‘Tis the season to be jolly and play basketball.
Florida Get Down (Gainesville) has announced the field of teams participating in this year’s holiday showcase, which is back in Florida for its seventh year at a new location, Santa Fe College.
The move to SF College offers participating teams and players a college experience including the shot clock.
The dates for the showcase are this Friday, Dec. 27, and Saturday, Dec. 28. There will be seven games each day beginning at 10 a.m.
University of Florida Hall of Fame member, Dan Cross, is spearheading the emergence of bringing back prestigious high school basketball showcases to Gainesville branded as “Florida Get Down.”
He joins a committee of supporting and experienced team members to make this showcase a high-caliber event.
“I am excited for the opportunity to give back to the community and provide an economic impact by bringing exposure to high school teams and basketball programs worthy of invitation,” Cross said. “Our mission is to empower student-athletes to reach their highest academic and athletic potential through the game of basketball. I have always been passionate about basketball and enjoy the chance to help youth pursue their passion for the sport as well as encourage students through a positive outlet.”
This year’s tournament features 16 competitive teams from across the state of Florida and Georgia.
A total of seven teams from the Mainstreet Daily News coverage area will be participating. On Friday, P.K. Yonge (3-6) will face St. Francis Catholic Academy (4-6) at 10 a.m., followed by Newberry (8-0) and Lecanto (9-0) in a battle of unbeatens at 1 p.m., Hawthorne (1-0) and Fort White (1-2) at 4 p.m., and Eastside (1-7) and The Rock National team (12-2) at 7 p.m.
The showcase is an opportunity for Cross to give back and bring exposure to local high school teams.
“We believe that the impact of sports can be a powerful tool for promoting positive values, discipline and creating a better future for all,” Cross said. “Sports gave me the opportunity to receive a free education and attend the University of Florida on a basketball scholarship. It taught me many life lessons that I took with me after sports, college and pros were over.”
Ticket prices are $15 per adult for an All-Day Pass, $10 for high school students (All-Day Pass), or a weekend pass for $25.
For more information, to purchase tickets, or for a complete schedule, visit FloridaGetDown.org. For all the latest results you can follow the showcase on Instagram and Twitter (X) @FloridaGetDown.
Watch some of the top high school basketball recruits play this weekend in Gainesville. For additional questions, please contact showcase director, Dan Cross, at 407-227-9055.
Florida Get Down Showcase at Santa Fe College schedule (area teams in bold):
Friday, Dec. 27
P.K. Yonge vs. St. Francis Catholic Academy, 10 a.m.
Palm Bay (Melbourne) vs. Providence (Jacksonville), 11:30 a.m.
Newberry vs. Lecanto, 1 p.m.
Bishop Snyder (Jacksonville) vs. Lithonia (GA), 2:30 p.m.
Hawthorne vs. Fort White, 4 p.m.
Apopka vs. Best Academy (Atlanta, GA), 5:30 p.m.
Eastside vs. The Rock National team, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 28
Hawthorne vs. Palm Bay (Melbourne), 10 a.m.
Lake Worth vs. North Florida Educational Institute (Jacksonville), 11:30 a.m.
Newberry vs. Best Academy (Atlanta, GA), 1 p.m.
Apopka vs. Lithonia (GA), 2:30 p.m.
P.K. Yonge vs. Fort White, 4 p.m.
The Rock National team vs. Bishop Snyder (Jacksonville), 5:30 p.m.
Eastside vs. Lecanto, 7 p.m.