The Front Row with JASON ELLIOTT Feb. 26, 2011

Championship Saturday.

Whether it has been basketball or wrestling, the last two weeks have been all about the championship for teams in North Idaho.

Or at least the attempt for most.

WHEN THE bright lights hit the Spokane Convention Center later today, it's possible that the host North Idaho Cardinals wrestling team will be battling for a 14th national title.

The biggest difference from this year to last - this time it's in their backyard as nationals comes west for the first time in 52 years.

While the tournament is a first for the area, most will be looking for the host school to put on a good show.

In the matches I've seen at Christianson Gymnasium, there's been nothing that makes me think otherwise.

Rock music, intense fans and a ton of expectations - who'd want anything more?

This time, it may be a little different as the Cardinals actually don't have to jump on a plane and travel, but rather stay as close to home as possible and only need to endure a half-hour commute.

And with 10 wrestlers qualifying, I'd say their chances are about as good as anyone's when things wind down tonight.

LAST WEEKEND, while the north put seven of 12 teams into championship games, not a single champion came from this county.

Coeur d'Alene and Timberlake tried, but eventually had their momentum stopped on the way toward the winner's circle.

With Timberlake leading 45-44 in overtime, a non-call on what appeared like a hold forced a late turnover to Sugar-Salem.

The Tigers never scored again in overtime.

Coeur d'Alene, which had senior post Carli Rosenthal score 24 points, was forced to play without her late after her fifth foul came in the deciding minute against 5A Inland Empire League rival Lewiston.

Despite the outcome, both games were two of the best title games I’ve seen and I can’t wait for the encore next year.

WHEN THE Boston Celtics opted to trade Nate Robinson and Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Jeff Green and a group of role players, it almost seemed like a dumb idea.

Then again, with Perkins out for the first part of the season, maybe it’s not that bad.

Boston has handled the Miami Heat in three games thus far, and had some success against both the Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic, without Perkins in the mix.

But I’ve seen the team struggle with injuries, even costing them a second straight title against the Lakers.

Then again, when it comes to postseason tournaments, anything can happen.

Good or bad, it should be a fun race to the finish.

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