Hey, college basketball has its “March Madness.” Why not “Spring Madness” for all of the high school spring athletic events that are starting to take place?

Yes, prep basketball is still alive in the Sweet 16. State tournaments continue this week with the second and third rounds.

In fact, coach Ray Tucker’s high-flying Calhoun boys seemingly have as good a chance as any team to win the State AA championship.

Otherwise, in our northwest section, best wishes go with other representatives from our four most followed regions – including Dalton’s boys and girls, 7-AAAA; Coosa’s boys, 6-AA; Trion’s girls, 6-A; and Cedartown’s girls, 6-AAA.

Perhaps these state-participating hoopsters can be called a part of “February and March Madness.”

Their “pot of gold” leads next week to Final Four competition at Macon.

Back to “Spring Madness,” the majority of prep schools now are geared for the spring. This busiest athletic season in the year includes baseball, soccer, track, golf and tennis.

A youngster, who has not found his niche earlier during the school year (football, basketball, wrestling, softball and cross country), now realizes a golden opportunity with such versatility.

As usual, soccer has gotten a jump on the other sports. Many teams began competition in mid-February.

Under Georgia High School Association rules, baseball squads are not allowed opening play until next Monday. All other sports can begin before that time.

However, the diamond teams go much longer than the others. State crowns will be decided May 31.

Marathon baseball playoffs consist of five series for all finalists. That is stretched over three weeks.

Some four weeks earlier, the girls’ state track extravaganza for all five classes will take place May 2-4 at Albany.

Boys’ tracksters descend on Jefferson in similar all-class competition May 9-11.

Dates for the girls and boys reverse each year. At one time, these meets took place on the same dates.

With some coaches guiding both boys and girls, though, that did not prove feasible.

Tennis crowns for all classes will be determined May 11 – including AAA, AA and A, Macon; and AAAA and AAAAA, Stone Mountain.

Only golf decides a state championship on a Monday. That is due to the availabilities of the various golf clubs.

All classes will decide titles May 13.

In our section, the closest proximity to a state tournament is Coosa Country Club of Rome. That encompasses the State AA linksters.

State soccer crowns will be decided May 17 and 18 for boys and girls.

“Spring Madness.” Yes, it is one hectic season.

Doug Hawley, a writer-broadcaster-professional speaker, is a five-time top 10 percent of the Boston Marathon foot race. He can be reached through Dhawley@NPCo.com or 706: 281-4751.