MYRTLE BEACH SC – The Sylvia Hatchell Division of the United Bank Holiday Invitational Tournament gets under way, Monday December 19th at 11:00 AM at the John T. Rhodes Sports Complex with a slate of three games. “It’s the 42nd anniversary of the tournament,” said Tournament Director Chad Smith, “and the 50th anniversary of Title IX. The United Bank Holiday Invitational allows us to showcase top high school and college women’s basketball talent year after year and this years’ Sylvia Hatchell Division teams certainly adds to that rich tradition.”
Game 1 at 11:00 AM is sure to be a great game matching two top ranked SC AAA teams. Region 6 AAA #13 Crestwood (SC) (4-2) and coach Tony Wilson out of Sumter SC versus the Region 7 AAA #21 Loris Lions (SC) (5-4) and Coach Douglas Gause.
Game 2 at 1:15 PM features two independent high schools with NCISAA 1A Northside Christian (NC) (6-7) and coach Alfonso Rhyne out of Charlotte NC playing Darlington SC SCISA AAAA Region II #1 Trinity Collegiate (SC) (3-1) coached by former WNBA standout Nikki Teasley.
Game 3 at 3:00 pm wraps up the first day with two Florida powerhouse teams squaring off. Florida Class 4A #27 Mater Lakes Academy (FL) (5-5) coached by Frederick Bitondo versus Florida 7A District 9 #1 ranked Winter Haven (FL) (6-0) coached by Johnnie Lawson.
Daily admission is $10 during the United Bank Holiday Invitational Tournament. To purchase tickets, view schedules or learn more, visit BeachBallClassic.com/tickets/.
The Beachball Classic Annual basketball tournament was founded by John Rhodes in 1981. It is played each year in December over 10 days featuring many of the top high school girls and boys basketball teams from across the country. In addition, the tournament also features the Carolinas College Challenge showcasing top girls college basketball teams.
The Sylvia Hatchell Division of the United Bank Holiday Invitational Tournament is named in honor of Sylvia Hatchell, the legendary UNC Tarheels Women’s Basketball coach who registered over 1,000 career wins as a head coach.
