By By BRIAN HAINES, Sports Writer
YEATESVILLE — It’s that time of year again.
Every year as Thanksgiving draws near, sports fans know the Northside/PCS Tip-Off Tournament is right around the corner.
The tournament marks the start of the girls’ prep basketball season for area teams, and this year features Northside, Southside, Pamlico and Mattamuskeet.
The four-team tourney starts today at 6 p.m. when the Seahawks take on Pamlico, and will be followed up with a Panthers-Lakers battle.
The winners of today’s games will then meet again on Thursday for the Tip-Off title. The championship game will be preceded by the two losing teams playing for third place.
Panthers’ second-year coach Michelle Leathers said her team is primed for the tournament.
Leathers said this year’s tournament is special because it brings back an old rivalry, and showcases some of the area’s top players and teams.
Washington won the tournament in 2007, while the Panthers lost both its games. However, Leathers is hoping her team can come out and give a stronger showing.
Northside returns three starters from last year’s team in Melinda Paniagua, Rebekah Bonney and Rachelle Davis.
After a disappointing 2007-08 season, Leathers feels her team will be more competitive this season.
Leathers is hoping to have her team run an exciting motion offense that can help create easy buckets.
The Panthers held their final practice before the tournament on Monday, and Leathers said she was happy with the effort her team gave before the season opener.