J&C Hoops Classic excites coaches

In his brief tenure as Harrison's boys basketball coach, Mark Rinehart has already heard plenty about the J&C Hoops Classic.

"They've talked about it a lot; what a great atmosphere it is and how the student bodies get into it," said Rinehart, in his first year with the Raiders. "I think it's an unbelievable idea and I couldn't be more excited about being involved in it."

Rinehart won't wait long to begin his Hoops Classic experience, as Harrison drew Twin Lakes for the opening game of the ninth annual boys tournament.

Pairings were also drawn for the seventh annual girls tournament Wednesday night at Puccini's.

McCutcheon is the two-time defending champion for the girls tournament, which runs from Nov. 14-19 at Harrison. Lafayette Jeff goes for its sixth straight championship when it hosts the boys tournament from Nov. 28-Dec. 3.

"Our kids always love it," West Lafayette girls coach Jane Schott said. "It's a great opportunity to play against people they know and they're friends with and they're competitors with in all sports. It's a terrific opportunity for our kids to start off the season and see where we are. It's a great challenge, because you play some great teams right away."

In the first round of the girls tournament, West Lafayette plays Twin Lakes, Central Catholic plays Harrison, Frankfort plays McCutcheon and Lafayette Jeff plays Benton Central.

In the boys tournament, Harrison plays Twin Lakes, Frankfort plays Lafayette Jeff, McCutcheon plays Benton Central and West Lafayette plays Central Catholic.

All schools will sell $12 tournament passes in advance, but only single-game tickets will be available at the door.