Top hoopsters hit the courts in 74th annual HISD tourney

Thirty-one of the Houston area’s best prep teams will begin three days of action Thursday in the 74th annual HISD Boys Basketball Tournament at nine district locations – and they’ll combine play with holiday giving.

Fans bringing two nonperishable food items and one unwrapped toy will gain free admission, with no re-entry permitted. The toys will go to the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Drive, and the food will benefit the Houston Food Bank. Collection points will be located at each site for those who want to contribute additional items.

The games will be held at Barnett and Butler Stadiums, the Pavilion (North Forest), and Chavez, Reagan, Waltrip, North Forest, Scarborough, and Westside high schools. Admission is $4 per session or $10 for a tournament pass.

Participating high schools from HISD are Madison, Lee, Kashmere, Westside, Davis, Jones, Austin, Furr, Washington, Young Men’s College Preparatory Academy, North Forest, Lamar, Reagan, Milby, Sterling, Wheatley, Scarborough, Westbury, Waltrip, Sam Houston, Worthing, Chavez, Sharpstown, and Bellaire.

Some powerhouse private, parochial and charter schools will also be in the mix: St. Pius, Westbury Christian, St. Thomas, KIPP, Redemption Christian, and Christian Life Academy.

To find out game times and locations, take a look at the tournament bracket.