Every year, varsity level basketball players, NBA aficionados and novice frequenters of middle school blacktops alike gather in the field house to compete in MVHS Basketball club’s tournament. Last year, 16 teams were put to the test in tough games against fellow students. This year, the club anticipates an even more dynamic field despite fewer teams participating.
From Mar. 6 to Mar. 8, eight teams of five will gather in the field house during lunch to play in three rounds of full-court pickup games. The preliminary round will consist of 10 minute games that will be run two at a time. The semifinals on the following day will be 15 minute games played one at a time. The tournament will culminate in one championship game consisting of two fifteen-minute halves, with a five minute halftime break.
This year, the club has introduced new rules regarding fouls; flagrant fouls, as decided by club officers acting as referees, will result in one automatic point to the opposing team. And-one situations, or shots where a shooter is fouled and also scores, will result in an automatic point added to the scoring team’s total.
With a cap of three varsity basketball players on each team, the club looks to balance out each participating team to promote a more level playing field. The club hopes to create an enjoyable experience for basketball fans at MVHS.
Scroll through the Q&A with junior club officer Ray Chang for more information on the tournament.
EE: How has your role changed between this year’s tournament and last year’s tournament?
RC: Well this year, I’ve taken a [much larger] leadership position. Last year I was just a secretary, this year I have to manage everything. [I’ve had to] make connections with the advisor, [Ashley] Stolhand, make sure everything’s running smoothly, make sure she knows what I’m doing and what the club is doing. Every Thursday at lunch I go to Ms. Stolhand’s room and take some balls, and with her go up to the field house so that everyone can play basketball.
EE: How is this tournament going to be different from last year’s tournament?
RC: Well, this year it’s going to be a much [smaller] tournament. This year there [are] eight teams instead of last years’ 16 teams. I thought 8 teams would be enough because with 12 varsity basketball player seniors leaving, I thought the participation [this year] would be much less. Only eight teams signed up, so that was the perfect solution.
EE: Since Andrew Sturgill was the advisor for the club last year, do you think this tournament will run just as smoothly with your new advisor, Ashley Stolhand?
RC: I don’t see any problems with [Sturgill] not being here. [Stolhand] has been a great advisor to me and to this club. She’s really given me a lot of advice and suggestions on what to do, so I’m really grateful she’s our advisor.
EE: Do you have any sort of prize for the winning team?
RC: Yes, the winning team will get a t-shirt designed by the basketball club, and we’ll take a picture of them to post on our Facebook group.
EE: What would you tell MVHS students who are on the fence about watching the tournament to convince them to come?
RC: If you come, you will see a good number of ankles broken and big plays. I can guarantee you that.
The preliminary round will be held on Mar. 6, followed by the semifinal games on Mar. 7 and the championship game on Mar. 8. Stay tuned for more coverage.
