The upcoming Women’s Coconut Hoops Classic, formerly known as the Gulf Coast Showcase, is set to be an exhilarating event in women’s college basketball, showcasing top-tier talent during the holiday season. Scheduled for November 28 and November 30 at Alico Arena on the Florida Gulf Coast campus in Fort Myers, Florida, the tournament promises to be packed with thrilling matchups and competitive spirit.
The Coconut Hoops Classic will feature an impressive roster of teams that are likely to include several ranked squads. Throughout the event, games will be streamed exclusively on FloCollege, allowing fans to watch all the action live.
The tournament comprises two divisions, featuring teams such as Iowa State, Indiana, Gonzaga, and Florida State, each bringing their unique strengths to the court. The schedule for the two divisions is as follows:
**Blue Heron Division:**
– **Friday, November 28**
– Iowa State vs. Marquette, 11 a.m.
– Indiana vs. Gonzaga, 1:30 p.m.
– **Sunday, November 30**
– Consolation Game, 11 a.m.
– Championship, 1:30 p.m.
**Great Egret Division:**
– **Friday, November 28**
– Florida State vs. Missouri State, 4 p.m.
– Oklahoma vs. Coppin State, 6:30 p.m.
– **Sunday, November 30**
– Consolation Game, 4 p.m.
– Championship, 6:30 p.m.
Each team comes into the tournament with intriguing storylines. For instance, Coppin State, led by new coach Darrell Mosley, is working with a virtually new roster, while Florida State is attempting to find its footing after the exit of standout guard Ta’Niya Latson. Indiana is riding high after a strong start to the season, buoyed by senior guard Shay Ciezki, who is showcasing impressive scoring ability.
Meanwhile, Iowa State aims to make its mark with a notable performance, especially with standout center Audi Crooks, who has been turning heads with her scoring prowess. Gonzaga, though facing difficulties early in the season, is expected to rebound swiftly, especially with rising star Lauren Whittaker stepping up.
Missouri State and Oklahoma also promise to be formidable competitors in the tournament. Oklahoma enters with the No. 8 ranking, bolstered by standout Raegan Beers, while Missouri State seeks to capitalize on its strong opening run as it transitions into a new conference.
As college basketball enthusiasts gear up for this exciting tournament, all eyes will be on the teams competing for bragging rights and early-season momentum. The Coconut Hoops Classic is not just a showcase of talent but a testament to the growth and competitiveness of women’s college basketball, offering a perfect platform for rising stars to shine during this festive season.