Ellington

Thursday, Jan. 12
Figure skating, U.S. Championships (7:30 p.m., ESPN2): For the first time since 2002, figure skating matters.

Friday, Jan. 13
Mississippi Boat and RV Show (noon): The three-day outdoors equipment showcase at the Mississippi Trade Mart opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday.

Saturday, Jan. 14
College basketball, Mississippi State at Ole Miss (noon, Oxford, Ch. 12/97.3 FM/105.9 FM): This rivalry should be more competitive than it's been in recent season. ... Pro football, NFL divisional games, Washington at Seattle (3:30 p.m., Ch. 11), and New England at Denver (7 p.m., Ch. 12). Will the Patriots' dynasty survive a trip to the mountains?

Sunday, Jan. 15
Pro football, NFL divisional games, Carolina at Chicago (noon, Ch. 11), and Pittsburgh at Indianapolis (3:30 p.m., Ch. 12): Memo to the Colts: protect Peyton Manning at all costs.

Monday, Jan. 16
High school basketball, Battle of the Border: The holiday hoops event returns to the Mississippi Coliseum. Highlight games include the Clinton girls at 11 a.m., the Madison Central boys at 3:30 p.m., the Lanier boys at 5 p.m., the Piney Woods boys at 6:30 and the Provine boys at 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 17
High school basketball, Clinton at Provine (girls, 6 p.m.; boys, 7:30 p.m.): Sparks always fly when these rivals get together.

Wednesday, Jan. 18
College basketball, LSU at Mississippi State (7 p.m., Starkville, 105.9 FM): This game could loom large in deciding who wins the SEC West.

The Slate is compiled by Doctor S, who will only be window-shopping at the boat show.