Eighteen teams, nine games, and non-stop action.
Lynn Classical High School hosts the 29th Annual Paul Duchane Girls Basketball Jamboree next Saturday, December 10 with the first game tipping off at 2 p.m.
The event is played in the name of Paul Duchane – a longtime Lynn educator and coach. Duchane believed high school sports were more than wins and losses, and in teaching his players valuable lessons both in and out of competition.
Classical girls basketball coach Thomas Sawyer said it’s an honor to represent Duchane, and that “the jamboree gives an opportunity to reflect.”
“Everything right about high school athletics was what Paul was all about,” Sawyer said.
One of the things coach Sawyer looks forward to every year is the buzz and energy in the gym. For many teams, it’s the first time players represent their school and put on the colors for the first time.
From a coaching perspective, Sawyer believes it’s a good opportunity to see where his team is at, allowing him to look at a few different setups before the regular season begins.
Sawyer said fellow coaches who participate in the jamboree have told him their teams are excited to come and take part in the event – evident by the recurring teams who come back year after year.
“The jamboree is one of the highlights of our season every year,” Sawyer said.
In addition to honoring Paul and allowing the girls to get their first taste of competition before the season commences, it’s also a scholarship fundraiser that will raise funds to help defray college expenses for students.
The start of the girls basketball season is coming fast, and the jamboree is a great opportunity for teams to showcase their skills – on top of remembering a great member of the Lynn community.
The event holds the same elements as the regular season with referees, public attendance, and uniforms in all. The official schedule for the event follows:
Danvers vs. Medford (2 p.m.)
Swampscott vs. Somerville (2:40 p.m.)
Melrose vs. Marblehead (3:20 p.m.)
Saugus vs. Malden (4 p.m.)
Bishop Fenwick vs. North Reading (4:40 p.m.)
Billerica vs. Peabody (5:20 p.m.)
Lynn English vs. Hamilton Wenham (6 p.m.)
Central Catholic vs. St. Mary’s (6:40 p.m.)
Georgetown vs. Lynn Classical (7:20 p.m.)
Mark Aboyoun can be reached at [email protected]
