As my son keeps reminding me, we’ve got just six days left before Christmas. And we’ll see if Santa is going to be kind to Central Indiana athletic teams over the holiday break, because there’s lots of action in high school sports between now and Jan. 1.

This Saturday, I’ll be at the Holiday Splash ‘N Clash at Hamilton Southeastern, with copies of the Dec. issue. The event begins at 8 a.m. and will showcase several teams from Central Indiana: HSE, Greenfield-Central, Anderson Highland and Roncalli.

Also on Saturday, the NWAC vs. IPSAC Challenge takes place at Howe H.S. The best of the Chicago-area schools vs. the best of the Indianapolis Public Schools (as it’s billed) features three big games: Tech vs. Gary Roosevelt (1 p.m.); Northwest vs. Gary Wirt (3 p.m.); Howe vs. Gary Westside (5 p.m.).

Lots of Holiday Tournaments taking place around the area next week – we’ll put a full breakdown up on Friday (and leave it up throughout next week) on the main page of our Web site for those looking to attend some quality basketball tournaments in the area.

Speaking of hoops, what a strong statement by the boys basketball team at Lawrence North last night. The No. 6 Wildcats defeated No. 2 Warren Central 67-45. LN was a force defensively, forcing Warren to shot just 26 percent from the field.

The Warriors kept fighting and clawing their way back into the game after deficits of 7, 9, 4 throughout the first three quarters, but in the end, Lawrence North used their height advantage to keep the Warriors at bay.

It seems as though Warren might be scratching and clawing in several high-profile matchups this season against the likes of Lawrence North, Cathedral and Carmel. After losing Mr. Basketball candidate Warren Offutt to a knee injury a few weeks back, the Warriors are going to have did deep against some talented teams. And I would expect nothing less from Warren coach Scott Heady, who will push the Warriors to execute and shoot the ball more efficiently.

In office related news, had a great meeting with Robb Vessely this morning. Vessely is the athletic director of Eastern Hancock, a Class 2A school in Hancock County. Vessely is doing great things for the Royals and mentioned the new facilities upgrades the school is working on as a way to centralize their football, baseball and softball fields.

Also got a fun e-mail from Heritage Christian AD Jeff Hester. Jeff highly suggested a book called “Walk On”  for anyone looking for a good holiday read. I’m going to try and add it as a last minute stocking stuffer and suggest you do as well. In a related note, Alan Williams will be speaking at Heritage on Friday, Jan. 25 at 6 p.m.

We just sent the Jan. issue off to press and I must second Dave McConnell when I say it looks great. There’s a high factor for visual appeal with this issue. I encourage you to pick it up beginning Fri., Jan. 4.