UPDATE: The excitement is palpable as Santa Cruz kicks off two major basketball tournaments today at the Kaiser Permanente Arena! The 69th Annual Emmett Thompson Memorial Dad’s Club Basketball Tournament runs from December 7-9, 2023, featuring fierce competition among top high school teams.
The tournament begins today with Soquel facing Willow Glen at 3:30 p.m., followed by several key matchups, including Central Catholic vs. Monterey at 5 p.m. and Santa Cruz vs. Scotts Valley at 8 p.m.. This year’s event includes eight teams, all of which made the playoffs in their respective sections last season, ensuring a thrilling showcase of talent.
Santa Cruz High’s coach Lawan Milhouse expressed optimism about the tournament, stating, “I think it’s a pretty good field.” His team, the youth-driven Cardinals, returns just one starter from last year, making this tournament critical for building momentum. With a challenging preseason ahead, including the Saint Francis Showcase on December 12-13, this tournament is crucial for their development.
Additionally, the Jacob’s Heart Pediatric Cancer Shootout takes place this Saturday, marking its largest turnout yet. Every program in the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League will participate, and the goal is to raise $6,000 for families battling pediatric cancer. Admission is set at $10, with all proceeds going directly to Jacob’s Heart.
Coach Todd Trowbridge emphasized the importance of this event, stating, “Fighting cancer is more important than playing basketball.” Teams will wear special shirts to honor the cause, and UC Santa Cruz’s Treehouse Childhood Cancer Initiative will also be present to raise awareness.
The action on Saturday kicks off with Soquel vs. Notre Dame at 9 a.m. and continues throughout the day, culminating in key varsity games, including Scotts Valley vs. North Monterey County at 1:30 p.m..
As the tournaments unfold, fans are encouraged to support their teams and the important cause behind the Jacob’s Heart Shootout. With fierce competition and a heartfelt mission, these events are set to resonate deeply with the community.
Stay tuned as we bring you updates on the thrilling basketball action and the impact of these significant events!
