For the second year in a row, Hall of Fame basketball games can be played before the start of the high school basketball season.

Another relatively new change is that the participating schools that either host and/or play in a Hall of Fame Game as well as the Hall of Fame program will benefit financially from the games.

In general, Hall of Fame basketball games are huge opportunities for schools to honor former athletic achievement while perfecting the skills of present high school athletes.

Prior to last season, Hall of Fame games were played after the regular basketball season began, and all proceeds went to the Hall of Fame program. Under the new process, the Hall of Fame program and participating teams all benefit from the gate receipts.

Schools are required to apply in order to host the Hall of Fame games and must pay a sanctioning fee of $75 per team. This fee can be taken out of gate receipts, and any remaining money can be divided among participating teams.

There are unique conditions for hosting Hall of Fame games that can be found on the LHSAA website at www.lhsaa.org. Some of those rules include prior approval, which must be submitted at least seven days before the scheduled event. Also, teams are limited to only one Hall of Fame basketball game per season.

These games do not count in the overall win/loss record for a team or for wild card points. Any Louisiana high school, regardless of class, has the opportunity to be a part of this long standing tradition.

Pre-season game dates for the Hall of Fame games have been established as follows:

Classes B & C: Oct. 8-13 and Oct. 15-20

Classes 1A/2A/3A/4A/5A: Oct. 29–Nov. 3 and Nov. 5-10

Any class: Jan. 26 and Feb. 2

In addition to bringing together seasoned and rookie athletes, the Hall of Fame basketball games raise money dedicated to the maintenance and development of the LHSAA Hall of Fame.

Under the direction of an exceptional group of 18 committee members, the Hall of Fame serves as a memorial to athletes, coaches, administrators, officials and other members of the high school sports community who have made a difference in the lives of those around them.

Applications for any school wanting to host a Hall of Fame basketball game can be found on the LHSAA website at www.lhsaa.org. Once on the site, choose Affiliations, Hall of Fame and then Application to Sanction Hall of Fame Game. Applications should be returned to LHSAA Director of Finance Erin Tureau.

Questions about Hall of Fame games can be directed to Hall of Fame committee member Jimmy Anderson at debbie.anderson@suddenlink.net.