March Madness refers to the time of the year when high school and college basketball tournaments generate enthusiasm, even growing to a fever pitch.
High school basketball in the State, known as the Original March Madness, will be silent for a second consecutive year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year high school teams in the largest classes (4A, 3A) made it through the sectional semifinals, two steps away from the super-sectionals and three steps from the State tournament semifinals. Wait until next year. We should have a shot on the tournament returning next year, especially if a strong majority of our residents receive their vaccines.
In the meantime, Sunday will be the College basketball Division I NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) March Madness selections. Berths, opponents, and television games will be revealed and fans will be preparing to enjoy he spectacle. Unless the University of Illinois falls in its first game of the Big Ten Conference men’s tournament, it likely will be one of the top four teams, a No. 1 selection in one of the four regional tournaments. Earlier this week, the top four teams, in order, were Gonzaga, Baylor, Illinois, and Michigan. Regular season stratification usually leads to upsets in tournament play. Certainly the stunning 23-point Illinois upset victory over Michigan March 2 will boost the confidence of the Illini and firmly place a bulls-eye on the backs of the players. One game does not make a season. The Illini will have to prove it many times to make it to the Final Four. Mental approaches are important to outcomes. All games will be played in the greater Indianapolis area.
One big difference this year is the lack of fans packing arenas, although the NCAA recently decided to allow attendance to 25% of capacity with a created distance in the seating. How will it affect the games and teams?
We must enjoy what we can enjoy. The game is still the thing, with, or without spectators.
With March here, can Major League Baseball be far behind. April 1 will be the start of a full season, hopefully if the COVID-19 recedes. It is a long season and likely will make last season’s abbreviated schedule appear to be just a warm-up.
The Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks have made interesting moves near to playoff berths. If the times are out of sync, it is proven with Spring football among some colleges and universities and high school football. High school football will begin March 20, one week following the conclusion of the high school basketball season, without March Madness. Times are a changing. EnJoy!