LOWER LAKE — Two records fell and two others were seriously challenged during the 16th annual Record-Bee Hoop Classic, which capped its weeklong run Saturday night at Lower Lake High School.
Middletown”s championship JV squad set both records ? for most points in a game (83) and for fewest points allowed in a tournament (116). The latter record had stood since the third annual Hoop Classic in 1996.
Middletown”s JVs almost broke the record they set a year ago for most points in a tournament (269). This year”s ”Stangs scored 261.
Another record that nearly fell is probably the most prized of the Hoop Classic, that for most points in a tournament by a varsity player. Justin Downard holds that mark with 107 in 1995. Clear Lake”s Ryan Richardson finished with 102 in this year”s Classic.
Final total not in, but ?
This year”s Hoop Classic raised more money than any of the 15 before it, thanks in part to a new Lower Lake gym that can accommodate 1,500 fans and change. It is a superior facility and easily the best in the county.
Clean sweep for M”town
For the first time in the tournament”s history, Middletown won both the varsity and JV championships. It”s the third overall Hoop Classic title for both teams. The same school also won both titles in 2002 (Lower Lake), 1999 (Clear Lake), 1995 (Lower Lake) and 1994 (Lower Lake).
Something for everyone
All five county teams, both varsity and JV, had at least one representative on the All-Tournament teams. That”s not a rule, by the way. Coaches are free to vote for whomever they like, including their own players, and the players with the most votes win.
And that”s that
Another Hoop Classic is in the books, the most successful ever. The tournament moves north to Lakeport in 2010 and will return to a southern county venue in 2011, either Lower Lake or Middletown.
