2022 SUNSHINE CLASSIC CHAMPIONS

South Laurel would cap off their last game of the year with a 55-40 victory over Boca Ciega in the Sunshine Classic Championship. This would be the second tournament championship claimed by the Cards over Christmas break. Davis and his squad will kick off the new year with an eight-game win streak.

The break provided a chance for South Laurel to bond as a team off the court and work on several aspects of their game on the court. “This break has given us a chance to work on things, but most importantly a chance to become tougher physically and mentally. There wasn’t much practice, mainly several games played in multiple days and a lengthy trip to Florida”, said Coach Davis. “We have a long way to go and a lot of areas we have to improve on”.

Coach Davis is excited to start the new year as they move closer toward district play. “You see a lot of crazy scores and upsets over Christmas break because of teams being out of their normal routine. Starting next week, teams have a much better idea of what they are good at and how they need to compete to win games. I don’t put a lot of stock in comparing scores. I tend to look at what teams are good at, and what we must do to compete with them. I like where we are headed as a team. We just have to take it day by day and play by play”.

Parker Payne felt his team took some big steps during their tournament in Daytona. He is confident this will help them tremendously heading into district play. “We played as a team and the results speak for themselves. We grew together on and off the court. I am very confident in the ability of our team to win our fifth consecutive district championship”.

“The tournaments over Christmas break really helped us bond as a team and grow closer together”, said senior Ashton Garland. “We are excited to begin district play. Each day we are growing together to improve our team”.

South will hit the road for a region matchup against the Harlan County Black Bears. Harlan County is 10-3 on the season and 1-0 in region play. This contest will be on January 5th with a 7:30 pm tipoff.

Sunshine Classic Championship scoring: Mabe 19, Gover 14, Payne 11, Jones 4, Garland 4, Bundy 2, Steele 1

-Dylan Wilson, SL Basketball Media