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Stan Kowalewski, Oak Ridge Military Academy Cadets "This week has been very special for our team and school. When we were offered the opportunity to come to Springfield, we didn't hesitate to say yes. We travel around the country and play in a lot of different tournaments, this tournament is advertised as first class, very professional and it's better than advertised! It's been been an absolute thrill to be here for our kids. We've been treated like royalty." _______________________________________________________ Joseph Arbitello, Christ the King Royals (Middle Village, NY) Commenting on being a player for Christ the King in 1994: "We played (Springfield) Glendale in the finals and we're thinking there's 9,000 people and no one's going to be rooting for us. The one thing we found out was all they wanted to see was a very good basketball game and the people of Springfield, Missouri not only applauded a good play on Glendale's part, but they also applauded a good play on our part. I don't remember much about the game other than we lost, but I just remember how good the people of Springfield, Missouri were." As head coach at C the K: "This is the best tournament that we've ever been to. It gives our guys something that they don't see everyday. They don't see 8,000 people in the stands. They don't see how the rest of the country lives. They see how kind people can be and how people take the time out to just say "Hello" to you. They take the time out to find out how you're doing. They take the time out to see if you're comfortable. And, that's something that's more than just basketball. It's something you can model your life around. ______________________________________________________ Jesus Patino, White Station Spartans (Memphis, Tn.) "We go all over the place to play in tournaments. We beg to come here! Its got to be the best tournament in the country, period. Everywhere you go it's like you're a celebrity for three days. Great competition and great fans." ___________________________________________ Adam Ross, Sagemont Lions (Weston, Fla.) We've had the opportunity to be to tournaments around the country from California to Charlotte, North Carolina. This is by far, not even close, the best run and most organized we've ever played at. The support by the community makes all the difference. For our kids to be able to come out and play in front of 7,000 or 9,000 people and in an arena like the Q, which is the nicest arena we've ever played that's for sure, is an experience that goes beyond basketball. It's an experience for our kids and coaches that they'll never forget." ______________________________________________ Dick Rippee, Kickapoo Chiefs (Springfield, Mo.) "Every team that comes in here to the Tournament of Champions, when you leave here after three days, you'll leave here a better team." __________________________________________ David Boyd, Milton Eagles (Alpharetta, Ga.) "I can't get over the hospitality at this tournament. I can't get over the fans. The comradery among the coaches and players...it's very unique." |
"Mark Fisher told us we'll play three big
time teams, they can all play, and they'll all want to beat us. You're going to play infront of 8,000 people and we're going to treat you first class...that's the truth guys. That is the truth! We were at the City of Palms last year, great tournament, but it doesn't hold anything to this tournament." Tom White, Chicago De La Salle Meteors ________________________________________ "I've heard people talk about Myrtle Beach and on this internet thing that's number two and the Tournament of Champions is seventh, but I'm telling you this is number one! It's unbelievable. Hospitality's been great. Everybody's nice...everywhere we go they're extremely nice. We were here watching MSU play Southern Illinois and we were told the T Of C would have the same crowd, and I thought "yeah, right," but to walk into the arena and see as many people supporting this tournament is just unbelievable." Terry Long, Oklahoma City Douglass Trojans ________________________________________ “I'm about lifetime experiences. To me high school basketball is about memories, and our kids got to play in one of the top-notch high school tournaments in the country. It's like you're on a stage with a spotlight. It's got a real big-time feel to it.” John McFall, Olathe(Ks.) South Falcons ________________________________________ "First class tournament...Great Atmosphere!" John David Pattillo - Poplar Bluff, Mo. Mules ___________________________________________ "One of the most well run tournaments we've ever been to." What I really like is the gym...Hammons Center has a great floor, a good background for shooters, and the crowd is so appreciative of basketball...they treat you really well." Terry Tippett , Memphis(Tn.) White Station Spartans ___________________________________________________ "It's a great reward for the kids. Seeing all the nice hospitality, it'll be tough to get them off the plane and bring them back down to reality. The atmosphere is equivalent to our state tournament in Wisconsin. Truly a good experience!" Jim Gosz - Rufus King Generals - Milwaukee(WI) ________________________________________________ "People here in Springfield are great and the fan support is unbelievable! All our kids felt a little special and enjoyed their time." Oliver Antigua - St. Raymond's Ravens - Bronx, N.Y. _________________________________________________ "To be on the front page of the newspaper, not just the sports section, but the whole newspaper, have all the radio coverage, and 7,000+ people at a high school game... the kids couldn't believe it, and to be honest, the coaches couldn't as well." Jay Blossom - Webster Groves Statesmen - St. Louis, Mo. ______________________________________________________ |
________________________________________________
"It was one of the earlier tournaments that got in
touch with me last year, and that allowed me a chance
to talk about it with all the college guys who were
coming through town recruiting Kyle Singler. They
all spoke very, very highly of it."
"I was talking with (Portland Jefferson coach)
Marshall Haskins before a game, and he just said if
you get a chance to do it you should do it because it's a
great, great tournament."
"They're just great, great people and very hospitable."
Dennis Murphy - South Medford(OR)
____________________________________
"This event lived up to everything we had heard
about it being such a big time, first-class national
tournament and it is every bit that."
Jimmy Adams, Memphis(Tn.) Raleigh-Egypt
____________________________________
"We've been to tournaments elsewhere
and this one, by far, it's the best. The organization,
the facilities, the activities, and the place... great
place to play. The kids are excited with the
atmosphere and having that type of crowd
every night. It's been a great experience...win or lose."
Rick LeBato, Northside High - Lafayette, Louisiana
____________________________________
"Everything was spectacular! We were
treated like royalty. When we needed
something, we got it. Once you get here,
everybody loves basketball and you can feel that."
Steve Kohn, Lake Howell High - Winter Park, Fla.
____________________________________
"Anytime you get an opportunity, or are
invited, to the Bass Pro tournament, take
advantage of it. You're not going to find
any better competition for your kids anywhere
in the country."
Floyd Irons, St. Louis(MO) Vashon
____________________________________
"First-class! One of the best we've
been to. Its been great."
Marshall Haskins, Portland(Oregon) Jefferson
____________________________________
"It's overwhelming and an honor for
us to get to play in this. Springfield
Public Schools and Bass Pro Shops
putting this on is just unbelievable."
Guy Hardaker, Edmond, Okla. Santa Fe
____________________________________
"This is as good as it gets. It exceeded
our expectations. Hammons Student Center is a
tremendous venue, the fans are great and the
hospitality was tremendous."
Mark Liberman, Monsignor Pace Spartans
"It was one of the earlier tournaments that got in
touch with me last year, and that allowed me a chance
to talk about it with all the college guys who were
coming through town recruiting Kyle Singler. They
all spoke very, very highly of it."
"I was talking with (Portland Jefferson coach)
Marshall Haskins before a game, and he just said if
you get a chance to do it you should do it because it's a
great, great tournament."
"They're just great, great people and very hospitable."
Dennis Murphy - South Medford(OR)
____________________________________
"This event lived up to everything we had heard
about it being such a big time, first-class national
tournament and it is every bit that."
Jimmy Adams, Memphis(Tn.) Raleigh-Egypt
____________________________________
"We've been to tournaments elsewhere
and this one, by far, it's the best. The organization,
the facilities, the activities, and the place... great
place to play. The kids are excited with the
atmosphere and having that type of crowd
every night. It's been a great experience...win or lose."
Rick LeBato, Northside High - Lafayette, Louisiana
____________________________________
"Everything was spectacular! We were
treated like royalty. When we needed
something, we got it. Once you get here,
everybody loves basketball and you can feel that."
Steve Kohn, Lake Howell High - Winter Park, Fla.
____________________________________
"Anytime you get an opportunity, or are
invited, to the Bass Pro tournament, take
advantage of it. You're not going to find
any better competition for your kids anywhere
in the country."
Floyd Irons, St. Louis(MO) Vashon
____________________________________
"First-class! One of the best we've
been to. Its been great."
Marshall Haskins, Portland(Oregon) Jefferson
____________________________________
"It's overwhelming and an honor for
us to get to play in this. Springfield
Public Schools and Bass Pro Shops
putting this on is just unbelievable."
Guy Hardaker, Edmond, Okla. Santa Fe
____________________________________
"This is as good as it gets. It exceeded
our expectations. Hammons Student Center is a
tremendous venue, the fans are great and the
hospitality was tremendous."
Mark Liberman, Monsignor Pace Spartans
