The Pike Liberal Arts Patriots haven’t taken to the hardwood since Dec. 17. The long layoff was good for one of the varsity teams, and not so good for the other.

The varsity boys team, led by guards Chandler Avant, Rush Hixon and Marquese Christian, was beginning to find a rhythm, while the girls squad seemed to beginning to stall.

“The break was good for the girls,” said head coach Craig Kennedy. “They were mentally tired, and needed a break. The boys on the other hand were getting in to a groove, and really starting to play well. We need to get it back going.”

Pike opens the second half of the 2012-13 seasons at home against Abbeville Christian Academy on Friday.

Kennedy said that teams have spent the past few days working on some schemes that they ran earlier in the season, as a refresher for the stretch run.

“We spent some time knocking off a little rust,” said Kennedy. “Some of them didn’t run as much as coach would like over the break. We will get there and be ready before Friday.”

The Patriots contest with Abbeville is the last tune up before beginning area play on Jan. 8. The Patriots will do battle with Macon-East Academy, Evangel Academy and Hooper Academy in area play.

The region tournament takes place in late January, and the first rounds of the playoffs begin in early February. Kennedy said improvements must be made.

“We have to get comfortable in our offense,” said Kennedy. “Passing to space is different than passing to a person. The guys have got it down, but the girls are quite there yet. It takes some time getting used to because you don’t know how much space is enough or too much.”

Tip off between the Patriots and Generals is set for 4 p.m., and all four teams will be in action.