Today is bittersweet to say the least.

On one hand, I offer a big congratulations to the Coleman girls basketball team on winning its second state title in three years, and the Coleman boys basketball team, which fought hard in losing in the state final.

On the other hand, I offer my condolences to the entire Marlboro community on the passing of star athlete Carmen Congelli. I did not know Carmen personally, but I know she was an inspiration to everyone as she continued her fight against cancer.

Seventeen is too young for anyone to die.

So here we go again with March Madness. Have you filled out your NCAA brackets yet?

Is it just me or does it seem like this year's tournament might be the most wide open event in quite a few years? There just doesn't seem to be that one great team out there. For me, that makes things that much more fun when it comes to filling out my bracket.

That said, for some reason when it's all said and done, don't be surprised to see a team like Duke standing tall -- AGAIN -- when it's all said and done.

These next few days are going to be quite exciting. Get ready for some fun.

The Knicks are relevant again. St. John's is in the Top 25 again.

While I believe neither team will reach the ultimate championship goal again, it's nice to see Madison Square Garden rocking again. For my money, basketball season just seems better — NBA or college — when you have a New York City team involved to root for or against.

Steve Lavin certainly has made the Johnnies into a legitimate threat in a short time, while Knicks fans have been in heaven with the trade deadline addition of Carmelo Anthony.

All of a sudden, basketball seems to be a lot more interesting these days.