By Staff
Tonight, Niles and Dowagiac's varsity basketball teams will be going head-to-head for the district championship crown.
This will be the third meeting between the two schools this season, with both of the regular season games ending in Niles' favor.
This last meeting between the two wasn't exactly smooth sailing as the Chieftains gave the Lady Vikes a run for their money, only trailing Niles by three points at halftime.
The same thing happened Tuesday evening when Niles faced St. Joe. The Bears actually had the lead most of the first half and had the answer to stopping Niles' top scorers Brandie Radde and Sarah Dreher.
But tonight's game should be an interesting one as Dowagiac is making its first appearance to the finals since 1995.
Plus, Dowagiac will be ready to just take a win over Niles, since the last time they defeated them was…well, I'm not quite sure.
Dowagiac's coach Greg Blomgren said Wednesday night that he told his girls they should walk around the community and tell strangers that they are playing for the district championship. No doubt the Chiefs will have a lot of fans tonight!
On the other hand, Niles will be looking for its ninth district trophy. Winning this title something that has become sort of a tradition in Niles. Head coach Jim Arnold has had much success with his programs over the years and it doesn't look to let up anytime soon.
If you've ever been to a Niles basketball game, you know they have avid fans who follow them year after year. Two of them being my uncle Cliff and aunt Fay, who have been attending the basketball and softball games for I don't know how long. Many of you may know my aunt as “the candy lady” because she always has a huge bag of candy at the games.
And Niles' student section is always a crazy one. Most of the time you can catch students decked out in home made shirts with face painting caked all over. At Wednesday's game, Lyle Watson wore a huge yellow afro wig and I still don't know who was in the gorilla costume. I overheard some people sitting behind me from St. Joseph saying “too bad we don't have fans like that.”
Too bad!
It should be a great game! I wish the best of luck to both teams.
Another local team fighting for a district championship tonight is Buchanan. The Bucks will face Watervliet at 7 p.m. at the Panthers' home court.
Buchanan advanced when they defeated River Valley Wednesday evening.
Last year, the Bucks fell to Bridgman in the finals. A lot of people didn't even think Buchanan would make as far as they have. They are a very young group, but also very talented.
Good luck tonight Bucks!
On wishing people good luck, I wish the best of luck to Keri Ferrell and Randall Radecki who will be bringing a baby girl into the world sometime today.
Congratualtions in advance to the both! I know you will make wonderful parents.
Players win games, teams win championships.
– Bill Taylor