Prep basketball: Smaller field set for Willie Clemons Classic

photo by Grant Jefferies
Southeast coach John Harder hosts the 9th Annual Wille Clemons Classic, beginning Dec. 26.

The 9th Annual Willie Clemons Classic will be smaller than in years past, with eight teams slated to take part in the three-day girls basketball tournament that runs from Dec. 26-28 at Southeast.
The field used to feature 16 teams.
Listed below are the first-round pairings. Local teams are listed in bold.

Venice vs. Gulfport Boca Ciega, 2 p.m.
Riverview vs. Seminole, 3:30 p.m.
Lakewood Ranch vs. Tampa Sickles, 5 p.m.
Lakeland Kathleen vs. Southeast, 6:30 p.m.

The semifinals are scheduled for 5 p.m. and 6:30 on Dec. 27, and the championship game will be played 6:30 on Dec. 28.
The consolation final will be played 3:30 p.m. on the 28th.