TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (December 23, 2019) - There are hundreds of preseason tournaments in NJCAA basketball each year, all of them full of quality competition and even-better hospitality.

However, a few tournaments distinguish themselves in both areas and the No. 23 Salt Lake Community College men's basketball team will take part in one of those tournaments this weekend, participating in the 'Fiesta Bowl Junior College Shootout' tourney at Mesa Community College. The tournament, which annually features some of the nation's top programs, has become a rite-of-passage for Salt Lake moving into the always-tough Scenic West Athletic Conference schedule.

SLCC coach Kyle Taylor said participating in the Fiesta Bowl-led tourney is a great opportunity for players to get a final tune-up heading into conference play.

"We finished the semester strong and everyone is enjoying their Christmas break at home with family," he said. "We will meet as a team in Phoenix on Thursday, practice that night and then play on Friday against a very talented and well-coached Midland College team. 

"It'll be a big challenge for us playing in the Fiesta Bowl Junior College Shootout. We are excited for the event and are looking forward to using it as our final measuring stick and tune-up before Scenic West play."

The tournament, which is conducted with a winners' bracket and losers' bracket, will begin for Salt Lake on Friday with the game at 8:00 p.m. against Midland College, who has opened the 2019-20 season at 7-5. The winner will advance to a 6:00 p.m. game the following night and the loser will play at 4:00 p.m.

Salt Lake will open Scenic West Athletic Conference play on January 4 against Colorado Northwestern Community College. The Bruins will also host Southern Idaho on Jan. 9.