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Published: Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012 / Updated: Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012 11:16 AM

York girls get ready to tipoff basketball season

YORK -- 

The York Comprehensive High School varsity and JV girls basketball teams will host the 7th Annual Palmetto Rehabilitation Tipoff Tournament Monday and Tuesday in the school’s main gym and auxiliary gym.

The varsity action begins with Fort Mill pitted against Columbia powerhouse Spring Valley Monday in the main gym at 6 p.m.

The Lady Cougars host Heathwood Hall, a team currently in the national limelight, at 7:30 p.m.

“Heathwood has gained national attention because of the presence of a 6-foot-5 guard/forward who is being recruited by almost every college in the U.S.,” noted YCHS head coach Paula Blackwell. “She is one of the top players in the country and still is a junior in high school.”

The consolation game will be played at 6 p.m. Tuesday followed by the championship game at 7:30.

The JV girls tournament features York, Clover, Spring Valley and Fort Mill competing in the auxiliary gym. Tipoff is slated for 5:30 p.m. each day, with the second game to start at 6:45.

Blackwell said attracting quality teams for tournament play in November has a lot to do with YCHS facilities that are second to none.

“We have great facilities which allow us to accommodate varsity and JV teams in the main gym and the auxiliary gym,” commented Blackwell.

The YCHS coach said hosting the annual tournament is a good measuring stick for the Lady Cougars before the regular season begins.

“It’s good experience for the younger players on the team,” declared Blackwell.

With regular season play just around the corner, senior mainstay ReRe Dervin has assumed a leadership role.

“Next week’s tournament is a chance for early senior leadership as we prepare for the regular season,” Dervin said.

She lauded the play of sophomore post player Carrie Lee Lancaster, who is in her third year of varsity play.

“Carrie Lee is showing leadership this season,” noted Dervin.

Dervin agrees with her coach that hosting a preseason tournament offers valuable experience for first-year varsity players.

Blackwell said the Lady Cougars would be unable to host the tipoff tournament without the sponsors, parents and other volunteer help.

She issued a special thank you to Unique Visions and Benfield Roofing for helping finance the tournament, along with Palmetto Rehabilitation.

“I want to thank the Lady Cougar parents in advance for running the concession stand and preparing food for the hospitality room serving coaches and game officials,” commented Blackwell.