Kissimmee, FL - The Grace men's and women's basketball teams arrived early this week in Kissimmee, Florida, and they have both taken advantage of a couple free days in the sunshine to bond as a team before lacing up their sneakers for three consecutive games Thursday-Saturday at the Johnson University Classic. 

The women's basketball team arrived early Tuesday and spent the day at New Smyrna beach where the team enjoyed some friendly beach volleyball competition.  Wednesday the team will enjoy Universal Studios before the competition portion of the trip starts up tomorrow against Bob Jones University at 2:00 pm.

"This is a trip that is as exciting as I can imagine with high hopes that these three games boost who we are as a team in the NCCAA's," said Grace Head Coach CB Long.  "We are very grateful for the opportunity and the University's support. What an awesome experience all while glorifying and honoring our Lord and Savior. We are blessed!

After arriving at the hotel Monday and settling in, the men's team had a practice session at the gymnasium at Johnson University.  Tuesday was a fun day spent at Universal Studios in Orlando, and Wednesday will be another free day to soak up the Florida sun with another walk through for tomorrow's game against Bob Jones University.

"When the opposing teams that we play tell us that they wouldn't want to play our schedule we know it is tough," said Grace Head Coach Gary Bailey.  "This trip will give us a midway season gauge as to where we are. Bob Jones is one of the best teams in the NCCAA.  I know that Johnson University Florida is a lot better than in the past few seasons and Coach Fawbush at Welch said that this is one of his better teams.  This will be a good test for us having to play back to back to back."

Coach Bailey also made sure to mention the value of a trip like this in building stronger relationships as a team.

"Bigger than all of this is a chance for the guys to really get to know each other on this trip. This is our first overnight stay of the season which is very rare for us. All the coaches agree that we need this time together away from basketball for a couple of days for our guys to really get to know each other."

Game Schedule

Thursday
WBB vs. Bob Jones University (SC) – 2 pm
MBB vs. Bob Jones University (SC) – 4 pm

Friday
WBB vs. Johnson University (FL) – 6 pm
MBB vs. Johnson University (FL) – 8 pm

Saturday
WBB vs. Welch College (TN) – 2:00 pm
MBB vs. Welch College (TN) – 4:00 pm

Games can be viewed via Johnson University's live stream page, HERE.