I love sporting events that are playoff matches. They have so much more passion and enthusiasm than regular season play.

Magnolia High School earned their right to go to the state tournament Thursday night when they beat the Ravenswood Red Devils. Their first game in the Charleston Civic Center will be held tonight at 9 p.m.

I am hoping to be there, but at the moment I don’t have my plans completely together. That 9 p.m. tipoff makes it a bit late for my pre-schooler, but I think we’ll probably have to pack our blue and gold pom-poms and hit the road. The Blue Eagles really do appreciate the support of their fans. So, I hope to see many of you in Charleston tonight.

It never ceases to amaze me how a group of teenagers can bring a community together. Thanks for the reason to bond!

Then Friday afternoon our beloved West Virginia University Mountaineers begin their playoff journey in the NCAA tournament. Now I know I can’t be at that game in person, but I will surely be looking for a television to view come Friday at lunchtime.

As I’m sure many of you experienced via the television in your living rooms last week, the Mountaineers made three amazing last-minute victories in as many days to win the Big East title for the very first time.

I was so mad at myself for not being able to keep my eyes open for the end of the game Friday. I was okay until there were about four minutes to go. Then I started blinking for extended periods of time. I thought I would just rest my eyes during the commercials, but then when I would find the strength to pry them open for a moment, the game was in motion. I truly tried my best, but just couldn’t stay awake to see the end.

When I finally did wake up, so I could move from the recliner to bed, I had to wait until ESPN showed the score so I could at least know who won. Thankfully it was the Mountaineers and there was another game to watch the next night.

Saturday I had no trouble staying awake to see the big title win. I loved when De’Sean Butler said he was so happy to help get the win for “our” state. The ESPN commentators kept stressing how the starters for WVU were from the New York City area. It did my heart good to know that the tradition holds true that those who come to West Virginia for any extended period of time become part or our big Mountain State family. I’m happy to call them my kin.