By Matt Mauney | Associate Editor
As other students are out enjoying winter break, players on our high school basketball ball teams will be putting themselves to the test in holiday tournaments.
The Strawberry Crest boys basketball team will lead the way, when the Chargers compete two notable tournaments. First, they’ll bring their game to the Bright House Sports Network Shootout Dec. 20, at Clearwater High School. The Chargers will open that tournament at 5 p.m., when they take on Mitchell High. The tournament, which features some of the best teams from around the state and even out-of-state teams, will continue through Dec. 22.
After Christmas, Strawberry Crest will head south for the Adidas Holiday Slam Dec. 27 to 29, in Miami. The Chargers kick off the tournament against Southridge High at 2 p.m. Dec. 27, before facing either Freedom or University High School Dec. 28.
As with the Bright House Shootout, Strawberry Crest will be put to the test against stiff competition in Miami.
Playing in these kinds of tournaments is big for SCHS, a growing program in just its fourth year of existence.
Speaking of teams on the rise, the Strawberry Crest girls’ team is also off to a solid start. The Lady Chargers also will be in action in the Seffner Christian Academy Christmas Tournament Dec. 21 and 22. They open the tournament at 3 p.m. Dec. 21, against the Academy of the Holy Names. Then, they face either First Baptist or Seffner Christian Dec. 22.
The other area basketball team that will be in action over the holidays is the Plant City High boys team. Just two days after Christmas, the Raiders will play in the George Jenkins X-mas Tournament Dec. 27, at George Jenkins High School, in Lakeland.
The Raiders have gotten off to a rough start this season, but this tournament could be a great way to get Dale Chambers’ team in shape and prepared for what lies ahead in the new year, when the heart of the district schedule begins.