A little tourney play, then a little break
The holiday season we’re now in the middle of is a busy stretch for everyone, but for high school basketball players, coaches, parents and fans, it can become more than hectic.
For the past few decades now, the trend has been for teams to find a couple of holiday tournaments/classics to play in during the holiday break, getting in three or four games in a three or four day stretch and that holds true for both our Lady Dawgs and Bulldogs beginning this week and continuing next week.
Our own Best of the Lakes Tournament is ongoing through Thursday of this week at The Castle with our Lady Dawgs hosting three teams, Marion County, Butler County and Berea, while the Bulldogs have opted to travel to McCreary Central this year to play in the seven team McCreary Central Invitation.
After a short break to enjoy Christmas with family and friends, both squads will load up and head south to Florida to play in the Tampa Bay Invitational Tournament December 27-30.
The Lady Dawgs will be competing against seven Florida based squads in the event’s Reddington Beach division, while the Bulldogs will face a group of teams from a more varied set of locations in the Longboat Key division, including squads from Florida, Georgia, Maryland and New York.
Complete details on the tournament lineups, schedules and how to stream the games for a fee can be learned by visiting the event website: www.tbchristmasinv.com
After returning to our Bluegrass State, it’s no rest for the weary as both squads will jump right back into the thick of regular season play as we enter the 2024 portion of this quickly advancing roundball campaign.
On Tuesday, January 2, both squads will travel the short distance across the Tennessee border to take on our rival Bobcats to the south in double header action, then on Friday, January 5, we jump right into the second portion of 16th District competition when we play host to Metcalfe County in double-header action.
The following week is just as busy with Clinton County hosting the 4th Region All “A” Classic this season, with the first round of games on January 10 and 11.
All ”A” 4th Region Classic finals are Friday, January 12, again set to be played at The Castle.
Holidays are busy for everyone, but for roundball folks, it’s a race to the finish.

Merry Christmas to all
Here’s hoping that all of our readers, advertisers and contributors get the chance to enjoy some holiday time with friends and family, take in a little holiday food, and sit back and relax – just a little.
For our teams and those traveling to Florida with them, here’s wishing them “safe travels and safe games” to and from the Sunshine State.
Merry Christmas – to all!