It’s that time of year again…my favorite tournament of the year the boys state basketball tournament. My love for this tournament probably goes back to 1975, my first tournament at the old Civic Center. I was following my soon to be high school team, Robbinsdale to state. I was an 8th grader at the time. Led by my neighbor and idle Tom Fix, the Robins were on an incredible winning streak that didn’t end until the state championship game (class AA) when they lost to Little Falls and some guy they called Frankie Alphabet. I even remember the final score 55-49.

From then on it was my dream to play in this tournament. That never happened (I was cut as a junior), Actually, Robbinsdale never returned to “The Dance” despite having some great teams (number 1 in the state in 1977, lost in region finals to Kennedy).

But Robbinsdale’s non-return to the tournament hasn’t made this tournament any less special for me. I’ve been calling them on the radio now since 1994 and have the pleasure of seeing and calling some of the grettest moments and players in state history…Kahlid El Amin’s buzzer beater, the great White Bear Lake/North games of the late 80’s,,,Blake Hoffarber’s miracle butt shot from 2005, and finally the return of Robbinsdale to the tournament two years ago as my sons’ soon to be school Cooper returned to the tournament for the first time since 1975, eventually losing to Hoffarber and Hopkins in the title game.Cooper is back this year and You’ll probably notice a little extra excitement in my voice for them (they have one of the top players in the state in jr. Rodney Williams.Williams played as a freshman two years ago when Cooper lost to Hopkins).

But even if Robbinsdale Cooper doesn’t win, this is still my favorite tournament and I’m sure more great memories are in store. I hope you’ll tune into the broadcasts on AM 660 for the day games and AM950 Saturday night…or go to www.660wbhr.com anytime!