By Cort Reynolds
The Bluffton girls basketball team tips off its 2022-23 season by hosting the annual Lewis Family McDonald's Holiday tournament this Friday and Saturday.
The Lady Pirates will play Arlington in the second semifinal Friday at approximately 7:30 p.m., or 15 minutes after the first semifinal game.
Allen East will face off against Cory-Rawson in the first semi Friday at 6 p.m.
The championship game will be Saturday at approximately 3:15 p.m. It will be preceded by the consolation third-place game at 2 p.m. between the semifinal losers.
Bluffton finished 16-7 overall last season, while AE went 11-12 and has almost every key player back from that promising team.
Bluffton overcame a five-point halftime deficit to defeat backyard rival AE 56-51 in the championship game last season.
Graduated Pirate senior Kylie Monday was named tournament MVP. Teammates Sami Scoles and Ayla Grandey were also voted to the all-tournament squad.
Current sophomore post Grandey led the Pirate girls with 15 points in the title game win, while Scoles added nine points.
Speedy Mustang sophomore guard Rilynn Jones and versatile junior wing Savana Brooks were named to the all-tournament team. Brooks netted a game-high 18 points in defeat.
Cory-Rawson defeated Arlington 43-35 in the 2021 third-place game. C-R's Paige McVetta and Red Devil Brooklyn Smith were named to the all-tournament team. The Hornets were 14-8 last year, while Arlington finished 7-14.
TICKETS
Tickets are available online https://www.blufftonschools.org/athletics/athletics-tickets at $5 per ticket.
SCHEDULE
Friday, November 18
6:00 p.m. - Allen East vs Cory Rawson
7:30 p.m . - Bluffton vs Arlington
Saturday, November 19
2:00 p.m. - Consolation Game
3:15 p.m. - Championship Game
