"December madness is here". That is the slogan of the annual Crusaders basketball tournament set to get underway today.
The Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy Crusaders Christmas Invitational Basketball Tournament starts this afternoon at the St. Georges Gym in Freeport, Grand Bahama, and will run until Saturday. It is the oldest and longest running senior boys high school basketball classic in the country. Known as the "grand daddy of all high school boys basketball tournaments in the country", the classic is now into its 39th year. A total of 10 schools from Grand Bahama, New Providence and Canada will battle for the prestigious title this year.
The tournament first tipped off back in 1976 at the YMCA Gym on Settlers Way in Freeport. The fact that Hawksbill High, led by the late superstar guard Jerry Johnson, won the first ever tournament remains an unsettling reality for the host school Crusaders. Since 1976, Hawksbill and the Crusaders have won quite a few Christmas titles, but the debate continues -- which school had the best teams?
Mixed in this battle of young talented future stars is an historic rivalry that some old men cannot seem to let go.
In light of that, former players of the Hawksbill High School will take on former Grand Bahama Catholic High School Crusaders players on the Friday of the tournament.
This Friday at 7 p.m., St. Georges Gym will get a taste of history, a feel of the good old days, a touch of sports class, and fans will hear and scream the traditional Crusaders and Hawks chants, as the former players will challenge each other at that time. Players from the 1970's, 80's, and 90's are expected to clash.
The Crusaders 1980's Most Valuable Player (MVP) Ben Russell said he is still fit enough to out-play Hawks' 1990's superstars Scott Forbes and Franco Miller. Former Hawks' all-around sports great Dudley Seide has sent out a challenge to Crusaders' legends Xavier and Brad Russell, Lynden Wilchcombe, Moses Pinder, and Casey Jones.
Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy's Principal Joye Ritchie-Greene stated that the old scholars grudge game will be the highlight of Friday's 'Family Fun Night', with lots of laughs, great memories, and prizes.
"Proceeds will support the academic and athletic plight of students and we invite all former Crusaders, Hawks and others to be a part of a wonderful event," said Ritchie-Greene.
The tournament will tip off at 3 p.m. this afternoon with the St. Georges Jaguars taking on the Jack Hayward High Wildcats, both out of Grand Bahama. Games will be played through the evening, and then pick up again at 12 noon tomorrow afternoon. The opening ceremony is set for 10 a.m. tomorrow morning.

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