The new year is only six days old, but anticipation is already building for what’s ahead during the next 51 weeks. Here’s a look to come at some of the sporting activities to look forward to reading about both in the Chronicle and at www.lexingtonchronicle.com.

REALIGNMENT

The biennial reclassification/realignment of S.C. High School League schools has less seismic changes in Chronicle Country compared to years’ past. Several local teams will find themselves in new regions over the next two years including Irmo, Gray Collegiate, Batesburg-Leesville, Pelion and all former members of Region 5-5A (Dutch Fork, Chapin, Lexington, White Knoll and River Bluff). PHOTO | GEORGE MATSUI

PRESEASON HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

After a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19 protocols, the Red Bank Invitational makes its return to White Knoll High School starting Feb. 25. This year’s field includes Camden, Dreher, Irmo, Richland Northeast and South Aiken. Also back is the Naturchem Invitational which during its 6-year history has seen five participants go on to win state titles and has featured some of the Palmetto State’s top players. THOMAS GRANT JR. | CHRONICLE

NIKE PALMETTO CUP

One of the longest-running tournaments in Chronicle Country makes its return this year in Irmo. The 29th edition of the Nike Palmetto Cup once again expects to bring statewide and nationally-ranked teams to Chronicle Country for boys and girls’ soccer action during spring break. It takes place April 11-13 at Saluda Shoals Park. THOMAS GRANT JR. | CHRONICLE

BLOWFISH BASEBALL

Last season under first-year head coach Fico Kondla lead the Blowfish to consecutive winning seasons for the first time since arriving in Lexington. After finishing one game shy of returning to the Petitt Cup for the first time since 2015, Kondla is back with some of the key players from last year’s team along with new editions who promise to make for another exciting summer in Chronicle Country. THOMAS GRANT JR. | CHRONICLE

REGAIN FOR NUMBER 7

For the first time since 2015, the Silver Foxes will enter a football season without a state championship. The team’s record run of titles and streaks with games without a loss, in-state and in the post-season ended at the hands of Gaffney. Still active are the team’s road and region win streaks as head coach Tom Knotts looks to reload in 2022 in the quest for his 7th state title at Dutch Fork and 14th overall. PHOTO | GOFLASHWIN.COM