Stepping Up to the Challenge

I love how the MHSA organizes the Class C District tournaments. They're double elimination, so you can afford to have one bad game and still move on to the divisional tournament. However, unlike most double elimination tournaments, Class C district touraments work a little different. The loser of the championship game moves on to play the winner of the consolation bracket in what's called the "Challenge Game." However, if the two teams have already played each other once before during the tournament, then the loser of the championship game already gets a free pass into divisionals considering they've already proved themselves by beating the winner of the consolation bracket. For example, if Highwood beats Augusta in the first round of the tournament, and Highwood moves on to the championship game where they lose to Belt, then they would be forced to play in the challenge game. However, if Augusta went undefeated through the consolation bracket, Highwood would receive the district's second seed in the divisional tournament since they already beat Augusta in the first round. However, let's say Centerville wins the consolation bracket. Then, the Tigers would meet Highwood for the right to play in the Divisionals. You have to love the challenge game, because an entire season's worth of hard work, dedication and determination are on the line. One bad game, or even one mistake can ruin all of it. There are no tomorrows, there's only one game. It's brilliant, and it's why they call this time of year, "Madness!"