By Ross Wilson

The Highland Tartans... excuse me... MY HIGHLAND TARTANS... like to heat it up around this time of year. After upsetting their way to the South Jersey Group 4 title last season, the Tartans are making their bid to repeat as champions in 2001.

Led by senior guard Eric "Swift" Tickles (29 points), and 6'5" forward Robert Owens (12 points), the Tartans defeated Millville 67-52 for their second playoff win. The 5'11" Tickles got the job done from all over the court in a sweet display of court savvy that left no doubt that he's one of the best guards in South Jersey. Owens baskets came on strong inside play and rugged quickness to the hoop. The play of both has gotten better and better in recent weeks.

Overall, the Tartans played one of their best games of the year versus the Thunderbolts, and secured a rematch against Atlantic City on Friday night.

Aside from Tickles and Owens, the Tartans got manly production from center Chris Bratelli and Brandon Thompson (8 points each), and firm contributions from Kenneth Walden, Adam Kuzinski and Mario Kieling.

"Everybody stepped it up tonight," said Highland coach Harold Little, who was very emotional after the victory. "We've played tough teams such as Pennsauken, Cherokee, Shawnee and Woodrow Wilson all year, and that really prepared us for big games such as this. I'm looking forward to getting Atlantic City on our home court. It should be a great game."

A good game indeed. The Atlantic City Vikings will be revved up to pay back the Tartans for defeating them in last years' final, in what was the most exciting game of the last season. Highland ought to be packed Friday night. The Alma Mater is proud, and Coach Little's got it going again.