Santa Cruz is hosting two major high school basketball tournaments this weekend, showcasing local talent while supporting a charitable cause. The 69th annual Emmett Thompson Memorial Dad’s Club Basketball Tournament takes place from December 7 to 9 at the Kaiser Permanente Arena, while the sixth annual Jacob’s Heart Pediatric Cancer Shootout is set for December 9 at Santa Cruz High.
The Dad’s Club Tournament features eight competing teams, including last year’s champions, Valley Christian of San Jose, who claimed the title against San Luis Obispo with a score of 74-52. The tournament is notable this year as all participating teams qualified for their respective playoffs last season, highlighting the competitive spirit of the event. Among the teams are Santa Cruz High, Los Gatos, and Monterey, all eager to kick off their seasons successfully.
Santa Cruz’s team, coached by Lawan Milhouse, is particularly young, returning only one starter, Kaden Miritz, from last year’s squad. The Cardinals aim to build momentum early, especially after losing key players during the offseason. Milhouse expressed optimism despite the challenges: “We’re super young. This season is gonna be very interesting.” The team will also participate in upcoming events, including the Saint Francis Showcase on December 12-13 and the Damian Lillard Classic from December 26-31.
The tournament schedule is packed. Action begins on Thursday, December 7, with Soquel facing Willow Glen at 15:30. Other matchups include Central Catholic against Monterey at 17:00 and Santa Cruz playing Scotts Valley at 20:00. The semifinals and consolation rounds follow on Friday, culminating in the championship game on Saturday at 18:00.
Supportive Community Spirit at Jacob’s Heart Shootout
On the same day, Santa Cruz High will host the sixth annual Jacob’s Heart Pediatric Cancer Shootout, which has reached its largest participation level to date. Every program in the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League, including junior varsity teams, will join the event aimed at raising funds for families affected by pediatric cancer. Coach Todd Trowbridge hopes to raise $6,000 this year, with admission set at $10. Notably, all proceeds will directly benefit Jacob’s Heart.
Participants will wear special event shirts featuring black and gold colors, representing childhood cancer awareness. Trowbridge mentioned that $3,500 has already been secured through corporate sponsorships. UC Santa Cruz’s Treehouse Childhood Cancer Initiative will also have a presence, engaging with attendees before the games.
Soquel’s coach, Sophie Hannah, emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “Fighting cancer is more important than playing basketball.” Her team will participate in both the Shootout and the Glenn Ventura Classic in San Jose, highlighting their commitment to the cause.
The day will be filled with various games, starting with Soquel against Notre Dame of Belmont at 09:00. Additional matchups include Scotts Valley facing North Monterey County at 13:30 and other competitive games throughout the afternoon and evening.
As these tournaments unfold, the community of Santa Cruz comes together to celebrate high school basketball while supporting an essential cause, uniting players, coaches, and fans in a shared commitment to both sports and charity.
