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Southern boys’ basketball coach George Anderson has high expectations.
His Rams made a strong statement during the 2007-08 season with a 23-7 record and advancement to the Public League semifinals and quarterfinals of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Association Class AAAA state tournament.
Why stop there?
The boys from Broad Street and Snyder Avenue want to build on their recent successes and hosting a showcase tournament with some of the area’s top teams is a good start. Unlike last winter, when the school held a two-day event, the coach decided to up the ante this year. Having one of the district’s largest places to play helps.
"We felt with our gym we wanted to get maximum exposure for our teams and the teams coming in," Anderson said. "A tournament limits us to four games. My ultimate hope is to play Friday afternoon and night and Saturday afternoon and night."
For now, school administration is limiting it to afternoons. Besides Southern, defending District 12 Class AAAA champ Frankford; Penn Wood, who advanced to last season’s state quarterfinals; Class AA-power Prep Charter; and Bartram, which has one of the best backcourts in the city, are all involved in this week’s games.
"I handpicked the teams based on the relationships I have with the coaches," Anderson said. "It’s a battle, tests us, and it’s excellent preparation for states. I love to play the top teams early on in the year because it helps get you ready."
In an all-South Philly contest, Southern will host Prep Charter 4:30 p.m. Dec. 12. Bodine/Frankford will tip off at 3:15. The following afternoon features triple-header action with Bodine/Bartram at noon followed by Frankford/Glenn Mills at 2 and Southern/Penn Wood at 3:30.
Last year, 300 to 400 fans crowded the gym, but the coach is hoping for bigger numbers this week.
"I think we will have more this year because of the type of teams we have in it," Anderson said.
Admission is $5 for students with ID; $3 for ages 12 and younger; and $7 for others.
"We are looking for people to come have a good time and enjoy quality basketball," he said.
In girls’ basketball news, the Prep Charter Lady Huskies are making a return trip to Walt Disney World Dec. 17 to 21 for the KSA Basketball Tournament.
"We are playing a lot of good basketball teams," coach Paul Reiser said. "It was the best thing available for us."
The squad will play three games over five days with time reserved for visits to both Universal Studios and the Disney theme parks.
"I am looking forward to the trip and the girls are looking forward to it," Reiser said.
