Jonas Pope IV, Herald Sports Editor

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GASTON— If you are just now making plans, your efforts may be too late to get in on the hardwood action. Starting today at 3 pm, thousands of basketball fans will flock to Gaston over the next few days for the biggest High School basketball tournament this side of Interstate 95. Six teams (Southeast Halifax, Roanoke Rapids, Brunswick (Va.), Pasquotank, Weldon, Greensville County (Va.), Northwest Halifax and Northampton-West) will all do battle for the crown in the Second Annual Hurricanes Invitational Classic. Half fashion show, half social event— the classic combines these events with an exciting basketball tournament as a backdrop. The tournament begins this afternoon at 3 when Southeast Halifax takes on Roanoke Rapids in a rematch from last Friday. At 5, the Brunswick Bulldogs will take on Pasquotank Count. At 7, defending champion Weldon will take on Greensville County (Va.) and the night cap will be the host NCHS-West Hurricanes taking on Northwest Halifax for the third time this season. With things getting started, here are eight questions concerning each tournament team:

1.) Will Southeast Halifax find a go-to guy in the tournament?

The past two seasons the Trojans were very deep and led by the best player in the area, Elton Williams. In the 2007 tournament Southeast Halifax made it all the way to the finals, but this year Coach Larry Edwards is still looking for a player to step up and led this team on the floor. The Trojans have several different guys who contribute, but come tournament time they will need a player to carry the team on his shoulders.

2.) How many shots will Kareem Martin block in three days?

Roanoke Rapids Center Kareem Martin is averaging double figures in blocks this season. He is the high school equivalent of Dikembe Mutumbo. Martin changes the game with his play in the middle and will get to display his shot swatting ability on the big stage for three consecutive nights. If he can stay out of foul trouble, fans may witness the 6’5” center block nearly 30 shots in three days, and remember — defense wins championships.

3.) How good is Brunswick this season?

Two years ago the Bulldogs came into the tournament smokin’ and when the dust settled they took the title back to Virginia. Last season the Bulldogs ran into a red hot Weldon team and suffered a first round loss and had to settle for third place. The one thing about the teams outside of the area is that the local coaches haven’t been able to scout them. But one thing about the Bulldogs is everyone knows they will be deep, and able to shoot the ball and play defense.

4.) Can Pasquotank survive the trip?

There is no doubt that each season the Panthers bring a very talented team to Gaston. But it’s almost a two hour ride to Elizabeth City and that trip each day has to take a toll on a team. At some point one has to figure that the trip catches up with the Panthers’ players and affects their performance.

5. Will Greensville win a game this year?

The Eagles went 0-3 last season in the tournament. That means they have nowhere to go but up this season. A first day win would be a step in the right direction, but they drew the Weldon Chargers in the first round. Well, there is always days two and three.

6.) Do the Vikings have enough gas in the tank?

Northwest Halifax started the young season 7-0, but recently dropped two straight before the holiday break. Head Coach Donald Gibbs said his team ran out of juice after playing 6 games in two weeks.

After some time off the Vikings will have to play three games in four days in a packed and hostile environment. Over the break, if Northwest Halifax had time to recharge their batteries, they should be okay.

7.) Can the host Hurricanes keep the trophy in Gaston?

NCHS-West last appeared in the title game in 2006 where they fell to Brunswick. The previous season they lost to Park View in the final. Last season they didn’t get a win until the last day, but they are a much improved team this season. The one advantage they have is playing at home, but will they be able to take advantage of that?

8.) Will the Chargers repeat?

Weldon had about as an impressive three-day run last season as any team in tournament history.

Now the target is on the Chargers back and everybody will be gunning for Donnell Handsome’s squad. Weldon is just as deep as they were last season and that spells bad news for the rest of the field.

The last team to repeat as champs was Brunswick earlier this decade, but if Weldon brings their ‘A’ game they can add their name to the repeat champions list.