COLUMN: Enthusiasm unmatched for rivalries

I arrived at the AHS gym at approximately 5:30 p.m., an hour and a half before the varsity action was set to begin. Even then you could feel the excitement among those in attendance. As the junior varsity boys teams began their game, the players for the varsity girls teams were anxiously counting down the final minutes before they took the court.

Once the girls game began, it was evident that the WBHS Lady Bulldoggs would have the advantage in this matchup. Coach Brenda Hill’s team had more varsity experience and that proved to play a big difference in the outcome.

Still, it was something to watch the game as players from both teams seem to give a little something extra. It all goes back to competing against your rival. One could see Lady Wildcat player Amy Kelley hustling and diving on the floor for a loose basketball. One could see Brittany Witt connect on back-to-back 3-pointers for the Lady Bulldoggs. One could see Kelsey Montgomery make a steal and dished off to teammate Ashley Goley in the final seconds for a basket even though the outcome was already decided.

The boys contest later that night was also a sight to behold. Both teams wanted the game in the worst way. The Bulldoggs led by four points after the first eight minutes while the Wildcats took a two-point at the break.

The two county rivals were even after the third quarter and then Apalachee took the lead for good on two free throws by Chaun Gresham with 2:12 left. The Wildcats would not let the lead go after those free throws and would eventually record a seven-point victory.

While it was natural for the players on the court to be out of breath when the game was over, it seemed almost as if the fans were as well. The action was played at such an up tempo pace, it was a challenge for those in attendance to keep up during the boys contest.

It all goes back to rivalry contests. WBHS and AHS are now in the same subregion in basketball and that only adds to the overall enjoyment of the rivalry. While trying to improve your subregion standing is certainly important, I don’t think that measures up to defeating your in-county rival. That was the impression I got Friday night in the AHS gym.

As if last Friday wasn’t enough, the two local schools will do it all again on Jan. 31. This time WBHS will be the host site. Don’t be surprised to see the home court play a role in that one as well.

Chris Bridges is sports editor of the Barrow Journal. E-mail comments about this column to cbridges@barrowjournal.com.