The Hiland-RW game was my first opportunity to see a game in person all year. It was a really good game. Hiland is just a little under-manned this year, so they have to win or lose grinders. RW is really good. If you don't like watching Gabe Tingle play any sport, you don't like sports - or Tingles. It was Gabe vs. Will Schlabach in terms of scoring and they put on a show.
RW was the more physical team all game, but the officials were in a "let 'em play" mode. RW had a 6 point lead with about 3 min left, but Hiland spurted and took a 1 point lead with a minute or so. RW took the lead back and with about 20 seconds. Hiland had a chance to win with a last shot - but they turned the ball over. Hiland gets the ball back with about 5 seconds left and inbounds the ball. The RW defender came up and gave Grant Miller a little bump as he received the ball - something the refs had been allowing all night - but it was called a foul. Grant made 2. Tingle got a nice look with a 10 foot runner at the buzzer, but missed.
It was good to just be in a gym and watch kids compete. Felt almost normal.