A few more players would have been nice - but the baby will do

In general, I was extremely pleased with the Christmas gifts I received this year. I'm a simple man with simple pleasures and, for me, the best gift came in the form of a $15 Pac-Man video game. It comes with a joystick and plugs directly into my television. I haven't been this hooked on a video game since Nintendo's Techmo Super Bowl.

But it's not all about me. There are plenty of gifts that Lakeside boys basketball coach Donnie Burch could have asked for this Christmas.

For one thing, he's in desperate need of at least one or two more big men to help senior Alex Fain underneath the basket. He could also use a deeper bench and another 3-point threat.

Instead, he got a baby.

Hudson Christopher Burch came into the world on Christmas Eve morning at a healthy 7 pounds, 4 ounces.

Even before his big arrival, Hudson was a big fan of Lakeside sports.

Hudson's mother, Christa Burch, is not only the wife of a Lakeside basketball coach; she's also the coach of Lakeside's competition cheerleading squad.

Shortly before Hudson's appearance, Christa Burch, very full with child, traveled with her cheerleaders to Columbus, Ga. The squad finished third in the state, the best for the school in 12 years, and Hudson became one of the few, if any, Lakeside fans to attend a Panther sporting event before he was actually born.

In a little more than a week, the Burch family will celebrate Hudson's first month.

Although Hudson is still brand new to the Lakeside fan base, his father already has plans for him.

"I'm proud to say his first Christmas gift ever was a basketball," Donnie Burch said with a smile.