“We have established an exciting field for the 18th Annual STOP DWI Holiday Classic,” said James May Broome County STOP DWI Coordinator. “Our community is excited to again host this top notch basketball competition here, in Greater Binghamton.  Each year, the players’ display of leadership and athleticism helps draw attention to the serious consequences of driving while impaired.” 

 

The STOP-DWI Holiday Classic will again feature an eight team national division and two four team regional divisions. Teams participating include:

Regional Division - Local Teams ·        Chenango Forks High School, ·        Chenango Valley High School ·        Johnson City High School ·        Maine Endwell High School ·        Norwich High School ·        Seton Catholic Central ·        Susquehanna Valley High School ·        Vestal High School

National Division

 

For individuals that cannot make it to the Arena to catch the action in person, games will be broadcast online live. Fans and supporters can listen in at www.southerntiresportsnetwork.com.

 

Those attending the Holiday Classic are reminded to visit the silent auction being held on the Arena concourse from 11am-9pm December 28th & 29th. Merchandise, gift certificates and other items will be up for auction to support the tournament.

 

“Broome County’s STOP-DWI Holiday Classic is a much anticipated holiday tradition that delivers an important message through an impressive high school basketball competition,” said Broome County Executive Barbara J. Fiala. “I again want to thank the organizers and sponsors of the Holiday Classic that continue to make this community event possible.”

 

Opening the tournament on Sunday, December 27th the STOP DWI 3-Point and Slam Dunk Contest will be held at Binghamton High School located at Main St.  Attendees will be able to preview this year’s tournament talent beginning at 3:30pm. Tickets are $4 for adults and $3 for children (12 and under are free).  

 

Teams and players to watch include:
Christ the King, NY (2-0) (2): Nationally ranked. Once again identified as a favorite to compete for the CHSAA crown. Four potential Division I players. Omar Calhoun, a 6-foot-4 shooting guard considered to be the best sophomore in New York City. . Christ the King
(NYPOST) CHSAA boy’s basketball rankings:
Christ the King is 2-0 after back-to-back wins in The Bronx. Collectively the Royals are tough on the boards, while highly touted sophomore Omar Calhoun has displayed his versatility.
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/high_school/basketball/chsaa_boys_basketball

 

Boys & Girls High School, NY (6-2) (2): Junior Mike Taylor known as “Mr. All Everything” Avg. 19ppg and 7 rebounds. 
(NYPOST) PSAL boy’s basketball rankings:
The Kangaroos are still looking for that signature win. The High lost to Thomas Jefferson at home and fell to Lincoln on the road. There was no shame in either defeat, although they were winnable games. Boys & Girls may have a chance for that breakthrough win before 2010: the Bed Stuy school may very well meet Christ the King in the STOP-DWI Holiday Classic final in Binghamton, N.Y. next week.
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/high_school/basketball/psal_boys_basketball

 

Landstown, VA (5-0, 5-0): Defending district champions. Three second-team all-district starters Reggie Williams, Julian Norfleet and Darryl Woodmore play an up-tempo offense and dare teams to keep up.

Our Lady of Good Counsel, MD (6-1) (2-0): Senior Guard Ben Hazel has committed to attending Princeton University.

King’s Fork High School, VA (4-1, 4-0): Ranked 35th in the nation by ESPN. Class AAA State Champions 2008-2009. Six returning players. Keep an eye on 6’7” Davante Gardner underneath the rim. His teammate Jay Copeland at 6’6” helps the team dominate in the paint.

South Laurel High School, KY ( 4-3, 1-1): You cannot miss 6’8” Matt St. John who avg. double-doubles: 21ppg and 11rpg. Recently Coach Steve Wright commented about St. John’s performance “He just doesn't quit. He had a heck of game and they had four guys on him,” after he earned 19 points, 13 rebounds and six blocked shots in a local contest.

Villa Angela St. Joseph High School, OH (2-1, 2-0): Ten returning varsity players. The entire team is talented. The next big thing out of Cleveland is freshman Demonte Flannigan at 6’7”.
 

 

The STOP-DWI Holiday Classic is a project of the Broome County STOP-DWI Program that promotes an anti-substance abuse and drunk driving message to student athletes. For more information contact James F. May, Broome County STOP-DWI Coordinator, P.O. Box 1766, Binghamton, New York 13902. Phone: 607.778.2056 or Fax: 607.778.2908. www.bcstopdwi.com