3. High school hoops – I’m neck-deep in playoff basketball, and I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.

If you run into me on the street and I offer no more than a mumble, please excuse me. I’ve seen so many basketball games that I’ve lost my personality.

I hope you’re not laughing because I’m not joking.

I’m interested to see how my first year in the basketball capital of Alabama will turn out.

Wilcox-Central and Dallas County are going to tangle tonight, and that ought to be a good one to see.

On the girls’ side, both Keith and Southside are playing sub-regionals at home, and Selma is playing Carver for the area title tonight.

The Lady Bears have talent in the post that’s probably as strong as any team in 2A, and they’re well coached, so it’ll be fun to see how far they go.

Selma’s proven when they’re on, they can beat anyone, and the Lady Panthers are a dangerous team when they’re clicking.

People have been screaming “championship” into the ears of the Marion Schools girls all year, and so far they’ve been responding.

The R.C. Hatch boys are expected to go deep, as well.

I’m not a big fan of the phrase “peaking at the right time,” but the Southside boys are the team I would most likely attach that assessment to. They’ve achieved a lot more than a lot of people thought they would, and I don’t see them slowing down any time soon.

There’s really too many good teams to talk about, so whatever game you’re going to see, please do it safely.

2. Pro Bore – The Pro Bowl stinks. I mean, that’s about all I can say.

I’m a sports nut, and the game was on behind me while I was working Saturday. Guess how many times I turned around to watch. Guess.

Maybe three times, and one of those was to turn the volume down.

Given the absolute lack of general interest by sports fans added to the serious elbow injury to Saints quarterback Drew Brees, I’m thinking there probably will be some changes made before next year’s game.

Like say, make it a flag football game and televise it on a channel no one ever watches – a la the NHL All Star Game (Versus) and the NCAA football Senior Bowl (NFL Network).

1. Spring fever – In just a few days, one of the most magical holidays will befall us.

The air will be crisper, the flowers will smell a bit better and love will be in the air.

Yes, major league pitchers and catchers report Feb. 15.

What? What did you think I was talking about?

Just to serve notice, this unabashed baseball fanatic will give you a weekly reminder of the coming baseball season all the way up to opening day.

Hate it for you if you don’t like it.

George L. Jones is sports editor of The Selma Times-Journal. He can be reached at (334) 410-1744 or .