Well, March is upon us.
In high school basketball that means we have reached the VHSL state championship quarterfinals this weekend, with the state semifinals and finals the week of March 7-12.
At Roanoke Star corporate headquarters, March means everyone’s expecting The Chief to emerge from his penthouse hibernation in order to hopefully plant his “Chia Chief” somewhere in the street-front landscape. (You may recall the ceremony gifting of the “CC” at the Hotel Roanoke during last year’s annual Christmas gathering.)
I figure the Chia Chief, highlighted by several sets of the now-famous Star Shower light displays, will be enough to, well……at the least, elicit inquiries about local code violations.
Before we get to the VHSL and VIC state basketball lineups, congratulations go out to Faith Christian for winning the VACA boys basketball state championship February 27 with their 45-40 win over SWVA Home School. Head coach Pete Alterio’s Warriors finished the season with a 28-1 record. Well done, Warriors.
Now, to the ‘Big-11’ where 7 of our boys and girls teams are still in the running for a state championship. Here’s a look at the upcoming schedule of games.
Friday, March 4th at the Old Dominion University Constant Center:
4A Boys- #1 Lake Taylor vs. #4 William Byrd (3:45 PM)
Friday, March 4th at the Salem Civic Center:
3A Girls- #1 Hidden Valley vs. #4 John Marshall (8:30 PM)
Saturday, March 5th at the Salem Civic Center:
4A Girls- #1 William Fleming vs. #4 Huguenot (11:00 AM)
3A BOYS- #1 Northside vs. #4 Park View South Hill (8:00 PM)
Saturday, March 5th at VCU Siegel Center:
3A Boys- #2 Hopewell vs. #3 Cave Spring (7:00 PM)
VISAA Division-III Girls: At press time, Roanoke Catholic had advanced to a Wednesday showdown at Carlisle in the state quarterfinals. The winner advances to the state semifinals Friday at Richard Bland College in Petersburg
VIS Division III Boys: At press time, North Cross had advanced to a Wednesday (6PM) showdown at Christ Chapel in the state quarterfinals. The winner advances to the state semifinals Friday at Virginia State University in Petersburg.
The Roanoke Valley Sports Club welcomes former Major League Baseball player Billy Sample as its guest speaker for the March 21st meeting at the Salem Civic Center. Sample, an Andrew Lewis High School graduate, played for the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers during his days in the big leagues. A 5:45 social will be followed by the 6:00 dinner meeting. Contact Maggie Drewry at 540-353-1103 for information or to purchase tickets.
Now, to the mailbag where one reader is already planning for this year’s holiday lighting extravaganza.
Dear Wild Lighting Enthusiast: We bought the Star Shower after your late-night product review last month. What are your suggestions for putting them up this coming holiday season? (Olivia and Morgan/Christiansburg)
Stay with the basics Olivia. Use between 5 and 7 of the laser lights at once and set ’em up by early October. You’ll either be the hit and/or bane of the neighborhood.
Until next time, get your reservations and questions submitted under the name John Smith, and send your red hot inquiries to: [email protected]
