I woke up with free throws and blocked shots dancing in my head this morning.

Last night the North Harrison Cougars defeated the Crawford County Wolfpack.  The first 32 minutes went back and forth and forth and back again in a “Black Out” themed NH Gym.  The Cougars were down 19-11 early.  When the dust settled at halftime, the Cougars were up 30-27.  At the end of the 3rd quarter, NH held a 45-37 lead.  The Pack came back.  54-54 at the end of regulation.

If you have spent any time around North Harrison, you know the Crawford County game holds a little more “umph” than most.  For me it’s partially geography.  I can look out a window in the winter, when the leaves have taken leave, and see a river that divides Harrison and Crawford.  Once upon a time that also meant a time zone.

So I was in a time machine of sorts last night.  My mind went back during breaks in the action to a place we called the “Cougar Dome”.  A quaint little gym still on campus, it was hot and loud and crowded and volatile at times, the Cougar Dome was a long time ago.

Last night was better.  Though I still feel the need every now and then to jump up and down and carry on, I hope to act like there is at least a modicum of dignity within my fiber.  Oh there were times when I wanted to yell at the refs and tell them they couldn’t call the hogs to the trough.

Last night was better because I have five senior boys on the team that I see day to day in English class.  They are good guys and they are easy to root for.

Cooper Dunn swatted shots last night like he was after flies at a barbecue.  This free shot was true in a game it had to be.

Colten Smith runs the court and makes cuts and passes that throw defenses four different directions.

I am still seeing a three-pointer that Landon Farnsley threw in from the corner where it looked like he was standing in the third row.  He just watched the shot fall and took back up the court like that was the way it was supposed to be.

Watching Caleb Voyles is like a basketball rendition of “Where’s Waldo?”  Caleb glides from side to side, in and out, his head on a swivel and I swear I don’t know how he keeps his feet under him.  It is a sight to behold.  He makes passes the rest of us wish we could.

Tre Walters was in a walking boot for most of the season.  I wish he could have been on the floor last night.

I meant it when I said these guys are easy to root for.  They have had a challenging season and I have been around enough to know when I see a class act on the field or on the floor.  Coach Ross Schulz and his staff have kept these guys together and they are still playing hard together as a team.

Final Score:   NH 64 CC 59 OT

This old NH Cougar enjoyed every minute of it.

Speaking the rights.

Danny Johnson