Sweet 16

The Sweet 16 for Week 2 is out and here is another riveting video countdown by Observer writer Cliff Mehrtens. By the way, Hickory has moved up one spot to #9. Just think what might happen after the Red Tornadoes actually play a game and beat the Greyhounds Friday night in the Hollow... To see the entire poll, click here.

Hickory ranks 10th in pre-season Sweet 16 poll

The first Sweet 16 poll of the new season is out and Hickory comes in at #10. The Red Tornadoes are one of only two Unifour teams to receive a ranking. Hibriten will begin the 2008 season ranked #16.

As I've said before the one genuine value of a pre-season poll is to show some respect for a quality program. So although a pre-season poll (especially an all-inclusive one like the Sweet 16) doesn't "prove" anything about how the season will turn out it does prove that Hickory is on the minds of the Observer's writers. It's almost time for the Red Tornadoes to start increasing that respect level by whipping some teams on the field. Crest will do for now!

It ain't for everybody, believe me...

Wanna know why some news-type people go into TV journalism while others wind up working in radio? Did you ever wonder what is the true difference between somebody who speaks the news and somebody who writes the news? Well, allow me to show you...

It's one thing to read about the Charlotte Observer's Sweet 16 poll but it's quite a different matter when watching Observer sports writer Cliff Mehrtens present the latest rankings. Watching Cliffy do his thing for the camera is an experience. I promise you that whether it makes you laugh or cry (or maybe just laugh until you cry) rest assured that you will get emotional from the experience. So without further ado, I present Cliff's pre-season video installment of the Sweet 16 rankings.

But wait! There's more...

Here are Mehrtens and the other half of the Observer's dynamic duo, Langston Wertz, Jr., in their first Prep Insiders video blog of the season. Sportscenter? College Gameday? Who needs 'em? Prep Insiders, baby. That's what's up!