It’s holiday season yet again, and that means a number of different things for people. However, basketball minds will know the winter holidays for great showcase events and tournaments. One great pre-Christmas event is the SEBA Atlanta Hoop Festival, taking place Saturday at Pope. Here is a quick preview:

South Paulding vs. Blessed Trinity

One of Georgia’s best sleeper teams, South Paulding, is looking to make a statement. Junior point guard Kane Williams along with junior wing Ja’Cori Wilson form one of the most underrated duos around. They take on a Blessed Trinity team that is always well coached and seemingly has winning seasons every year.

North Cobb Christian vs. Sprayberry

North Cobb Christian is one of the best teams in A-Private, and is looking to establish themselves as state title contenders. The Eagles have great size and when they are shooting it well from the perimeter, they are a force. They will look to make a statement against Sprayberry, who is coming into their game Friday having won four games in a row, so they should provide a good test.

Berkmar vs. Harrison

Berkmar is finally back to full strength, with Jay Estime back from injury and Zac Cooks now eligible. They join Indiana commit Al Durham, who has become a very good playmaker for the Patriots, to form a great trio and one that is fun to watch. Harrison will look to provide an upset on Saturday, led by senior forward and Washington & Lee commit Austin York, who is off to a great start to the season.

Dacula vs. McEachern

This one is probably the game of the day. Dacula comes in as a Power Poll team, led by high scoring senior guards Kevon Tucker, a Wofford commit, & Derek St. Hilaire. Add in senior Demari Edwards and some good youngsters, and you have a state title contender. They take on a McEachern backcourt of AJ Jones and Darius Jones that is very solid in its own right. With Bryce Smith’s presence on the interior and good minutes from freshmen Isaac Okoro and Isaac Martin, this is game is certainly not void of talent.

Duluth vs. Pope

Pope is in a rebuilding year, having lost a very good senior class that included Chase Hutchins & Garrick DeBowles to graduation. However, senior Mitchell Hollis and junior Alex Watson form a solid backcourt and the Greyhounds are a very well coached bunch. They take on a Duluth team that is off to a 4-0 start in their region led by Javis Diaz, Jalen Hodges, and Obinna Ofodile.

Peachtree Ridge vs. North Cobb

Peachtree Ridge, despite losing a number of players to transfer, has proven that they still have enough pieces to be a state tournament team. Milz Tatum, Connor Heyward, and Markel McCollum have provided a lot of scoring and leadership in their backcourt. They take on a well-coached North Cobb team led by Kenny Ume, Miles Lake, and Ricky Shearman.