The McComb High School Coca-Cola Holiday Classic tipped off at noon today with the North Pike girls facing Brookhaven.
Other schools in the three-day, round robin tournament include Kentwood, La., Tylertown and Amite County.
McComb girls head basketball coach Angelia Johnson said the tournament is huge for the community.
“This is the first year we’ve scheduled the tournament after Christmas,” she said. “Everyone is anxious to get things rolling and come out and watch some great basketball. We have more area schools this year and that is expected to bring more families out to McComb High School for a good family outing.”
McComb’s girls square off with Kentwood at 6 p.m., followed by the two boys teams at 7:30 p.m.
Johnson said she doesn’t know much about Kentwood, but she expects an entertaining game when the two teams meet tonight.
“I don’t get into all the scouting too much,” Johnson said. “I just worry about McComb. Of course, we always respect the opponent. My main goal is to make sure the Lady Tigers are where they need to be when we hit the court.”
The Lady Tigers are 10-3 overall. Johnson said she has seen improvement after each game.
“The last couple of games, the girls have shown a lot of effort,” she said. “The effort is there, along with their commitment to play the best they can. Effort is all about control. Our team is on a journey this season. I feel this tournament will give us a better idea of where we are heading into district in two weeks.”
McComb senior starters are forwards Reneka Felder and Raven Tucker, along with guards Angelique Earl, Angelina Earl and Alexus Johnson. Angelique Earl leads the team in scoring, averaging 15 points per game.
Johnson said all of the starters have scored in double figures at one time or another.
Felder is the team’s leader on the defensive boards.
“I think this team really has a lot of chemistry,” said Johnson. “I think if they continue the way they are going, that they very well could be the last team standing at the end of the season.”
Johnson said junior LaDiamond Crumedy and freshman guard Mylisha Hammond have given the team productive minutes of the bench.
Johnson said the Tigers are preparing for the tournament like it’s any regular game.
“We aren’t doing anything different in practice for the tournament,” Johnson said. “We are just doing a lot of polishing up offensively and defensively. The girls already know all the defenses, so we are just trying to perfect some things fundamentally.”
This afternoon’s remaining scheduled has the Tylertown and Amite County girls playing at 3 p.m., followed by the boys’ teams.
Friday, MHS plays Amite County at 6 p.m.
