Do you bleed orange? Is purple your favorite color? Or maybe you prefer shades of green, blue or red.

No one could ever accuse Lawrence Countians of not having school pride, especially when it comes to athletics.

Every school should be commended for what it has done to teach these youth skills that translate beyond the court or playing field and to bring our individual communities closer together.

The destination isn’t always as important as the journey but it is worthwhile to acknowledge the success of the basketball teams.

School spirit always comes through brightest when area teams make deep runs into the tournament like the Ironton Fighting Tigers boys and girls teams and the Chesapeake Panthers boys team have done.

Despite the fact that very few people outside of southern Ohio gave them a chance at all, the Lady Fighting Tigers lost a close one in the Final Four Thursday.

This heartbreaking defeat shouldn’t overshadow the tremendous season the team had and how these young ladies gave their all for their school and their town.

Right there with them are the Ironton Fighting Tigers boys team and the Chesapeake Panthers. Arguably the best two teams in the region, they will play each other Saturday with the winner moving on to the Final Four.

Regardless of which team wins, Lawrence County will be represented. The hard work and tenacity that epitomizes our citizens are the same traits that make these teams go.

So whether you are a sports fan or not, everyone can get behind the fact that all our teams showcase part of what is great about our region.