Ludlowe/Warde Hoops, Pandemic Edition

The girls game courtesy of the NFHS Network

We are so used to big crowds for rivalry sporting events. The atmosphere is a large part of what makes the game an event. Well this year, obviously crowds are minimal or  non-existent. 

Ludlowe/Warde basketball took place on Saturday afternoon. It's a day and an event I look forward to every year. This year the girls game took place at 12pm at Warde and the boys game at 2:30pm at Ludlowe. So not your traditional doubleheader between the Falcons and Mustangs, but still a doubleheader in a sense. For all other games this winter, only home parents are allowed (no other fans). 

For these in-town rivalry games, parents from both schools were allowed. This at least made the gym less quiet, but the atmosphere was still different, with the student sections noticeably missing.

In terms of the games, Ludlowe swept the doubleheader. The girls took down the Mustangs by a 66-41 score. The Falcons were led by Juliet Bucher and Laura Herron, who each had 11 points and Anna Paulmann who had 10 points (thanks to the Ludlowe girls basketball Twitter for the stats.)

The Ludlowe boys defeated the Mustangs by a 48-37 score. James Mockler led the Falcons with 16 points. Erik Leonard added 12 points and Connor Lawlor also finished in double figures with 11 points. For Warde, Damian Vial had 15 points. 

It was great to have the gyms somewhat lively again. Can't wait until we are able to have the gyms packed and rocking with fans, including students, again. At least today felt like we are getting back to some normalcy. 

Ludlowe-Warde is a game I both love and hate. It's a ton of fun but as I've said many times, it's difficult not to show any emotion. Four great coaches and people in these games with John Dailey, Sara Kinsley, Ryan Swaller and Dave Danko. 

A few more weeks of the season. Hopefully everyone can make the most of a crazy season and then on to spring sports. 

Also, as a side note, the lack of media covering the games were disappointing. I know Aiden Blanc and the Falcon Sports Network (Ludlowe's student broadcasting club) were at the girls game and called the boys game remotely, but disappointing not to see any print media covering these games.  There's a longer post here, maybe for another time, but two thing here. As Rob Adams, Mike Hirn and I have discussed, all these broadcasts should have announcers on them. It's a much better presentation and the kids deserve it. Also, these games should all be covered. The media (writers, broadcasters, etc) are important and work hard to promote students and student-athletes.