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Kudos to the Washington Kiwanis Club and all the other folks who worked behind the scenes to bring us another terrific Washington Christmas parade. We’ve watched it from the same undisclosed location for five years now and it’s a great way to start the holiday season. There were fewer kids near us this year, which meant more candy and we were warm. The only minor quibble is more of a question. Where was the Department of Corrections bus? Seeing it rolling down (undisclosed) Street was the highlight of last year’s festivities in my opinion.

In other random thoughts that you’re hopefully interested in, the Washington wrestling team is going to be really good this winter and the boys basketball team might be even better.

This could be the wrestler’s year to make it to the team state tournament in Greensboro. Senior Bryant Smith recently earned his 100^th career victory and classmates Christian Price and Braxton Woolard are closing in on that number.

Depth in all weight classes is the difference this year with upstart freshmen Sam Boltes and Bryce Perry earning spots in the starting lineup. Perry is still undefeated at 113 lbs. after winning the crown in the very competitive Swiss Bear Challenge in New Bern Saturday. Perry’s dad, Carl, is a former NCAA national champion from the University of Illinois, so the kid has it in his blood. A feature story on the Perry’s is in the works.

The boys basketball team was equally impressive in the season-opening rout of Pasquotank Friday night.

Sophomore point guard Chaise Smith flashed his Division 1 potential as did junior Javon Williams as the pair combined for 52 points and several highlight reel plays. Throw in seniors Gary Payne and Jerai Davenport along with junior Jacob Daniels and it makes for a long, quick, sharp-shooting starting five. There’s three or four good ones who come off the bench as well.

Of course, Farmville Central is the 2A king until the state champions are dethroned. I’m not saying there will be a changing of the guard, but the gap is closing. The teams meet in Farmville right after New Year’s and in Washington in February. You might get your tickets in advance for the home game or show up for the JV game to get a seat.

Also, the Pam Pack girls broke a long losing streak with a win Friday as well. Congrats to first-year coach and former standout player, Stevie Green, who has returned to his alma mater with a flourish.

I saved the what if for last.

You’ll notice my article about the NCHSAA expanding to eight classifications for the 2025-26 school year. Seems far away, but it will arrive before you know it. Along with expansion, the NCHSAA is talking about scrapping conferences and replacing them with districts, regardless of classification. Word on the street is one of the options is to put Beaufort, Martin and Pamlico County in the same district. Makes sense from a travel standpoint and it would be great for the gate. Think a little deeper and you’ll realize it means Washington, Northside and Southside would play each other in all sports, along with Martin Co, Bear Grass Charter and Pamlico Co. HS. Wouldn’t that be something? Real rivalries that should stoke student and community interest. I might have to delay my retirement for that.