8 is enough: Barnstorm Classic returns to smaller field

PANAMA CITY — The 10th installment of the Bay Barnstorm Christmas Classic Tournament is going back to its roots for at least a year.
    Eight teams will compete in the event slated for Saturday, Monday and Tuesday. It’s the first time the tournament will have eight teams since 2003, and the Barnstorm started with the same number three years earlier. The field was never less than 12 from 2004-08.
    Bay coach and tournament coordinator Michael Grady said the Florida High School Athletic Association’s decision to decrease the number of games allowed earlier this year was a factor. The move since has been rescinded, but at the time Grady said teams were not ready to commit to four games over the holiday break given the proposed decreases.
    “That made everyone in the area a little testy about scheduling games,” Grady said. “When we got the games back it was a little late. Next year, we expect to have more teams.”
Bay’s draw also is affected by Arnold’s tournament, which runs Monday through Wednesday.
Arnold’s tournament also has eight teams and both events could possibly have been larger had they not been held at the same time.
    Grady is pleased with the seven teams joining Bay. Those are Marianna, Newberry from the Gainesville area, Marist School of Atlanta, Cottondale, Mosley, Battle Ground Academy of Franklin, Tenn., and Rutherford.
    Bay and Marianna are the veterans of the Barnstorm, as both have appeared in each of the previous nine tournaments. Bay has advanced to six championship games, but only won a title in 2001.
    How the Tornadoes will fare this year is debatable, Grady said.
    “It’s kind of a developing thing with us, but we are getting better and better,” Grady said. “We expect to perform well in our own tournament, there’s no question of that.”
    Bay is not unlike the other schools in this tournament. The aim is to play teams with varied styles and unknown talent. Most use the holidays as the springboard to the conference or district season, and beyond.
    Marianna is no exception. The Bulldogs haven’t advanced to any title games and sometimes struggle in the Barnstorm. However, they have used the experience to advance to back-to-back state Final Fours.
    “I always expect this tournament to make us better come February,” Marianna coach Travis Blanton said. “You always want to play people you never see and who will give you a good challenge.”
    Marianna joins Cottondale as in-state teams in this year’s Barnstorm that advanced to the postseason last year. Bay and Rutherford missed out on the playoffs, but are hoping to take the next step this season.
    Eight teams leaves Grady without scheduling headaches.
    There will be four games per day, with place matchups on Tuesday. All-day passes are $7.