This is that special time of year with the holidays upon us, where traditions reign supreme when it comes to our family events. And one time-honored tradition, now in the 45thyear of its revised version, is the annual Frank Spencer Basketball Tournament sponsored by East Coast Wings held locally at Lawrence Joel Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum from December 26-28, 2018. This unique event brings sixteen area high schools together including Atkins, Carver, East Forsyth, Glenn, Mount Airy, Mount Tabor, North Forsyth, North Surry, Parkland, Reagan, Reynolds, South Stokes, Walkertown, West Forsyth, West Stokes, and Winston-Salem Prep to compete in this most historic tournament. All made possible through the generous sponsorships provided by East Coast Wings, Battery Watering Technologies, Myers Tire, andPepsi Corporation.
This is a great opportunity for families and fans alike to get together, share old memories and cheer on their alma maters and favorite teams in a fun-filled atmosphere of excitement and enthusiasm. This is only part of what Frank Spencer must have had in mind when he first conceived of this tournament. The former sports editor for the Winston-Salem Journal had a special affection for the sport and especially bringing teams together at the holidays to showcase their talents to the community at-large.
After last year’s tremendous success for this important fundraiser for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County High Schools, once again the organizers are bringing together all sixteen teams to LJVM Coliseum for the opening round games. Principal Charles McAninchof West Forsyth High School and Principal Spencer Hardy of Parkland High School, representing the co-hosts for the event this year, share a common vision to allow all participants the opportunity to display their talents on a big stage. The idea was an instant success and created an even more enthusiastic atmosphere with all teams, alumni and fans being represented equally.
PrincipalMcAninch added, “We are coming off an extremely successful Frank Spencer Tourney in 2017. Our vision last year to enable all 16 teams to play in the LJVM Coliseum on Day 1, provide free parking, and incorporate more ways for young people to be involved became a reality. The Cheer Competition was added and drew big crowds. Also, we had CP3 Academy host a 3 on 3 basketball tourney during halftime which gave younger athletes an opportunity to play in the Coliseum. We offered a tournament program selling for just $1 and gave away FREE spirit towels to fans in attendance, with each school allotted towels in their school colors. Our attendance numbers were higher than previous years and the schools profited almost twice as much as the year before. This wouldn’t be possible, of course, without our generous sponsors, and we want to thank them for continuing to make this tournament a huge success and a vital part of our holiday tradition. Our sponsors are making a difference in our community and also in the lives of the players, families, and fans alike.”
The tournament begins on Wednesday, December 26, and runs through Friday, December 28. The tournament’s traditional format continues with the Myers Tire Bracket and the Pepsi Bracket. It all begins with the four games in the Pepsi Bracket at LJVM on December 26, at 9:00 am, followed by four games in the Myers Tire Bracket to be played in the late afternoon and evening session. Semi-finals will be played on December 27, and capping off the tournament on December 28 with a Cheerleading Competition beginning at 5:00 pm, immediately followed by the finals of both brackets. Consolation games will be played on Thursday and Friday at West Forsyth and Parkland High Schools. Other activities are planned as well throughout the tournament. Admission is $10 at the Coliseum and parking is free courtesy of Battery Watering Technologies. Admission is $8 for consolation rounds taking place at Parkland High School and West Forsyth High School.
So whether you’re a fan of Camels, Yellow Jackets, Eagles, Bobcats, Granite Bears, Spartans, Vikings, Greyhounds, Mustangs, Raiders, Demons, Sauras, Wolfpack, Titans, Wildcats, Phoenix, or just high-quality high school basketball, you’ll want to come out and join in all the fun that is the Frank Spencer Basketball Tournament sponsored by East Coast Wings.
To find out more visit the WSFCS website. We’ll see you at the games!
