In these crazed economic times where folks are trimming back on extra spending, Indiana high school basketball remains a bargain. Most games and tourneys are just five bucks, and when you take into account some of these great athletes playing for all the right things, it’s a chance to support them and their communities.

I get such a kick out of covering these games, seeing tables set up for different charities and functions selling their popcorn or cookies…listened to a great jazz-type band at Perry Meridian before a game that was very impressive…watching rabid student bodies putting their passion on display for one cause..pretty inspirational stuff.

Witnessed my first Pacer game of the season from tip to buzzer when they defeated Detroit, so here are a few observations. Danny Granger has grown tremendously in one season… he signed a new long term contract, is now the go-to guy in the clutch, and looks like he relishes the role. Every good team needs a top-notch player that will lead, and he’s quickly becoming that. Jermaine O’Neal just wasn’t right for the role, but Granger is getting it done, witness the shot that sent this game into overtime.

Defense has been a real issue… new style this year, no big-time stoppers, but they knuckled down and played tough against the Pistons. It’s about consistency, and keeping their opponents field goal percentage down. Their style is enjoyable, Troy Murphy, Mike Dunleavy, T.J. Ford, Jarrett Jack, Jeff Foster all contributing. What feels right is the chemistry, something that’s been missing.

The dust has settled on another disappointing COLTS season in that they had a chance to advance, but looking back, the year may have ended appropriately. They were a few plays away from missing the post-season altogether, the running game never materialized, Manning saved the season, but the defense was consistent. It never had the feel of a championship run, yet they defeated all of the AFC contenders.

Now, it’s time to look for some changes. Tony Dungy might not return, and there are big free agents to deal with. Bill Polian says he wants Kelvin Hayden back, but they might not want to put out the money for him, and he may go elsewhere. Same with Jeff Saturday. I feel it’s time to let Marvin Harrison go as well, unless he wants to take a pay cut. He’s been nothing short of spectacular, but has had a small role in each of the last two seasons, and the team has been still been successful. Tough decisions all, but they always are, especially after a tough end to a very interesting season.

In our weekly Wednesday interview session with the Colts, Tony Dungy was asked if he thought this Sunday could possibly be the last game for him on the Colts sideline for a home game. He reacted as if the question were unusual, saying that no, there’s still a playoff game. But then he realized it was personal. He said no, it hasn’t entered his mind and won’t because he’ll — once again — revisit things with his family once the season ends as he has for the past three years.

He did tell us he thought about it at Super Bowl XLI, and tried to take it all in, knowing that could possibly have been the end. Most of us media-types feel that this indeed is it for him. His great success as a coach has given him an opportunity to help young men, something he feels is so important, especially to those who have no fathers growing up.

Dungy is a great man, a great leader, and whatever he decides to do, deserves everyone’s support.

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, Peyton pulls off another magical performance. His umpteenth come-from-behind win gave the Colts a seventh consecutive playoff berth, and in my mind, cemented him as the NFL’s most valuable player.

Coming from a 3-4 start, a patched up offensive line and nearly no running game, Manning has willed his team to this eight-game winning streak. Some of the passes of completed in Jacksonville were among the best I’ve seen, dropping them into tiny windows that only his receivers could get. And completing 23 straight passes over two games was one off the NFL record set by Donovan McNabb.

It’s been interesting to see this team deal with adversity and rally to gain a playoff berth, unlike all those other years when they ran away from the competition. Winning in trying times on the road time and again will only prepare this team for the post-season tournament. Players told me after the game that this playoff run has been extra special because of what they’ve been through.

Ball State officials did the only thing they could have done to save the program: Hire offensive coordinator Stan Parrish to replace Brady Hoke. He will smooth over a transition that could have been rocky had Parrish gone to San Diego with Hoke and — possibly — save Nate Davis from leaving early for the NFL.

He publicly stated after the MAC Championship Game loss that being learning disabled, he wanted to return to Muncie to complete his education and finish his career as a Cardinal. It would be great to see him follow through and lead BSU to a GMAC Bowl win over Tulsa in January.

Random football thoughts ahead of what could be another playoff-clinching win for the Colts…

This team continues to amaze. After a brutal September, the Colts are set to do something they haven’t had to do in the Dungy Era: Rally to make the playoffs as a wild card.

This one may be more special than all the others because of the fortitude and resourcefulness. Winning at rival Jacksonville to sew up a berth would be so sweet for them, considering the Jaguars beat them at Lucas Oil earlier. They won’t tell you, but they have a distinct disdain for the Jags, a team that plays physical (sometimes dirty) and has been a thorn for years.

The Jags are playing out the string and would love to play spoiler, but don’t expect an upset here. The Colts are focused and want to take care of their own business, not rely on someone else.

One more thing: It’s great to see a plane full of Colts fans on the way down here. And I won’t lie; being able to put on shorts in 70-plus degree weather is a godsend with all the cold and ice back in Indiana.