The high school sports' winter postseason hits full stride this week, as girls basketball teams begin regional competition. The boys basketball teams begin their playoffs next week.
With a little luck, the Times once again will be covering a team or two in Madison in a few weeks. There are a lot of teams with the potential to have that type of postseason. The Monroe girls basketball team seems to have gotten back on track after some slight midseason struggles. The defending Division 2 champions are favorites to return to Madison.
But the Cheesemakers' top regional threat is another strong area team, Brodhead, which finished 15-1 to win the Rock Valley South title and is 17-3 overall. The Cardinals already got a taste of state earlier this season, advancing in volleyball.
The Black Hawk girls basketball team also enters the playoffs after a stellar regular season, going 11-1 to be co-champions in the Six Rivers East and finishing with an 18-2 overall mark.
On the boys side, Monroe has clinched a third straight Badger South crown despite its midseason struggles. The Cheesemakers always are a postseason threat. And Brodhead (RVC South) and Monticello (Capitol South) will finish the regular season as conference champions.
And on Saturday we saw five area wrestlers qualify for this weekend's state tournament in Madison. Sugar River's Kalvin York will be there for the fourth straight year. Amazing.
This is the time of year that rewards prep athletes and fans, win or lose. Savor it. Enjoy it. And remember, it's just a game.
With a little luck, the Times once again will be covering a team or two in Madison in a few weeks. There are a lot of teams with the potential to have that type of postseason. The Monroe girls basketball team seems to have gotten back on track after some slight midseason struggles. The defending Division 2 champions are favorites to return to Madison.
But the Cheesemakers' top regional threat is another strong area team, Brodhead, which finished 15-1 to win the Rock Valley South title and is 17-3 overall. The Cardinals already got a taste of state earlier this season, advancing in volleyball.
The Black Hawk girls basketball team also enters the playoffs after a stellar regular season, going 11-1 to be co-champions in the Six Rivers East and finishing with an 18-2 overall mark.
On the boys side, Monroe has clinched a third straight Badger South crown despite its midseason struggles. The Cheesemakers always are a postseason threat. And Brodhead (RVC South) and Monticello (Capitol South) will finish the regular season as conference champions.
And on Saturday we saw five area wrestlers qualify for this weekend's state tournament in Madison. Sugar River's Kalvin York will be there for the fourth straight year. Amazing.
This is the time of year that rewards prep athletes and fans, win or lose. Savor it. Enjoy it. And remember, it's just a game.
