The high school varsity boys basketball season begins on Wednesday with not one, not two, not three games, but with seven straight games at Utah Valley University.

It's a basketball smorgasbord.

It's the second annual Beat the Zuke Challenge at the McKay Events Center.

The Beat the Zuke Challenge features 14 Utah Valley high school teams set to face each other to tip off the 2009-10 prep basketball season.

Action begins today with sophomore and junior varsity games in both the Activity Center and the McKay Center. On Wednesday, there will be seven consecutive varsity games in the McKay Center. The tournament will not only give coaches a chance to evaluate their teams for the first time this season, it offers programs a chance to play in a bigger arena, with times throughout the day much like the state tournament format.

"I think the Beat the Zuke Challenge is a good way to get your season started. It is always fun to play in a bigger arena. I like going to a neutral court and getting that first game out of the way," said Salem Hills coach Jimmy DeGraffenried.

Westlake and Spanish Fork tip off the action at 10 a.m. on Wednesday. Lone Peak, last year's 5A runner-up, will take on Salem Hills at 11:45 a.m.

"I think that it is a good opportunity for us to play Lone Peak. Quincy (Lewis) has built a great program from top to bottom," DeGraffenried said. "Even though they have lost some big-time players from last year, you know that they are going to be a very good team."

Timpanogos will then take on Payson at 1:30 p.m., followed by Orem and Wasatch at 3:45 p.m.

One of the most intriguing matchups figures to be Provo and Springville at 5:30 p.m.

Provo is coming off a 24-1 season last year. The Bulldogs were undefeated before coming up short in the 4A title game. The Bulldogs feature Kyle Collinsworth, one of the state's top players, who recently signed to play at BYU. Springville is expected to be the team to beat in Region 8. The Red Devils return Raul Delgado and Sam Schreiner, who averaged 14 and 12 points per game last season.

"We love the Beat the Zuke Challenge. It is not only a good thing for our team but a very good thing for the county. What a great way to start the basketball season," said Springville coach Chris Kitchen. "The Beat the Zuke Challenge mimics the state tournament at the end of the season. Last year we played Lone Peak; this year we are playing Provo. Provo is an excellent team again this year, and as usual, very well coached. No better way to start the season."

Pleasant Grove and Lehi get under way at 7:15 p.m. and American Fork will take on Mountain View at 9 p.m. in the final game of the night.

"I think this is a great thing for any basketball fan in Utah County. You can buy one ticket and watch nearly every team in the valley play," said Timpanogos coach Brad Crowther. "Our team looks forward to the opportunity every year to play on the same floor as UVU and the Flash. It also provides an opportunity for us to play in front of a big crowd and in a bigger arena, similar to the state tournament. We appreciate the Daily Herald and UVU for allowing us this opportunity."

Admission price for the tournament is $7 for adults, $5 for students. Children ages 6 and under are free. The admission price includes parking and all games for the day.

In addition to the games, the Second Chance Foundation of Utah and the Utah Flash will be holding the Beat the Zuke 3-point Shootout.

Contestants can win thousands of dollars worth of prizes, including a pair of scooters compliments of Pepsi.

Entry fee for the 3-point contest will be $10 and the competition is open to all ages, both boys and girls. Each contestant will receive two tickets to a Utah Flash game.

The entry fees will go toward the Flash Family Foundation Christmas drive, which will be providing Christmas for 98 families in Utah Valley who need help during this holiday season.

Coaches are encouraged to visit the Pro Look Sports hospitality room, where they can spend the day scouting other teams and enjoying the tournament.

• Neil Warner can be reached at nwarner@heraldextra.com.