and produces warm thoughts on cold Winter days.
Can both the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox provide playoff hopes? We can hope!