The California boys and girls basketball teams, both of which played numerous December tournaments and shootouts on the road, will get a chance to show their hospitality next week.
The girls 21st annual California Basketball Tournament begins Monday, while the boys 81st annual tournament starts Tuesday.
The seven-team girls bracket features top-seed Boonville and defending champion Jefferson City. The eight-team boys field is led by the host Pintos, who won the 2014 championship, their first in 25 years.
"It's great. Our tournament is very competitive," said California senior guard Jaden Barr. "It's always nice to have home-court advantage."
The Lady Pintos won the California Tournament in 2010 and 2013.
"It's one of the most competitive tournaments, hosted by a Class 3 team, in the state," California girls coach Bobby Sangster said. "Come watch these girls play. They're a work in progress and it's fun to watch them grow."
The event will be special for Lady Pintos freshman guard Elizabeth Lutz, whose four older siblings played basketball at California.
"I've been to the tournament every year of my life," Lutz said. "It's such a fun opportunity. I've been looking forward to this for a long time."
The California boys, who beat Fatima, 62-51, in last year's tournament final, are the top-seed. The Pintos face No. 8 Marshall in the opening round at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. Their game will be followed by No. 3 Mexico vs. No. 6 Lebanon; No. 4 Fatima vs. No. 5 Southern Boone; and No. 2 Fulton vs. No. 7 Boonville.
On the girls side, action begins Monday with No. 4 Fulton vs. No. 5 California at 5 p.m., followed by No. 3 Battle vs. No. 6 Marshall, and No. 2 Jefferson City vs. No. 7 Southern Boone. No. 1 Boonville received a first-round bye.
The girls championship is scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, with the boys to follow at 6:30 p.m.
Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for students. Tournament passes for all games are available for $10. Senior citizens get free admission.