Three games mark slate

Saturday, December 06, 2008

Hopkins County high school basketball fans looking to catch a early-season glimpse of this year’s local boys teams will get such an opportunity this afternoon at Hopkins County Central with the 10th-annual Messenger Tip-Off Classic.

Central will play host this year in the rotating site event and local schools Dawson Springs and Webster County will also join as “home teams.”

Central coach Matt Bell said having so many area teams in the Tip-Off Classic benefits not just the fans, but coaches and players.

“It gives all the local teams an opportunity to get together and showcase what they have for the season as well as allow the other teams to see what they have to get ready for as far as scouting purposes,” he said.

“All the coaches will take advantage of that and it will give them an opportunity to jot some notes down and see what they have to do in preparation for the upcoming games against each other.”

The Storm already got a first-hand look at the Trojans in a 61-53 loss on Thursday. Seniors LaBrice Williams and Logan Stull combined for 36 points in the Webster win. Central’s Chuck Jones paced the Storm with 17 points.

In addition to getting a peek at Central and Webster, four other western Kentucky schools will be present today.

Dawson Springs (1-1) will begin the day’s action at 3 p.m. with a game against Reidland (0-1) and will be followed by a 5 p.m. contest between Webster County (2-0) and Muhlenberg North (1-0). The evening will conclude with host Central (0-1) taking on Greenwood (1-1).

Absent from this year’s line-up is Madisonville-North Hopkins, who opted to play in the Marshall County Hoopfest.

“I think a lot of teams enjoy the one-day shootout, especially fans because they can come and pay five bucks and watch three games,” Central athletic director Nancy Oldham said.

Bell agreed and said such entertainment is hard to beat for its value.

“It’s a pretty good deal and we would like to encourage everybody to come out,” he said. “We think we have three pretty good games on the schedule and it’s just great for local schools who are participating to bring their fans out and show their support, not only for their team, but for all the local teams as well.”

Scheduling opposing teams for the Classic begins soon after the high school season ends each year, but it’s usually not a difficult process.

“Word gets around and sometimes they’ll call and ask if there’s an opening in the event,” Oldham said.

Host schools enjoy benefits beyond exposure for their respective basketball teams though, Oldham said.

“The Messenger has done a good job of financially supporting everything, so it gives us an opportunity to make some money during that day to help not only basketball, but all of our athletics, so we’re real appreciative of that,” she said.

One lucky fan may also have the chance to make some quick capital as well with a drawing to take a half-court shot for $10,000.

Also for this year’s event, during each halftime, The Messenger will honor teams and individuals from the three local participating schools, who have made significant contributions to their respective school’s tradition.

Former Dawson Springs basketball players Jack Audis and Charles Simons will be in attendance to represent the Panthers’ 1946 state runner-up team. Long-time Webster County broadcaster Keith Farrell will be present from the Trojans program.

Lonnie Burgett and Jim Hicks will be on hand to represent the 1967 Earlington state championship team, who will be honored during halftime of Central’s game. All 1967 Earlington team members who have not been contacted are welcomed to attend, as well.

Bell said it’s an occasion to celebrate the tradition of each local school’s basketball program and its most revered individuals.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to recognize our past accomplishments in our area and bring those people back and tell them how much we appreciate what they’ve done for our community in the past and allow them an opportunity to be recognized for their successes over the past years,” he said.

Oldham, a former coach, said the hoops affair has one clear directive for all involved.

“Bringing good basketball to Hopkins County,” she said. “I think anytime your community can host an event where other people are coming into it, it’s good for everybody.”