Medford and Somerville High School Basketball Teams to Play at the Seventh Annual Tufts Classic

The Medford High School Mustangs and Somerville High School Highlanders girls' and boys' basketball teams will face off once again at the seventh annual Tufts Classic on Sunday, January 18, at Cousens Gymnasium (161 College Avenue, Medford) on Tufts' Medford/Somerville campus.

The girls' game will tip off at 12 p.m., and the boys' game will tip off at 1:30 p.m.

"Every year, we look forward to hosting the players, coaches, and families from Medford and Somerville for the Tufts Basketball Classic at Cousens Gym," said Rocco DiRico, associate vice president for government and community relations. "We are honored to bring the community together and to provide the college-day experience for families, friends, and fans."

Admission to the Tufts Classic is free. Fans are encouraged to bring nonperishable food and household items to support those in need in both Medford and Somerville. Donations will be delivered to Medford's Mystic Community Marketand the Somerville Homeless Coalition's Project SOUP. Preferred items include hygiene and household products, in addition to canned foods and shelf-stable pantry items.

"Many of our players have come through our youth program and have been part of Somerville's cheering section at the Tufts Classic," said Mark Antonelli, Somerville boys coach. "For them, growing up, Cousens Gym wasn't just a building; it was a place you dreamed about competing in."

"To step onto the floor of Cousens wearing your hometown colors, in front of family, friends, and people who helped shape your love for the game, is incredibly special," said Antonelli. "It's a reminder of where you came from, the work that got you there, and the pride that comes with representing Somerville on a stage that means so much to the local basketball community."

The winners of each game will receive the Tufts Classic trophy. Players from all four teams will receive specially branded Tufts Classic T-shirts to commemorate their participation in the doubleheader.

Free parking will be available in the Cousens Gym parking lot and Dowling Garage during the games. Fans will receive a special parking code at the entrance to the game.

"It is an honor to be able to coach in this event," said Antonelli. "I can't thank the Tufts University athletics department and administration enough for their continued commitment to putting on this great day of high school basketball."

The Tufts Classic is just one way in which Tufts Athletics supports the Jumbos' host communities. During the fall, the Tufts men's and women's soccer teams welcomed Medford Youth soccer players at their Youth Days events. Tufts also hosts a wide variety of local high school sports on campus, including this fall's Tufts Volleyball Classic with the Medford and Somerville high school teams. In addition, Somerville Youth Soccer uses Triangle Field on the university campus.

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