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by Jim Martin sports editor

The madness is set to begin.

The next three weeks will feature major upsets and spectacular finishes as teams fight for a spot in the Final Four.

A quick look at the top four seeds in each region.

East:

North Carolina comes into the tournament as one of the hottest teams in the nation. The Tar Heels do not appear to have a weakness. They also have a superstar in forward Antwan Jamison. If North Carolina continues to play the way they have, they should roll into the Final Four.

South Carolina is one of the biggest surprises of the year. They have an excellent three- guard attack. Any team that beats Kentucky twice in the same season has to be considered a Final Four contender.

New Mexico is led by guard Charles Smith and forward Kenny Thomas. Although you do not hear about them Qften, this team is for real. It will be a surprise if they make it past the third round.

Villanova has not lived up to the expectations many people had. However, they are still a major threat with forward Tim Thomas, guard Alvin Williams and center Jason Lawson. If the real Villanova team shows up, they have a chance to make it to the Final Four.

Southeast: Kansas is definitely the favorite to win the whole thing. Solid all-around team with veteran leadership. Anything less than a NCAA championship will be a disappointment to the Jayhawks.

Duke is one of the best shooting teams in the nation and have excellent guards. However, Duke is very small and not that physical. They could upset Kansas, but not likely.

Georgia is a solid but unspectacular team. They play great defense, but do not have the talent to make a run.

Arizona has been inconsistent all year. They are a high scoring team who can play with anybody. If they get their act together, they could be a major sleeper.

West: Kentucky is looking to defend their NCAA championship. Although they are not as talented as last year's team, the Wildcats still have the ability to win it all because of their tenacious defense and coach Rick Pitino. They should at least make it to the Final Four.

Utah won the Western Athletic Conference and are led by forward Keith Van Horn.

However, if Van Horn has a bad game, Utah will be done. Chances are, they probably will not make it past the Sweet 16.

Wake Forest was ranked number one but have struggled over the last month and a half.

Tim Duncan is the best college player in the nation, but he can not win a championship by himself. Unless someone else steps up, Wake will make an early exit.

St. Joe's is the Cinderella story of college basketball. Although not overly talented, the Hawks are very confident and have always found a way to win. However, it will be a miracle if the Hawks make it past the Sweet 16. Midwest; Minnesota is another major surprise. Class of the Big 10. A solid all-around team led by veteran players. They have a chance to go far, ,but could have a tough second round match-up with Temple.

UCLA went through a lot of adversity. but appear to be coming together at the right time. One of the most talented teams in the nation. However, the Bruins have been known to beat themselves and will not make a Final Four appearance.

Cincinnati is another inconsistent team with incredible talent. Forward Danny Fortson is one of the best players in the nation. They could lose in the first round or win the tournament.

Clemson started off the season on a roll but have been on a slide for the past month. They could exit in the first round.

On March 31 , the madness will end when a national champion will be crowned.

My final four predictions are Kansas, Kentucky, Villanova and Cincinatti.

I am looking for a KansasKentucky final to end in an upset as Kentucky will repeat as champions.

Part four of a five-part series on health & fitness