[05/18/01] Fans will get an early look at the future stars of Warren County basketball when the state Amateur Athletic Union 12-year-olds’ state tournament tips off Saturday at Warren Central.

The field expands to eight teams from three a season ago and two Warren County teams will play. Admission is $3.

Warren County, the team that won the state AAU 11-year-olds’ tournament last year, will open the tournament at 9 a.m. against Greenwood.

The Vicksburg Lady Superstars will play Edwards at noon. In all, eight games will be played on Saturday.

“They play exciting basketball and are fun to watch,” said Warren Central coach Donny Fuller, the tournament’s director.

It is the first of several tournaments at WC this summer. The state AAU 14-, 16-, and 17-year-olds’ tournaments will be May 31, June 1 and 2.

The winner of each tournament is eligible to advance to the national tournament.

“There is a lot of interest in AAU right now,” Fuller said. “It’s a great opportunity for kids to play ball. These kids are a lot better off inside playing basketball than walking the streets.”