Hail to the victors

Several weeks ago, I predicted which five Iredell teams had legitimate shots of winning state championships this fall.

I had Mooresville's boys cross country team the most likely to do so, followed closely by Lake Norman's boys soccer team.

I'd like to say thank you for making me look good. They both claimed state titles. West Iredell's volleyball team (my third choice) didn't do too bad either, finishing as the 3A state runner-up.

What a great fall sports season. Having said that, Lake Norman is, without doubt, the most dominant team I've seen in my seven years covering high school sports for the R&L.

With their 4-2 come-from-behind victory over Wilson Fike in Friday night's 3A state soccer championship, the Wildcats completed an unblemished 29-0 season. They outscored their opponents 120-12 along the way.

Sound familiar? That's because Lake Norman punctuated last year's 27-0 season with the first of their back-to-back titles. Their last loss came on Nov. 12, 2005, when crosstown rival Mooresville edged them 2-1 in the state quarterfinals.

The Wildcats have won 56 straight. There were no ties -- I repeat, no ties -- during that run.

That's impressive.

Good job, guys.

College basketball tips off, gets crazy already

Grand Valley State, a Division II school from Allendale, Mich., knocked off Michigan State 85-82 in double overtime on Nov. 2.

Findlay, a Division II school in Ohio, shocked Ohio State 70-68 on Tuesday.

Wednesday night, Gardner-Webb upset Kentucky at Rupp Arena in a game that, unlike the aforementioned exhibitions, counted toward their overall records.

Check your calendars. It’s not March, but the madness has already begun in college basketball.

It should be another thrilling season on the hardwood. Hopefully the unpredictability will rival college football this fall.

Maybe there’s another Cinderella out there like George Mason.