MIDDLETOWN >> The 22nd annual Record-Bee Hoop Classic boys’ basketball tournament is just a week away.
Junior varsity and varsity squads from Clear Lake, Kelseyville, Lower Lake and Middletown take part in a round-robin competition to determine the county’s best teams – at least at this early point of the 2015-16 season. Four games — two JV and two varsity — are held each of the three days of the tournament beginning Thursday, Dec. 17 at the Middletown High School gym (see schedule on Page A7).
Defending champions are Middletown in the varsity division and Clear Lake in the JV division. Winners are determined by overall record. Tie-breakers are in place to break any tie that may occur.
Middletown is hosting the tournament for the fifth time overall and the first time since 2003. The Mustangs didn’t have a single varsity championship to their credit the last time the tournament was held on their home floor. Since then, they’ve won it six times. Only Clear Lake has won the tournament more times (seven).
All Hoop Classic proceeds benefit the sports programs of the host high school. Tournament entry fees cover the cost of the officials while the Record-Bee prepares the tournament programs and pays for all trophies and awards.
Free-throw and 3-point contests are scheduled between the JV and varsity sets of games on Friday, Dec. 18. Winners receive awards that night and are automatically entered into the following year’s contests provided they aren’t seniors. All other awards — spirit, team trophies and All-Tourney — are presented following the final game on Saturday. Coaches vote for the All-Tournament teams.
Kelseyville is scheduled to host the tournament in December of 2016.
