[12/26/03]The Christmas holidays for local basketball teams will end today when three of the four county teams begin play in holiday tournaments.

Warren Central will play in the Jackson Public Schools Tournament, Vicksburg will play in the Northwest Rankin Classic and St. Aloysius will play in the Wesson Tournament.

For many years, Vicksburg High played in the JPS Tournament, but has been going to Northwest Rankin for the past six years.

“A lot of people decided not to go to the JPS Tournament because, at least in girls, it seemed like they matched the best teams against each other early,” Vicksburg girls coach Mike Coleman said.

The Missy Gators (9-5) open the tournament today at 1:10 p.m. against Mendenhall. The Gators will open the boys tournament at noon against Brandon.

Coleman said host Northwest Rankin and Madison Central are both teams to beat in the bracket, but both of those teams are opposite the Missy Gators.

“I told the kids that I thought the winner of our game with Mendenhall could get to the finals,” Coleman said.

Warren Central’s girls will open the JPS Tournament at 5 p.m. today against Wingfield at Lanier High. The WC boys will follow that game at 6:30.

St. Aloysius will also begin tournament play today at Wesson. The Flashes will play Enterprise at 11:30 a.m., while the Lady Flashes are scheduled to play North Pike today at 1 p.m.