Looking for some high-quality boys' basketball games this weekend? Holiday tournaments begin Thursday night and Friday night and continue through at least Saturday. Here are a few we've highlighted:
Thursday, Dec. 26
Cedar Crest Holiday Tournament, first round: Carlisle (5-2) vs. Hershey (4-4), 6 -- Conrad Weiser (5-1) vs. Cedar Crest (7-1), 7:30
* Four terrific teams, starting with a Mid-Penn Commonwealth-Keystone clash between the Thundering Herd and Trojans. The Scouts from Berks County are off to a great start, but the host Falcons are looking to add another tourney title after winning the Lower Dauphin tip-off. Consolation and championship are at 6 and 7:30 Friday.
Friday, Dec. 27
Halifax Holiday Tournament, first round: West Shore Christian (3-1) vs. Camp Hill (2-6), 6 -- Harrisburg Christian (5-1) vs. Halifax (3-3), 7:30
* A small-school showdown up and over the mountain finally lets the Class AA Lions play against teams their own size, while a pair of CCAC West contenders in the Bobcats and Knights aim to show the public schools they're worthy foes. Consolation and championship are at 6 and 7:30 Saturday.
Slam Fest at Harrisburg, first round: Berks Catholic (4-2) vs. Freire Charter (1-6), 6 -- W.T. Woodson (4-2) vs. Harrisburg (4-2), 7:30
* Assuming the Saints, our top team in District 3-AAA, beat the Dragon (yes, singular), and if the host Cougars can knock off the Cavaliers from Virginia, that would set up a must-see Saturday showdown at Kimber Gymnasium. Consolation and championship are at 6 and 7:30 Saturday.
Hempfield Holiday Tournament, first round: Wilson (6-0) vs. Central York (6-1), 6 -- South Philadelphia (2-4) vs. Hempfield (6-0), 7:45
* Another high-quality event, with the Bulldogs, our No. 1 team in the latest District 3-AAAA rankings, battling a Panthers team that just last week knocked off our previous No. 1, York. If the host Black Knights beat the Rams of South Philly, the championship could potentially feature two unbeatens (Wilson, Hempfield). Consolation and championship at 6 and 7:45 Saturday.
Sauve Brothers Holiday Tournament at Mechanicsburg: Lebanon (6-1) vs. Mechanicsburg (6-1), 7:30
* Only a three-team tournament, with unbeaten Boiling Springs (7-0) joining the action. Cedars and Bubblers play at 6:30 Saturday, and the Bubblers return to visit the Wildcats Monday at 7:30.
C.J. Betters RBA Holiday Classic at the Community College of Beaver County: Steel-High (6-2) vs. Lincoln Park (5-0), 8:30
* It's an eight-team extravaganza featuring many of the WPIAL's best, including defending PIAA Class AA champion Beaver Falls and other powers like Aliquippa, Blackhawk and New Castle. The Rollers represent the entire eastern half of the state and draw the Leopards, the No. 2 team in our latest PIAA Class A rankings. Visit http://rbaholidayclassic.blogspot.com/ for the entire schedule.
Saturday, Dec. 28
Hagelgans & Veronis Holiday Tournament at McCaskey: York (4-2) vs. McCaskey (4-2), noon
* After a late dropout, this turned into a three-team event, with both the Bearcats and Red Tornado taking turns vs. Franklin Learning Center on Thursday and Friday. But the showcase event is Saturday between these two District 3-AAAA powers who turned in a terrific District 3-AAAA semifinal last season.