HOULKA - The Houlka Wildcats and Lady Cats are taking a well-deserved break for the holidays, but it won't last long as they will be back on the court next week and heading into more district play.

The Wildcats are currently 1-1 in district play with a win over Vardman and a loss to Calhoun City. They will get a rematch with the Rams on Jan. 6 in non-district play and will head back into a district game with the Okolona Chieftains on Jan. 9. The Chiefs are flying high coming off their win over Kosciusko in the Loggins Tourney, but the Cats and Chiefs are perennial rivals and neither one is expected to back down or give an inch.

The Lady Cats mirror the boys district record at 1-1 with a loss to Calhoun City and a win over Vardaman. They will rematch the Lady Rams and then go back to division play against the Lady Chiefs on Jan. 9. The Lady Chiefs efforts haven't been reflected well in the win-loss column, but the Lady Cats can't expect a cake-walk. The Houlka girls will be sure to bring their A-game across the creek and the Lady Chiefs will be spending their holiday preparing for them.

Both Houlka and Okolona, boys and girls, battled for top honors at district tournament last season and both will be expected to be in the mix again this year.