DUBLIN — One of the very best boys basketball tournaments in the state will be played at West Bladen High this month, as the Knights host the fifth annual Woodmen Life Christmas Tournament on Dec. 27-29.
West Bladen isn’t only the host, but also the defending champion — and they will welcome teams from Whiteville, Clinton, Scotland County, East Bladen, South Brunswick, First Flights and Dillon, S.C.
“We are again happy to be hosting this event,” West Baden coach Travis Pait said. “The teams joining us this year are really good. This continues to be one of the premiere tournaments in the state. The level of competition will certainly help prepare all of the participants for conference play.”
Woodmen Life has been involved with the West Bladen Christmas Tournament since the start.
“Woodmen Life is happy to continue our association with this wonderful event,” said Woodmen Life state manager Jack Yates. “We have always put a premium on young people and their maturation. This tournament allows us to highlight the many ways that Woodmen Life is making a difference in communities across the state and nation.”
Woodmen Life is a fraternal benefit society dedicated to protecting its members and strengthening its communities. Woodmen Life has been working with young people for more than one hundred years. All though the world has changed dramatically during the past century, the basic core of our basic youth activities has remained the same; it’s all about helping kids grow up to be and do their best.
“We would like to thank Mr. Jack Yates and Woodmen Life for their participation as title sponsors of this event,” Pait said. “Woodmen is such a great organization who are always trying to give back to the community.”
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The schedule
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Wednesday, Dec. 27
— 2 p.m., East Bladen versus Clinton
— 4 p.m., Whiteville versus South Brunswick
— 6 p.m., Scotland County versus First Flight
— 8 p.m., West Bladen versus Dillon, S.C.
Thursday, Dec. 22
— 2 p.m., Game 1 loser versus Game 2 loser
— 4 p.m., Game 3 loser versus Game 4 loser
— 6 p.m., Game 1 winner versus Game 2 winner
— 8 p.m., Game 3 winner versus Game 4 winner
Friday, Dec. 29
— 2 p.m., Seventh-place game
— 4 p.m., Fifth-place game
— 6 p.m., Third-place game
— 8 p.m., Championship
Admission will be $6 per person and is good for all game, but with no passes out. Concessions will be available.
W. Curt Vincent can be reached at 910-862-4163 or cvincent@bladenjournal.com.