Each year, many feel the frenzy that is March Madness. We feel the joy when our team wins and the pain when they lose.

While March Madness officially kicks off tonight with the opening rounds of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, Lawrence County has been fortunate the past several years to create this same March Madness-like fever at the local high school level.

This year is no different, as the Fairland Lady Dragons are headed for their second consecutive trip to the state Final Four at 8 p.m. on Thursday at the Jerome Schottenstein Center on the campus of The Ohio State University.

Also, the Ironton Fighting Tigers will play in the regional semi-final at 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Ohio University’s Convocation Center.

It is important for all of Lawrence County to be excited for our teams and the communities, but it is important not to lose perspective on what is truly important.

Despite the outcome of these games, all of these players are just kids and should have our encouragement whether they win or lose.

The hard work and sacrifice has paid off to get to this point for these young people, and whether they are victorious or fall short, the support from all Lawrence Countians will show our true spirit.