A long journey begins tonight, as the 2012-13 high school basketball season tips off for both Cocke County and Cosby High School. Both schools open their season on the road in TSSAA Hall of Champions games, which are now no longer given exhibition status across the state.

Cosby's trip to Class AA Grainger High will feature an early season premiere girls' battle between a pair of TSSAA sectional teams that went a combined 56-9 a season ago.

Both the teams in the boys' matchup were regional quarterfinalists last season

Tipoff from Rutledge is slated for 6 p.m. for varsity games.

Cocke County meanwhile will open their season with a road trip to Class AAA Hardin Valley High School in Knoxville.

In the girls contest, a new era will begin as Jeremy Byrd takes his place on the sidelines for the Lady Red. Meanwhile the Fighting Cocks look to improve on last year's 12-19 record.

Tipoff from Knoxville is also scheduled for 6 p.m.

The two schools will open the home portion of their schedules on Thursday evening.

Cocke County will host former district rival Greeneville High School and Cosby will host Grace Christian Academy.

Both games begin at 6 p.m.