Teams begin summer play

Although basketball season doesn't start for another six months, Columbia County basketball teams already have hit the hardwood.

Last Tuesday marked the first day of summer basketball play for Evans, Greenbrier and Harlem. The three schools met at Evans for three scrimmages Tuesday evening.

Harlem coach Kim Chambers had a record number of boys try out for basketball this past season, and said these summer league games help in finding raw talent.

"I want to use this to evaluate whether a kid can play at this level or not," Harlem coach Kim Chambers said. "We've got football going on in the fall so by the time they get done with that, I've got to already have an idea of what some people can do."

The Bulldogs took on Greenbrier in the first scrimmage of the summer. Both teams will return only one starter to the roster in the fall. Greenbrier coach Casey Dees said the team is 20 boys strong right now but still filled with question marks.

"We're looking at a lot of different kids. This is a perfect opportunity to see them go 5-on-5," Dees said. "I'm excited about this group."

Dees said the Wolfpack will attend a team camp at the University of South Carolina later this month to further prepare for the 2006-07 season. After beating Harlem 45-38 in the first scrimmage Tuesday, Greenbrier fell to Evans 37-30 in the final game.

The Knights will return two starting players and a majority of their bench next season. With the potential of another strong season from Evans, coach Kevin Kenny said he is taking full advantage of the summer months.

"We're going Monday and Wednesday in the Richmond County league at Josey, and then we play Tuesday nights here in Columbia County," Kenny said. "That's the only way to get better."

The three teams will face each other every Tuesday evening in June at different locations. Harlem will play host this Tuesday.

"The main objective is to give kids experience and get them in a game situation," Kenny said. "You can tell a difference from the beginning of June to the end of June."

Tuesday's scrimmages at Harlem will begin at 5 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend the scrimmages at no charge.