It figures that my favorite sport on the whole entire planet - basketball - is taking forever to get here. Finally, a solid countdown of a mere seven days before the winter teams can start practicing.
A lot of people have asked me what my pre-season predictions are, and to be honest, I don't really know. I have a feeling U-32 boys basketball will be strong - they return the vast majority of their star power - as does Spaulding girls hockey. U-32 girls hockey have a championship to defend, and they should certainly do well. The poor kids might not have a home playoff game if the ice is out and soccer turf is in thanks to this new calendar the VPA is working through this year.
The Spaulding boys and U-32 boys hockey teams will have to adjust to some losses - both lost players who left to play for the Glades program.
Hazen boys basketball should once again be a force to reckon with, even without star Billy Boyd. Ryan Tatro should fill that void quite nicely.
Williamstown boys lost a lot to graduation after their D-IV title last March but I like the way Jack Carrier coaches, and I know the Williamstown youth program has been improving by leaps and bounds.
Here's to one last week of off-time before the crazy winter schedule gets going.
-Anna Grearson