Thanks for the reminiscing, Messy. Unlike your father, my dad thought basketball, when played by the great Celtic teams led by Bill Russell and Larry Bird, was about as elegant a sport as there was. He would emote over the beauty that was a Celtic fast-break, a Bill Russell blocked shot, or a Larry Bird shot or pass. Red Auerbach was a masterful coach and had an amazing track record of assembling talented players (the Sydney Wick/Curtis Rowe period notwithstanding). Only Boston basketball fans will appreciate that caveat. I was so spoiled watching those teams during my youth. Celtic championships seemed to be expected.

A few years ago, as my daughter immersed herself in AAU travel basketball, my competitive juices, long dormant, emerged when we'd practice together. At 15, she knocked me on my butt, breaking a bone in my elbow. Since then, I've looked at my playing from a cost/benefit perspective and have concluded that my playing career has come to a close. Great memories, and a truly magnificent game when passing, cutting, and running the floor are on display.

One last thing, about 4 years ago, my daughter's team won the NH state championship and we ventured to Orlando, FLA for the nationals. Talk about the big time for girl's basketball. We were the little engine that could and took great pride in going 3-3 against teams from all over the country. My varsity team from 1978 would have been trounced by some of those young ladies. Like most contemporary high school sports, the commitment level of the players, the coaching, and the year-round opportunities for competitive play far exceed what I experienced 35 years ago.

Peter T.