BY KYLE TROUTMAN ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

Roe: Several teams could have been no. 1 seed

The Southwest boys basketball team carries the weight of expectation into the 41st Annual Southwest Holiday Boys Tournament next week, taking the No. 1 seed in the eight-team tournament.

Rusty Roe, Southwest boys basketball coach, said this year’s slate of squads brings some extra excitement.

“We are so glad to have our tournament back to eight teams, and with three states represented in those teams, that makes it even more exciting,” he said. “I think there are several teams who could have been the No. 1 seed in this tournament. Fans should enjoy this tournament and we expect most games to be very competitive and evenly matched.”

Roe said with the high and equal level of competition, expectations are being kept simple.

“I think our expectations for our- selves is to just focus on one game at a time,” he said. “It is a fun time for coaches and players to get together over the break, but it can be a challenge sometimes to stay focused since we are out of routine.”

Roe said scouting will occur this week, including for the Trojans’ first opponent, No. 8 Gentry (Ark.). That game kicks off the tournament at 1 p.m. on Dec. 27. Three more first-round games will occur that day: No. 4 Purdy against No. 5 Commerce (Okla.) at 2:30 p.m.; No. 2 East Newton against No. 7 Diamond at 4 p.m.; and No. 3 Monett against No. 6 McAuley Catholic at 5:30 p.m.

Each team is guaranteed three games. Winners’ bracket semifinals are at 7 and 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 28, and the championship game is at 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 29. Consolation bracket games are held prior to the winners’ bracket contests.

A request for comment from Purdy Coach Heath Carmichael was not returned by presstime.