(EDITOR’S NOTE – Preston Edwards wrote his last column just before the LHSAA’s Marsh Madness state basketball tournament in Lake Charles, while struggling against the cancer that finally took him home last Friday at 50 years old. It is published today, two months later, for the first time. Preston, whose passion for basketball was incomparable, covered the game for many years. In the past three, he joined the SBJ team as a high school sports columnist and correspondent, notably writing his weekly Shreveport-Bossier Prep Hoops Report each winter. This season, he wasn’t able to contribute at his normal rate. His love for the game and for the young people involved was not to be denied.)

I didn’t know that this is going to be the end. I thought I was going to get to keep playing the game, and watching the game, and shining the light on those who play and coach basketball.

I thought I would be able to go to Lake Charles, and since that isn’t going to be possible, I hope to be able to watch online. Even though I still love watching basketball, I can’t watch a game as long as a good half these days.

I hoped to select our All-Metro teams and players of the year, but. that’s not the case.  It looks like cancer and other things are going to deny that dream.

I want to share this with you, my friends. Dabble not double the drink when it comes to spending your time; there are so many good things to enjoy. I have been blessed with a rewarding career, the appreciation of the great game of basketball, and most of all, the love of friends and family. It’s been a good run.

Being able to report on our area basketball community has been so enjoyable. Thanks to you, for all the things I wrote that you read. I wrote for the fans and I am grateful to have been able to share what I’ve seen and heard and to celebrate the excitement and achievements of so many boys and girls and coaches involved. I have enjoyed my walk through that time.

It’s hard not to cry verbalizing this, but we must admit, this really is my last run, so goodbye. I’ll see y’all on the other side. Have fun watching the best game in the world — which is the round ball of basketball.