We are fortunate February is the shortest month, otherwise basketball fans would keel over in anticipation.
The countdown ended at midnight Saturday when the calendar turned to March. Forget the NBA and its playoff format that stretches nearly until Independence Day. On the high school and college levels, it's all about March Madness.
High school state tournaments start Wednesday at sites all across Arkansas. Basketball fans in Northwest Arkansas can chose between the Class 7A state tournament at Springdale Har-Ber, the Class 6A state tournament in Siloam Springs or even the Class 4A state tournament in Ozark. The truly innovative traveler will find a way to hit two or perhaps all three tournaments at some point this week.
Don't be misled in believing the 7A state tournament will host the best teams and top talent in the state. If anything, Class 6A has been better in recent years, especially on the boys side.
It is a shame Jonesboro, Little Rock Parkview and El Dorado won't compete on the same floor as 7A schools such as Bentonville, Fayetteville and North Little Rock. Benton led the split years ago that deprives fans of a true champion among the largest schools in the state.
Arkansas at least does it right with a single-elimination format for its state tournaments. You lose, you cruise: no more second chances, no more playing for seedings.
No more embarrassing situations such as the one that occurred in Tennessee where two girls teams intentionally tried to lose to avoid playing a top-rated opponent in an elimination game.
How bad was it?
According to a referee's report, players intentionally missed free throws and on several occasions did not attempt to get the ball past midcourt to avoid a 10-second call. Thankfully, the governing body that oversees high school athletics in Tennessee took quick action by banning both teams from the rest of the tournament and fining each school $1,500.
Trying to throw a game is wrong on so many levels it's not even debatable. So, let's move on.
Teams in Arkansas had best be prepared to go full throttle in state tournament play. One bad quarter or even a bad stretch can send basketball players and their coaches home to begin spring sports.
Seeding for the state tournaments have yet to be finalized because of another blast of wintry weather. The Fayetteville boys can earn a No. 2 seed if they beat Bentonville at home Monday. If not, Springdale Har-Ber will open state tournament play on its home court as a No. 2 seed.
The Fort Smith Northside girls and Bentonville boys are the favorites in Class 7A, and Alma could challenge for the boys title in 6A. The Farmington girls will be worth following in Class 5A after the Lady Cardinals won the 5A-West championship on their first try.
Both Huntsville teams are capable in Class 4A, and the Greenland girls are primed for another championship run in Class 3A. Of course, there are always surprises such as last year when Springdale High reached the boys state championship game for the first time since 1998.
So, get ready, folks. From gladness to sadness, it's all about March Madness.
Reach Rick Fires by email at [email protected] or on Twitter @NWARick
Sports on 03/01/2015