Frantic Friday

The day after Christmas isn’t only for shopping. Lots of high school basketball tournaments begin today throughout the region. Here’s a look at some of the best:

Boys

HART

Where: Hart High in Newhall

When: Today, Saturday, Monday, Tuesday

Top Teams: Simi Valley, Cleveland, San Fernando, Valencia

Comment: Northwest Valley Conference powers Cleveland and San Fernando are expected to meet in a semifinal on Monday at 8 p.m. in the 16-team tournament. The winner will likely face Simi Valley in the championship game on Tuesday at 8 p.m.

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BEST IN THE WEST

Where: Long Beach College, Artesia High

When: Today, Saturday, Monday, Tuesday

Top Teams: Westchester, Long Beach Poly, Artesia, Fairfax

Comment: Local teams entered are Chatsworth, Antelope Valley and Burbank.

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LA SALLE / TEMPLE CITY

Where: La Salle High, Temple City High

When: Today, Saturday, Monday, Tuesday

Top Teams: Harvard-Westlake, Notre Dame, Montclair Prep

Comment: Harvard-Westlake figures to meet Mission League rival Notre Dame off Montclair Prep in the final on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. The Wolverines could face a challenging opener from Mid-City Magnet, which routed Bell-Jeff earlier this season.

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SANTA PAULA

Where: Santa Paula High

When: Today, Saturday, Monday

Top Teams: Santa Paula, Oak Park, Hueneme

Comment: Santa Paula guard Joey Riccio, a transfer from Thousand Oaks, has been impressive all season.

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BIRMINGHAM

Where: Birmingham High in Van Nuys

When: Saturday, Monday and Tuesday

Top Teams: Birmingham, Grant, Jordan, Granada Hills

Comment: The host Braves, led by Emmanuel Evans, are the favorites in the eight-team tournament, but don’t count out Grant and high-scoring guard Gilbert Arenas.

Girls

THOUSAND OAKS

Where: Thousand Oaks High

When: Today, Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, Friday

Top teams: Crescenta Valley, North Hollywood, Chino, Palmdale

Comment: One of the best girls’ matchups of the season could come in a semifinal game on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. if Crescenta Valley and North Hollywood survive early round games.