Findlay Prep sophomore guard Nigel Williams-Goss

Second-ranked Norfolk Christian is getting out of the snow and heading to the sunshine of Florida this week.

The Ambassadors (5-0) will be playing in the prestigious 38th Annual City of Palms Classic in Fort Myers, Fla.

They meet highly-touted Dr. Krop (Fla.) in the opener on Friday.

If the Ambassadors reach either the third-place game or championship of the tournament then they will be seen on ESPNU.

The third-place game will be seen at 7:30 p.m., followed by the championship at 9:30 p.m.

Baker shows he's a class act

The big Eastern District showdown between Booker T. Washington, the third-ranked team in South Hampton Roads, and No. 5 Maury was marred by fights in the stands that spilled out onto the floor with 2 minutes, 40 minutes left in the game.

With the Bookers comfortably leading 14 points, a fight broke out in the stands. After restoring order another fight broke out which caused police to use mace to calm down the crowd.

Both teams retreated to the locker room. Instead of trying to finish the game Maury coach Jack Baker decided enough was a enough and called the game.

The decision surprised Bookers coach Darren Sanderlin.

“I know Jack is no quitter,” he said. “But realizing that the melee happened in his gym and we were up he decided that. But I told him after the game that that was a class act. I respect him for that.”

Western Branch off to fast start

Western Branch first-year coach Chris Fuhrmann had a goal of turning the Bruins program around.

The Bruins haven’t had a winning season in more than five seasons, including a 11-72 record the last four seasons.

But Fuhrmann, a former Portsmouth Christian standout, has done it as the Bruins are 3-2 overall and 3-1 in the Southeastern District.

The three district victories is impressive because the Bruins won just one game last season, just two in 2009, four in 2008 and none in 2007.

“The early success is great especially to help the kids believe in what we are trying to do,” he said. “I have to credit the kids hard work and dedication this off-season and so far in practice. I'm starting three sophomores that played JV for me last year so that helps because they are already familiar with what I want to do. They have been playing at a very high level and hopefully it will continue.”

One key player has been junior guard Rashon Woody who is averaging 17.8 points a game and seven rebounds.

“We have just been working hard at trying to play as a team and staying together,” Fuhrmann said, “so far it has been working for us.”

Salem having success despite losing star player

Salem first-year coach Justin Parrish replaced a legend in Bill Cochrane.

Parrish still felt the SunDevils would be competitive this season. He was right as they’ve jumped out to a 3-1 start.

But they’ve done it without one of their star players, 6-foot-5 sophomore forward Bucky Hodges.

“He just decided he didn’t want to play anymore,” said his father, Temuchin Hodges. “He just wasn’t feeling it.”

Hodges, a quarterback, has decided instead to focus on football. He’s working on putting on 15 to 25 pounds and is running track to improve his speed.

This, of course, was bad news for Parrish but the SunDevils keep rolling.

“We haven’t really talked about it,” Parrish said about Hodges’ absence. “You just got to move on with what you have.”

7 Cities Roundball Classic

The much-anticipated Seven Cities Roundball Classic is around the corner.

The event – which will be held Jan. 8 at Wilson High School – has four teams that are currently nationally ranked.

Findlay Prep (Nevada) was the preseason top-ranked team by ESPN and No. 2 team by USA Today. You can get a sneak peak at Findlay Prep tonight when it plays on ESPN at 9 p.m.

The other teams ranked are Academy of the New Church (Pa.) which upset Findlay Prep 56-50 in the State Farm Tournament of Champions in Illinois.

Boys and Girls (N.Y.) was a preseason No.18 by ESPN and No. 19 by USA Today.

And Westchester (N.C.) was preseason No. 32 by ESPN.

The local teams include top-ranked Norcom, No. 2 Norfolk Christian, No. 3 Booker T. Washington, No. 4 Kellam and No. 8 Landstown.

Former assistant gets shot at Nansemond-Suffolk

Nansemond-Suffolk first-year coach Clint Wright is excited to finally be a head coach.

Wright, a Norfolk State grad, helped lead Nansemond River to the city championship from 2001 to 2004. He also helped King’s Fork win titles from 2008-2010, including a Group AAA state title in 2009.

“King’s Fork has really been instrumental in my current position as head varsity basketball coach,” he said. “The lessons learned from the wins, losses and decisions in basketball and football will stick with me forever. I saw quality basketball and football in the toughest region in the state. I have been a part of a state basketball championship team that many people will never experience.

“It is my goal to bring that same excitement to Nansemond-Suffolk Academy. With a little hard work, dedication and commitment the sky is the limit.”

The Saints are 1-3 but they did win their home opener against StoneBridge, 44-43.

“It was an awesome experience especially when the first half was played as if we had never practiced,” he said. “I had a few friends, family and well wishers in attendance and I wanted the team to perform well. The fans in attendance had a great opportunity to see what the future can be like at N-SA.”

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