THE LATEST LINE: DESPITE DEFEAT, INDIANS MADE SOME SHOWING

Everybody associated with Southeast Missouri State University's basketball program was undoubtedly disappointed with Thursday's 64-61 NCAA Tournament loss to LSU.

Coach Gary Garner stressed all along in the days leading up to the Indians' first-ever berth in the NCAA Division I tourney that they weren't just going to Salt Lake City to participate in the Big Dance, they were going there to win.

And win the Indians almost did as they battled the heavily favored Tigers on virtually even terms for most of the game before falling just a bit short at the end.

But, as heartbreaking as the defeat might have been, the Indians -- and their many fans -- certainly have every right to gush with pride over the showing they made during the opening round of the West Regional.

SEMO showed the heart, spirit and team play that defined its season, one that saw the Indians win a share of their first-ever Ohio Valley Conference championship, claim their first-ever OVC Tournament title and qualify for the NCAA Division I tourney for the first time ever.

Thursday's performance was a remarkable one for a young Division I program that figures to only get better.

After a shaky offensive first half, the Indians ran their offense to near perfection in the second half. Coupled with a tenacious defensive effort and gritty rebounding, SEMO went toe-to-toe with LSU and only a couple of huge, pressure-packed shots by the Tigers in the closing moments likely prevented an upset win by the Indians.

This has certainly been a season that SEMO fans will not soon forget, and it has been one that everybody associated with the Indians' program can take great pride in.

There is no guarantee that SEMO will make it back to the Big Dance in the near future, but I have to think that the Indians will be very much in the hunt for years to come.

• Well, Lennies McFerren has done it again which really should come as no surprise to anybody who has followed the career of the brilliant high school basketball coach.

McFerren coached Charleston to six state titles and had the Blue Jays among the top teams in Missouri just about every year during his long tenure with the Blue Jays.

When McFerren left Charleston to take over the New Madrid County Central program a few years ago, most people familiar with him figured it would only be a matter of time before the Eagles were challenging for a state title.

Sure enough, last weekend the McFerren-led Eagles won the 3A championship with a team loaded with underclassmen.

Congratulations to McFerren, who has always been as classy as he is talented.

• The spring sports season for area high schools officially gets going this week and several interesting events are on tap right off the bat.

Some prep baseball games of note for the first week include Sikeston at Notre Dame Tuesday, Cape Central at Chaffee Wednesday and Notre Dame at Jackson Friday.

In girls soccer, the I-55 Tournament will be held in Cape Girardeau Friday and Saturday. There will also be a big track meet Saturday as more than 20 schools will participate in the Perryville Invitational.

~Marty Mishow is a sports writer for the Southeast Missourian