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Ram Classic Hoops Tourney Running Strong After 20 Years

By Eric Horchy | The Suncoast News

Published: January 2, 2009

Updated:

NEW PORT RICHEY - For the past 20 years, there has been one constant, holiday-time requirement Ridgewood High basketball players can count on over winter break - playing in the Ram Classic.

The Rotary Club of Port Richey has sponsored the event since its inception in 1989 and fields have included teams from eight states, including Florida, over the years.

Ridgewood Coach Gary Anders said that the Classic has become an ingrained part of the program.

"It's a tradition we've grown accustomed to," the Rams' coach of 22 years said. "Being basketball people, we're always active over the holidays. So it's a good way to keep the kids active and competitive over the break."

For the past seven years, the event's official title has been the William G. Hulton Jr. Ram Classic, paying homage to the man who was integral in its creation. Hulton, a Ridgewood assistant principal who died in 1999 of a heart attack, was a Port Richey Rotarian.

"He had been very active in the Rotary Club and really got the tournament going years ago," said Anders, who knew Hulton well. "We used to have a lot of out-of-state teams come in and made it a real nice community event."

In the Classic's history, Ridgewood has advanced to the championship game nine times and won twice. The last first-place finish came in 2005.

This year's participants were all Floridian. Joining the Rams were Palm Harbor University, Land O' Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Freedom, St. Petersburg Catholic, Newsome and Zephyrhills.

In the title game of this year's classic, the hosts took their third title, beating Newsome in a runaway, 69-33. In the second half the Rams outscored the Wolves 37-12 to seal the victory after taking a 32-21 lead into halftime.

Eric Horchy can be reached at 727-815-1071 or ehorchy@suncoastnews.com.

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