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William Penn boys' hoops moves tournament dates


The No. 1 player in the state is still expected to play in York in December.

William Penn High School changed the dates for the Bearcat Tip-Off Tournament, moving the tournament games to Saturday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 11 to ease a scheduling conflict for Reading High. The Red Knights and the No. 1 player in the state, Lonnie Walker, are scheduled to play in the tournament's opening game against Williamsport at 6 p.m. Saturday at William Penn High School. William Penn will host South Philadelphia at 7:30 p.m. later that night.

The consolation game is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Sunday, with the championship game scheduled for 4 p.m.

The tournament shifted from its typical Friday/Saturday setup to allow Reading High to play Imhotep Charter Friday in the Hoop Group Reading Tip-Off Showcase at Albright College.

The Bearcat Tip-Off Tournament typically provides District 3 hoops fans with an early glimpse at two of the better big-school programs in the region. Reading and William Penn have combined to win the last three District 3 big-school championships.

Walker has already signed his letter of intent to play at the University of Miami next season. The Gatorade Pennsylvania player of the year last season led the Red Knights to the state semifinals. Although Reading lost key players to graduation, the Red Knights picked up transfers Tyrone Nesby (Berks Catholic) and Justin Hummel (Fleetwood). Both averaged double figures in scoring last season.

If you go

What: Bearcat Tip-Off Tournament

When: Saturday, Sunday Dec. 10-11

Where: William Penn High School

Teams: Reading, South Philadelphia, William Penn, Williamsport

Saturday schedule: Reading vs. Williamsport, 6 p.m.; William Penn vs. South Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday schedule: consolation game, 2:30 p.m.; championship game, 4 p.m.