AS I SEE IT
By Neal A. Shipman
Farmer Editor
Hey Watford City fans, are you ready for some great basketball action?
Well, you better be, because the District 15 Boys Basketball Tournament is rolling into town this coming Friday for three great days of basketball action to determine which four of the district’s six teams will be keeping their playoff dreams alive by advancing to the Region 8 Tournament. And from there, one team will be moving on to the State Tournament.
The officials of District 15 have established a three-year rotation for the district tournament with Watford City, Stanley and New Town alternating as being the host site for the event. And this year, it is Watford City’s turn to pack our gymnasium to the rafters with fans cheering on their teams.
Hosting a district tournament takes a lot of effort by our school administration as well as from community groups that help make the event run smoothly. The efforts of hosting a tournament, such a district basketball team, are worth it not only because they bring the games to our area fans, but they also bring in considerable dollars to our local gas stations, restaurants and retail stores. Granted, the majority of fans spend the bulk of their time in the gymnasium watching the games, but they also have time before and after the games to shop our community.
District 15 has a rich tradition in boys basketball, and the level of competition at this year’s tournament is going to be very strong with Watford City, Mandaree, New Town, and Parshall all fielding competitive teams that will be vying for the No. 1 spot.
As we have seen in the past, a team’s win-loss record leading up to the district tournament only counts in how teams are seeded. Once the teams take to the floor, the players are putting everything on the line to keep their seasons alive with the hope of ultimately being the team that will make it to State. So you can expect surprises and upsets in the district tournament. But more importantly, you are going to see some of the best basketball that you will have seen so far this season.
So come out and cheer on your team at the District 15 Tournament. But do so with respect to all of the players and fans.