I'd like to offer a few reflections on my attendance at the boys state basketball tournament in Des Moines on Wednesday.

Linn-Mar's performance in the quarterfinals against Cedar Rapids Washington was about as good as it gets for the Lions. They came in No.1, unbeaten, and played like No.1.

Already, their legacy in tournament history is the talk of the state tournament, Roy Williams excluded. And I would like to add to that thought with a few comments.

When the whole story is written, I think this year's Linn-Mar team will stack up as not one of the best, but THE best that Linn-Mar has had. Why do I say that?

Number 1, it's the team concept, even though Linn-Mar has its star attractions. The thing that has impressed me during the regular season and in the tournament is the Lions' ability to score in bunches and to jump on teams early.

Oh yes, you can say it's Matt Bohannon, it's Marcus Paige, it's the organization and the coaching, but the thing I'll remember about this team is the way they pass the basketball and attack.

In the quarterfinals against Washington, they had at least two plays off the fast break that went the full length of the court, and the passing was so good that the ball never touched the floor.

That is extraordinary, and in the main this year's team has answered to extraordinary.

A COUPLE OF NOTES: I want to salute our colleague Scott Unash on his honor of entering the basketball broadcasters' wing of the Hall of Fame with a Media Award Friday night. It's certainly well-deserved and his continued service to the Metro area is extraordinary.

And congratulations to the Hall of Pride on its sixth anniversary, led by Jack Lashier, the director of the Hall of Pride exhibits. It is just that, a salute in museum form of outstanding high school accomplishments.

Jack always keeps it fresh and exciting and well worth a visit for any sports fan or any high school fan of other activities.