Strong teams promise exciting basketball play

Can it really be that time of year already? Basketball season starts in a week.

//

Yes, next Monday, Oct. 29, is the first date the Georgia High School Association allows high school basketball practices.

Most teams across the state will spend that time holding tryouts. It's too early to tell for sure right now, but I'm predicting the biggest boys basketball turnout in recent memory.

Why? Greenbrier and Evans, that's why.

Last year's boys basketball season was one of the most memorable years on the hardwood in a long time, and it's all because of the biggest basketball rivalry in the area.

Greenbrier shocked the county last season with a first-round upset of Evans in the season-opening tournament. That set up two of the best basketball games Columbia County has ever seen when Evans went to Greenbrier on Jan. 12 and Jonathan Nicely hit a three-point prayer at the buzzer.

Exactly two weeks later it took Evans a double-overtime effort to win at home by a single point over Greenbrier.

Basketball is easily the most spectator-friendly sport among high school athletics. The fans are closer to the action and can be heard more than any other sport. The fact that the entire county took notice of a competitive, exciting series last season will draw the boys into tryouts next week.

Could we possibly expect to see the same drama and intensity we saw last year? If so, here's when and where it will happen:

Nov. 19-20

Tip-Off Tournament at Greenbrier

Dec. 27-29

Christmas Tournament at Evans

Jan. 11

Greenbrier at Evans

Jan. 25

Evans at Greenbrier