From the notebook………

*Seems as though football just wrapped up and here we are approaching the midway point of the 2009/10 basketball season. I’ll hold true to my assertion that it will be mid January before a handful of teams break away from the pack and stand heads above the rest in a run at the state championship. But with that said, what’s the harm in prognosticating a bit? Looking at the current Southern Sports & Travel rankings any of the top five could make a case as to why they’re the best AA team in the state. Hillcrest has only been beaten once and has tough AAA experience…..Marshall returned all of their starters from last season’s squad…..Columbia has quality wins over AAA opponents and the Cougars have a big man and point guard that can be game changers…..Bowling Green is loaded with talent but it may take another three weeks or so for their new additions to gel…..Brookhaven was slowed by the long football season but with a strong frontcourt and returning point guard from last season’s championship team they’ll be in the mix. Carroll is the only team in AA basketball yet to suffer a loss but their schedule is a little suspect. Nonetheless, they’re at #6 in the rankings and could be a sleeper along with Glenbrook, Canton and Simpson.
*Of all the district races that will soon transpire the one that grabs the most attention is the battle that will ensue in district 4AA. Three of the top five teams in AA basketball will go after it next month in what will be a great race. Bowling Green, Brookhaven and Columbia should fill the stands when they face off and set the table for an exciting post season.
*If you’re looking for a district that from top to bottom is the most competitive look no further than district 3AA. The five team district has produced a combined record of 45-21 and all are more than two games above 500. The district has the #1 ranked Hillcrest Cougars, and the Canton Panthers have picked up steam and should begin a quick climb in the rankings next month.
*A big “Shout Out” to Brookhaven and the annual holiday tournament they have put together. The tourney starts next Monday and is absolutely loaded with quality teams.
*The phrase “if a tree falls in the woods and no one is there to hear it does it make a noise” can be applied to a handful of schools in the MAIS. The lack of initiative for some to promote their schools is questionable but to stand in the way of kids getting recognition is inexcusable. It’s plausible to suggest that in some instances the only people to have knowledge of results of some basketball games are the ones that attended the game and it ends there. The time and effort it requires to report a score to any media source is minimal at best.
*Southern Sports & Travel continues to attract new readers from all over the region and hopefully contributors with AAA roots will sign on. The site will continue to grow and while there will be hick-ups along the way the flow of information will improve. Football season alone drew 35,000 hits and basketball will do well also.

See ya somewhere………….