[11/10/03]Top-ranked and defending state champion Provine will highlight the six-team Coca-Cola Classic that starts today and ends on Saturday at both Vicksburg and Warren Central.

The Rams will open the tournament against the defending Class 5A champion Vicksburg Gators at 7:30 p.m. at VHS. Despite beating Provine twice last year, and winning the state’s biggest classification, the Gators ended the season ranked No. 3 two spots behind Provine.

“We have to understand that the 5A championship team is mostly gone,” said Vicksburg coach Dellie Robinson, who lost four starters from that team. “Provine has a lot of players coming back.”

The Rams are led by point guard Charlie White, one of the top prospects in the state.

Vicksburg’s girls will host No. 8 Provine at 6 p.m.

At WC, the Lady Vikes play Jefferson County at 7 p.m., and the Vikings will follow at 8:30 p.m.

Tournament play will continue on Thursday and the championship games will be Saturday.