Blue, and Happy for It

On a night when there's very little on television to hold my attention (I am quite glad I don't let myself watch network television, save for sports), my mind turns to the near future in area sports. District high school hoops are on the horizon, to be sure, but I'm focusing more on the college side of things. Namely MTSU sports.

The Middle Men are dueling South Dakota State in basketball as I type, and continue a tough stretch with the ol' Sun Belt "Arkansas Trip" versus Arkansas State and Little Rock this Thursday and Saturday, respectively. The Raiders are playing tough, and will likely give some opponents fits in the SBC tourney--especially with the home-court advantage.

The Lady Raiders (politically correct or not, I honestly don't care; I find nothing offensive or degrading about using "Lady" on the women's team's name, as having so many "Blue Raider" teams gets too complicated) have been a solid team for all of the season save for a shaky start. Our women's team hosts the same teams the men visit, State and UALR, on the same nights, with 7pm tipoffs at the Murf. I've yet to see a game live and in person, and covering the men makes it harder to follow the women's squad, but I see no reason why we can't keep with recent tradition. Horton and Givens are the only two on the team averaging in double-figures, with Tia Stovall there if you round off to the nearest point. Tia also boasts 10 blocks, second only to newcomer reserve Brittany Pittman's 11. Krystle, Tia, and Chrissy are all averaging 6 or more boards a game, and both Krystle and Tia are shooting over 50% from the floor. Givens and LaCondra Mason are also better than +1 in assist to turnover ratio, though most of the team is near that mark.
A few extra points from Tia (who I expected to be in much more of a leadership role, rather than Givens, honestly) couldn't hurt, but otherwise all I can say is keep it up. The Royal Blue and White is rolling, and while it all starts with the big three I focused on, our skilled supporting cast is key as well. (I'd also like to see more of Starr Orr, honestly, who's only been in 15 games so far.) With the skills, leadership, and chemistry this team has, and how they find a way to win, surpassing the past two seasons is a definate possibility...though one has to wonder what NC team we would face in such a scenerio? Well, we first have to keep it going through the tournament, which is doable, though we must not overlook anyone.

Lastly, we come to the Diamond Raiders. Ol' Smitty, The REESE, Reese Smith Field is getting a much-needed facelift. It's going to be a great place to see some ball, and the season starts very soon. I'm definately going to take in a few games myself...nothing much to report on at this time, but I do know that we have high expectations and a solid team, as has been the case for much of my recent memory.
I also need to mention the women's team...softball. I have no idea what to expect, as last season we....well, let's just say it wasn't a high point. However, it gave the Ladies some good experience to build off of, so I'm expecting many improvements and highlights this year. The season actually starts Valentine's afternoon at Evansville, and Middle opens up at its home away from home (Sportscomm, I believe) on Friday. An interesting schedule awaits the Blue Raiders both on the road, at Sportscom, and at their newly renovated Blue Raider Field, which should be ready later this month. Like I said, no clue what to expect here, but why should that stop us? It should make things that much more exciting. I should get a good look at this team when I fill in as public address man for a few home games. I'll post games for sure when I know.

Wow, not bad for something rattled off, huh? All I have to say is Let's Go Blue!