There were 48 teams, which converged on the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center this week for the Alabama State Basketball Finals.

But unlike almost every year so far in this century there was not a team from Limestone County in the semifinals of either of the six boys or girls classifications.

It hasn’t been since the year 2000 that the state Final Four was devoid of Limestone County representation.

In fact since 1992 only three years has there not been one of our teams in that group.

It began in 1992 and 93 with the Athens High girls.

Then after a two-year absense, the Clements High boys reached the state finals beginning of run of four-straight years for local teams.

The Tanner High boys went in 97 and 98, and Athens girls were back in 99 for their first state title.

After an off year in 2000, the Lady Eagles (then called the Eaglettes) made three-straight trips, including championship in 2002 and 2003.

Athens was joined by the Tanner boys in 2003, and the Athens High boys went back-to-back in 2004 and 2005.

This year, though, there were things missing to the teams here that led to their absense from Birmingham.

Athens High’s loss was obvious. Without Richard Hendrix in the middle of the Golden Eagles’ defesne, they just couldn’t withstand shooting draughts like the one they had in the Northwest Regional Semifinals against Park.

The Tanner High boys and the Tanner High girls may just be missing a little luck.

The Rattlers and the Lady Rattlers have come so close to state title the last two years, yet neither time has either made the trip to Birmingham.

Speaking about bad luck. Who could have worst luck than the West Limestone girls, who every time they seem to have a complete team, have to play in the same area with a Lauderdale County team on the way to a state title.

That does speak to the strength that remains in North Alabama basketball.

The Lady Tigers won their eighth state title on Friday, and Madison Academy won the boys Class 3A state crown Friday night.

The West Limestone boys may have come as close as anyone in the postseason of knocking off the compulation of talent the Mustangs have put together.

Speaking of high school basketball.

Coaches have one more week to turn in their nominations for The News Courier Limestone County All-Star Team.

Currently just one boys’ coach and one girls’ coach have turned in nominations.

Again fax nominations to 233-7753 or e-mail them to me at the address below.

The dealine for nominations if Friday, March 10.

I plan to publish the team during the week on March 19-26, and the week of March 13-17 will be needed to get pictures of the athletes before Spring Break.