WJ will play host school Chopticon in the Southern Maryland Holiday Tournament on Dec. 28, following a game between Great Mills and Leonardtown. On the 29th, the tournament’s second day will pit the losers of the first day’s games against each other in a consolation game to be followed by the tournament’s championship game between the previous day’s winners.

“To be honest with you, the tournament is just extra games,” said coach Bill Morris. “This is a great chance for our team to stay together for two days. It will be a good bonding time for our team.”

Though some consider the holidays to be a time for families, Morris did not seem to be concerned.

“It is a mandatory tournament,” said Morris, “When everyone tries out for the team, it is understood that you are going to be committed to the team throughout the season.”

Many players agreed with their coach’s stance on holiday tournaments.

“My family comes down to the tournament and we spend time together while we are there, so they don’t mind,” said a co-captain Max Byrne. “I have no problem playing basketball games over winter break.”

Chi Zhang, a junior guard, also supports the idea of playing basketball over the break.

“My parents were a little worried in the beginning about the fact that I’m away from home,” said Zhang. “But because I’m with my team the whole time I’m there, they are less worried about it.”

While area private schools spend thousands of dollars for their basketball trips, neither WJ nor any other Montgomery County public school is allowed to travel too far.

“We have to go by the Montgomery County Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association rules and they don’t allow any of the teams to travel outside the 300-mile range for athletic events,” said athletic director, Sue Amos.

Morris has very cautious expectations for the tournament.

“Last year we had many seniors who played for three or four years, so this year I really can’t tell you the realistic goal at this point, and we will concentrate on team chemistry because we are very young,” he said.

Although Morris was unsure of his expectations, he was hesitant to label his team as “rebuilding.”

“I really don’t know,” said Morris. “Only time will tell because we are very young.”