The big story this week was the NCAA Final Monday night where Louisville knocked off Michigan 82-76 in exciting fashion. The bigger story for Roanoke, and especially Southwest Roanoke County, was the performance of former Hidden Valley standout Luke Hancock, who poured in 22 points in the final.
That showcase followed his 20-point game in the Cardinals’ semifinal 72-68 win over Wichita State, coached by former Cave Spring grad Gregg Marshall.
Hancock’s contributions earned him the distinction of being named the Final-Four Most Outstanding Player and a spot on the cover of Sports Illustrated this week.
One very shining moment for the Roanoke Valley.
I’ve got to admit it’s been an interesting three weeks since we last convened in this column. The ACC purists jumped all over me after I said the conference had lost a lot since its good ole days, and my prediction that it would be evident in the NCAA tournament. One reader told me the ACC could easily have three teams in the Final-4.
Well, my analysis wasn’t too shabby. The two eight-seed ACC entries dropped out in the first weekend, leaving Duke and Miami.
Miami, not surprisingly, went next, as getting past the sweet-sixteen was unchartered waters for the Hurricanes.
Finally, Duke said goodbye after getting smacked hard by Louisville 85-63. Even the standard bearer for the ACC, with the best coach and best players in the conference, and a team who fears no one in scheduling, couldn’t come close to holding serve against the Cardinals.
I’m not going to rub it in on the Chief, who called 50% of the Final-4 the Big-Least. I’m still hoping he’ll foot the bill for me attending the sportswriters convention in Palm Springs, plus I don’t want to be relegated to writing the garden club roundup since I can’t spell foursissyah.
Now, to this edition’s Wild Bill ‘Big-11’ high school baseball review, where we’re less than a week out from the start of district play.
Athletic directors will earn their pay after all the postponements in virtually every spring sport from cold weather, wet fields and last week’s snow. The ADs will be performing a juggling act to get all the games rescheduled, mindful that we still have those April showers that bring May flowers.
That shower-flower pundit obviously never had to deal with softball make-up games.
Spring break last week at most schools gave the fields time to dry out, so what better time than now to move to this week’s Wild Bill ‘Big-11’ baseball Top-3.
#1)Hidden Valley- The Titans jumped to the top spot after a convincing win over former number-one William Byrd and a 3-1 record at the Rock Hill, SC showcase tournament. Hidden Valley looks to be gelling in both hitting and pitching.
#2)Lord Botetourt- The Cavaliers make their first move into the Top-3 after a convincing win over James River that led to a 4-1 start. The big question is whether LB can keep pace when the Blue Ridge slate of Northside, William Byrd and Alleghany become a weekly chore in district play.
#3)William Byrd- Byrd slips from the top spot, but don’t be surprised if the Terrier hitting and speed quickly starts a new climb in the poll.
It’s time now to open the mailbag, where a reader obviously thinks this column is an extension of directory assistance
Dear Wild Bill: Do you have the new phone number for The Rendezvous Motel in Giles County? I’d like to book a reservation for a week this summer if they rebuild. (Marvin/Bedford)
Sorry, Marvin, no new listing here. My advice is to drive down motel row in Pearisburg and honk your horn. If a hanger-around waves, you’re in business. And, don’t forget that noted Latin advice, “cogita ante salis” (look before you leap). See, you always learn something when you read this column.
Well, the rumor around the sports department is the Chief has approved my convention motel voucher for a king bed, smoking room at the Palm Springs Rendezvous Motel. Wow, it must be a chain.
Until next time, I’ll keep the light on for you. And, send your travel tips to: [email protected]
