The 35th Annual Myrtle Beach Ball Classic

• The Beach Ball Classic was created in 1981 by Marshall University head coach, Dan D'Antoni.

• It started out as an eight-team affair and has evolved into the most acclaimed 16-team national competition.

• The Beach Ball Classic is widely recognized for its academic contribution. Since 1984, the Beach Ball Classic Scholarship Fund has awarded over $500,000 in college scholarships to more than 300 deserving high school students.

• The tournament is held at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center every year at Christmas and attracts thousands of spectators.

Poca on the Prowl• Last year Poca High School

became the first unbeaten boys champ in 28 years. They will be making their first appearance at the 2015 Beach Ball Classic on Dec. 26th at 5pm.

• The Dots went 27-0 in 2014 and took the Class AA Championship over Fairmont Senior, 57-53.

• Poca is poised for another great season!

Dan D'Antoni• After D'Antoni graduated from Marshall

University, he joined the Herd's coaching staff as the head coach of the freshman basketball team before becoming an assistant coach of the varsity squad.

• He left Marshall and coached for 30 years at Socastee High School in Myrtle Beach, SC where he accumulated over 500 wins.

• D'Antoni founded the Beach Ball Classic, which is now one of the most prestigious high school basketball tournaments in the country

• Currently he is back on his home turf as the head coach for the Marshall Thundering Herd men's basketball team.

Mark Martin Special

• In honor of this Beach Ball Classic tournament, Mark Martin will locally produce a thirty minute special that will air Dec. 26, 2015 at 2pm on WVAH. The program will highlight the historic 2014 season of the Poca Dots and expectations of how they will perform in the tournament.

• Mark Martin has been Sports Director at Eyewitness News since 2000. He has also earned many honors including Emmy Awards and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the AP. Mark has been recognized as the West Virginia Sportscaster of the Year.

• Mark just finished his fifth year as color analyst for Marshall football radio. After spending 20 years as a TV sideline reporter and is also host of Doc Holliday and Dan D’Antoni Coaches Shows on WCHS/FOX11.