​It seems like I blog about section basketball at SMSU every March, but it is such a spectacular event. To me, nothing is more fun than being at the RA Facility in Marshall during this time of year. I always look forward to the North and South championship games for both the boys and girls. When you get down to the final four teams in Section 3A and 3AA, you know you’re in for some high-level, competitive basketball.

​The Bluejays Fly to State

​I had the privilege of broadcasting the Section 3A girls’ championship game between Central Minnesota Christian and Hills-Beaver Creek. The Bluejays took the win, 55–33, to punch their ticket to state. The atmosphere in that college gym was electric; CMC and HBC fans packed the RA Facility, which holds about 4,000 people. It was loud, intense, and a total blast broadcasting from courtside.

My favorite moment is always when that final buzzer sounds and the team rushes the floor to celebrate a trip to the state tournament. I named Emmi Braem the Player of the Game and had a wonderful visit with her afterward. Both she and Sienna Duininck are truly amazing players. The Bluejays went on to finish in 3rd place at state. Emmi and Sienna made the all tournament team. Interestingly, the state champion, Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s, finished with a 30–1 record—and their only loss of the entire season came against the Bluejays during the regular season!

​Huskies, Gophers, and Jackrabbits

​I also covered the Section 3AA boys’ North championship between Montevideo and Jackson County Central. This one hit close to home, as my son Brandon is on the Montevideo coaching staff. Montevideo went to state last year after beating JCC at the buzzer, but this year the script flipped. JCC used a strong second half to pull away.

​The Huskies won the state football championship last fall, and let me tell you, they have some football players who can really play hoops! Roman Voss, the number one football recruit in Minnesota who recently committed to the Gophers, is the real deal. Then there’s Weston Rowe, a big kid heading to South Dakota State to play football. JCC is a powerhouse; they not only beat Montevideo but also defeated an undefeated Morris team to reach state.

​I had a fun moment visiting with Roman Voss after the game while giving him his Player of the Game T-shirt. A group of teenage girls from Morris were screaming for his attention to take a selfie, and despite the post-game rush, he took the time to go over and snap a photo. He’s a popular kid for a reason! I also chose Weston Rowe as a Player of the Game. A couple of days later, I saw a picture of him wearing that T-shirt while eating at the Pizza Ranch in Marshall. That was pretty cool to see.

​A Run-In with a Legend

​The other big highlight at the RA Facility happened on Thursday. My broadcast partner, Bart Hill, and I had some time to kill between games, so I went to grab a piña colada from Maui Wowi. As I was walking back to press row, I passed Bart while he was chatting with someone. I walked right between them, sat down, and started enjoying my drink.

About 15 minutes later, Bart came back with a huge smile on his face. He told me he had just been talking to Patrick Reusse! I couldn’t believe it. Patrick Reusse is here at the RA Facility!  Reusse is a legend—a Hall of Famer and a famous Twin Cities radio and TV personality. I’ve followed him for years on The Sports Show with Sid Hartman, Dark Star, and Mike Max. Bart even got a picture with him. Patrick is originally from Fulda, so he was there to see Hills-Beaver Creek and check out the future Gopher, Roman Voss. It absolutely made Bart’s day. I follow Patrick on X, and he later tweeted: “This 80-year-old got home at 1:30!” 

While at SMSU, I always enjoy looking at the Wall of Fame pictures in the lobby. I know a good number of the people who have been inducted into the SMSU Hall of Fame, and it’s always interesting to stop and read about their accomplishments.

Another wonderful moment for me was when Dawson/Boyds Landon Kemen received the MSHSL Triple A Award before the Section 3A game. I had asked Landon to come visit with me at halftime so we could get him on the radio. Landon is a really nice guy! The award is one of the highest awards you can get in high school. The interview went well and I was very happy for him.

​Being at SMSU in March is truly special. I love the games, the people, and the atmosphere. I’m already looking forward to doing it all again next year!