There tends to be a bit of disconnect at times when I see fans out and about at games. And by fans, I mean Pioneer fans. I have to go to my parents’ houses to see my fans.

It was crystallized to me early this season when the Warren County basketball teams swept a pair of close games over Cannon County. As I was leaving, one person right by the door said something of the nature of “I can’t take those close games.”

And, without really thinking, I responded, “Yeah, those are intense... if you’re rooting for the teams.”

It wasn’t my best PR moment. And I realized it about 0.5 seconds later as he gave me an odd glance and walked on by.

I am a fan. Anybody who has read my columns for years knows I am passionate about Vol football, the San Antonio Spurs, and, to a lesser extent, the Jacksonville Jaguars.

I wouldn’t classify myself as a Warren County fan, not when I’m wearing a camera around my neck anyway.  It’s not that I have issues with the Pioneers or Lady Pioneers. In fact, I hope all the local teams win all the time. It’s a lot easier writing stories about wins than losses. Everybody loves talking after a win. Vocal chords seem to swell up after losses.

But I decided way back in 2011 – my second year on the job – that I couldn’t be passionate about local sports. I was walking and talking with Tommy Johnson after a tough loss, finding myself getting as worked up as he was, and I couldn’t take it.

When I saw him again on Monday and was still hurt by the loss, I told him, “Man I can’t care like this anymore. You live this stuff. I just write about it.”

Since then, that’s been my motto.

If there’s one perk I’ve noticed lately, it’s the amount of talent I’ve seen Warren County face recently in all sports.

Bradley Central’s Rhyne Howard certainly qualifies. She’s easily the best girls basketball player I’ve seen in high school.

When I saw Howard working through warmups Friday, I knew the Lady Pioneers were in for a long day. There’s not many ways coach Shea Panter was going to prepare her team for a 6-foot guard who could fill it up from 25 feet or slice through five defenders and finish over everybody at the rim.

She was special. She may win a state title. At the very least, Howard will be on ESPN at this time next year playing for Kentucky.

Count me in as being a fan of great talent.