December is month for major matchups
December is here. Time to officially begin the annual scrambling that comes with the impending Christmas rush. Get the tree, wrap the gifts, put up the lights, hug the relative, accept the fruitcake, sing the carol, re-gift the fruitcake, watch the parade, and so on.
Don't forget your duties as a sports fan. Just because the upcoming basketball games don't include region implications doesn't mean you can sit at home watching Rudolph and drinking egg nog.
Not to be a Grinch, but I think our local teams rely on their fan base. The Evans faithful were out in full force for their boys' first-round game against Greenbrier in the Turkey Tip-Off Tournament, but the Evans student section was pathetic for its consolation game the next day. Kudos, though, to the Lakeside fans for a good showing at an away game Tuesday at Westside. They were rewarded with a suspenseful Lady Panthers win.
Suspense is practically guaranteed in several upcoming games this month. Here's a look at some of the biggest matchups:
Saturday, Dec. 9
Harlem boys at North Augusta
This Georgia vs. South Carolina battle will be used as a comparison game on both sides of the river.
Tuesday, Dec. 12
Augusta Christian girls at Curtis Baptist
Curtis Baptist head coach Bryan Wilson was the assistant coach for Lions head coach Keith Walton last year. Now the two will face off as the teacher meets the apprentice with bragging rights on the line between friends.
Friday, Dec. 15
Evans girls vs. Harlem
The two teams never met in the Turkey Tip-Off Tournament, but last year's three meetings between the schools always produced a close game.
Saturday, Dec. 16
Greenbrier girls vs. Cross Creek
The Lady Razorbacks handed Greenbrier its first loss of the season last year after the Lady Wolfpack started the year 11-0. Will Greenbrier be undefeated again when Cross Creek comes to town? Probably.
Sunday, Dec. 17
Lakeside soccer alumni match
Tired of basketball? Brave the winter weather with a Panthers soccer reunion Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Panther Stadium.
Dec. 28-30
Firehouse Subs Tournament at Evans
Evans, Harlem and Greenbrier will be participating in the three-day basketball tournament along with several other out-of-county opponents. It's your last opportunity to see the local teams before January's region schedule begins.