As the days begin to get cooler, the local gymnasiums are beginning to scorch.

Many locals are packing the gyms to see their schools play basketball.

Last Friday night, the Greenville Tigers played before a "packed house" as Calhoun came into town.

In my opinion, the Greenville-Calhoun game is shaping up to be a rivalry.

Although both Tiger varsity teams lost to the visiting Tigers, I feel GHS is getting better.

I heard GHS boys' coach Karl Bledsoe saying that it's how you finish a season that counts; not what you do at the beginning.

In Fort Dale Academy's case, they want to build on how they're playing now.

Both teams rebounded off of early season losses to Escambia and are playing a better brand of ball.

The girls are on a four-game winning streak. Just last Thursday night, they blew out Crenshaw 76-32.

FDA coach said the team still has plenty of room for improvement.

Imagine what this team could do if they play to the coach's full potential.

One doesn't have to imagine too long. Just look to last year's team.

The boys basketball team is now 3-2 after playing some stiff competition in the first five games.

Everyone on this team has potential to hurt an opposing team. From Marshall Watts all around game to Adam Crenshaw's quickness in dishing out assists, all the players can give opposing teams different looks.

Like the girls, the boys have the depth to take them far.

Over at Greenville Academy, both of the varsity teams are still improving and looking for that first win.

The GA girls nearly pulled a comeback win against Cottage Hill in Mobile after being 20 points down in the third quater.

With :12 left in the final quarter, the team had a chance to win but fell short.

GA showed a lot of character in the game. They simply never quit and never gave up.

GA girls' varsity coach Gary Wayne Bowen will see this young team do wonders in the future.

Probably half the team is made up of JV players and that experience will pay dividends at some point.

The GA gym was also packed as the wrestling team held one of its two meets last Thursday night.

This team has a lot of talent and is poised to have some state champions on the team in due time.

It may be this year or the next, but I think it will happen nonetheless.

One of the team's goals is to win the state championship.

Other gyms are beginning to see action as the Greenville Men's Slowbreak League tipped off its games last Monday night.

So, with winter's cool front coming in, pack these gyms and support your schools.