Nice to see some basketball in the offseason

Saturday night’s Border Battle between graduated seniors from Kansas and Nebraska was a fun event. For basketball fans like me, it was nice to see some basketball games in the offseason. It was a perfect time for indoor sports, too, because a rainstorm occurred that evening.

The games took place at Park City’s new arena, Hartman Arena. It’s a nice facility, if you don’t mind the $4 bottles of water and the $5 parking fee (unless you have a carpool group of four or more, or you’re driving a hybrid – then it’s free).

Despite the oddball policies, there was plenty of parking space available and adequate room to move inside. I remember the bottlenecks that used to occur at Big 12 tournaments in Kemper Arena, where people were cramped just moving through the hallways. Of course, Hartman isn’t as big as Kemper was, and the Border Battle didn’t attract as many as the Big 12 tourney. But the fans were about as vociferous, especially during boys basketball action.

That was the most exciting game. Kansas trailed 58-49 near the 8-minute mark of the second half, but the boys rallied and pulled out a 69-66 victory. The girls’ game wasn’t quite as close; the exciting period in that contest took place early, when a 13-4 Kansas deficit transformed into a Sunflower State lead, thanks to Derby’s Joanna McFarland (above) and Concordia’s Alex Muff.

It was interesting to watch Joanna dominate the game, aided by Alex and Goddard’s Lindsey Keller. Joanna, who will play for the University of Oklahoma this year, was named MVP. The Kansas roster featured considerable talent: Lindsey, who will play at Oklahoma State; Alex, who received a volleyball scholarship to Kansas State despite her impressive basketball and track talents; and Washburn Rural’s LaSharra Riley, who will join Lindsey at Oklahoma State. LaSharra’s absence from the game was disappointing. She had to sit out due to a fractured right wrist, but she was there to support her Kansas all-star teammates.

The scoreboard operator left a lot to be desired, but Hartman Arena should be able to work out those kinks before it hosts additional sporting events. After all, it is early in the arena’s existence, and the games were for charity anyway.

Some wondered what the Border Battle would be like if it included all-stars from every grade in high school, not just recent grads. The format is similar to an established event, the Kansas basketball coaches’ all-star game in August. The Border Battle would be fun if it included younger players like Tiffany Bias of Andover Central and Perry Ellis of Wichita Heights. Nebraska no doubt has some younger players who could compete well, too.

The only low point in Saturday’s showdown was after the boys’ game, when Nebraska’s Jarrell Crayton was named MVP and was greeted by a smattering of boos from the crowd. That’s not sportsmanlike, especially at a charity event, and he was the most deserving player. It’s tough to argue with 20 points and 22 rebounds.

All in all, it was a worthwhile way to spend time and it provided entertainment that an entire family could enjoy. But to keep it affordable, you might want to borrow a hybrid car – and bring your own water.