Two names: Antonio Wilson, Charles Bouie. Six feet 2 inches, 6 feet 8 inches, respectively. Each of these 200-plus-pound Pahokee High School hoopsters has the raw talent and physicality that can morph into a super-freak like Lebron James. This weekend's Zoned-Out Shootout Basketball Tournament, the brainchild of local athletics impresario Rodolfo Rodriguez-Chomat, offers an opportunity to see them compete with a host of other high-end talent. The 2-day tournament features 7 state teams and the upstart Pennsylvania squad, Kennett High School. Coaches from a variety of colleges will be on hand scouting for future Division I and II X-men. Ballers will hit the polished hardwood as American High School, one of the top competitors, showcases its newly refurbished court and the county mayor's office salutes the event with a proclamation of appreciation. Ballin' begins at 4:30 p.m. at American High School (18350 NW 67th Ave., Hialeah) and runs through Saturday, December 20. Tickets cost $7 daily or $17 for a 3-day pass. Call 305-531-6003. -- By Victor Cruz
Snow, Man
SAT 12/20
"Qué es ésto?" many a South Florida kid may wonder. Today Pinecrest Gardens (11000 SW 57th Ave., South Miami) hopes to entice people to pay for a chance to be cooler than cool -- ice cold, in fact. An imported 3 tons of cold snow awaits hoodies galore. (That's snow, not blow, for you precocious nightcrawlers.) Though many neighborhood kids may be off skiing in Aspen, others will revel in a slushy facsimile. Doubtful of the virtues of freezing? The 3-dollar admission price for what Northerners would pay anyone to haul away also includes a petting zoo, a playground, and nature tours. Snow Day runs from noon until 5:00 p.m. or the snow melts. Call 305-669-6942. -- By Maya Ibars
Manatee Matters
Get wowed by the brown sea cow
FRI 12/19
Manatees. You won't find a more lovable aquatic creature. That is, if you're into obese, brown, plodding beasts with whiskers. Even if you're not, you might be inclined to change your mind, not by throwing yourself in the bay and swimming among them but by attending Biscayne Nature Center's (6767 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne) Third Fridays event going on from 6:00 to 9:00 tonight. A guest speaker will regale you and your family with the merits of manatees. Afterward partake of a light dinner, listen to music, and commune with other soon-to-be sea cow devotees. Kiddies will have their own manatee-themed activities and everyone young and old can frolic outdoors under the stars. Admission is $5 for adults; $2 for kids. Call 305-361-6767. -- By Nina Korman