By Kevin Eckleberry

Sports Editor

From Opelika (Ala), to Macon, to Stone Mountain and to Callaway High, the basketball teams of Troup County will get plenty of time on the court this week as 2009 prepares to give way to 2010.

The busy week kicks off today, with LaGrange Academy’s teams participating in a three-day tournament at Tatnall Square Academy in Macon.

Also today, LaGrange High’s boys’ team will be in Opelika for the first day of a three-day tournament.

The Callaway Lady Cavalier Shoot-out is Tuesday and Wednesday, and the girls’ teams from Callaway, LaGrange and will participate.

In Stone Mountain, the Dawson Street Christian School Wildcats will play in a three-day tournament at HIS Academy beginning on Tuesday.

In Opelika, the unbeaten Grangers (8-0) are part of an eight-team field that includes one team all the way from Miami (Fla.).

Six of the eight tournament teams are from Alabama.

LaGrange opens its tournament stay at 3:30 p.m. today against Russell County, which last week handed Opelika its first loss of the season.

The Grangers are trying to win their second tournament title in a row after winning in Carrollton last week.

LaGrange head coach Mike Pauley said as nice as the unbeaten season is, everything his team is doing is in preparation for the start of Region 2-AAA play next week.

“This is enjoyable and fun, but it’s just a tuneup for region play,” Pauley said.

Like the Grangers, the teams from LaGrange Academy are looking to continue their perfect seasons.

Both teams moved to 9-0 with last week’s victories over Piedmont Academy.

Those perfect records will be put to the test in a tournament that includes some of the best GISA teams in the state.

Both teams play Southland Academy today, with the boys’ game tipping off at 11:30 a.m., and the girls’ teams meeting at 4 p.m.

At Callaway High, the three local teams will each play two games.

On Tuesday, Troup plays Albany at 2 p.m., LaGrange faces Early County at 5 p.m., and Callaway and South Atlanta square off at 6:30 p.m.

There are 12 teams competing in the shoot-out, and they’re divided into three four-team brackets.

A champion from each bracket will be determined Wednesday.