Briarcrest Christian you have been assigned a mission.
Should you choose to accept this you will be besieged by a host of hoops squads preparing to confiscate what is rightfully yours.
Your mission is to successfully defend your Arby's Classic crown in the 26th annual event which begins this Friday at Viking Hall in lovely Bristol.
The Saints begin action on Tuesday against one of the local squads Johnson City Science Hill.
Braircrest rides high on the shoulders of their three all-state performers, Leslie McDonald (Briarcrest Christian), Johnny Williams (Briarcrest Christian) and Gregg Wooten (Briarcrest Christian). Currently competing in the prestigious City of Palms event in Florida, the trip to Bristol will allow the Saints to contemplate their strategy for retaining the gold.
Science Hill will rely heavily on their backcourt which includes Chattanooga signee Josh Odom (Science Hill) and improving senior Chris Smith (Science Hill).
On Monday the schedule tips off with Twin Valley (Va.) taking on Sumter (S.C.).
Tabernacle Baptist (Bahamas) battles local power Kingsport Dobyns Bennett in Game #2. The Indians are off to a very good start behind transfer Ashlon Adams (Dobyns Bennett). Coach Morgan has gotten great production from a host of Indians including seniors Jordan Edwards (Dobyns Bennett), Todd Halvorsen (Dobyns Bennett) and Justin Sylvester (Dobyns Bennett).
Game #3 features the host squad, the Vikings of Tennessee High, taking on Bryan Station (Ky.). The Vikings, fresh off an upset of Science Hill this past week, look to a couple of veterans in Tre Webb (Tennessee) and Corey Young (Tennessee).
Greeneville and their gaudy 13-1 record head to the Arbys ready for battle against Miller Grove (Ga.). Jordan Short (Greeneville) and Trey Anderson (Greeneville) are the newest Green Devils making life easier for venerable Coach Bill Duncan.
One of the tourneys pre-favorites the mighty Builldogs of Bearden tangle with Sullivan East in the 7:00 tilt on Day One. Bearden is strong with the Fab Five seniors but also boasts one of the toughest sophomore classes in the area. Led by Galen Campbell (Bearden), Rico White (Bearden), Dion Fair (Bearden) and Jaeland Lawson (Bearden), these neophytes will give Coach Blevins plenty to smile about in the years to come. Sullivan East will have their hands full and hopefully have a healthy Jordan Cross (Sullivan East) back for this game. The rising sophomore tweaked his knee the other night, we hope his status is good. Koree Deeb (Sullivan East) will be made a priority by the deep and talented Bulldogs.
The final contest of the evening will pit Gate City (Va.) battling Monsignor Pace (Fl.).
On day two the remainder of the first round games will take place, including the winner of the Twin Valley/Sumter game battling Dr. Michael Krop (Fl.).
Louisville Male (Ky.) takes on Boyd Anderson (Fl.) in what will be a standout game on the second day of action.
The final contest features Benedictine (Oh.) taking on the Dobyns Bennett/Tablernacle victor.
Action continues on Monday and rounds out on Wednesday with the championship rounds.
