Don't just look at the board

Within a few weeks, the high school basketball seasons will come to a close. There have certainly been plenty of ups and downs the past few months — more of the latter, when it comes to end scores.

But, as coaches have consistently pointed out this season, those final scores do not reflect the spirit shown by the Bobcats when they hit the court. While I wasn’t able to attend the first few games of the season, I have since seen what our boys and girls can do with the rock, and seeing them in action is truly a spectacle as they come away from a timeout or halftime with renewed vigor.

Even as the seconds tick down to the final buzzer, those last moments can quickly turn into the most action-packed as the Bobcats fight and never back down.

This past Thursday was Senior Night, and it was a reminder not only for those seven girls and six boys that their basketball careers with Hot Springs County are coming to a close, and many left the court that evening with tears in their eyes.

In addition to the spirit shown by our players, the spirit shown by their fans is just as important and Thermopolis certainly excels at that with energetic cheers — and the occasional jab at a ref for a bad call — an amazing band and a few fun props and decorations for good measure.

With only a few games left in the season, I urge everyone — players and fans alike — to not let your spirit waiver. The attitude you show at game time make more a difference than you think. If you can’t make it to any of the upcoming games or tournaments, show your support in other ways. Wish the players luck if you see them in the hall or honk if you see their busses along the streets and highways.

Don’t just pay attention to the scoreboard. I’m proud our players, putting it all out there when they hit the boards, and I hope you are too.