Every August, the Red Carpet Bowl kicks off football season in a big way. We’re months away from the next one of those, but this Saturday Warren County’s sports fans can see plenty of games at a great price with the Red Carpet Basketball Classic — the “other” Red Carpet event.

All eight of Warren County’s varsity high school teams will be in action during a 12-hour basketball buffet at Vicksburg High. St. Aloysius tips things off at 9 a.m. against Sacred Heart. That’s followed by Porters Chapel vs. Tensas Academy at noon and Warren Central vs. O’Bannon at 3 p.m. Vicksburg High vs. Terry wraps things up, with the girls playing at 6 and the boys at 7:30.

Although the Red Carpet Classic isn’t quite as famous as its sister event, it does serve a lot of the same functions.

The money it generates all gets poured back into the community in the form of scholarships for all four high schools. Any graduating senior is eligible to apply for one, and should check with their teachers or school office for a form. Applications are due by Feb. 25.

The amount of the scholarships are largely determined by the amount of funds available to the Red Carpet Bowl committee. It takes some money to put on a big, quality event like this, so a big turnout for both the football and basketball games greatly helps our local students.

Secondly, it’s a chance to enjoy some fellowship and good basketball. Where else can you see eight games for just $8? It’s not just a good cause, it’s a good deal. The earlier you get there — and the longer your back can handle sitting in the hard plastic bleachers — the more basketball you get for your buck.

Finally, on the court it serves as the launch into the home stretch of basketball season. All four teams are smack dab in the middle of their division schedules, and the division and state tournaments are right around the corner.

Each team only has a few more weeks to iron out the kinks and get on the kind of roll that can turn a mediocre season into a good one, or a good one into a great one. Saturday can either be just another game for them, or a chance to turn the page and take advantage of a fresh starting point.

So come on out to Vicksburg High on Saturday for a great day of high school hoops for a great cause. You’ll be glad you did.

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Ernest Bowker is a sports writer. He can be reached at 601-619-7120 or by email at ernest.bowker@vicksburgpost.com