Lash seeds picked
The Lash-Chronicle Holiday Classic is a showcase for JV players.
When the seeding was done for the Lash-Chronicle Holiday Classic last weekend, there was never a doubt as to which team would be tagged No. 1. Winston-Salem Prep was the obvious choice.
In the Lash-Chronicle, viewed by many as the showcase venue for junior varsity basketball in Forsyth County, the Phoenix has advanced to the championship round three years in a row. During that stretch, Prep has won two of the last three tournament titles.
Based on seeding, Parkland (2nd), East Forsyth (3rd) and Reynolds (4th) are considered the teams most capable of keeping Prep from winning another L-C championship trophy. Reagan (5th) could be this year’s tournament dark horse.
“What stands out most to me about the Lash-Chronicle is the quality of play and the intensity,” said Robert Wynn, tournament director. “These kids come to play. As for the coaches, they’re intense competitors when they’re on the bench and when they’re off the court. That high level of play we’re seeing at the junior varsity level carries over to the varsity level when these junior varsity players move up.”
The 13-team tournament tips off on Dec. 13 with five games in the opening round (see schedule). This year’s tournament field includes: Atkins, Carver, East Forsyth, Glenn, Lexington, Mount Tabor, North Forsyth, Parkland, Reagan, Reynolds, Walkertown, West Forsyth and Winston-Salem Prep.
Carver is the primary tournament site, but Winston-Salem Prep will also host a quarterfinals match-up and consolation games on Dec. 19. The championship game is set for Dec. 22.
Even though the tournament is single-elimination, it’s set up to provide additional games regardless of whether a team loses in the opening round or not. With the consolation rounds, each team is assured of playing a minimum of three tournament games.
When the Lash-Chronicle tips off next week, it will mark its 23rd year in business. Wynn, who has served as the classic’s only tournament director, is pleased with how L-C has continued to grow and evolve.
“I’ve always had hopes that the tournament would grow to be what it has become,” said Wynn. “The support we’ve gotten from those who are behind the scenes, along with school administrators and the parents of the players has been excellent.”
Tournament Schedule:
First Round/Dec. 13
(13) Atkins vs. Reynolds (4), 12:30 p.m.
(12) Walkertown vs. (5) Reagan, 2 p.m.
(11) Carver vs. (6) Mount Tabor, 3:30 p.m.
(10) Glenn vs. (7) West Forsyth, 5 p.m.
(9) Lexington vs. (8) North Forsyth, 6:30 p.m.
Consolation round/Dec. 18
5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Quarterfinals/Dec. 19
West Forsyth-Glenn winner vs. (2) Parkland, 5 p.m. @ Winston-Salem Prep
North Forsyth-Lexington winner vs. (1) Winston-Salem Prep, 5 p.m.
Carver-Mount Tabor winner vs. (3) East Forsyth, 6:30 p.m.
Atkins-Reynolds winner vs. Walkertown- Reagan winner, 8 p.m.
Consolation round/Dec. 19
6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. @ Winston-Salem Prep
Semifinals/Dec. 20
Consolation, 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Quarterfinal winners, 6 p.m.
Quarterfinal winners, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 22
Consolation, 4:30 p.m.
3rd Place, 6 p.m.
Championship, 7:30 p.m.
All games played at Carver High School except where noted.
