The Tracy-Milroy-Balaton Panthers are set to play host to the 2009 Holiday Hoops Basketball Tournament in Tracy today and Wednesday.

This year marks the 10th annual four-team tournament, which rotates its location every year.

"We think it's a neat tournament," TMB head coach Rick Haberman said. "It's always a fun atmosphere wherever the tournament is hosted. We're hosting it this year, but it's always a small gym every year and you pack the fans in there. All four teams bring good crowds. It gets to be pretty fun."

Participating teams are TMB, Russell-Tyler-Ruthton, Red Rock Central and Wabasso. The Falcons and Rabbits will open the competition at 6 p.m. The Panthers will matchup against RTR at 7:30 p.m.

"We just want it to be a good, quality tournament," Haberman said. "Wabasso and Red Rock are up this year and RTR is really, really good. They've had some good games. They're an athletic team and have a number of kids that can score. There should be four good games in the tournament."

In 2008, TMB won the Holiday title, but the Knights won the five previous years. Wabasso won the championship in 2002 and Red Rock is still looking for its first title.

"We really think the tournament is neat because it's all local teams," Haberman said. "Some philosophies are to go a long ways away for a holiday tournament and that can be a good experience because you're playing different teams. But we don't see Wabasso or RRC elsewhere during the year."

On Wed., the two defeated teams from Day 1 will compete for the consolation title at 6 p.m., while the previous day's winners will play for the championship at 7:30 p.m.

After the conclusion of the championship game, an All-Tournament Team will be announced.

"We only get to host the tournament once every four years, so it's a big deal for our school," Haberman said. "When Red Rock hosts it next year, it'll be a big deal for them too. I think we'll have a real good atmosphere."

The B-Squad teams from the four schools will follow the same format and will play at 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. each day.