Men's basketball team hosts inaugural Josh Artis Crowne Plaza Classic

The inaugural Josh Artis Crowne Plaza Classic is setting up to be a big weekend of men's basketball at Eastern Florida State College's Titan Field House on the Melbourne campus.

Artis, a former player of Eastern Florida State College head coach Jeremy Shulman, passed away in April at the age of 29 from cancer.

"Josh Artis was a truly amazing young man and a truly kind person," Shulman said. "He will always be remembered and loved and I am proud to be able to honor him with this tournament."

The tournament will feature two of the top 25 teams in the NJCAA as Shelton State comes in ranked 21st and 11-1 on the season. The Titans are No. 7 in the latest poll and are 12-1 on the season.

"The Josh Artis Crowne Plaza Classic is going to be unbelievable with four outstanding teams in the event. Should be a great weekend of basketball," Shulman said.

Shelton State is led by Tra'Quan Knight who is averaging 15 points per game. The Buccaneers will open the tournament against Atlanta Metro at 6 p.m. Thursday. Atlanta Metro comes into the tournament 5-6 and is led by a trip of players averaging in double figures in scoring.

The Titans will open the tournament on Friday afternoon, hosting Atlanta Metro at 2 p.m. Shelton State will play Florida National JV at 4 p.m.

Then on Saturday the Titans will face Shelton State in a battle of top 25 teams, tipping off at noon.

Eastern Florida State College is led by Kareem Brewton who is averaging 22 points per game.

Admission is free to the tournament.