The knowledgeable sports fan understands that games are played on the field, in the courts, and not in the computerized world, or, within any rating system. It takes flesh, on occasion blood, physical prowess, and mental strength to achieve success. Each day is different and each game may have changing factors. Victory can be fleeting.
That is why the fun of the games is important and to eschew a goal of making big money by placing bets on games is important.
Those realities raise a spectre in the Division I NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) tournament each year. Upsets abound. It is one loss and done, not best of seven, or, best of five.
On occasion rankings can become too important, almost a locked element rather than assistance in seeding. The widest gaps belong to the No. 1 seeded team playing No. 16. Only once has No. 16 defeated No. 1. It was in 2018 when No. 1 Virginia fell to the University of Maryland Baltimore County, 74-54. The next year, Virginia, with much the same team members went on the capture the national championship. It can be difficult to sort it out.
In the second round of this year’s tournament, No. 1 seeded Illinois fell to Loyola University Chicago, 71-58. Illinois played well, likely not with 100% intensity, which is difficult to turn on and off. Illinois by no means played poorly. Loyola, which on occasion has started slowly, sprung out of the gate, stayed composed and played well. Upset? Yes, of course, however, not a dramatic change in character. The name March Madness is earned each year. Little can be taken for granted. Teams playing especially well at the end of a season can find an added element of joy following earlier disappointment. No team is fixed to a slot. Games are played with both physical and mental approaches.
Illinois pulled within six points twice in the second half. Loyola never crumbled. The Ramblers executed their offense well with crisp passes, excellent defense, and poise. Cameron Krutwig, Loyola’s Missouri Valley Conference player of the year, a 6-9 center/forward seldom displays great athleticism, however, understands the game, shoots well from the outside, is skilled close inside on offense, and is technically sound on defense. The graduate of Jacobs High School in Algonquin is a senior leader. All of the players reflect cohesiveness.
Loyola’s Sweet Sixteen game at 1:45 p.m. Saturday against late-blooming Oregon State should be an excellent game. Those who think they know what will happen does not consider this time of the year and does not understand the definition of and reasons for March Madness.
• Rankings may help or hinder teams, nonetheless, it is all part of sports today.
Illinois high school football coaches have started their own poll network. One of the organizers is Batavia High School football head coach Dennis Piron. There are eight classes, similar to the State playoffs, if there were any playoffs this year. Each division has 15 teams, plus up and coming teams to watch. In the largest Class 8A, Lincoln-Way East is No. 1. Other ranked teams include Glenbard West, No 6; Naperville Central, No. 8; Hinsdale Central, No. 9.
Batavia and Wheaton South are Nos. 1 and 3 in Class 7A. Five weeks remain in the season.