The Jefferson City Lady Jays and Helias Lady Crusaders are no strangers to playing in town during the Christmas holidays.
But for first-year coaches Brad Conway at Jefferson City and Sarah Eagan at Helias, it will be their first experiences with the State Farm Holiday Hoops Invitational.
"The atmosphere is going to be great, I've heard nothing but good things about the crowds and the competition," Conway said. "It's going to be first-class, I know that."
Conway is familiar to coaching games during the holidays, having played in such tournaments multiple times during his years at St. James.
"There is so much work that goes into this, I can see how well-organized it is and I can't wait to be a part of it," he said.
Helias will once again serve as the host site for the three-day event starting Monday, Dec. 28.
"Maybe we're going to get some home-court advantage, at least I hope we do," Eagan said. "We're excited to be a part of it."
Helias, which will play tonight at Fatima, is off to a 3-0 start this season after topping School of the Osage 51-48 on the road Tuesday.
"It was a good test for us to see where we are as a team," Eagan said
Jefferson City is 3-1 as it heads to the Kickapoo Tournament starting today in Springfield.
"We're making good strides, the attitude and leadership has been outstanding," Conway said.
Looking ahead to the Invitational, neither coach could pick out a favorite.
Jefferson City, which took seventh in the Invitational last year, opens with Alton, Ill.
"I think it's wide-open," Conway said. "You are going to have to bring your best game three days in a row."
Helias will take on Blue Springs South in the first round. The teams played for third-place in last year's Invitational, with Helais taking a 52-51 victory.
"It's going to be challenging for three days, we know that," Eagan said.
The other first-round matchups will pit Eureka against St. Joseph Benton and Hickman facing Lebanon.
Hickman is the defending Invitational champion, defeating Benton in the title game.