Words. Austin Burton

It was a big weekend in high school basketball — beginning with a head-to-head national TV contest between the No. 1 and No. 2 players in the country, and continuing through the Springfield (Mass.) Hoophall Classic, where many of the best players, teams and coaches in the nation have convened in one of the season’s premier showcases.

NO. 1 OAK HILL GOES DOWN The last time we saw Milton (GA) in action, they lost a heartbreaker to St. Patrick (NJ) in the City of Palms tournament title game on a buzzer-beating three. This time, Milton’s speed and execution didn’t leave room for a surprise dagger, as they knocked off undefeated Oak Hill, the nation’s No. 1 team according to ESPN and USA Today. MORE >

Words. Austin Burton

For as long as they’re both in the NBA, whenever Kobe Bryant and LeBron James line up across from each other on the court, it’s never going to not be a nationally televised main event. In the NFL, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady can’t square off without the eyes of the entire nation watching. There’s just something about when the two best in their sport go head-to-head — even if it’s not really head-to-head — that makes it appointment viewing for anybody with a TV.

At 7 p.m. EST tonight on ESPN2, high school basketball’s Kobe-vs.-LeBron is going down, when Winter Park (FL) tips off against St. Patrick (NJ), showcasing the individual matchup of Austin Rivers vs. Michael Gilchrist. MORE >

Words. Shabazz Muhammad

Few players, if any, had as productive a summer as Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, NV) shooting guard Shabazz Muhammad — evidenced by his 32 ppg scoring average on the AAU scene. Now every school from North Carolina to UCLA is in hot pursuit of the 6-5 junior, making his one of the most intriguing recruiting stories in the country.

Muhammad, who is ranked No. 8 in the HSH National Top 50, has agreed to give us exclusive access by chronicling his thoughts in this regular diary where he’ll keep everyone updated on his high school season and the recruiting process: MORE >

Words. Jason Jordan

After trailing by eight at the half, St. Patrick (Elizabeth, N.J.) pulled to within two points with just one second left in regulation. And the reason for the comeback, point guard Kyrie Irving, was at the line.

Irving sunk the first free throw, but the Duke signee missed the second and the No. 1 team in the country fell to 3rd-ranked Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) at the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass., on the Martin Luther King holiday. MORE >