Before I begin this week’s list, I have to hand out a few “atta boys.”

The first one goes to everyone involved in Friday night’s basketball shootout at the Wallace-Selma gym.

The variety of people in the crowd was something I’ve seen far too seldom since I’ve been in Selma.

If all it takes is a couple of guys goofing around on a basketball court to get people from different sides of the city to sit in the same bleachers, it’s worth doing every week.

The second goes to the Quarterback Club, Bama Club and everyone else who supports local student-athletes.

Helping kids go to college is no small task, and they do a lot to fund scholarships.

And now for the main event. It’s more rambling and cantankerous backtalk when we go down “The List.”

4. Yanks finally lose – And I get to forgo presenting a pharmacist a fake prescription for heart medication.

New York’s winning streak stopped at nine, Boston’s lead is in single digits and yes, I still despise all the people who said the Red Sox would walk away with the division.

3. Pigskin heaven – A Dallas County football player reminded me this weekend the season is a little more than two months away.

Which means two things are happening right now.

One, somewhere a delusional cheerleader is preparing to steal the show with her incredible lung capacity and her finger wiggling ability.

And two, my body is creating extra fat in anticipation of all the weight I’ll lose from standing in the 110-degree heat all day.

2. College World Series – Name six teams in this tournament, and I’ll give you $5.

Despite my hatred of aluminum bats, I’m peculiarly more interested in this tournament each year.

There’s nothing like supreme underdogs (UC-Irvine) and teams with 5-foot-3 shortstops (Louisville) to get the blood pumping.

1. Final gasp – Final yawn would be more like it. Apparently, nobody wanted to watch the NBA championship, which was the second-lowest rated in history.

I have a confession to make – I fell asleep during every game. Every one. Including Game 4 in which I literally woke up in just enough time to see Tim Duncan hoist the trophy.

I like Tony Parker and all, but there’s no way he should have been

the MVP.

We all know the handful of people who watched the Finals did it so they could ogle Parker’s fiance, Eva Longoria.

Besides, she accessorizes better with gold.

George L. Jones is sports editor of The Selma Times-Journal. He can be reached at (334) 410-1744 or .