By CURTIS ROCKWELL

Item Sports Editor

Don’t look now, but Prep basketball season is here.

The 2009-10 season kicks off on Saturday, and just about every local team will be in action over the next few days as teams kick their respective seasons.

Jason Kennedy makes his debut Saturday as the head coach of the Picayune Lady Tide, as both the Picayune and Poplarville girls take part in the Petal Classic Tournament.

Poplarville gets things started with a tall task, taking on Class 6A power Meridian at 10:30 a.m., while the Lady Tide take the court for the first time under Kennedy at 4:30 p.m., against Northeast Jones.

Kennedy replaces Kristi Mitchell at the helm of the Lady Tide. He and Hancock boy’s coach Chris Biehl are the only new head coaches on the hardwood locally this season.

Also on Saturday, both Pearl River Central teams begin play against Ocean Springs on the road in the Ocean Springs Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament.

The Lady Devils take on OSHS at 5 while the Blue Devils and Greyhounds face off at 6:30.

The boys and girls teams from all three Pearl River County high schools will take part in the five day PRC Tip-Off Tourney that begins Monday in Carriere.

Both Hancock teams begin their seasons Saturday hosting Pass Christian.