Carolina Classic set to crown new champ

FLORENCE — At least one thing is certain at this year’s Carolina Classic: A new champion will be crowned.

Defending champion Mullins earned an invitation to the Beach Ball Classic, opening the door for any of the 12 teams in this year’s field to earn the top prize.

The 23rd Annual Pepsi Carolina Classic tips off today at West Florence High School, and for the second year in a row, the first day will act as a play-in tournament for eight teams.

Four teams receive automatic byes and will not play until Monday when the tournament begins in earnest.

One of the teams waiting in the wings is Timmonsville, last year’s runner-up. The Whirlwinds return all but one player from their championship-game lineup as well.

“It’s going to be fun to see if we can capture what we had in last year’s tournament,” Timmonsville coach Gerald Wright said at the tournament press conference on Nov.  19. “We’re looking for big things from this year and hopefully, the tournament can prepare us for our region schedule like it did last year.”

The Whirlwinds will have their hands full. Perennial tournament contender Hemingway is also in the mix along with Hartsville.

Hemingway has won five Carolina Classic titles — the most of any school — including four in a row from 1998-2001.

“We’re always excited to be back in the Carolina Classic,” Hemingway coach Barry McFadden said. “Our fans expect us to compete every year and we hope to do so as well. We have a good group coming back from last year.”

The Hartsville Red Foxes are making their return to the Classic for the first time since the mid-1990s, coach Aric Samuel said.

“It’s great to be back,” Samuel said. “We’ve had commitments to other tournaments in recent years, but we are excited to get an invitation back into the Carolina Classic.

“I think this is one of the best tournaments in the state.”

Marlboro County is the remaining team with a bye that will play Monday.

Teams competing today include West Florence and Lake City, tournament winners in 2006 and 2005, respectively.

West Florence will play tournament newcomer C.E. Murray in the 7:30 p.m. game. Lake City plays Florence Christian in the 4 p.m. game.

Rounding out the day’s matchups are Georgetown and Johnsonville at 2:15 p.m. and Dillon and South Florence at 5:45 p.m.

The tournament will resume Monday at 11:15 a.m. and last through Wednesday. The championship game is slated for 7 p.m. that day.