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CORE Butte enters its first basketball tournament week of the winter season with both varsity teams coming off a full opening stretch of home games. This week features one regular triple-header at home on Tuesday, followed by three straight days of tournament play for the varsity girls and boys. All tournament games are on the road.
Below is the full breakdown of matchups and what to watch for.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9: HOME TRIPLE-HEADER vs PARADISE HS (Holiday-Themed Night)
JV Boys – 4:00 PM
CORE (0-1) vs Paradise (3-3)
The JV boys look to bounce back after their opener against CV. Paradise brings a balanced scoring average and more early-season reps, making this an important evaluation game for CORE before tournament week begins for varsity.
Varsity Girls – 5:30 PM
CORE (2-0) vs Paradise (0-2)
The undefeated Lynx return home after two strong wins led by senior Brianna Hayes, who is averaging 17 points and 14.5 rebounds. Paradise is still searching for its rhythm, making this a chance for CORE to lock in their systems ahead of Wednesday’s tournament opener.
Varsity Boys – 7:30 PM
CORE (0-3) vs Paradise (1-3)
The boys look to steady themselves after a difficult first week. Paradise enters with a higher scoring average, but CORE has shown early flashes of ball movement and energy that could translate into their first win.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10: VARSITY GIRLS OROVILLE TOURNAMENT (Game 1)
CORE (2-0) vs Gridley (2-2) at 6:00 PM – Oroville High School
Gridley brings a 43-points-per-game offense and a strong rebounder in Iris Counihan, making this the Lynx’s toughest opponent so far. Senior players Brianna Hayes and Bella Haselton will need another commanding performance, and CORE’s recent defensive pressure could be a deciding factor.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11: VARSITY BOYS MAXWELL TOURNAMENT (Game 1)
CORE (0-3) vs Opponent TBD at 7:30 PM – Maxwell High School
Matchup information will be released after bracket updates. The boys will enter looking for a statement game, especially after Coach Salberg emphasized minimizing turnovers. Tournament play provides a fresh opportunity to reset momentum.
(CORE Insider will update the opponent as soon as brackets are finalized.)
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12: VARSITY GIRLS OROVILLE TOURNAMENT (Game 2)
CORE (2-0) vs Oroville (1-2) at 7:30 PM – Oroville High School
Oroville has shown flashes of strong scoring in the second quarter of games but has struggled to close out late. CORE’s consistent fourth-quarter production gives them an edge, but the physicality of tournament basketball could tighten the matchup.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13: VARSITY BOYS MAXWELL TOURNAMENT (Game 2)
CORE (0-3) vs Opponent TBD (Likely 6-7 PM)
Saturday’s game will depend on Thursday’s tournament results. Regardless of opponent, the focus will be on CORE’s pace and defensive adjustments across consecutive tournament days.
(Updated info will be posted once available.)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13: VARSITY GIRLS OROVILLE TOURNAMENT (Game 3)
CORE (2-0) vs Corning (2-2) at 6:00 PM – Oroville High School
Corning enters with balanced scoring and competitive tournament results, setting up one of CORE’s most evenly-matched tests of the week. Both teams share a win over Central Valley, making this a key comparison point for postseason forecasting.
Tournament week begins Tuesday night at home. Go Lynx.
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