I love this time of year. March holds lots of action and promise for sports fans. Traditionally, it opens with March Madness and by the end gives way to the Masters at Augusta National, the legendary golf course widely regarded as one of the most scenic in the world. I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself because there’s lots of basketball to talk about this week, but all the things I love about spring are within sight. Things like the Masters, my infamous spring golf trip with my high school buddies, and finally, seeing our area athletes outside once more participating in baseball, softball and track. Bring it on!!

But first, Tiger Woods’ recent rollover accident and his absence from the 2026 Masters have left fans reeling. For years, Woods has been the heartbeat of golf. He is an icon of triumph, drama, and sheer willpower. To see him sidelined once again is a gut punch, not just to the tournament, but to the millions who have rooted for his comeback and celebrated his unforgettable victories. The disappointment is immediate, sharp, and for me, personal. Woods isn’t just a competitor. He’s the story everyone wants to watch, and for now, that story is on hold. Like all the fans that are pulling for him, I wish him a speedy and complete return to good health. Hopefully he can get his addiction problems under control. And, Tiger, in the future hire a full-time 24-7 driver.

Now, let’s talk about March Madness. Biggest news in the “Rutherford Friends and Family” ESPN bracket group is I successfully joined again and can retrieve/check my standings this year via the app. Years past had me missing out completely due to my lack of understanding of technology. I say it every year, but I still miss the lost art of carrying my bracket with me in my pocket on a crumpled and scratched-up piece of paper, but I get it. Learn to change and adapt or be left behind.

Let’s talk about the game that brought heartache to my immediate family. The UConn vs. Duke Elite Eight game was a heart-stopper that will live long in March Madness lore. Everyone is talking about the final 35-foot three-pointer by UConn with just 0.4 seconds left, but Yukon’s victory wasn’t defined by a single shot. It was the product of relentless effort over the final 20 minutes. UConn chipped away possession by possession, capitalizing on Duke’s turnovers and missed opportunities, staying aggressive, disciplined, and patient. By the time the final buzzer sounded, UConn had done more than survive. The Huskies had earned a hard-fought, unforgettable win against a powerhouse program.

For fans like my grandson Leo, who bleeds Duke basketball, it was both shocking and heartbreaking. Duke never trailed until the last moment, and the game’s tension hinged on a series of execution errors rather than a single miracle shot.

But for UConn, this Elite Eight triumph is a testament to smart play and grabbing every opportunity. It’s proof that in March Madness, grit often outweighs pedigree.

The win cements UConn as a team to watch, and the joy of that victory will echo far beyond this tournament.

The remaining teams, Illinois, UConn, Michigan and Arizona, are only two wins shy of a national title when the final four meet in Indianapolis. And by press time the decision will have been reached, but by any measure it’ll be an aggressive quartet of teams that will take the court at Lucas Oil Stadium with two number one seeds, a number 2 and a number 3 left standing. I’ve got my fingers crossed for the Arizona Wildcats to keep my hopes alive in the friends and family bracket.

The 2025/2026 high school basketball season came to a close with the crowning of four state champions in Charleston in both boys and girls basketball. On the boy’s side Class A honors went to Tug Valley, Class AA to Wheeling Central, Class AAA to Chapmanville and the AAAA title went to Spring Mills. On the girls side, Class A champion was St Marys, coached by ex-Paden City and Sistersville Coach Fred King, Class AA went to James Monroe, Class AAA went to Greenbrier East, coached by former Governor Jim Justice and Class AAAA goes to the Parkersburg Big Reds. Congratulations to all state champion teams.