Twenty-seven years ago the Madill Winter Classic wasstartedbyWildcatlegend Bink Stafford.
Since that time it has turned into one of the premiere December events in all of southern Oklahoma and will continue that tradition next week.
“We really appreciate the support that this community showsfortheWinterClassic,” Madill athletic director Ron Norman stated. “We want this to be one of the best experiences for all the out of town teams as well as for our community.”
Defending tournament champ Caddo is back in both the girls and boys brackets and will once again be one of the favorites. The Lady BruinstoppedDurant,47-42, in last year’s finale while the Caddo boys were also title victors over the Lions, 42-37.
Caddo gets things rolling in the girls’ bracket on Thursday, December4whenitfaces Dickson at 10 a.m. Tournament newcomer and Class 6A contender Deer Creek tangles with the Kingston Junior Varsity at 1 p.m. and Purcell faces off with Era, Texas at 4 p.m.
The girls opening round finale pits the host Lady Wildcats against Class 5A power Durant, which returns its entire starting five from a state tournament squad.
In the boys’ bracket Caddo faces the Madill Junior Varsity in the 11:30 a.m. contest and will be followed by Dickson against Harding Charter from Oklahoma City at 2:30.
Purcell challenges Durant at 5:30 and the nightcap will have Madill tangling with Era, Texas at 8:30 p.m.
Action continues with the semifinal round on Friday and final round Saturday.