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One More Friday
The Warsaw Tigers took care of business in their sectional semifinal last night, so there's a good chance another home playoff game awaits if Snider won their contest. And while I enjoy using my best booming baritone to introduce the Tigers as they burst through the tunnel and stretching out a hearty "Warsaw... Tiger... TOUCHdooowwwnnn," there's something different about a postseason Friday night where my gears shift to gracious neutrality… until a trophy is presented in post-game.
The atmosphere changes before the opening kickoff. The IHSAA script takes over much of the public-address work, leaving little room for improvisation. Aside from the occasional lost set of keys, misplaced wallet, forgotten debit card, or vehicle with its lights left on, there aren't many unexpected announcements to make.
Meanwhile, the press box becomes standing-room-only territory. Statisticians, broadcasters, scoreboard/video board operators, and spotters settle in for what they hope won't be the season's final assignment.
Maybe this is what makes playoff football special. Everyone arrives carrying a little extra energy and appreciation. Nobody knows how many Fridays remain making each one feel just a bit more important than the previous Friday.
A (Misperceived) Finer Touch
After years of working NAIA and high school basketball games, my instinct is to announce the assist whenever I see a clear assist-worthy pass leading to a basket. An opposing team’s handful of fans told me about four or five years ago it was a finer touch.
Conversely, this is dangerous territory in Division I basketball.
At halftime of a recent exhibition game (thank Heaven it was an exhibition game), I was informed the players pay close attention to statistical details throughout their season. When they review stream on demand or other media, and hear an assist announced that might not have appeared in the official box score, the athlete eventually ends up asking sports information where this “missing” assist went.
I’ll leave the call – what was described as a finer touch – to the stat crew, hereafter. All of my basketball public address work is either an eastbound or westbound one-hour drive away, so most area readers will neither see nor hear me.. not… announcing assists.
I was further relieved when the second half of the aforementioned exhibition game was a little easier to call carrying one less brick in the backpack.
A New Chapter Begins
The IHSAA girls’ basketball season tips off this week, and the Warsaw Lady Tigers won't ease their way into it. A home opener against Fort Wayne Snider on Tuesday followed by a trip to Class 4A state runner-up Norwell on Saturday should provide an early measuring stick.
On paper, familiar names are missing. Warsaw, Snider, and Norwell all graduated players who helped define recent seasons. This is the nature of high school sports. Every spring delivers farewells, and every fall and winter bring opportunities for someone new to step forward.
What makes this season particularly intriguing in Warsaw is the combination of change and possibility. A coaching transition always introduces a fresh voice, new priorities, and perhaps a different perspective on how the game should be played. At the same time, a roster filled with new cast members means roles are available, not guaranteed. Today's reserve can become tomorrow's leading scorer. Last year's supporting player can emerge as this year's floor leader.
Those storylines are what make opening night so compelling. Nobody knows exactly how the pieces will fit together.
The early demanding schedule will also present opportunity. By the end of next weekend, the Lady Tigers might have a much clearer picture of where they stand. More importantly, fans will have their first glimpse of what this new era of Warsaw girls’ basketball might become.
This is one of the best parts of any new sports season. Before championships are chased and fans use the standings to set their sights and make plans on the next game of the week to attend, the team also shares the same thing with fans as action launches: possibility.
