1. It's next week. The 20th Annual Justin Richards Scholarship Baseball Tournament starts 9 a.m. Thursday, when Crestview High School's gray team hosts Baker. Weather permitting, the championship game is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
The tournament raises money for the Justin Richards Scholarship, which is awarded each year to a senior Bulldog baseball player. This year’s winner was Nate Gerard.
2. You've got to see these teams. Bulldog Coach Tim Gillis says the field for this year’s team will again be strong. Crestview will field two teams along with teams from Niceville, Choctawhatchee, Baker and Northview.“I think it’s going to be a quality tournament,” Gillis said.
“… All the teams are good. Northview got beat in the semis (Class 1A state semifinals this year). Baker won it a couple of years ago and of course Niceville’s good. It will be a well-played tournament and it’s always a lot of fun.”
3. Crestview's sort of divided. Gillis splits his Bulldog team into two squads. The new formations include a mix of varsity and junior varsity hopefuls.
“For us it’s good because I get 20-something guys in some pressure situations,” Gillis said. “It’s always good for me. I love to see that.”
4. This much playing time is a coach's dream. Gillis said dividing Crestview's squad is invaluable for him as a coach.
“For us it’s playing eight games in three days,” he said. “We get to see all of our kids play. It’s a great evaluation for me.”
5. Coaches will be scouting talent. “I’m just looking for guys that like pressure situations,” Gillis said.
“That’s always the thing when you get into the regular season and playoffs: you are looking for guys that can handle the situation.”
EmailNews Bulletin Sports Editor Randy Dickson, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 5 things you should know about the Justin Richards tournament