BEST EXPERIENCE IN HIGH SCHOOL HOOPS, THE GOVERNORS CHALLENGE, RETURNS DECEMBER 26-30

Salisbury, Md. - More than 100 Division I recruits and multiple nationally ranked players will be showcasing their skills during the 41^st Governors Challenge. 

The tournament, presented by Pohanka of Salisbury, will take place Dec. 26-30 at the Wicomico Civic Center and surrounding locations.

This year's format will include five divisions: the Elite Showcase, Boys Brackets, Moolah Girls Bracket, Boys Shore Showcase and Moolah Girls Shore Showcase. A total of 114 teams will travel from 11 states and Canada, including nationally-ranked programs with hundreds of college and professional prospects. 

"This is the best high school basketball experience in the country," said Tournament Director James Simmons. "We strive to exceed player and spectator expectations year after year."

The event will feature more than just games.

Student-athletes will compete in the Aetna All-Star Experience, which begins at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, and Friday, Dec. 29.

Both nights include the Skills Challenge, sponsored by Pohanka Hyundai and Cedric Armwood, and Three Point Contests, sponsored by JoJo's Family Restaurant. The crowd-favorite Slam Dunk Contest, sponsored by Piedmont Airlines, will take place Dec. 29.

Just before Friday's contests, recipients of the Butch Waller Scholarship will be recognized on the court. The scholarship honors Delmarva basketball legend Butch Waller, who has impacted the lives of athletes and families for over 50 years.

Daily admission is $15, and tournament passes (valid for all days of the tournament) are $50. Daily admission for kids ages 3-11 is $8, and tournament passes for kids are $25. Kids ages 2 and under are admitted free. A limited number of weeklong courtside passes ($100) and daily VIP passes ($75) are available for the Wicomico Civic Center location.

Students can participate in Student Sections and compete in a variety of halftime competitions for prizes.

To purchase tickets, view schedules or learn more, visit www.GovernorsChallenge.org.