The 18th NAIA II tourney gets underway today at the Keeter Gymnasium on the campus of College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, MO,

The teams have been treated like stars the last two days by sponsors and life in Branson has been for the most part pretty relaxed and easy.

Today, life changes for the 32 participating things.

The Bethel Pilots, Grace Lancers and Indiana Wesleyan are here representing the mighty Mid Central Conference.

The #2 seed Bethel Pilots will be the first of the Mid Central Conference to get under way here today as they take on Johnson Wales University from Denver, CO. The Pilots opponent is an independent and qualified by winning the "independents" post season tourney.

The successful Bethel coaching staff as usual looks at today's opponent as if they are playing the Duke Blue Devils. I think they all have a little "Lou Holtz" in them. They see all the things that could happen if the Pilots don't come to play. A lot of "what ifs" and "concerns" are apart of a coaches make-up. It"s a good thing- I like the fact they take their job seriously and the bottom line is the players have to "come to play" and play with passion if they are going to advance to the next round.

I get a sense from being around these guys that they are loose, focused and ready to go! I DO NOT anticipate a let down and I think they are going to bring today when they hit the hardwoods at the Keeter Gymnasium.

In my opinion, the Pilots will come out fast and furious and will send Johnson-Wales on a flight back to Denver tonight! Once again in my opinion, there is not a player on Bethel's opponent roster today that could start on the any of the MCC top five teams.

But the bottom line is BC needs to come out and take it too the Wildcats and they are going to advance to round two.

GAME ON!