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Randy's Ramblings
By Randy Fisher
Last Updated: January 22, 2015

January full of exciting tournaments

Except for state tournament week, this is my favorite time of the high school basketball season. January tournaments. When else can you watch eight teams battle it out over three days for bragging rights and a trophy or plaque?

Tournaments come in all shapes and sizes. From little schools to big ones, often on the same stage. Little towns like Burrton and Halstead will open their doors to out-of-town teams and fans.

I remember watching a January tournament in Topeka while attending high school there. The excitement and enthusiasm were infectious to all who participated and attended.

This week, Valley Center High School will host the 32nd annual January Jam, a tourney every bit worth watching as any other in the state. Eight teams, ranging geographically from extreme northeast Kansas to extreme southwest Kansas, will be on hand to battle for a piece of hardware and a spot in the Jam record book. And don't forget the individual events Saturday morning.

I've heard talk that some folks don't think the Jam is a prestigious event because of the caliber of teams entered. This year's field includes two ranked teams, one in Class 5A and one in 6A. Isn't that enough? Although some tournaments may have a glossier field on paper, I doubt many of them will be any more competitive than what you will see this weekend at VCHS.

This is a critical part of the season for all these teams, especially for the Hornets. They have shown flashes of brilliance and frustration, usually in the same game. They need to start putting things together for the stretch run, and all of you can help with that.

Come to Valley's games. Wear your purple. Cheer the Hornets. That's a start, because it's much more exciting to play when the stands are full and jumping. Trust me on this one; I know from my own experience.

Do you know what else is exciting about this time of the season? We get to do it all over again next week when Valley's girls head to McPherson for the Mid America Classic. McPherson isn't that far to drive, so I hope to see you at the Roundhouse next weekend.

But before then, I hope to see you at the Jam. It isn't all that far either.

Randy Fisher is news and advertising assistant and sports writer for The Ark Valley News. Reach him at legals@arkvalleynews.com or 755-0821.




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