We're back after missing a couple of editions of the Metro Sports Report, and through the magic hands of Jim Ecker (my typist) I did miss it. A hospital stay gives you time to reflect and time to thank the caregivers and doctors for their excellent care, and caring.

And a reflection I had was on a winter's night in January of a high school basketball game that featured new Iowa Coach Fran McCaffery scouting Wes Washpun at a Cedar Rapids Washington home game. Coach McCaffery came into the gym, sat by himself and watched the talents of Washpun.

Wes didn't have a particularly good night and I thought to myself, Coach McCaffery probably canceled him off the recruiting list. Now here we are in April and thank goodness, Wes has become a hot prospect for the Hawks, mainly because of Cully Payne's opt-out and the need to scurry for a guard to back up Bryce Cartwright. Instead of looking across the country, Coach McCaffery probably has his man 25 miles away.

What would Iowa get in the talented Washpun? Number one would be a great leaper. Number two would be plenty of court speed. Number three a good defender. What would Wes have to improve upon? Mid-range shooting, free throws and the ability on the drive to finish it.

I've found Wes to be a smiling, good-attitude guy who would fit in with the Iowa teammates extremely well. So here's a wish: If he wants it, and wants to compete in the Big Ten, here's an opportunity that never looked like it would come about.

PART II: Since this is the final weekend of the regular hockey season, I reminded the incoming pros - the Cedar Rapids Kernels - that the hockey RoughRiders are on the verge of winning the regular season title and the Anderson Cup, and it would behoove the Kernels to follow suit.

So congratulations to these high schoolers who have acquitted themselves in the USHL so well.