Due to the horrible storms and tornadoes that hit southern Indiana on Friday afternoon, some boys basketball sectionals in the area postponed their games from Friday night to Saturday night. Chris had his sectional games on Wednesday and Friday and wasn’t scheduled for any games on Saturday. So the IHSAA called him late Friday afternoon and asked him to fill in for an official who couldn’t attend a semifinal game in the Seymour sectional.
Not only was Chris excited to work another sectional game, he also was thrilled to have a 4A game, which is the largest school size in the state tournament. Avery and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see Chris end his season in a big-time game.
One of the perks of knowing a referee is getting into the hospitality room. Avery and I enjoyed a nice dinner of pizza, fruit and cookies while Daddy was getting ready for the game.
The two teams were Bedford North Lawrence, home of Chris’ favorite IU basketball player, Damon Bailey; and New Albany. A Bailey family member is one of the stars of BNL. Chris thinks he might be Damon’s nephew or cousin. I looked for Damon last night but didn’t see him anywhere. Too bad.
Chris replaced the head referee in the game. Instead of switching the other two officials’ positions, Chris was the “R.” So he was in charge of the coaches’ meeting, the captains’ meeting, the timekeeper and the official scorer.
I usually prefer to watch Chris’ games from directly behind the scorer’s table. Not only does this spot offer a good view of the game, but I also get to see Chris up close and personal.
Seymour High School has the fourth largest high school gym in the country. (And did you know that Indiana is home to 13 of the 16 largest high school gyms?) It was only half full last night, which meant only about 4,000 people attended Chris’ game.
“The ball is tipped…and there you are…”
Any time Daddy or his crewmates reported a foul to the table, Avery imitated the signal. Before Avery was born, I enjoyed my anonymity in the stands. No one knew I was cheering for one of the referees. But now she spends the games point and saying, “That’s Daddy! Hi, Daddy! Wave at me!” One day I’m sure she will embarrass me and/or Chris during a game!
Jump ball!
Obviously the coach didn’t agree with the call, but Chris doesn’t take any flack and calmed him down quickly.
The game was as exciting as I expected it would be. New Albany held the lead until about 90 seconds were left in the game. Then they couldn’t do anything right, and BNL took over. BNL won 48-39. Even though it was a low-scoring game, it was very well played and of course well officiated.
Avery couldn’t go to the game without a baby. This one is Pa Joe’s Fat Baby. She was named by our Grandpa Hromada and belonged to my sister when she was a little girl.
This night was a wonderful way to end Chris’ season. The end of the basketball season is always bittersweet for all of us. We’ll be glad to have Chris home a little more, but we know how much he’ll miss reffing games until November. Luckily, he has IU basketball and March Madness to keep him entertained for the next few weeks!