Produced by Ohio Southern University Southern Electronic Media

For the past two seasons, the Swami has watched the 16th Region girls and boys basketball tournaments from afar.

He has longingly missed giving fans a roadmap of what was going to happen in the first week of March.

For the Swami himself, there was no suspense. He knew what was going to transpire (of course, who couldn't have picked Elliott County to be regional champion?).

Some thought the Swami was gone forever - banished from Morehead after testing positive for eating at fast-food restaurants way too much. But he couldn't stay away from the action, the mystery, the wonder of 16th Region basketball.

He made a public apology to the SBBPU (Swami Better Basketball Predictor's Union) and promised to lay off the cheeseburgers so his arteries would be as clear as his mind.

So he's back, refreshed, and sharper than ever.

Fans, coaches and players are glad to have him back, too. The Swami has been known to provide, uh, motivation for some. Some think the Swami's turban is wound until too tightly (the Swami's wife would agree). Some count on him for guidance (watch out for those people).

But know this: He's a true American Idol.

The Swami knows (after all, he's all-knowing) that it's all in good fun and for entertainment purposes only (in other words, don't bet the farm on these predictions). But he has been amazingly accurate (sometimes).

Enough of the idol chit-chat. It's time to get down to business.

And it's ladies first ...

Monday

Rowan County 51, East Carter 49: This one could have easily been for the championship. But, alas, it�s the tournament opener. Playing like champions, the Lady Vikings survive in a thriller.

Ashland 58, Lewis County 50: Interesting matchup. The difference comes with experience.

Tuesday

Elliott County 65, Fleming County 56: The Lady Lions overcome some early jitters and make more history with first regional tournament victory.

Russell 44, Boyd County 42: If you like defense, you'll love this one. An old-fashioned battle goes Ron Reed�s way.

Semifinals, Thursday

Rowan County 57, Ashland 52: In a replay of last year's championship game, the results are the same, too.

Elliott County 63, Russell 53: The success keeps coming for Elliott County.

Championship, Friday

Rowan County 64, Elliott County 62: Riddle me this? Who do you think the star of the game will be?

And now for the gentlemen ...

Four games will be played on Saturday. Whew! That's so much basketball that even the Swami may have to take a nap between sessions.

Game 1, Fairview 66, Lewis County 60: The Big Blue Crew will be boohoo-ing.

Game 2, Bath County 62, West Carter 57: Two words: Zak Attack.

Game 3, Ashland 58, Rowan County 51: No repeat of a haunting regular-season loss for the Tomcats.

Game 4, Elliott County 85, Russell 45: All's well doesn't end well for Kidwell.

And on to the semifinals:

Fairview 69, Bath County 63: The Eagle has landed � in the finals.

Elliott County 79, Ashland 55: One more speed-bump for F-Troop.

And now for the finals...

Are you ready?

Do you believe in miracles?

Will the Swami shock the world?

Get serious. This is my reputation you know.

Elliott County 82, Fairview 66.

Next stop for the Lion Express: Rupp Arena for a date with destiny.

The Swami has spoken and if he's wrong - which, hey, what are the odds? - may the voice of Dicky Martin be in your ears forever.

Until next year, my dribbling friends ...

MARK MAYNARD (AKA SWAMI) can be reached at mmaynard@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2648.