Local prep sports have been on break for a week, and are set to return in the new year. When can fans expect to get back in the bleachers?
Boys basketball
Tuesday, Jan. 3: Newsome at Plant City, 6:30 p.m.; Hillsborough at Strawberry Crest, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 4: Plant City at Durant, 6:30 p.m.
What to watch for: The Wednesday, Jan. 4, matchup between Plant City and Durant will feature two of the top scorers in the area. Durant is led by senior Tyler White, who averages 23.6 points per game, and Plant City senior Tarik McKelphin is right behind him with an average of 22.2 points per game.
Girls basketball
Tuesday, Jan. 3: Newsome at Plant City, 8 p.m.; Hillsborough at SCHS, 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 4: Plant City at Durant, 8 p.m.
What to watch for: Once again, the Wednesday, Jan. 4, game should be a fun one. This matchup is important for district seeding, as Durant is currently in second place with Plant City right behind it. Both teams trail Strawberry Crest, which will face a Hillsborough team that was winless at press time. It also features five Plant City Times & Observer Athlete of the Week selections: three Lady Cougars and two Lady Raiders.
Boys soccer
Tuesday, Jan. 3: Steinbrenner at Durant, 8 p.m.; Plant City at Armwood, 8 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 6: Riverview at Strawberry Crest, 8 p.m.
What to watch for: At press time, the Plant City Raiders had yet to lose a game. Soccer fans that like to see goals should check the Raiders out, as junior Eric “Peanut” Ugarte got off to a red-hot start this season. Ugarte, a past Athlete of the Week selection, had 10 goals and four assists (24 points) in the team’s first six games — five wins and one draw.
Girls soccer
Tuesday, Jan. 3: Steinbrenner at Durant, 6 p.m.; Plant City at Armwood, 6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 6: Riverview at Strawberry Crest, 6 p.m.
What to watch for: Plant City’s scoring attack is, with Newsome, the most potent in the district. The Lady Raiders offense, led by senior Drew Knotts, is outscoring opponents, 15-5. While the team’s game at Armwood will not affect its district standing, it will help shake off some of the holiday rust before a crucial home match against Newsome at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6.