The Demopolis High School basketball programs will play host to the annual Demopolis Classic Saturday night at the school gymnasium.

The event will welcome eight teams from around the Black Belt to compete in the event.

“This year we’ve just had so many teams having their (tournaments) at the same time,” Demopolis varsity boys head coach Jesse Bell said of an event that is usually stretched out over the course of two days.

Saturday’s action tips off at 4:30 p.m. and will start with the John Essex girls taking on Greensboro. That game will be followed by the John Essex boys challenging Francis Marion.

The host squads will take to the floor for the third and fourth games of the evening.

The Demopolis girls will take on the Linden girls before the DHS varsity boys face the Linden varsity boys.

“We’d like everyone to come out and support Demopolis basketball and have a great time,” Bell said.

Admission to the event is $6.

“You’re going to see four high school ball games for $6. You can’t bet that,” Bell said.

His team is looking to get back on track after consecutive losses to Selma and Keith.

“Hopefully we’ll have a great turnout and get back to playing Demopolis basketball,” Bell said.