March Madness...

Edit: my hometown news ran a story that I had to share. Check it out. How I'd love to be there to share in the banter!

I have a confession to make... I was raised in Indiana. Every March I feel this strong urge to watch basketball. Fight it as I might, this year, I just can't help myself! You see, I grew up with two older brothers that both played basketball - from peewees through college. I spent many years fighting enjoying going to games. (I was even an "honorary" Boys Club member since I spent so much time there!)

Fast-forward to the next generation. My two nephews and two of my four nieces have been infected by the basketball blood. The girls' seasons are over now, but the boys are entering tournament phase. My younger nephew's team (coached by my brother) will be heading to semi-state this coming weekend. This may not sound very exciting, but considering this is the first Rockville team to win Regionals, my family is over the top! Go Lane, Go!!!(Just in case you can't guess, Lane is #1)

Not to be outdone by his little brother, my older nephew will be enjoying some exciting tournament play himself this weekend. He plays for Indiana State, who won their way into the NCAA Tournament, winning the Missouri Valley Conference. We get three of the four channels showing the NCAA games - and you can guess which one will be carrying Friday's game. Undeterred, I think I've found an internet site that will also be carrying the game. Unfortunately, the game is well after the Doodles' bedtime, so they won't get to see their cousin on tv/computer. My ISU sweatshirt is clean and ready for wearing for Friday! (RJ is #31)

I tried to find pictures of my nieces in action, but outside of Facebook (which I can't access from this computer), I can only find one of Beth - sister to RJ and Lane.

She's heading to Murray State in the fall, playing both basketball and volleyball. Hopefully, this will mean we'll get to see some of her games via tv!

I have one more picture to share - I was surprised to find it while searching for niece and nephew pictures. This picture is from the year that my oldest brother's high school team went to state. (Doug is #54 - back row, center)

This was the same year that Larry Bird took Indiana State to the NCAA finals and became a household name. Just a bit of basketball-geek trivia for you! *sigh*

So, as much as I've fought it through the years, I'm still a basketball fan at heart - especially when it has acted as such a strong tie for pulling my family together (aunts, uncles, and cousins included). I'm proud of all of my nieces and nephews for many reasons, these are just the ones with pictures available on the internet! LOL!

Now, please pardon me while I go try to figure out how to connect my laptop to my tv screen!