By Staff
By BRIAN HAINES, Sports Writer
Need a break from all the hustle and bustle of the holidays? Tired of all the shopping and planning? Well, if you are a basketball fan, the annual Washington Daily News/Northside Holiday Tournament is just around the corner, and just in time to provide a break from all the holiday stress.
This year’s tournament features eight local teams, which will match skills over a three-day period at Northside High School.
The hoops bonanza features Washington, Northside, Southside, Terra Ceia, Plymouth, Cape Hatteras, Creswell and last year’s NCHSAA 1-A state runners up Pamlico.
The tournament begins today at three o’clock with Plymouth battling Cape Hatteras, which is followed by Pamlico-Creswell, Washington-Southside, and ends with Northside taking on Terra Ceia.
All the squads will take a break on Sunday, and the action will resume again on Monday at three o’clock.
Northside coach Mike Procter said the tournament will be a fun and exciting event, and that he is happy to play host.
Washington coach Joe Lawrence said he and his team are looking forward to the tourney.
The tournament offers a chance for area teams and players to make a name for themselves, and gives coaches an opportunity to evaluate their rosters and schemes midseason.
White also said the tournament provides a chance for area players to capture bragging rights.
Lawrence said he will use the time to iron out some wrinkles on defense.
With so many games being played in such little time, depth will be a big factor in many of the team’s ability to succeed.
Lawrence said the tournament will give some players that don’t get many a minutes a chance to step up and earn more time.