Published Thursday, March 06, 2008 1:46 PM
Updated Thursday, March 06, 2008 1:48 PM

 

Castle's Keep 03/07/08

Find a true champion


Sherwood Miler supplied me a fantastic idea this week. I called him to get his input on who would win a game between the town’s two basketball state champions.

“In the old days, we would meet at Laurel Street park and play our games there,” the basketball fanatic said. “I say we roll out some goals in the middle of the street and play it off.”

Well, he’s got a great idea. Tomorrow at 2 p.m., Summerville and Pinewood should meet at Laurel Street. Sherwood’s bringing the goals.

Although we all know that can’t happen –– pesky High School League rules –– it would be great to imagine if they did play. The two teams didn’t in the regular season for the second consecutive year.

They used to play in the Berlin Myers Classic before Christmas to raise money for charity, but that has faded over the past two years. Now, both have won state championships. Summerville won its first in school history. Pinewood its third straight. Seldom before have the two teams been so good at the same time.

Summerville has A.J. Green and athleticism. Pinewood has Milton Jennings and great team play.

“If Pinewood can keep out of foul trouble, they would win nine times out of 10,” Sherwood says. “Because Jennings is as good of a basketball player as A.J. Green is an athlete.”

The Journal Scene’s Sports Editor Roger Lee, who probably has seen enough basketball this year for the next five, simply says it would be “awesome” to sit back and watch the two teams duke it out.

“Pinewood hasn’t seen a press like Summerville’s but on the other hand when Milton and Ryan Steed are on their game –– they’re pretty much unstoppable,” he says.

One of the tragedies of the Green Wave’s state championship was the lack of class and sportsmanship Spartanburg showed. I know they believe the shot was good. Green Wave would’ve believed the same thing. But, the game can ultimately be summed up pretty well by Sherwood.

“Let’s face it –– it was close. Summerville should’ve never have been in that position – they should’ve won by 12,” he says.

Spartanburg should’ve known better than to slam the trophy on the table and leave the court. Just because they lost, and Summerville High spin-off Ashley Ridge High stole their football coach on the same day –– they still should have had more class.

Now, they’ve gotten their state legislators involved. If those Columbia guys didn’t waste their time enough on frivolous legislation, two Spartanburg legislators have now submitted a bill mandating instant replay in high school and college games. Really? That is what we send them to Columbia to do –– regulate high school sports.

Isn’t the state facing a budget deficit? Aren’t our roads and bridges desperately lacking in repair? Aren’t there better state laws to reform than high school athletics?

Once again, I’ll let Sherwood sum up my thoughts on the entire situation.

“The officials ultimately agreed to call it and that’s all you can say.”

Well of course, besides, congratulations to the Green Wave and Panther basketball teams.

Contact Ryan Castle at 873-9424 ext. 216 or rcastle@journalscene.com. To view more of Castle’s Keep visit http://journalscene.typepad.com/castles_keep.