PREP HOOPSTERS TO SHOOT IT OUT AT SILVER SPURS ARENA DECEMBER 26, 28 - 30
Wednesday, 23 December 2009 16:39
Their fathers know about performing on the big stage, stepping up and making big plays. Nick Kellogg and Adam Griffin hope it’s their turn to show off the athleticism, desire and commitment that will lead their team to championship glory.
Their next performance on the big stage comes with the tipoff of the 29th annual Great Florida Shootout, December 26, 28-30 at the Silver Spurs Arena at Osceola Heritage Park. The Great Florida Shootout is a nationally recognized and highly regarded invitational tournament for 16 high school basketball teams from Florida and around the nation.
Several past performers have gone on to enjoy stellar professional careers, including likely future hall of famer Jason Kidd (Mavericks) and current NBA starters Elton Brand (76’ers) and Chris Duhon (Knicks). Maybe it’s that kind of success that awaits Kellogg and Griffin, teammates on the St. Francis De Sales squad from Columbus, Ohio.
The team captain, Nick Kellogg is a 6-3 Division 1 college prospect who averaged more than 17 points a game last year. His father, Clark, starred at Ohio State, played professionally with the Indiana Pacers and is currently a CBS basketball analyst.
Griffin, on the other hand, is the son of Archie Griffin, football’s only 2-time Heisman Trophy winner. Football is Adam’s primary sport, but on the court the 5-10 guard is a team leader with a reputation as a ball-hawking, relentless defender.
The backcourt mates take the court against Poinciana High School in the final game of the tournament’s opening day, expected to begin about 8:30 p.m. Win that game and three others and they will have earned the spotlight as champions of the Great Florida Shootout.
Standing in their way are teams that are used to winning, according to Dave Apfelbaum, tournament director. “Orlando Christian Prep, Miller Grove (Lithonia, GA) and Richwood (Monroe, LA) are all state champions from last year,” Apfelbaum said. “Eight other teams in the tournament earned their way into regional playoffs last year and they all have strong returning lineups.”
Winning the Great Florida Shootout is a prized trophy. For the players, competing against stiff competition can pay dividends for years to come. To be sure, tournament will almost surely help launch the career of a future star. Maybe for Kellogg. Maybe for Griffin.
Orlando Christian Prep is pitted against Lakeland Kathleen High School in the tournament’s opening game at 10 a.m.
December 26th. Seven other games follow, each looking to advance to the championship game slated for 8:30 p.m. December 30.
Single day ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children 16 and under and high school students with valid ID. Children 4 and under are free. Tournament passes are $30 for adults and $15 for children. Tickets are available at www.Ticketmaster.com or any Ticketmaster outlet.
For additional information, visit www.gfso.com.
The event is a service project of the Rotary Club of Kissimmee to benefit educational opportunities for Osceola County students. Sponsors of the event include the Florida Lottery, Orlando Magic, ESPN Radio and the Kissimmee Convention and Visitors Bureau.
