Seeking warmth during the cold holiday season

Oh, the weather outside is frightful.

But Western Pa. high school hoops are so delightful.

That’s how that holiday jingle goes, right?

These bone-chilling days have already taken a toll on your favorite prognosticator, and he’s not talking about the exorbitant amount of turnpike tolls he’s racked up going to games this season.

The high temperature was in the teens for some of last week. Not even when he was in his teens did The Dribbler care for that type of weather. But at least then he could grab a sled and slide down a hill before tumbling over. If he did that today, he’d at best break just one leg.

Hey, what do snowmen eat for breakfast? Frosted Flakes. And how do they get around? They ride an icicle.

The Dribbler prefers rain to snow. If you do, too, he advises you to go to a holiday basketball tournament over the next few days. You might witness a team raining 3pointers. Just last week, South Allegheny was more like a monsoon, making 16 3s against Steel Valley.

But there’s always a chance you could see a team that goes ice cold. The Cornell girls have been held to single digits three times this season.

Here’s hoping whatever game you go to is as warm as the slippers The Dribbler got for Christmas.

Oh, and have a Happy New Year!

The Dribbler went 5-3 last week, moving him to 10-6 (.625) for the season.

Here are his thoughts on this week’s top games:

Boys

Norwin vs. McKeesport, 11 a.m. Friday (Penn-Trafford Tournament) — “Buddy Ball” has taken Norwin by storm. Buddy Valinsky, who guided Allderdice to six consecutive City League titles, has fared very well in his first season in the WPIAL. The Knights, winners of eight games all of last season, take a 6-1 record into this contest. Now comes their biggest test yet. Winner: McKeesport.

Central Valley vs. Aliquippa, 7 p.m. Friday (C.J. Betters Tournament) — Lots of subplots in this one. There’s the football thing. Central Valley handed Aliquippa both of its losses this fall, the second coming in overtime in the WPIAL championship. In addition, Central Valley star Isiah Warfield’s dad is Aliquippa football coach Mike Warfield. These teams last met two years ago when Central Valley grabbed a one-point win. Winner: Central Valley.

Butler vs. Lincoln Park, 8:30 p.m. Friday (C.J. Betters Tournament) — There’s not a better matchup in the C.J. Betters Tournament. It’s very possible both of these teams are hoisting WPIAL championship trophies come February. Butler is ranked No. 1 in Class 6A and Lincoln Park No. 1 in Class 3A. Each has lost just once. Lincoln Park is terrific, but the Leopards don’t have Ethan Morton. Winner: Butler.

Central Catholic vs. New Castle, 7:30 p.m. Friday (New Castle Tournament) — Fun fact: New Castle is 0-2 this season when it gives up exactly 63 points. When it doesn’t, it’s a perfect 4-0. Michael Wells is off to an impressive start for coach Ralph Blundo’s Hurricanes. He’s scored at least 25 points three times. If he does that against Central Catholic and the Hurricanes don’t surrender 63 points, chances are they come out on top. Winner: New Castle.

Mt. Lebanon vs. Palmetto, Fla., 8 p.m. Friday (Junior Orange Bowl Tournament) — Florida taking on Virginia in the Orange Bowl isn’t the juiciest of matchups, but this game in the Junior Orange Bowl should be pretty darn good. Palmetto has four players at least 6 feet 5. The school also boasts some impressive alumni, the biggest name being Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. Winner: Mt. Lebanon.

Girls

North Catholic vs. Penn Hills, 1:30 p.m. Friday (North Allegheny Tournament) — Penn Hills has been Golden this season. But really, how could the Indians not be when they have twins Jayla and Jasmyn Golden. North Catholic had to settle for state silver last season. Along the way, Penn Hills was one of only three WPIAL teams to defeat the Trojanettes. They might find gold this season. For now, they’ll avenge last year’s loss to the Indians. Winner: North Catholic.

Connellsville vs. Indiana, 6:30 p.m. Friday (Latrobe Tournament) — Want to see a matchup of girls who stand 6-4? Well, take a trip to Latrobe on Friday. Connellsville has the veteran, senior and North Carolina A&T recruit Sara Aumer, while Uniontown has the rookie, freshman Eve Fiala. The latter has an offer from Ohio State. Aumer has already gone up against Gateway’s 6-3 Lexi Jackson this month. The Dribbler feels short. Winner: Connellsville.

Mars vs. Allderdice, 9 a.m. Saturday (Hempfield Tournament) — Mars is talented, but The Dribbler thinks it would maximize its potential if it started playing a heavy rotation of Bruno Mars during warmups. As far as The Dribbler is concerned, it’s long overdue. Allderdice has been great, but it says here that Bella Pelaia and Alek Johnson will team up to help the Planets get the win, and they won’t need any 24K Magic to do it. Winner: Mars.