by Alan B. Gibson

Tourney time II

Small schools in Kentucky now have three tournament runs each season, beginning with the (dreaded) holiday tournaments, the season-ending post-tournament run and the tournament season that we’re in this week with the All “A” Classic basketball tournament.

I’ve been a huge fan of this tournament – once billed as the “World’s Largest Invitational High School Basketball Tournament” – since it first went from a small, eight-team regional event in northern Kentucky, to the current state-wide event that we now enjoy.

Our Lady Dawgs and Bulldogs will be entering the tournament from the “bye” bracket in the semi-final round, playing the winners from the Monroe County – Metcalfe County quarter-final match-up, which were played Tuesday night (too late for this week’s edition).

Of course the ultimate goal for all of the 131 schools participating in this year’s All “A”Classic across the state’s 16 regions, will be to pick up a regional tourney title and watch as the school principal is handed the State Tournament packet that includes tickets for next week’s All “A” State Tournament.

After a run of several years in Richmond, the All “A” Committee decided a couple of years ago to take their tournament elsewhere, so the 32 teams (16 girls / 16 boys) that earn regional championships and advance to the state tournament will be heading to the Convention Center in our state’s capitol, Frankfort, for the final four rounds of action.

This All “A” event is one of my favorite events and has been since the first year it went state-wide. In addition to basketball, the sponsors and directors have steered it to a growth that now sees several sports included, along with a host of other events ranging from art to JROTC to cheerleading to academics – all of which include a multitude of scholarships and awards that ultimately benefit the students who are involved.

Our own Mike Reeves is, and has long been, a member of the All “A” Classic Board of Directors and like myself, is a big cheerleader for this program that has enjoyed tremendous success.

But it all started with the basketball tournament, and that’s where we are this week, and with that, I remind our Big Blue fans to get out to the Lindle Castle Gymnasium this week and get behind our Lady Dawgs (Wednesday), our Bulldogs (Thursday), and hopefully both in the championship games (Friday) as they hit the hardwood with the goal of picking up the 4th Region Championship hardware – and ultimately that coveted State Tournament packet.

Go Big Blue!

All A Regional quick notes

A few things to remember about this week’s All “A” 4th Regional tournament at Clinton County. First of all, it’s an invitational type tournament that is outside of what is considered to be regular season action. That translates to no season passes and no reserved (chair back) seat holders for this tournament.

Chair back seating will be on a first come, first serve basis.

Admission to all games this week at Clinton County High will be $5 for students and adults.