Ho, Ho, Ho, let the holiday tournaments begin

If top notch high school basketball would be something that would pique your interest during this holiday stretch, then you’re in luck.. Clinton County High School will be the place to be from now until the first of the year.

This week’s boys’ basketball holiday classic – the Twin Lakes Holiday Classic will feature some of the best teams in the history of the event, including of course our own Clinton County Bulldogs as well as South Warren, Elliott County, Monterey, Tennessee and Christ Presbyterian Academy out of Nashville, Tennessee.

Games will get underway this Thursday with Clinton County going up against South Warren at 5:00 p.m. and the Classic will come to a close on Saturday afternoon with the 3:00 p.m. tip between Clinton County and the Lions of Christ Presbyterian Academy (CPA).

In all, 10 games will be featured in the classic on the varsity level as well as three junior varsity games on Friday, getting underway at 10:00 p.m.

As I’ve mentioned in the past, while these holiday tournaments aren’t my favorite part of high school basketball, knowing that Clinton County High School is now broadly known for hosting one of the best, high class events in the state with an impeccable reputation, makes working the tournament a much easier pill to swallow.

Come on out and enjoy the games, a complete tournament schedule can be found this week in Sports.

Lady Dawg on the road this week at Arby’s Classic

(Mistake on schedules noted)

Our Lady Dawg will be on the road most of the rest of this week, playing in the McCreary Central Arby’s Classic.

Fans making plans on attending should note a mistake on the printed schedules that have been distributed. The Lady Bulldogs final game will be against Wayne County on Sunday, December 23, at 1:30 central time. Printed schedules incorrectly listed that game as being played Saturday.

That Sunday game will also mark the return to the bench of Lady Bulldog head coach Darrell Thompson, who is being forced to miss a trio of Lady Dawg games not because of illness, but rather due to having received two technical fouls Saturday in the game at Adair County.

I wasn’t at the game, so I can’t speak first hand of how things transformed, but from listening to WANY game announcers Sid Scott II (Sid the Kid) and Lynn Scott Starnes (Sis), the chain of events leading up to Coach Thompson being assessed with back to back technicals was completely uncalled for.

While he can’t directly comment on officiating, I’ve known Coach Thompson throughout his entire career and while I’ve seen him get upset on the bench from time to time, I’ve never know him to completely lose control, which is what would only warrant being assessed two “Ts” back to back.

Good luck to our Lady Dawgs at the Arby’s this week and I look forward to seeing Coach Thompson back on the bench next week during our own Best of the Lakes Classic.

Sporting Times Magazine a good read

For anyone who has missed it, the Sporting Times Magazine 4/4 edition has been out for a few weeks now, and our very own Bulldog senior point guard Jackson Harlan is featured on the cover.

On the inside is an in-depth look at the entire 4th Region’s standout players, the best teams and some comments from coaches. Harlan and running mate Seth Stockton are featured, and there is an additional good read about Coach Messer and the Bulldog outlook for the season in the 4th Region.

The summary of the best teams in our 4th is an excellent read as well.

Several complimentary copies were sent to Clinton County High School and will be available in the lobby during this week’s Twin Lakes Classic.

In the mean time, Merry Christmas to all of our sports fan readers and advertisers. Enjoy some holiday time with friends and family – and spend a little time in the gym.

Merry Christmas!