The Front Row with JASON ELLIOTT Dec. 28, 2011

If there was one thing for certain on Tuesday, it was apparent during the afternoon at the Coeur d’Alene Inn-vitational — the holidays are a good time to play hooky from work.

Not that there’s anything wrong with it.

AS THE girls game between Federal Way and Post Falls High was concluding, other fans were filing into Rolly Williams Court for the boys game between Post Falls and Prairie High of Vancouver, Wash.

And with games featuring both the Coeur d’Alene and Lake City boys also on the schedule, fans picked a good time to cash in those final sick days.

But with some bowl games getting ready to take up the early morning hours leading into New Year’s Day, chances are focus will be at an all-time low in the next few days.

Not that it’s a bad thing, with a large amount of bowls in the coming days, I couldn’t tell you what day the Sugar Bowl is.

Or for that matter, can explain why Michigan, which didn’t win a conference title and Virginia Tech, which got blown out in its title game — are doing there.

If organizers were worried about selling tickets for the game, they should have just paid LSU some money to come scrimmage the New Orleans Saints.

OUTSIDE OF a few blowouts, the fourth annual event at NIC opened with a successful first day.

That is, if you’re a fan of the local schools.

Three of the four boys and girls teams started the tournament off with wins, and will compete for a berth into the championship games later today.

The Lake City boys will face Post Falls in one semifinal, with the Lake City girls facing the winner of the Skyline-Coeur d’Alene game.

If you want a chance at a preview of the Fight for the Fish, scheduled for next Friday night at Lake City High — head down to NIC at 6 tonight to see those teams in action.

Getting a chance to see the Timberwolves and Trojans face off in a nonleague game before the first scheduled meeting on Jan. 10 should also be worth watching.

IF FANS wanted a chance to judge just how good their respective school can be in a postseason tournament, the next two days will be a good indication.

With league rivals playing early on the floor, and none of it affecting the Inland Empire League standings, expect something that you won’t see once teams return to league play.

School may not be in session, but the lessons learned on the court this week will go a long way in determining who does what in mid-February at the respective state tournaments.

Jason Elliott is a sports writer for the Coeur d’Alene Press. He can be reached by telephone at 664-8176, Ext. 2020 or via email at [email protected].