The countdown is over, the acorn has dropped, and the confetti is being cleaned up off the streets in the Big Apple. Today starts a new year, and today starts the second half of the high school basketball season.

You thought the first half was intense? Over the new few months, Cinderella stories will come to light, championships will be won, and hearts will be broken - and you can join us for the ride right here.

Beginning next week, we will continue bringing you the Game of the Week, our Top 25 will be updated this coming weekend, and we'll have special spotlights on top players in the area.

Our next game of the week will be between the number one team in the Tri-Eight Conference, and the newest member of the conference, when Panther Creek travels to Cary on December 9. Another big game takes place on December 12 in the Tri-Eight, Green Hope will look to make there way back to the top of the conference when they host second-ranked Middle Creek.

Knightdale will continue to reign at the top of the Greater Neuse Conference, and Sanderson, Broughton, and Millbrook will battle each other for the top spot in the Cap Seven.

Now, we have been struggling to get scores each night from the different schools, so if you attend a game, please send me an email to stevens@ncsportsreport.com with the final score.

Thanks for visiting High School Hoops on WRAL.com, and stay with us for the best coverage of  high school sports. Best of luck to all teams as we work our way to the 2007 NCHSAA State Championship.