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This week: Holiday filled with hoops
0118hawks
Jeff Teague, right, gives forward Joe Johnson a pat on the back during the second half Jan. 11 against the Boston Celtics in Boston. Johnson had 36 points as the Hawks beat the Celtics 102-96. - photo by The Associated Press

Normally a slow day of  the week for high school basketball, there will be a few games today with students out of school for the observance of MLK Day. In fact, two of Hall County’s hottest programs — the East Hall boys (11-5) and North Hall boys (13-2) will both be on the court today.

The Vikings are facing Lakeside-Dekalb at noon today in the MLK Classic. East Hall, winners of five straight, just completed a successful weekend with Region 7-AAA wins against Lambert and West Hall.

The Trojans, winners of their last seven games, play host to Gilmer at 2 p.m. in a make-up game which was previously cancelled due to snow. North Hall picked up wins in the region against Creekview and Flowery Branch last weekend.

Hawks hoping to stay hot

Things have just lined up perfectly for the Atlanta Hawks recently.

Atlanta (26-13) now sits in first place by 1/2 a game in the Southeast Division as a result of winning five wins over its last six games, combined with the Orlando Magic (26-14) losing six of their last eight games.

Both teams have a sizeable cushion over the Miami Heat (20-18), who currently sit in third place in the division.

This week, Atlanta has three home games, including the Oklahoma City Thunder today, Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, and the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday. Meanwhile, the Magic have games against the Los Angeles Lakers, Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings this week.

Atlanta visits the Magic on Jan. 30.

Thrashers aim to regain form

This week may be a great time for the Atlanta Thrashers to get back on track and keep a firm hold on the second place spot in the Southeast Division.

The Thrashers (21-19) face each of the three teams below them in the division standings, beginning with a game tonight at the Florida Panthers (20-20). If the Panthers win, then they tie the Thrashers for second in the divisional standings.

After a home game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday night, Atlanta plays host to the last-place Carolina Hurricanes (14-26) on Thursday night and then visits the Tampa Bay Lightning (18-19) on Saturday night.
 

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