UP – To Kyle Ooms.

Suddenly, the boys’ basketball team is no longer in the back seat of the Albert Lea High School winter sports. The 6-foot-4 sophomore transfer student from Aplington-Parkersburg, Iowa, has brightened the outlook for Albert Lea’s season. In fact, it seems he has lifted the skills of the entire team, and new coach Lucas Kreuscher couldn’t be happier with the way the team responded when the game with Waseca was close near the end. This season is not going to be anything like last season. Go to the games. See the action. The next one is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at home against Simley.

UP – To high school mascots.

It is enjoyable to see the spotlight shine on the students who wear the mascot outfits for local high schools. Tribune photographer Brie Cohen kicked off her series on the mascots on Friday with a feature on Paige Marlin of Glenville-Emmons. If you haven’t seen the video at AlbertLeaTribune.com, we suggest finding a computer and getting online. And there will be a multimedia feature each Friday — except Christmas — on the local mascots. We hope you enjoy them.

DOWN – To dog bites.

Guess what breed it was this time? You pretty much have a 50/50 chance of being right because bites always seem to come from either pitbulls or Rottweilers. Dog bites are the fault of irresponsible owners, indeed, but more aggressive breeds require greater responsibility than others. If you are going to get a pitbull or a Rottweiler, you had better know what you are getting into.