A star-studded crop of the nation’s elite prep players is set to hit the hardwood as the 31st Annual Beach Ball Classic tips off today at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.

Leading the pack is 6-foot-6 guard Shabazz Muhammad of Bishop Gorman (pictured, from Las Vegas, Nev.), widely considered the top senior in the country. The Sun News’ Alan Blondin has the rundown on Muhammad and several other visiting players, who comprise the most talented field the tournament has seen since the likes of Kobe Bryant, Michael Bibby and Jermaine O’Neal competed in the Beach Ball Classic in 1995.

Click here for the full schedule of games.

By Becky Billingsley

Golfers and other sports fans love sports bars, and this list features places throughout the Grand Strand area where there are dozens of televisions, drinks flow and game time munchies are tasty.

Broadway Louie's, Celebrity Square, Broadway at the Beach (park near the intersection of U.S. 17 and 29th Avenue North), Myrtle Beach, 843-444-3500

Live entertainment and 50 televisions keep excitement levels up, and customers can dial in the volume from whichever game they want to hear right at their tables. Burgers, wings, pizza, sandwiches and typical finger foods make up the menu. If you get bored, there is an adjacent mammoth arcade.

Recommendation: Louie's Onion Burger

Dagwood's Deli & Sports Bar, 600 U.S. 17 Business N., Surfside Beach, 843-828-4600

Whether you want to sit at the long bar or get comfortable in a spacious booth, Dagwood's has plenty of room. Of course with a name like Dagwood's Deli, it's a given that sandwiches are involved, and a few of those include the Rebel Reuben made with turkey and the Caribbean Jerk Chicken Sub. Bonus: In addition to lots of televisions on the walls, the booths also have their own TVs.

Recommendation: Oriental Chicken Philly

Handley's Pub & Grub, 3873 Renee Dr., Myrtle Beach, 843-903-4904

Many of the Chanticleer athletes and athletic directors from nearby Coastal Carolina University hang out at Handley's, where the English pub-style decor sets a relaxing tone for enjoying a brew from a list of 68 choices. There's also a choice of 28 plasma and flat screen televisions and a decent menu. Choices include sandwiches, several sliders, hearty entrees and appetizers like Buffalo Chicken Dip and Spicy Thai Shrimp.

Recommendation: Fish and Chips

Magoo's Sports & Spirits, 3308 Waccamaw Blvd., Myrtle Beach, 843-236-3303

A few years ago Magoo's moved from within the Myrtle Beach city limits to the west side of the Intracoastal Waterway where there's more room and plenty of pool tables and televisions. Wings are still king, but they also serve great panino, burgers, quesadillas, sandwiches and seafood baskets.

Recommendation: Buffalo Garlic Parmesan Wings