Coach David Beckerman assured his squad that the trip to Florida would include plenty of sun and fun, but he also warned them that they would be facing some elite competition at the Kreul Showcase Tournament. Unsurprisingly, the savvy coach was right on target on both counts. The team enjoyed a great vacation while facing off against three tough prep school programs. They opened the tournament with a well deserved 72-67 win over Rise Prep from Canada. It was a nip and tuck affair, with the teams tied at halftime. Gradually the Hornets assumed a slim lead that they managed to protect throughout the second half. TJ Rountree led the scoring with 20, and Vin Baker tossed in 18, while Dan Draffan grabbed a team high 9 rebounds.

        Playing their next opponent, Central Park Christian Academy from Birmingham, Alabama, seemed like matching up against a college team. The Hornets dug in and made it a tough low scoring battle throughout the first half. Both offenses opened up at the start of the second half, but as the Hornets got into foul trouble, the CPC big men took control of the boards at both ends of the court, pulling away for a 62-47 final result. In their final game, the Hornets faced TRC Academy, another Canadian powerhouse that boasted three post- grad players who had already declared to Division I programs. The Hornets never quit and kept the game close for three quarters. As TRC pulled away at the end, the younger bench players gained plenty of experience while holding their own down the stretch in the 62-42 loss. Though they had finished third in their bracket, the Hornets had given a good account of themselves. TJ Rountree was named to the All Tournament team.

        The Hornets hope to convert the Florida trip into an experience that will help the team gel as they dive full time into their FAA league competition. They are 5-4 overall and currently hold a 2-2 record in the league. Look for the Hornets to contend mightily throughout January and February.