By Ralphine Major

It’s back!

For the first time in two years, fans are able to see basketball teams compete in the NCAA Tournaments. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, tournaments were canceled in 2020. Tennessee is my team! Unfortunately, the VOLS and Lady VOLS are out of the tournaments. I may not remember the teams who win the championships this year. But I will probably remember that a star player on Tennessee’s roster was knocked out of playing in the tournament. He was the victim of a flagrant foul resulting in injury. Would it have made a difference for Tennessee if he could have played? Maybe. Maybe not. It is sad that he was denied that opportunity for this year’s tournament. Both the Tennessee men’s and women’s teams had the talent to beat the best on any given night. But both teams faltered during tournament time.

Watching Kellie Harper on the sideline brings to mind the one who coached her. Harper has her own intense look. The task ahead of her is daunting—restoring the program to its glory days that was so much fun to watch under legendary coach and master motivator Pat Summitt. I hope she comes into her own and is able to guide the Lady VOLS to national prominence once again.

Words of Faith: “My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2 (KJV)