[1/30/04]Mike Coleman certainly does not want a repeat of last year’s Red Carpet Bowl Classic.

He sat and watched as his Missy Gators suffered through a 13-point performance for the game and a 23-point loss to Yazoo County.

“I don’t remember a lot from that game,” Coleman said with a chuckle. “I know when we played them this year I joked with (VHS boys) coach (Dellie) Robinson that we had scored more points against them in the first quarter then we did all last game.”

That game came only hours after the Missy Gators played division rival Natchez in a game that had effects on the seedings for the division tournament.

This time around, the veteran coach made sure his team would not have such a crucial matchup the night before.

Instead of traveling to play a division opponent, Coleman and the Missy Gators will play host to Yazoo City tonight.

“I think that may help a little bit,” Coleman said. “Last year there was no preparation time at all.”

Coleman’s will be the fourth game in a six-game basketball extravaganza at Warren Central that includes a chance at winning $10,000. Tickets are $6, are good for a chance at the money, and will be available at the door.

At halftime of the Vicksburg boys game against Crystal Springs, one person will be chosen to take a halfcourt shot. A made basket is worth $10,000. Last year had no winner.

The day will kick off at 10 a.m. with the St. Aloysius girls playing Greenville-St. Joseph, a team the Lady Flashes beat 34-6 earlier in the season.

The Flashes will follow at 11:30 a.m.

In previous years, Vicksburg would have played the next two games, but Warren Central’s girls team will play Gulfport instead. The travel of the Coast team played a major role in the Lady Vikes playing at 1 p.m.

Vicksburg’s boys and girls will follow with games against Crystal Springs, and the Vikings will battle Grenada in the day’s final game.

This will also mark the last year the game will be played solely at Warren Central. After this season, the tournament will swap from WC to Vicksburg on a yearly basis.

“I think it’s good,” Coleman said. “We felt that if the Red Carpet football game switches schools every year, then the basketball should too. The committee agreed.”