High schools heat up for hoops
He's making a list, and checking it twice, and so far the Greenbrier High School basketball team has been very nice.
The Wolfpack brings an 8-0 record into the 2002 Columbia County Christmas Tournament, which will be played today and Thursday at Harlem High School.
Though the Pack seems primed to defend its Christmas Tournament title, Greenbrier coach Garrett Black isn't expecting any gifts this week from his county rivals.
"I just hope we can get by Evans," Black said of his team's opener against the Knights. "Harlem gave us a run for our money earlier this year, and if (Lakeside High guard) Matt Scott gets hot ... I hope we play up to our expectations, but we've got our work cut out for us."
Scott and the Panthers tangle with Harlem is today's other first-round boys game. The two squads went into overtime earlier this season, with Lakeside pulling out a win.
Harlem coach Kim Chambers thinks local fans will see some exciting action in the Columbia County Christmas Tournament.
"All the games should be close," he said. "Greenbrier might have the upper hand, but it's going to be really competitive. It might come down to getting good breaks."
On the girls' side, the Lakeside Lady Panthers may fast-break their way to the title. Lakeside is the defending Christmas Tournament champion, and has already posted convincing wins this season against Harlem and Evans.
After playing poorly during a loss to Burke County, the Lady Panthers regrouped to post four straight wins behind stellar guard play from Toya Coard. Lakeside enters the tourney with a 6-1 record.
The Greenbrier girls have opened the season with a 6-2 record, and may have the best shot at dethroning Lakeside. First, the Lady Pack has to get by Evans today in first-round action.
When the public school basketball showdown is over, the private school squads take the stage in the Augusta Christian School Christmas Classic, a two-day event at the Lions Den.
AC's tournament is Thursday and Friday, and will crown a champion in both the girls and boys brackets. Along with the home teams, Wardlaw Academy, Westminster and Mount de Sales are competing.
Holiday hoops - tournament schedule
Columbia County Christmas Tournament
Harlem High School
Wednesday: Greenbrier vs. Evans (girls), 4 p.m.; Greenbrier vs. Evans (boys), 5:30 p.m.; Harlem vs. Lakeside (girls), 7 p.m.; Harlem vs. Lakeside (boys), 8:30 p.m.
Thursday: Girls consolation game, 4 p.m.; boys consolation game, 5:30 p.m.; girls championship game, 7 p.m.; boys championship game, 8:30 p.m.
Augusta Christian School Christmas Classic
Friday: Westminster vs. Wardlaw (girls), 3 p.m.; Westminster vs. Wardlaw (boys), 4:30 p.m.; Augusta Christian vs. Mount de Sales (girls), 6 p.m.; Augusta Christian vs. Mount de Sales (boys), 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: Mount de Sales vs. Westminster (girls), 1 p.m.; Mount de Sales vs. Westminster (boys), 2:30 p.m.; Wardlaw vs. Augusta Christian (girls), 4 p.m.; Wardlaw vs. Augusta Christian (boys), 5:30 p.m.