Several local teams used the Ferriday Hoops Classic over the weekend as preparation for upcoming district play, as well as help younger players gain some experience on the floor.

“We’re improving each game, especially on boxing out and communicating,” said Ferriday girls head basketball coach Lisa Abron. “That’s what the tournament is all about.”

She said many young players got to gain some experience against local teams, adding, “That alone will benefit us as we prepare for district.”

Vidalia girls head basketball coach Damus Smith said, like Abron, that he too used the tournament as a chance for his young team to gain some experience.

“I did see some improvement,” he said. “We are just using these games to get better. The more you play, the better you get.”

Vidalia boys head basketball coach Robert Sanders said the tournament was not only a chance to gauge his team’s progress, but also a chance to scout the competition.

“It gives us a chance to see what we will be up against in district play,” he said.

Ferriday head coach James Davis said he used the tournament as an opportunity to evaluate his team’s progress.

He said even though he expects a lot, he did not see the results he was looking for from his squad. Davis said he has been dissatisfied with his team’s ability to execute.

“It’s always good to play three games, but we are not where we need to be,” said Davis.