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Preps

City teams have their day in the sun

ST. PETERSBURG -- Northeast coach Bill Dudley constantly fields calls from teams across the county and state trying to get into the St. Petersburg City Tournament.

Each time, Dudley tells them no.

To him, adding more teams would be like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.

"We have a perfect fit," Dudley said. "I'm really adamant about having teams within the city of St. Petersburg. That's why we have the tournament."

The tournament, now in its ninth year, will be Saturday at Northeast.

Dudley started the tournament to honor schools competing within St. Petersburg city limits.

After inviting public schools the first year, private schools were added to form the nine-team field.

The schools competing are Admiral Farragut, Boca Ciega, Dixie Hollins, Gibbs, Lakewood, Northeast, Northside Christian, St. Petersburg and St. Petersburg Catholic.

"This is just a special tournament that's important to us," Dudley said.

"There's so much going in the north part of the county. The tournament gives us the chance not to get lost in the shuffle.

"It's our day to shine and it gives kids the opportunity to be in the spotlight and get some notoriety."

St. Petersburg has won the tournament the past three years. Dixie Hollins and the host Vikings also are contenders.

"The competition keeps getting better," Dudley said. "It's going to be close."

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