The ARS Rescue Rooter National Hoopfest took a little holiday break to recharge. Now, it is gearing up for something bigger and better than before. It is off to Memphis this weekend for what the locals dub Penny Hoopfest, and it is one that is primed for greatness.



However, that's not to say the first part of the series in Dallas wasn't electric.



The next stop in Memphis will once again match up national powerhouse teams against top local squads, and you can expect the series to take it up another notch: more high-level games, more ranked teams, more ranked prospects, and more drama.

After all, who doesn't want to watch a rematch of the City of Palms championship between host No. 10 Memphis East (TN) and No. 2 Montverde Academy (FL) to close out the event Saturday at 7:30 PM EST?



Although that is the headline game, there are plenty more to keep an eye on.

WHAT WILL COLLIN SEXTON DO NEXT?

By now, it's no secret. Flo40 guard Collin Sexton (No. 13) will score the basketball. It's just a question of how much. The Pebblebrook (GA) senior and Alabama signee is one of the premier bucket-getters in the entire country and can hurt opposing defenses by scoring at multiple levels. The last time FloHoops saw Sexton he was in full attack mode -- literally. And it's always entertaining to see what he might do next.

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THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE

At the opening night of the Culligan City of Palms Classic, all eyes were on Tampa Catholic's Kevin Knox (2017 Flo40 No. 6) as he laced the sneakers up to play in front of the Duke coaching staff. While Knox had a stellar 30-point double-double, it was the big man he guarded on the other end who also put on a show. East St. Louis center Jeremiah Tilmon (Flo40 No. 27) finished with 19 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks in the loss and has a great chance to have an even bigger game against Memphis Bolton on Friday.

HEADING OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

Just before the holidays, it appeared No. 25 Hamilton Heights had gotten past its early-season losses. Then, just like that, it was back to more head-scratching and another slide in the polls. On the other hand, No. 12 Simeon (IL) keeps on winning and moving up. These two teams do not play each other this weekend but are definitely talented squads worthy of your attention.

THE PENNY EFFECT

Former NBA All-Star Penny Hardaway is coaching, and to no one's surprise, he is very good at it. The Mustangs' No. 10 ranking is mere proof.

How To Watch:

When: Friday, January 6 - Saturday January 7
On TV: Now available on Roku and Apple TV 4
Streaming: Available only on FloHoops - $20 monthly or $150 yearly. Yearly FloPro access is to ALL FloSports sites. SIGN UP HERE.

MEMPHIS SCHEDULE

Friday, Jan. 6, at Bartlett High School
5 PM, Hamilton Heights vs. Memphis Lausanne Collegiate School
6:30 PM, East St. Louis vs. Memphis Bolton
8 PM, Memphis Bartlett vs. Montverde Academy

Saturday, Jan. 7, at Arlington High School
Noon, Memphis Ridgeway vs. Little Rock Baptist Prep
1:30 PM, Houston vs. Sunrise Christian (KS)
3 PM, Southwind vs. Pebblebrook (GA)
4:30 PM, Memphis Cordova vs. Simeon (IL)
6 PM, Memphis Arlington vs. Hamilton Heights (TN)
7:30 PM, Memphis East vs. Montverde Academy (FL)