Although we just celebrated the happiness of Valentine's Day, I have to reveal the unhappiness of my trip to Joppatowne last week for the girls basketball showdown between Aberdeen and the host Mariners.
I guess, it's more like sadness that I felt, as I realized Joppatowne point guard TroiQuay Malloy wasn't warming up, but rather sitting on the bench in street clothes. I had no previous knowledge that Malloy wasn't going to play in this big game.
If I had, some of the shine would have been taken off my column from a week ago.
I heard it was an eligibility issue, therefore you see my sadness. Not that the chances were good, but I said it before and I'm saying it again, Malloy had to be a factor if the Mariners were to have a chance.
It seemed to me the Eagles were clicking on all cylinders from the opening tip and the Mariners had few answers.
I'll agree with Mariners coach Mike Harris' comments about the missed practice last Wednesday, due to the inclement weather. But while I agree the missed practice hurt the Mariners, Aberdeen could not practice either.
After watching the game, I'm not sure there was enough practice that might have made a 42-point difference. Harris also noted that Aberdeen was the best team in the state. Can't disagree with that either.
Look, both teams are good and both teams have more than one quality player. Aberdeen, simply, has more.
The Eagles have run off 19 wins in a row. With games against Fallston and Harford Tech this week, Aberdeen is likely to roll into next week at 21-0.
A very interesting matchup looms Tuesday for the Eagles, who will visit a Riverdale Baptist team that ranks somewhere in the top four of girls hoop teams across this country.
Assuming no one gets hurt, this is a tremendous test for Aberdeen as they prepare for a run back to the Class 3A state final. If you're new to the area, Aberdeen lost in last year's state final, 76-71, to Frederick.
By the time this column hits the streets on paper, the UCBAC's Susquehanna Division champion will also be confirmed or the top spot will locked up tight in a tie.
C. Milton Wright and Patterson Mill have been battling tooth and nail. The only game separating them was a few weeks back in a nearly unbelievable comeback by the Mustangs. Down 15-3 after one quarter, CMW stormed back for a 55-49 win.
I'm not sure what I expect to see in this rematch, other than a good game.
For those who are not basketball fans, the UCBAC wrestling championships will be contested Friday and Saturday at Bel Air High School. Rising Sun is the defending champion, but I don't think the Tigers can repeat.
Swimming's best will also be on display at Magnolia Middle School Saturday, vying for a spot in this year's state meet. Good luck to all.