Mead, Lewis & Clark To Kick Things Off With The Fitz Tourney - SWX Right Now-Sports for Spokane, CdA, Tri-Cities, WA

Nothing signals the start of high school basketball in Spokane like the return of the annual Fitz Tournament.

The tournament, now in its second year, is meant to honor former Gonzaga coach Dan Fitzgerald and raised almost $40,000 for the Boys and Girls Club last year. Teams in this year's

field include host Lewis & Clark, Mead, West Valley (Spokane), West Valley (Yakima), Lake Stevens, Peninsula, Blanchet and Lake City.

For Mead, the weekend provides another chance to see the progression of senior point guard Drew Harms. The Panthers played in jamboree last week to get a taste for their team, but now they're ready for some real competition.

"We're rounding into shape," said coach Glen Williams. "We had some kids come out late. They are still in that football mode. Sometimes I don't know if they know whether it's an oblong or round ball, so we're working on that."

"I'm feeling good, I'm getting pumped for it," said Harms. "We're looking alright right now but we'll finish with all the kinks and get that sorted out."

Lewis & Clark is quite familiar with the Fitz Tournament. Not only are they the host school, the Tigers went a perfect 4-0 in the tournament last year. That fact is fresh in their minds as they hope for a similar performance this time around.

"We're undefeated in The Fitz, so we're hoping we can keep that going," said coach Jeff Norton with a huge smile.

Friday Nov. 30

4:00  Lake Stevens vs. Mead

5:30  West Valley-Yakima vs. West Valley-Spokane

7:30  Peninsula vs. Lewis & Clark

9:00  Blanchet vs. Lake City

Saturday Dec. 1

11:00  Peninsula vs. West Valley-Spokane

12:30  Blanchet vs. Mead

2:30   Lake Stevens vs. Lewis & Clark

4:00   West Valley-Yakima vs Lake City