MORGANTOWN — It’s shaping up to be a good Christmas at Morgantown High School — at least for the boys’ basketball team.
Led by head coach Dave Tallman, MHS was a Class AAA State tournament qualifier on the hardwood, bowing out in the opening round to cross-town rival University. Now, the Mohigans look to spread their brand of high-octane, aggressive defense nationwide as the make the trip to the KSA Events Disney tournament from Dec. 26-30.
“It will be nice to play three teams from other places around the country,” Tallman said. “We are very excited about this trip and I’m expecting it will have a huge impact on our team chemistry.”
MHS senior Garrett Haines views the trip as not only an opportunity to bond with his team in a tournament setting, but as a chance to see and learn from the elite teams nationwide that MHS will battle in the bracket.
“I think the competition is going to push us and make us a lot better as a team, and get us ready to win a state championship,” he said. “I want to go down and be able to beat out Division I players and play at their level.”
The Mohigans will stay at a Disney resort and have full access to Disney World while in Florida. Tallman describes the trip as a “great experience for our young men” and likes to organize similar opportunities every two-to-three years.
“I find it’s just a good experience for our program to travel and play different teams while visiting famous places,” he said. “Our goal is to give these kids experiences that they will remember for the rest of their lives. It’s a great thing for our basketball program.”
The first fundraiser in order to raise money for the trip will be a Yeti Bingo Night at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Saint Francis School Pavilion. Ten bingo games will be played in which prizes will be awarded to winners, including Yeti coolers.
Ticket prices start at $35 for adults and $10 for students aged 11-18, with free admission for children 10 and under. Tickets cover five bingo cards and a barbeque dinner and beverages catered by former West Virginia fullback Owen Schmitt. Additional bingo cards can be purchased for five dollars a piece.
“It will be a fun and relaxing evening for adults. The event is open to the public, so anyone interested should come join us,” Tallman said. “All proceeds will go directly to our Disney trip, and support of this fundraiser is greatly appreciated.”
To purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com and search MHS Boys’ Basketball Yeti Bingo.”
