It may be cold outside, but the Crusader basketball season is just heating up. The St. Dominic annual Imo’s Basketball Tournament begins on December 27, and both the men and women have their eyes on a championship.

With some of the toughest competition in the area coming to play, the games are sure to be intriguing. The likes of Sikeston, Timberland, Holt and St. Charles West will all be coming to compete in one of the largest tournaments in the area. The Crusader basketball teams are giving it all they’ve got at practices in order to prepare for the challenging games.

“We have put a lot of work in the offseason and every day, so I don’t think anyone can stop us,” said senior Abby Hermann.

The girls’ team is off to a hot start, winning five of their six games so far. They are working together like never before.

“It’s going to take a lot of work and focus but I think if we play the way we can and up to our best we definitely can win,” said Hermann.

“We really do feel good. We should be playing in that championship game Thursday,” said girls’ basketball coach Jeff Menke.

The boys’ team has similar aspirations going into the tournament. While the boys’ team is starting 2-3, they are looking to prove themselves in this tournament. Senior Tyler Johnson, one of the starters, is ready to go.

“We are ready. We have been working hard every day in practice to prepare ourselves for the tournament and the rest of the season,” said Johnson.

The Imo’s Tournament is sure to be a thriller. With games throughout the whole week of December 27, St. Dominic courts will be full. The men start the tournament against the #3 seed Timberland on December 27 at 1:30. The girls also begin on the 27th against the #8 seed St. Charles West at 3:00. Be sure to pack the gym and cheer the Crusaders on to a championship. If you can’t make it to the games make sure you follow all the action on Twitter @sdhsathletics. LET’S GO CRUSADERS!