The Gonzaga Classic Is A DC Tradition
Words. Aron Phillips
Last week Gonzaga College High School hosted the 20th annual Gonzaga DC Classic. It has been reported that a Gonzaga parent proposed that Gonzaga host a holiday basketball tournament in Washington, DC. That parent enlisted the support of the Gonzaga Fathers’ Club, formed a committee of interested Gonzaga fathers, and began to work the plan. On December 20, 1989, the Gonzaga DC Classic made its start. While the original teams were only four in number, they were some of the best in Washington and Baltimore: Gonzaga, DeMatha, Coolidge and Dunbar.
Since then, the tournament has grown to a field of eight teams playing twelve games over three days. Numerous nationally ranked teams and high school All-Americans have played in the tournament. College coaches and scouts from around the country come to see the games and players. It has increased in stature and popularity to the point where it is one of the most widely known and prestigious holiday tournaments in the country.
#3 Devin Ballam of Chantilly High School from Chantilly, VA is at the line in matchup against Iona Prep from New Rochell, NY. Both teams are first time participants in the Gonzaga DC Classic.
#3 senior guard Cedrick Lindsay of Gonzaga continuously attacked Calvert Hall‘s interior. He scored 20 points in the win. Teammate, senior guard Tyler Thornton, scored 16.
#25 senior 6-8 power forward Jonathan Graham was constantly surrounded by Gonzaga. There was always at least two bodies on him. Graham was able to tally 13 points and teammate senior 6-6 wing Damion Lee was able to add 23 points against Gonzaga.
#15 senior 6-4 forward Malcolm Lemmons of Gonzaga drives to the opposite side of the basket for the score.
At off guard for Mater Dei (Santa Anna, CA) is #11 Max Hooper, a 6-5 senior transfer, who averaged 17 ppg and 4 assists last year, and is an excellent three-point shooter. 6-5 senior forward Tyler Lamb, who has committed to UCLA, has started for the past two years. At the other forward is Gary Franklin, a 6-3 wing who has committed to Cal Berkley. Rounding up the starting five is Keala King, a 6-5 transfer who has committed to play at Arizona State.
