by joanna

Just watched the top five Super Bowl ads, including Mean Joe Greene and Coke. Wonderful ad.

But we’ll talk about the Super Bowl as we get closer to it. Right now let’s hit today’s games, with a heavy emphasis on the championships.

I’ll be watching Wichita East play Highland Park tonight. Both are ranked in state, I’ve got East at 4th in 6A, while Highland Park is first in 5A. I’m taking Highland Park in this game. I think Highland Park is too deep for the Aces, and their guard play is superior (superior to most of the state). HP plays the same style of game as East, though — fast, fast, fast — and it will be a high-scoring game. I expect Leon Flowers and Marcus Adams to have big games for East, but I think the difference will be the perimeter game, where HP will dominate.

Wichita Collegiate vs. Wichita Trinity in El Dorado — Ooooo, this is a good game. How about the 3A and 4A schools getting to the title game, perfect records intact. Some awfully good teams here, yet they came through. I’ll take Collegiate in this game, by the slimmest of margins.

Southeast vs. BV Northwest at Valley Center — I’m taking Southeast here. BV Northwest will be the Buffs’ toughest competition of the tourney, but they’ll be up for it.

Andover Central will play Goddard at Chanute. Mmmm. Ilike this game. Both teams have had some questionable losses lately, so this tournament has been good for them. I think this game is too close to call.

Andover plays host Coffeyville in the championship — I’m taking Andover. The girls play Cherryvale in the title game. Both Trojans teams coming away with titles? Why not?

At Chaparral, Wellington and Kingman will play for the title. I’ll take Kingman in this game.

Newton will play Dodge City in the TOC. Dodge City always seems to find a way to get the title game, no matter how rough its season has been. While I like Newton in this game, I wouldn’t put it past DC to pull out the win.

Rose Hill vs. Haven at Halstead — I’m not picking this game. I’m sure you understand. Good championship, though.

Republic County vs. Hesston at Hillsboro — I’m loving this championship game. It’s definitely one I wouldn’t mind seeing. I think Hesston wins, but what a tough, tough matchup for these teams. Wish I could be there.

Maize vs. McPherson at Mac — Definitely not the championship I envisioned. Congrats to Maize for getting to this point. But I’m taking McPherson in a fairly big win.

Bishop Miege vs. SM Northwest at Aquinas — Bishop Carroll is playing for seventh. Miege is going to win this game, but it won’t be easy. I have faith in that.

Clay Center vs. Salina Central in Salina — You know, I’ve picked for Salina Central all season this year. I’m taking Clay Center.

In girls action, there’s Wichita Heights playing in the title game vs. SM West at SM South — I’ll take Heights. Hesston girls are also in the Hillsboro tourney final, facing Thomas More Prep. South Haven girls will play Argonia in the SCBL final

Other boys championships:

Berean vs. Peabody-Burns at Burrton

Kinsley and Word of Life at Cunningham

Medicine Lodge vs. Nickerson at St. John

Oxford vs. West Elk in the SCBL tourney (I’ll take Oxford with Bryce Mayes scoring big points)

So it’s a big day. I’m liking a lot of different matchups here. Where will you be? Which title games would you love to see? For that matter, what non-title games interest you?