PANAMA CITY — Change is inevitable, even for the Halifax All-Star Classic.
The 10th annual event will be staged Saturday starting at 11 a.m. at Gulf Coast State College. The Panhandle prep basketball showcase underwent a bit of a metamorphosis this year with the inclusion of fan giveaways for the first time. The endeavor is intended to enhance the crowd experience for the event, which has become targeted games for players looking forward to a final high school hoorah.
The East girls will meet the West at 11 a.m. The boys teams play at 1 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and students ages 6-17. Children 5 and under are admitted free.
The East boys seek a fourth win in a row and seventh overall in the series. The team was well represented at Friday’s Media Day and the roster also saw a change late in the day.
Bay’s Tommy Wade is unavailable to play due to a senior trip in Orlando. Altha guard Kent Rogers was chosen as a replacement and agreed to play after a late-afternoon invitation.
The East girls have won only two games, but the last came in 2012. The series has tightened over the years, with the exception of last year’s West rout. The East girls attended the Media Day and practiced for an hour on Roonie Scovel Court at the Billy Harrison Field House.
Saturday’s games will be played under college rules, which includes 20-minute halves and shot clocks. The games will again be officiated by area referees headed by Fred Mosley.
Giveaways will take place at halftime of both games and between the contests. All winners must be present and additional tickets in the drawing may be purchased for $5. The complete list of prizes and giveaway rules will be posted at the event.
The top prize is a VIZIO Smart LED HD TV and Sony Blu-ray player. This is the last giveaway of the day and only one of many great prizes. The list also includes two-night stays at LaQuinta Inn and Suites and Majestic Beach Resort, gift cards to Nike Factory Store, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Wal-Mart and Target and Miracle Strip at Pier Park family passes, among other items.
Giveaways
Paid spectators will be entered into a drawing to win these prizes at the 10th annual Halifax All-Star Classic April 5. Winners must be present to claim their prize:
VIZIO Smart HD TV and Sony Blu-ray player
A two-night stay at LaQuinta Inn and Suites in PCB
A two-night stay at Majestic Beach Resort in PCB
Gift cards to the Nike Factory Store, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Wal-Mart and Target
Miracle Strip at Pier Park ride tickets and a family pass
Basketballs and water bottles from Hibbett Sports
A new skateboard from Surfside Pawn in PCB