Chick-Fil-A Classic ready to roll

One of the best places to be before the Christmas break is the Chick-Fil-A Classic at Richland Northeast High School in Columbia, S.C. Tournament director Gary Fulmer has put together another talented field this year and the action tips off on Dec. 19 and runs until Friday night. Rivals.com will be on hand for the action this season.

Gordon, Withey give California flare

Drew Gordon, the nation's No. 15 ranked junior, leads the charge for Archbishop Mitty out of San Jose, Calif. Mitty, the No. 13 ranked team in the country according to USA Today, is a balanced group with three returning starters from a team that finished 29-5. Junior wing Colin Chieverton is a name to watch for Mitty as well.

Future Louisville center Jeff Withey is leaving the palm trees of San Diego to see the palm trees of the East Coast before Christmas as the 7-footer leads the charge for Horizon Christian, a team that has won three state titles in five years.

Peach State powers add flavor

Two-time defending 3A Georgia state champions bring their undefeated record to the Chick-Fil-A with hopes of claiming the title this year after finishing in fourth place last season. Future Georgia guard Zac Swansey leads a solid backcourt featuring three Division I prospects. Junior forward Delwan Graham is coming off a 19 point, 19 rebound performance last week.

Meadowcreek is home to the tournament's most prolific scorer in Michigan State bound Chris Allen. Allen has the potential to push 50 points any game he plays in. Joining him is Teondre Williams, a four-star junior with big time athleticism.

Back to defend the title

Charlotte Christian won the tournament last season thanks in large part to the MVP effort of Stephen Curry, who is now a dazzling freshman at Davidson who is averaging 19 points a game this season. This year, Charlotte Christian is looking to 6-foot-6 unsigned senior forward Omar Carter.

Palmetto players round out field

Last year was the first season that a team from South Carolina did not win either one of the Classic Championships. The natives are hoping this year can be different. The home teams include: Ridge View, W.J. Keenan, Richland Northeast, Irmo, Lower Richland, Hammond, Sumter and Pinewood Prep.

Don't forget about us

Maryland's John Carroll School is an intriguing entry to the field this season as the nation gets a good look at freshman Josh Selby, who was one of the standouts at the adidas Phenom150 camp this year in San Diego. John Carroll is also home to 7-foot-3 junior center Jacob Kusmieruk.

New Hanover (N.C.) brings 6-foot-10 junior Ty Walker to the event while Florida power Ribault traditionally always has a team that will fight tooth and nail for a victory.

On tap

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19

7:00 pm Horizon (CA) vs Ridge View (SC)

8:30 pm W.J. Keenan (SC) vs Richland Northeast (SC)

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20

1:00 pm John Carroll (MD) vs Hammond (SC)

2:30 pm Archbishop Mitty (CA) vs Sumter (SC)

4:00 pm Charlotte Christian (NC) vs Pinewood Prep (SC)

5:30 pm Dunwoody (GA) vs Irmo (SC)

7:00 pm Meadowcreek (GA) vs Ribault (FL)

8:30 pm New Hanover (NC) vs Lower Richland (SC)