THE FRONT ROW WITH JASON ELLIOTT: As postseason nears, best time to be a fan is now

There’s a song that calls the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas as “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”

Well, I’d argue that we’re about to embark on it in the sports world in the coming weeks.

NEXT FRIDAY, girls basketball teams from the 5A Inland Empire League will open the Region 1 tournament, with league champion Coeur d’Alene hosting Lewiston. Lake City will face Post Falls in the other opening round game, but that site won’t be determined until after Tuesday’s game between the two schools at Lake City High.

In a funny coincidence, the same teams that will open against each other at regionals will play to conclude the regular season on Tuesday.

As for altering any game plans for the quick turnaround, Coeur d’Alene coach Nicole Symons just wants her team to stay on the right path.

“We want to finish strong in Lewiston and are going to worry about that on Tuesday,” Symons said. “Then we'll start worrying about districts next Friday.”

Being able to host throughout isn’t something that Symons is taking for granted.

“Lewiston’s a tough team,” Symons said. “Katy (Wessels) is a handful. Their guards are streaky and when they’re on, they can hit shots. I didn’t want to leave it to that point and I’m glad we could take care of business tonight. It feels good for our girls.”

In case you’ve missed it, the Idaho High School Activities Association is using MaxPreps rankings to seed the state tournament after teams have made it through qualifying tournaments. This year, Region 1 (District 1-2) will again have a state play-in game for its runner-up.

A quick look at the 5A rankings has Lake City as the top team, with Coeur d’Alene third and Post Falls fifth.

Unfortunately, one, if not two of those teams might not advance to state.

Earlier this week, Coeur d’Alene was ranked fourth and Lake City fifth, meaning those teams could have played in the opening round at state.

It’s anyone’s guess just who advances.

But it’s sure going to be fun watching how it unfolds.

The same can be said for just how things break down in the 4A Region 1 wrestling tournament, where Lakeland has won the past 13 championships.

Quite the run, isn’t it?

Last Friday night, during the Battle for the Paddle spirit dual between Sandpoint and Lakeland, the Bulldogs notched their first dual win over the Hawks since 2007.

With only the regional champion at each weight guaranteed a berth to state — with six others statewide eligible for a wild card — the tournament on Feb. 19 at Lakeland High likely will be some of the best wrestling you’ll see in a long time.

EARLIER THIS week browsing social media, there was a post about what play in NFL history will always give you chills.

For me, it will always be that play in the Super Bowl for the Seattle Seahawks.

No, not that one.

The one right before halftime when Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was awarded a touchdown, when it appeared he was down a few inches short.

Back then, there was no replay. No challenges from the coaches. You just kind of had to live with the referee’s decision.

Even while seeing the replays again as Roethlisberger announced his retirement earlier this week.

Talk about a missed opportunity for the Seahawks.

HERE’S HOPING those local athletes take every advantage of their own in the coming weeks.

With all those restrictions last year, they definitely deserve to this time around.

Jason Elliott is a sports writer for The Press. He can be reached by telephone at 208-664-8176, Ext. 2020 or via email at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @JECdAPress.