It’s my Parting Shot for my reactions to the headlines in today’s Star-Phoenix Sports Section…..

First headline…Marauders girls seal basketball three-peat, Walter Murray boys’ third straight win thwarted by rivals from the Crusaders. My reaction…I watch with casual interest what goes on in the local high school sports scene. My general conclusion over the last 32 years is that Holy Cross always seemed to be the powerhouse school, although St. Joseph had made some in-roads over the last decade! Or, so I thought! I found it interesting that Walter Murray was in line to win three straight Saskatoon girls and boys basketball titles because it always seemed that the Marauders played second fiddle to their Taylor Street rivals up the road at Holy Cross! Then, I thought of something – Dave Fisher is the principal at Walter Murray. And, he took over from the now-retired Tom Sargeant. Those should be familiar names as Sarge is the long-time and uber successful head coach of the Saskatoon Hilltops while “Fish” has been his trusted offensive line coach for most of Sarge’s tenure with the Toppers. How much do you wanna bet that those two make sure they have top-flite coaches to mould young athletes into stars in all of the various high school sports?! I think I’m on to something there!!

Next headline…Hoffman revved up and ready to put his nightmare behind him. Reaction…And, well he should! And, shame on any so-called Blue Jays’ fans around these parts that don’t want an accomplished big league closer like Jeff Hoffman to be their ninth inning guy with a three-run or less lead this year! Outside of Mariano Rivera and his time with the Yankees in the late 90s and early 2000s, every closer on every team blows more than a few save opportunities every season! Toronto should be thankful to have him and he will be worth it in 2026 – mark my words!!

Last headline…Uganda’s “cricket grannies” form bonds as they bat. My reaction…The accompanying story talks about groups of older women in Eastern Uganda getting together to play cricket in order to stay active and socially connected. Even though I’m not an actual grandfather, I stay socially connected through my work, especially as the broadcaster for the Saskatoon Blades and the Saskatoon Berries – hence I don’t know when I’ll retire. As for staying active, I’m looking to unretire my ball glove and spikes this spring, once the snow melts and I get my hands on a ball retrieval or rebounding net! A spectacle coming to a ball diamond near you!!

That’s my Parting Shot. I’m Les Lazaruk…and it turned out nice again!