Men's basketball program hosts Jim Grimes Classic this weekend

The Eastern Florida State College men's basketball team is hosting the Fifth annual Jim Grimes Classic this weekend at Titan Field House on the Melbourne campus.

The Jim Grimes Classic is a two-day tournament held Friday night and Saturday in honor of the late basketball coach. Coach Grimes was the associate head coach of the men's basketball team for the 2012-13 season before taking over the women's program on March 18, 2013. In his three-plus seasons, Grimes led the Titans to two conference titles. He passed away at the age of 45 on Jan. 29, 2017.

"To recognize coach Grimes and the impact he had on so many peoples lives, the impact he had on the men's program and then the women's program here and all the lives he touched, to be able to honor him is very special to me," Eastern Florida State College men's basketball coach Jeremy Shulman said.

The tournament will tip off Friday at 5 p.m. as Daytona State College will play South Georgia Tech. Then at 7 p.m. the Titans will take the court against North Florida Prep.

On Saturday the day of basketball will begin at 2 p.m. with Daytona State College playing North Florida Prep and then the Titans will play South Georgia Tech at 4 p.m.

The Titans come into the tournament 7-2 on the season and are led by the duo of Caleb Byrd and Andres Burney. Byrd is averaging 23.9 points per game which is sixth in the nation while Burney is averaging 16.8 points and 9.7 rebounds per game.

Daytona State College comes into the tournament 7-0 and ranked 19th in the latest NJCAA Division I poll. The Falcons are averaging 100.9 points per game which is fifth in the nation as five players are averaging at least 10 points per game led by Jacob Crews who is averaging 20 points per game.

South Georgia Tech is 3-4 to start the season and have four players averaging 10 points per game led by Semaj Henderson who is averaging 15 points per game. North Florida Prep is one of the top prep teams in the state.

"It is going to be an amazing tournament, I am so happy we are able to host these three teams," Shulman said. "North Florida Prep is one of the most talented prep teams in the country with two high-major big guys, you have Daytona who is ranked nationally and South Georgia Tech who has been ranked and are a fantastic team. It is unbelievable how much talent will be on the court, so if you are a Brevard County resident, it is a great opportunity to come out and watch some high-level basketball this weekend."

Admission to the Jim Grimes Classic is free and the games can be seen live online at the EFSC Titans YouTube page.