The 14th Annual Dowagiac Rotary Snowed Out Shoot Out will be held Jan. 28-29 at Southwestern Michigan College.

The tournament is primarily aimed at eighth grade teams, but seventh-graders are welcome to compete. Teams are encouraged from the “A” and “B” teams from junior high schools in southwest Michigan and north central Indiana.  Most teams that compete are made up of players from school teams whose regular season is completed.

Teams are organized and coached by parents, boosters  or high school players.

All games are played on the regulation (NCAA) Student Activity Center main floor and follow slightly modified MHSAA middle school rules. Varsity officials from the Southwest Michigan Officials Association referee all games.

Good sportsmanship awards are presented. There is plenty of seating for spectators.

It was originally organized for junior high school basketball players who were frustrated by the Blizzard of 1997 and the cancellation of several games. The tournament has been so successful that it has continued every year since then. The rewards of the tourney are primarily intrinsic, but each head coach will be given a custom embroidered polo shirt for his or her efforts in organizing a team.

Entry fee is $100 per team with a three-game guarantee. The tournament is limited to eight teams.

For a tournament application or more information, contact Ron Gunn at 782-1209 or rgunn@swmich.edu.