The history of Lanierland isn't in any library or books. There is no documentary series about it on your favorite streaming service.
The state's oldest Christmas tournament lives in the minds of those who have coached and played in the tournament. The best memories come from those that have been a part of Lanierland during its 62-year existence.
Most know the story about CW Davis and his vision to form a tournament that included only Hall County and Gainesville high schools. It was a unique concept back in 1960. Why not have a tournament where the Hall County high schools and Gainesville high school could share all the proceeds and save on travel costs?
Well, 62 years later, the tournament has grown from four schools to nine. It stretches across three days at three different locations, with action beginning at 9 a.m each day and ending around 10 p.m.
This year, the tournament will begin Tuesday at Lakeview Academy, move to Gainesville on Wednesday, and end at North Hall on Thursday.
With all the memories floating around the county, we thought we would find former coaches and players to share their memories of the tournament.
Steve Sweat, former West Hall girls coach and Johnson player, former Johnson boys coach Jeff Steele and current North Hall girls coach and former player Kristi House joined us to talk about their memories of the Lanierland tournament.
OPENING ROUND SCHEDULE, Tuesday, Dec. 28
9 a.m -- #4 North Hall vs. #5 Cherokee Bluff (Girls)
10:30 a.m. -- #4 Chestatee vs. #5 Lakeview (Boys)
12 p.m. -- #3 Chestatee vs. #6 Flowery Branch (Girls)
1:30 p.m. -- #3 North Hall vs. #6 East Hall (Boys)
3 p.m. -- #7 Lakeview vs. #2 East Hall (Girls)
4:30 p.m. -- #7 West Hall vs.#2 Cherokee Bluff (Boys)
6 p.m. -- #1 Gainesville vs. #9 Johnson (Girls)
7:30 p.m. -- #1 Gainesville vs. #9 Flowery Branch(Boys)
