WILLIAMSON, W.VA. - The Williamson Fieldhouse used to be THE place in Southern West Virginia to find big crowds, big teams and a big time atmosphere when it can to boys high school basketball. From the 1960’s to the early 1990’s, nearly every season saw dozens of evenings when the crowds packed in from the floor to the rafters of this grand sports venue which was the envy of teams from Williamson to Wheeling and Huntington to Bluefield. The atmosphere was electric, the basketball action tremendous and the fans ecstatic....and loud.

While that may not be the every night norm for the fieldhouse nowadays, in recent years local fans have come to find that same buzz and electricity returned to the grand old girl at least once a year in the form of the annual Massey Invitational Basketball tournament. And this year will be no different as the tournament once again brings the best in area boys basketball action and family fun to the fieldhouse tonight and tomorrow night.

The tournament this year features six area teams guaranteed to bring a lot of local rivalries to the forefront for fans who come out to watch the tournament.

Tonight’s action gets underway at 6:00 with the Tolsia Rebels taking on the Williamson Wolfpack. At 7:30, the action further intensifies with the Burch Bulldogs taking on the Belfry Pirates. The evening concludes with the Matewan Tigers going up against the Tug Valley Panthers at 9:00.

Tomorrow’s action also starts at 6:00 with the Burch Bulldogs and the Williamson Wolfpack renewing their rivalry o the hardwood. At 7:30 another long-time rivalry resumes as the Tolsia Rebels go up against the Tug Valley Panthers in a big Class AA contest. The evening and the tournament concludes with the Belfry Pirates clashing with the Matewan Tigers at 9:00.

As always, prize drawings and cheer and spirit competitions will make the tournament extra special for the fans who come out to enjoy this holiday tournament.

Gates are scheduled to open at 5:00 each evening.