Hoops preview

A look at holiday basketball tournaments.

By JOE SMITH
Published December 21, 2006

Hoop Scoop

It's time for holiday basketball tournaments and, with that in mind, here's a Christmas list of tidbits:

Gift to open first: A must-see showdown

Brighthouse Tournament, Friday, 6 p.m. at Clearwater. Boca Ciega 6-2 vs. Wharton (7-0) - The Pirates' talented backcourt trio takes on one of their tougher tests, a Wharton team ranked No. 5 in Class 5A.

Naughty and nice: Tale of two teams

Dixie Hollins (4-4) - The Rebels have rattled off four wins in five games and could be a factor in the Hooters' Tournament Dec. 27-30 at Northeast, Boca Ciega and Eckerd. In the heavily local draw, Dixie Hollins matches up with Brandon (whose entire team is suspended indefinitely for its role in a brawl last week).

Santa's good side: Team on a roll

St. Petersburg Catholic - The Barons (7-0), ranked No. 5 in 3A, have won every which way, from blowouts to buzzer-beaters. They're playing in the Chase Memorial Tournament at Hudson (Dec. 28-30).

Coal in their stocking

Mike Helm, Largo senior: The 6-4 forward, who is averaging 15.9 ppg, 10.6 rpg, could barely walk after rolling his ankle early in Monday's win over Tarpon Springs. Coach Phil Price said Helm will miss this weekend's Largo Christmas Tournament and possibly next weekend's shootout in Naples.

Ed Nixon, Lakewood senior: The star guard, who has sat out the past two weeks with a sprained right ankle, could have worse news, coach Daniel Wright said. Nixon will get an MRI the next couple days to find out if he has a fracture. He's questionable for next week's Kingdom of the Sun Tournament in Ocala.

Wish list: A potential showdown at the Pinellas Park Holiday Classic on Friday at 8:30 p.m. would include host Pinellas Park (6-2) vs. Calvary Christian (9-0), which is ranked No. 9 in Class A and off to the best start in program history. The interesting clash would pit the sharp-shooting Patriots and Calvary's bigs - 6-foot-8 forwards Kevin Cantinol (Mississippi) and Christian Bibi Ndongo, right.

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com or at (727) 893-8129.

[Last modified December 21, 2006, 01:21:50]