CARBONDALE -- New Madrid County Central's undefeated record will be in serious jeopardy next week in the 38th Annual Carbondale Holiday Tournament.
The Eagles (5-0) went 0-2 in the tournament last year, and this year's field appears to be even stronger. NMCC has been seeded fifth among the eight teams on the Class A side of the bracket.
"We've got an awful talented bunch, but we're going to have to play consistent for 32 minutes, and not just in spurts, to compete over there," said NMCC coach Joby Holland. "I don't have first-hand knowledge of those teams, but from what I've heard they're all very talented."
The tournament setup is unique, separating the field of 16 teams into Class A and AA brackets. Winners of the small and large school brackets then face off for the tournament championship on Dec. 29.
"We're very excited about this year's tournament," said Carbondale coach Jim Miller. "We anticipate the teams are going to be very competitive at both levels. There are going to be several quality games this year."
On the A side, the Eagles will face Herrin (Ill.) in the first round on Thursday, Dec. 27 at 1 p.m. Last year the Tigers defeated NMCC in the first round of the Superman Classic at Massac County High School, 57-54.
Herrin is 8-1 this year, and is the No. 3 ranked small school in Southern Illinois.
"(Herrin) has got some really strong post players," said Holland. "We've got some pretty good size around the basket with Ronland (Ranson) and Derrell (Minner), but they're going to be up against guys that are bigger than they are. It should be a good test."
Brian Algee is Herrin's top player. The 6-foot-9, 230-pound center averages 13 points and 12 rebounds per game. Forward Michael Gavic (6-3, jr.) is also solid, averaging 15 points with eight boards. Marion transfer Eddie Wills has made an immediate impact at point guard, putting up 14 points with five assists per game, taking Herrin to the next level.
"It's going to be a battle for us to go over there and not only compete, but get some wins," said Holland. "Last year we played two and were out in two. We want to play in four games this year."
If the Eagles do get past Herrin they will most likely run into Cairo on Friday at 1 p.m. in the second round. The Pilots are the No. 1 ranked small school in Southern Illinois with a 9-0 record, and are favored to win this year's A bracket.
Anthony Mackins (6-4, jr), Deavonta Williams (6-3, fr.), and point guard Anthony Williams (5-9, sr.) are all averaging 12 points per game. Beefy center Alpha Gordon (6-2, sr.) recently returned to the lineup, and injured guard Byron Wright may be back in time for the tournament.
Cairo's biggest competition is thought to be Johnston City, but Miller feels just about any team in the A bracket could reach the finals.
"There could be a lot of different matchups," said Miller. "New Madrid is the defending state champion in Missouri, and Herrin is an excellent team with good size and athleticism. That side of the bracket is just loaded. You're going to see some quality games."
On the other side of the bracket, Mandarin High School out of Jacksonville, Fla., is the team to beat.
They are led by top prospect Jebron Washington.
"They were seeded No. 1, and from all indications, that's a deserving seed," said Miller. "From the people I talked to in that area, they are one of the top teams in that part of Florida."
Tennessee's 3-point bombers from Obion County have been seeded second in the AA bracket, followed by Carbondale at No. 3, and Louisville's Waggener at No. 4.
"It would be nice to be able to make it through our bracket and play the schools on the AA side," said Holland. "We're looking forward to it. Nothing is going to be given to us, we're going to have to earn the right to get there. With the kids we have, anything is possible."