Shamokin begins playoff run, Bison in critical week.

Shamokin will begin their quest this Saturday night for an elusive district title (Yes, the games have been moved). If you talk to anyone north of the Stonington-Snydertown Road crossroad on Route 61, more than 60% of the people polled in the Daily-Item say Milton will take the title. The main reason is Tony Fannick. The Indians coughed up a big lead late last in last year's final to the Black Panthers. Hopefully, the prep in the Schuylkill League playoffs will season the Indians. But hey, both teams have to get to the final.

With only five losses between them, neither is ranked statewide. When you further look at the poll, there isn't anyone ranked from Districts 2, 4 and 11. Other than Milton and Shamokin, Crestwood (2) is an honorable mention. Is Northeast PA basketball that bad? Ten years ago with the same record, Shamokin and Milton would have been ranked. Valley View made the finals and Allentown Central Catholic was a power. Do some damage in the state playoffs and these districts will get back on the state radar.

Bucknell

The Bison who now sit in third place in the Patriot League, have a critical week as far as their postseason is concerned. American is in first place and on the schedule tonight. The best rivalry of the last three years, Holy Cross and Bucknell, will be renewed on Saturday night. There isn't much that seperate the number 1 team vs. the number 8 team in the Patriot League. Three games to be exact. Winning on the road in the postseason is difficult and the Bison could do themselves a favor starting tonight.

Even with the loss to Navy last Saturday night, it was good to see Coach Flannery on the sidelines (yes, I was at the game).

Tom Housenick hits the nail right on the head when he writes about Bucknell's season to date for the Daily-Item.