Teams prove Columbia is county to keep eye on

Another overflowing crowd was on hand for a clash between Evans and Greenbrier. This was the third time the two sides have met this season. They had split the first two meetings, so bragging rights were on the line Friday at Evans.

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Once again the Knights won a squeaker, and once again the standing-room-only crowd got their money's worth. This time around it took two overtime periods to get a winner, with Evans pulling it out. Greenbrier will certainly be thinking about what could have been, after missing 19 free throws in such a close game.

For the second consecutive meeting between the two teams, Evans came up with a huge play late to seal the victory. Back on Jan. 12, it was a 25-foot buzzer-beater by Jonathan Nicely. This weekend it was an incredible defensive play by senior guard Brandon Durr.

Durr raced down the court to block a breakaway layup attempt from Greenbrier's Nolan Belcher. The block preserved the Knights' one-point lead with less than a minute to play in the second overtime.

This game once again showed how evenly matched these two squads are. But give coach Kevin Kenny and the Knights credit. When they needed to make a big play, they did. Perhaps their experience was the difference. Most of these guys were on last year's 24-win team. They learned how to win close games during last year's great run.

Perhaps this young 'Pack squad's growing pains will turn into next year's triumphs. The Knights have also put themselves into great shape in the region standings with three region contests to go.

Once again, the fans from both sides were tremendous. Having crowds like this for basketball in Columbia County is becoming a regular occurrence. I, for one, hope it never changes. And if the players continue to produce wins and amazing performances, there is no reason it should.

Former Lakeside Panther honored by Screen Actors Guild

Back in his high school days, Keith Robinson was a steady point guard for the Panthers. He was a four-year letter-winner and a three-year starter for Lakeside High.

Back then his teammates, me included, knew he could sing. As a matter of fact, seven years ago I asked Robinson to sing at my wedding. At that time, I had no idea he was on the verge of stardom in Hollywood. However, in those seven short years, Robinson has worked his way into the limelight.

His most recent role in the smash hit Dreamgirls will undoubtedly lead him to even bigger heights. In the film, he worked with such heavyweights as Eddie Murphy, Jamie Foxx and Beyonce Knowles.

Robinson and his co-stars were nominated for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. However, the award went to the cast of Little Miss Sunshine.

Keith is an incredibly talented performer. You can hear a live performance of his single Super Woman at www.myspace.com/keithrobinsonofficial.