HOUSTON: The 2015 Benchmark Bank Thanksgiving Day Classic Powered by VYPE Magazine will feature several of the city of Houston’s top basketball programs in a two-day event held November 27th and 28th at The Woodlands High School.
The field will be the best yet as seven of the 12 teams reached the playoffs a year ago and will be battling for district titles in 2015.
Representing Class 6A are Fort Bend Travis, Klein Forest, Elsik, Tompkins, Hastings, Morton Ranch, Northbrook, Austin Bowie and host team The Woodlands. Tomball Memorial, Elkins and North Forest are Class 5A powers, who all reached the postseason in 2014. Tomball Memorial reached the regional semis a year ago, while Travis advanced to the quarters in 2014.
“This is one of the most competitive high school basketball tournaments in the city,’ VYPE publisher Matt Malatesta said. “There are several college players in the field and what better way to spend the holidays than watching some high school hoops.”
Benchmark Bank is in its second-year as the title sponsor and is pleased to announce the opening of its bank branch on Research Forest offering mortgage to conventional banking services.
“We're thrilled to have Benchmark Bank as our sponsor,” TWHS coach Dale Reed said. “They are super community-focused and we greatly appreciate their support.”
The Highlanders return to action after reaching the playoffs again in 2014. Coach Reed welcomes back four starters.
“Attaching our name to a quality event like this is a win-win for Benchmark Bank,” mortgage manager Kelly Malatesta said. “It’s a great way for us to market our services to the community we serve and what better way than through high school sports.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Chad Bowie, Sr, Elkins, All-District Returner
Chandler Jacobs, Jr, Elkins, Low Major
Kevin Obanor, Jr, Hastings, Newcomer of the Year
Rashon Thomas, Sr, Klein Forest, District 15-6A MVP
Cedick Alley, Jr, Klein Forest, District 15-6A Newcomer of Year
Romello Wilbert, Soph, The Woodlands, All-District PG with four Mid-Major Offers
AJ Bullard, Jr, The Woodlands, Sweet Shooting Tough who will play in college
Jamal Bieniemy, Soph, Tompkins, Mid-Major Recruit
CJ Washington, Soph, Tompkins, Mid-Major Recruit
Josh Williams, Jr, Tompkins, All-District Returner
Golden Amadi, Jr, Travis, College Talent
Zach Naylor, Sr, Travis, 6-foot-6 All-District Returner
