Watching the senior high school basketball players leave the court for the final time is a bit melancholy. They've played their final game, some give each other hugs and, as a fan, you remember the happier times after a big win or an outstanding individual performance. You also reminisce about the many games that these players have played together, from Y league on up. And you come to the realization that their final days in high school are numbered.

Heading into the final week of February and the first week in March, there are about 12 short weeks — including April vacation — until their final classes. Some will be making final decisions on what school they will attend after high school (and how to pay for it), some will be deciding on their work future if they're not attending college, and some may be getting ready to join the military. I remember it not being an easy decision for some of my classmates. A couple of young people I know took a year or two to decide what to do after high school and are now pursuing something that interests them.

Sometimes we expect our young people to become adults too soon. Sometimes it takes more than four years of high school to decide what one wants to do in life. College is very expensive now and being saddled with debt for 10, 15, or 20 years isn't something anyone wants.

For the past couple of years, I've had or heard some conversations about the need to fill our trades, as many are lacking in numbers — carpenters, electricians, plumbers, mechanics and others -- and many people in those professions are retiring at a great rate.

Perhaps some of our high school seniors should consider a trade if they don't know what their plans are after graduation. Maine and the rest of the country sure could use an influx of tradesmen.